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Turcio R, Di Matteo F, Capolupo I, Ciaglia T, Musella S, Di Chio C, Stagno C, Campiglia P, Bertamino A, Ostacolo C. Voltage-Gated K + Channel Modulation by Marine Toxins: Pharmacological Innovations and Therapeutic Opportunities. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:350. [PMID: 39195466 DOI: 10.3390/md22080350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioactive compounds are abundant in animals originating from marine ecosystems. Ion channels, which include sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride, together with their numerous variants and subtypes, are the primary molecular targets of the latter. Based on their cellular targets, these venom compounds show a range of potencies and selectivity and may have some therapeutic properties. Due to their potential as medications to treat a range of (human) diseases, including pain, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases, marine molecules have been the focus of several studies over the last ten years. The aim of this review is on the various facets of marine (or marine-derived) molecules, ranging from structural characterization and discovery to pharmacology, culminating in the development of some "novel" candidate chemotherapeutic drugs that target potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Turcio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Capolupo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Tania Ciaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Carla Di Chio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudio Stagno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Carmine Ostacolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
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Ratibou Z, Inguimbert N, Dutertre S. Predatory and Defensive Strategies in Cone Snails. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:94. [PMID: 38393171 PMCID: PMC10892987 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cone snails are carnivorous marine animals that prey on fish (piscivorous), worms (vermivorous), or other mollusks (molluscivorous). They produce a complex venom mostly made of disulfide-rich conotoxins and conopeptides in a compartmentalized venom gland. The pharmacology of cone snail venom has been increasingly investigated over more than half a century. The rising interest in cone snails was initiated by the surprising high human lethality rate caused by the defensive stings of some species. Although a vast amount of information has been uncovered on their venom composition, pharmacological targets, and mode of action of conotoxins, the venom-ecology relationships are still poorly understood for many lineages. This is especially important given the relatively recent discovery that some species can use different venoms to achieve rapid prey capture and efficient deterrence of aggressors. Indeed, via an unknown mechanism, only a selected subset of conotoxins is injected depending on the intended purpose. Some of these remarkable venom variations have been characterized, often using a combination of mass spectrometry and transcriptomic methods. In this review, we present the current knowledge on such specific predatory and defensive venoms gathered from sixteen different cone snail species that belong to eight subgenera: Pionoconus, Chelyconus, Gastridium, Cylinder, Conus, Stephanoconus, Rhizoconus, and Vituliconus. Further studies are needed to help close the gap in our understanding of the evolved ecological roles of many cone snail venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahrmina Ratibou
- CRIOBE, UAR CNRS-EPHE-UPVD 3278, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France;
| | - Nicolas Inguimbert
- CRIOBE, UAR CNRS-EPHE-UPVD 3278, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France;
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Solano-Godoy JA, González-Gómez JC, Torres-Bonilla KA, Floriano RS, Miguel ATSF, Murillo-Arango W. Comparison of biological activities of Tityus pachyurus venom from two Colombian regions. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210005. [PMID: 34925479 PMCID: PMC8651215 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the present study, we have tested whether specimens of the medically relevant scorpion Tityus pachyurus, collected from two climatically and ecologically different regions, differ in the biological activities of the venom. Methods Scorpions were collected in Tolima and Huila, Colombia. Chemical profiles of the crude venom were obtained from 80 scorpions for each region, using SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Assays for phospholipase A2, direct and indirect hemolytic, proteolytic, neuromuscular, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities were carried out. Results The electrophoretic profiles of venom from the two regions showed similar bands of 6-14 kDa, 36-45 kDa, 65 kDa and 97 kDa. However, bands between 36 kDa and 65 kDa were observed with more intensity in venoms from Tolima, and a 95 kDa band occurred only in venoms from Huila. The chromatographic profile of the venoms showed differences in the intensity of some peaks, which could be associated with changes in the abundance of some components between both populations. Phospholipase A2 and hemolytic activities were not observable, whereas both venoms showed proteolytic activity towards casein. Insecticidal activity of the venoms from both regions showed significant variation in potency, the bactericidal activity was variable and low for both venoms. Moreover, no differences were observed in the neuromuscular activity assay. Conclusion Our results reveal some variation in the activity of the venom between both populations, which could be explained by the ecological adaptations like differences in feeding, altitude and/or diverse predator exposure. However more in-depth studies are necessary to determine the drivers behind the differences in venom composition and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Alexandra Solano-Godoy
- Natural Products Research Group (GIPRONUT), School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Julio César González-Gómez
- Research Group BEA - Biology and Ecology of Arthropods, Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila, Colombia.,School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia.,Research Group on Bio-ecology of Vertebrates (BIVET), Fundación Merenberg, La Plata, Huila, Colombia
| | - Kristian A Torres-Bonilla
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Stuani Floriano
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Cardiovascular Research (LATEC), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (Unoeste), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Ananda T Santa Fé Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter Murillo-Arango
- Natural Products Research Group (GIPRONUT), School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
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Himaya SWA, Jin AH, Hamilton B, Rai SK, Alewood P, Lewis RJ. Venom duct origins of prey capture and defensive conotoxins in piscivorous Conus striatus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13282. [PMID: 34168165 PMCID: PMC8225645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91919-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The venom duct origins of predatory and defensive venoms has not been studied for hook-and-line fish hunting cone snails despite the pharmacological importance of their venoms. To better understand the biochemistry and evolution of injected predatory and defensive venoms, we compared distal, central and proximal venom duct sections across three specimens of C. striatus (Pionoconus) using proteomic and transcriptomic approaches. A total of 370 conotoxin precursors were identified from the whole venom duct transcriptome. Milked defensive venom was enriched with a potent cocktail of proximally expressed inhibitory α-, ω- and μ-conotoxins compared to milked predatory venom. In contrast, excitatory κA-conotoxins dominated both the predatory and defensive venoms despite their distal expression, suggesting this class of conotoxin can be selectively expressed from the same duct segment in response to either a predatory or defensive stimuli. Given the high abundance of κA-conotoxins in the Pionoconus clade, we hypothesise that the κA-conotoxins have evolved through adaptive evolution following their repurposing from ancestral inhibitory A superfamily conotoxins to facilitate the dietary shift to fish hunting and species radiation in this clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. W. A. Himaya
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Brett Hamilton
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Subash K. Rai
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Present Address: Genome Innovation Hub, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Paul Alewood
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia
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Proteogenomic Assessment of Intraspecific Venom Variability: Molecular Adaptations in the Venom Arsenal of Conus purpurascens. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100100. [PMID: 34029722 PMCID: PMC8260871 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails produce venom that contains diverse groups of peptides (conopeptides/conotoxins) and display a wide mass range, high rate of posttranslational modifications, and many potential pharmacological targets. Here we employ a proteogenomic approach to maximize conopeptide identification from the injected venom of Conus purpurascens. mRNA sequences from C. purpurascens venom ducts were assembled into a search database and complemented with known sequences and de novo approaches. We used a top-down peptidomic approach and tandem mass spectrometry identification to compare injected venom samples of 27 specimens. This intraspecific analysis yielded 543 unique conopeptide identifications, which included 33 base conopeptides and their toxiforms, 21 of which are novel. The results reveal two distinct venom profiles with different synergistic interactions to effectively target neural pathways aimed to immobilize prey. These venom expression patterns will aid target prediction, a significant step toward developing conotoxins into valuable drugs or neural probes. We analyzed the injected venom of 27 specimens of Conus purpurascens. We found 543 unique conopeptide identifications. We identified 21 novel base conopeptides. We found two distinct venom profiles with different synergistic interactions.
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Jergova S, Perez C, Imperial JS, Gajavelli S, Jain A, Abin A, Olivera BM, Sagen J. Cannabinoid receptor agonists from Conus venoms alleviate pain-related behavior in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 205:173182. [PMID: 33774007 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists show robust antinociceptive effects in various pain models. However, most of the clinically potent CB1 receptor-active drugs derived from cannabis are considered concerning due to psychotomimetic side effects. Selective CB receptor ligands that do not induce CNS side effects are of clinical interest. The venoms of marine snail Conus are a natural source of various potent analgesic peptides, some of which are already FDA approved. In this study we evaluated the ability of several Conus venom extracts to interact with CB1 receptor. HEK293 cells expressing CB1 receptors were treated with venom extracts and CB1 receptor internalization was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Results showed C. textile (C. Tex) and C. miles (C. Mil) samples as the most potent. These were serially subfractionated by HPLC for subsequent analysis by internalization assays and for analgesic potency evaluated in the formalin test and after peripheral nerve injury. Intrathecal injection of C. Tex and C. Mil subfractions reduced flinching/licking behavior during the second phase of formalin test and attenuated thermal and mechanical allodynia in nerve injury model. Treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduced CB1 internalization of subfractions, indicating the peptidergic nature of CB1 active component. Further HPLC purification revealed two potent antinociceptive subfractions within C. Tex with CB1 and possible CB2 activity, with mild to no side effects in the CB tetrad assessment. CB conopeptides can be isolated from these active Conus venom-derived samples and further developed as novel analgesic agents for the treatment of chronic pain using cell based or gene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislava Jergova
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami Project, 1095 NW 14(th) terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Cecilia Perez
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami Project, 1095 NW 14(th) terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Julita S Imperial
- University of Utah, School of Biological Sciences, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Shyam Gajavelli
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami Project, 1095 NW 14(th) terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Aakangsha Jain
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami Project, 1095 NW 14(th) terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Adam Abin
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami Project, 1095 NW 14(th) terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Baldomero M Olivera
- University of Utah, School of Biological Sciences, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jacqueline Sagen
- University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami Project, 1095 NW 14(th) terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Duran LH, Rymer TL, Wilson DT. Variation in venom composition in the Australian funnel-web spiders Hadronyche valida. Toxicon X 2020; 8:100063. [PMID: 33305257 PMCID: PMC7711288 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mygalomorph venom properties and active components, which have importance in medicine, agronomy, venomics, ecology and evolution, have been widely studied, but only a small fraction have been characterised. Several studies have shown inter-individual variation in the composition of venom peptides based on ontogeny, sexual dimorphism, season and diet. However, intra-individual variation in venom composition, which could play a key role in the evolution, diversification and function of toxins, is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate significant intra- and inter-individual variation in venom composition in the Australian funnel-web spider Hadronyche valida, highlighting that individuals show different venom profiles over time. Fourteen (four juvenile and ten adult females) funnel-web spiders, maintained under the same environmental conditions and diet, were milked a total of four times, one month apart. We then used reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry to generate venom fingerprints containing the retention time and molecular weights of the different toxin components in the venom. Across all individuals, we documented a combined total of 83 individual venom components. Only 20% of these components were shared between individuals. Individuals showed variation in the composition of venom peptides, with some components consistently present over time, while others were only present at specific times. When individuals were grouped using the Jaccard clustering index and Kernel Principal Component Analysis, spiders formed two distinct clusters, most likely due to their origin or time of collection. This study contributes to the understanding of variation in venom composition at different levels (intra-individual, and intra- and inter-specific) and considers some of the mechanisms of selection that may contribute to venom diversification within arachnids. In addition, inter-specific variation in venom composition can be highly useful as a chemotaxonomic marker to identify funnel-web species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hernández Duran
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, P. O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, P. O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
| | - Tasmin Lee Rymer
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, P. O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, P. O. Box 6811, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
| | - David Thomas Wilson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
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Li X, Chen W, Zhangsun D, Luo S. Diversity of Conopeptides and Their Precursor Genes of Conus Litteratus. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18090464. [PMID: 32937857 PMCID: PMC7551347 DOI: 10.3390/md18090464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The venom of various Conus species is composed of a rich variety of unique bioactive peptides, commonly referred to as conotoxins (conopeptides). Most conopeptides have specific receptors or ion channels as physiologically relevant targets. In this paper, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze putative conotoxin transcripts from the venom duct of a vermivorous cone snail species, Conus litteratus native to the South China Sea. A total of 128 putative conotoxins were identified, most of them belonging to 22 known superfamilies, with 43 conotoxins being regarded as belonging to new superfamilies. Notably, the M superfamily was the most abundant in conotoxins among the known superfamilies. A total of 15 known cysteine frameworks were also described. The largest proportion of cysteine frameworks were VI/VII (C-C-CC-C-C), IX (C-C-C-C-C-C) and XIV (C-C-C-C). In addition, five novel cysteine patterns were also discovered. Simple sequence repeat detection results showed that di-nucleotide was the major type of repetition, and the codon usage bias results indicated that the codon usage bias of the conotoxin genes was weak, but the M, O1, O2 superfamilies differed in codon preference. Gene cloning indicated that there was no intron in conotoxins of the B1- or J superfamily, one intron with 1273-1339 bp existed in a mature region of the F superfamily, which is different from the previously reported gene structure of conotoxins from other superfamilies. This study will enhance our understanding of conotoxin diversity, and the new conotoxins discovered in this paper will provide more potential candidates for the development of pharmacological probes and marine peptide drugs.
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Mendoza CB, Masacupan DJM, Batoctoy DCR, Yu ET, Lluisma AO, Salvador‐Reyes LA. Conomarphins cause paralysis in mollusk: Critical and tunable structural elements for bioactivity. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3179. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine B. Mendoza
- Marine Science InstituteUniversity of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City Philippines
| | | | | | - Eizadora T. Yu
- Institute of ChemistryUniversity of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City Philippines
- Philippine Genome CenterUniversity of the Philippines Diliman Quezon City Philippines
| | - Arturo O. Lluisma
- Marine Science InstituteUniversity of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City Philippines
- Philippine Genome CenterUniversity of the Philippines Diliman Quezon City Philippines
| | - Lilibeth A. Salvador‐Reyes
- Marine Science InstituteUniversity of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City Philippines
- Philippine Genome CenterUniversity of the Philippines Diliman Quezon City Philippines
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Transcriptomic-Proteomic Correlation in the Predation-Evoked Venom of the Cone Snail, Conus imperialis. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17030177. [PMID: 30893765 PMCID: PMC6471084 DOI: 10.3390/md17030177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual variation in animal venom has been linked to geographical location, feeding habit, season, size, and gender. Uniquely, cone snails possess the remarkable ability to change venom composition in response to predatory or defensive stimuli. To date, correlations between the venom gland transcriptome and proteome within and between individual cone snails have not been reported. In this study, we use 454 pyrosequencing and mass spectrometry to decipher the transcriptomes and proteomes of the venom gland and corresponding predation-evoked venom of two specimens of Conus imperialis. Transcriptomic analyses revealed 17 conotoxin gene superfamilies common to both animals, including 5 novel superfamilies and two novel cysteine frameworks. While highly expressed transcripts were common to both specimens, variation of moderately and weakly expressed precursor sequences was surprisingly diverse, with one specimen expressing two unique gene superfamilies and consistently producing more paralogs within each conotoxin gene superfamily. Using a quantitative labelling method, conotoxin variability was compared quantitatively, with highly expressed peptides showing a strong correlation between transcription and translation, whereas peptides expressed at lower levels showed a poor correlation. These results suggest that major transcripts are subject to stabilizing selection, while minor transcripts are subject to diversifying selection.
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11
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Prashanth JR, Dutertre S, Lewis RJ. Pharmacology of predatory and defensive venom peptides in cone snails. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 13:2453-2465. [PMID: 29090697 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00511c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cone snails are predatory gastropods whose neurotoxic venom peptides (conotoxins) have been extensively studied for pharmacological probes, venom evolution mechanisms and potential therapeutics. Conotoxins have a wide range of structural and functional classes that continue to undergo accelerated evolution that underlies the rapid expansion of the genus over their short evolutionary history. A number of pharmacological classes, driven by separately evolved defensive and predatory venoms, have been hypothesised to facilitate shifts in prey that exemplify the adaptability of cone snails. Here we provide an overview of these pharmacological families and discuss their ecological roles and evolutionary impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutty Rajan Prashanth
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, 4072, Australia.
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12
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Giribaldi J, Wilson D, Nicke A, El Hamdaoui Y, Laconde G, Faucherre A, Moha Ou Maati H, Daly NL, Enjalbal C, Dutertre S. Synthesis, Structure and Biological Activity of CIA and CIB, Two α-Conotoxins from the Predation-Evoked Venom of Conus catus. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10060222. [PMID: 29857567 PMCID: PMC6024821 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10060222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails produce a fast-acting and often paralyzing venom that is usually injected into their prey or predator through a hypodermic needle-like modified radula tooth. Many diverse compounds are found in their venom including small molecules, peptides and enzymes. However, peptidic toxins called conotoxins (10⁻40 residues and 2⁻4 disulfide bonds) largely dominate these cocktails. These disulfide rich toxins are very valuable pharmacological tools for investigating the function of ions channels, G-protein coupled receptors, transporters and enzymes. Here, we report on the synthesis, structure determination and biological activities of two α-conotoxins, CIA and CIB, found in the predatory venom of the piscivorous species Conus catus. CIA is a typical 3/5 α-conotoxin that blocks the rat muscle type nAChR with an IC50 of 5.7 nM. Interestingly, CIA also inhibits the neuronal rat nAChR subtype α3β2 with an IC50 of 2.06 μM. CIB is a 4/7 α-conotoxin that blocks rat neuronal nAChR subtypes, including α3β2 (IC50 = 128.9 nM) and α7 (IC50 = 1.51 μM). High resolution NMR structures revealed typical α-conotoxin folds for both peptides. We also investigated the in vivo effects of these toxins on fish, since both peptides were identified in the predatory venom of C. catus. Consistent with their pharmacology, CIA was highly paralytic to zebrafish (ED50 = 110 μg/kg), whereas CIB did not affect the mobility of the fish. In conclusion, CIA likely participates in prey capture through muscle paralysis, while the putative ecological role of CIB remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - David Wilson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Annette Nicke
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Yamina El Hamdaoui
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Guillaume Laconde
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Adèle Faucherre
- Département de Physiologie, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS/INSERM UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Hamid Moha Ou Maati
- Département de Physiologie, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS/INSERM UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Christine Enjalbal
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France.
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Abstract
Cone snail venoms are considered a treasure trove of bioactive peptides. Despite over 800 species of cone snails being known, each producing over 1000 venom peptides, only about 150 unique venom peptides are structurally and functionally characterized. To overcome the limitations of the traditional low-throughput bio-discovery approaches, multi-omics systems approaches have been introduced to accelerate venom peptide discovery and characterisation. This “venomic” approach is starting to unravel the full complexity of cone snail venoms and to provide new insights into their biology and evolution. The main challenge for venomics is the effective integration of transcriptomics, proteomics, and pharmacological data and the efficient analysis of big datasets. Novel database search tools and visualisation techniques are now being introduced that facilitate data exploration, with ongoing advances in related omics fields being expected to further enhance venomics studies. Despite these challenges and future opportunities, cone snail venomics has already exponentially expanded the number of novel venom peptide sequences identified from the species investigated, although most novel conotoxins remain to be pharmacologically characterised. Therefore, efficient high-throughput peptide production systems and/or banks of miniaturized discovery assays are required to overcome this bottleneck and thus enhance cone snail venom bioprospecting and accelerate the identification of novel drug leads.
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14
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Accelerated proteomic visualization of individual predatory venoms of Conus purpurascens reveals separately evolved predation-evoked venom cabals. Sci Rep 2018; 8:330. [PMID: 29321522 PMCID: PMC5762640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snail venoms have separately evolved for predation and defense. Despite remarkable inter- and intra-species variability, defined sets of synergistic venom peptides (cabals) are considered essential for prey capture by cone snails. To better understand the role of predatory cabals in cone snails, we used a high-throughput proteomic data mining and visualisation approach. Using this approach, the relationship between the predatory venom peptides from nine C. purpurascens was systematically analysed. Surprisingly, potentially synergistic levels of κ-PVIIA and δ-PVIA were only identified in five of nine specimens. In contrast, the remaining four specimens lacked significant levels of these known excitotoxins and instead contained high levels of the muscle nAChR blockers ψ-PIIIE and αA-PIVA. Interestingly, one of nine specimens expressed both cabals, suggesting that these sub-groups might represent inter-breeding sub-species of C. purpurascens. High throughput cluster analysis also revealed these two cabals clustered with distinct groups of venom peptides that are presently uncharacterised. This is the first report showing that the cone snails of the same species can deploy two separate and distinct predatory cabals for prey capture and shows that the cabals deployed by this species can be more complex than presently realized. Our semi-automated proteomic analysis facilitates the deconvolution of complex venoms to identify co-evolved families of peptides and help unravel their evolutionary relationships in complex venoms.
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15
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Olivera BM, Raghuraman S, Schmidt EW, Safavi-Hemami H. Linking neuroethology to the chemical biology of natural products: interactions between cone snails and their fish prey, a case study. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 203:717-735. [PMID: 28551870 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
From a biological perspective, a natural product can be defined as a compound evolved by an organism for chemical interactions with another organism including prey, predator, competitor, pathogen, symbiont or host. Natural products hold tremendous potential as drug leads and have been extensively studied by chemists and biochemists in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the biological purpose for which a natural product evolved is rarely addressed. By focusing on a well-studied group of natural products-venom components from predatory marine cone snails-this review provides a rationale for why a better understanding of the evolution, biology and biochemistry of natural products will facilitate both neuroscience and the potential for drug leads. The larger goal is to establish a new sub-discipline in the broader field of neuroethology that we refer to as "Chemical Neuroethology", linking the substantial work carried out by chemists on natural products with accelerating advances in neuroethology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA. .,Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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16
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Gorson J, Holford M. Small Packages, Big Returns: Uncovering the Venom Diversity of Small Invertebrate Conoidean Snails. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 56:962-972. [PMID: 27371389 PMCID: PMC6058754 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous organisms used in research were historically chosen based on size and availability. This opportunity-driven strategy created a species bias in which snakes, scorpions, and spiders became the primary subjects of venom research. Increasing technological advancements have enabled interdisciplinary studies using genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to expand venom investigation to animals that produce small amounts of venom or lack traditional venom producing organs. One group of non-traditional venomous organisms that have benefitted from the rise of -omic technologies is the Conoideans. The Conoidean superfamily of venomous marine snails includes, the Terebridae, Turridae (s.l), and Conidae. Conoidea venom is used for both predation and defense, and therefore under strong selection pressures. The need for conoidean venom peptides to be potent and specific to their molecular targets has made them important tools for investigating cellular physiology and bioactive compounds that are beneficial to improving human health. A convincing case for the potential of Conoidean venom is made with the first commercially available conoidean venom peptide drug Ziconotide (Prialt®), an analgesic derived from Conus magus venom that is used to treat chronic pain in HIV and cancer patients. Investigation of conoidean venom using -omics technology provides significant insights into predator-driven diversification in biodiversity and identifies novel compounds for manipulating cellular communication, especially as it pertains to disease and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gorson
- *Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, NY, 10021 USA
- Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry, The Graduate City, The City University of New York, NY, 10016 USA
- Invertebrate Zoology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, NY, 10024 USA
| | - M Holford
- *Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, NY, 10021 USA
- Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry, The Graduate City, The City University of New York, NY, 10016 USA
- Invertebrate Zoology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, NY, 10024 USA
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17
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Peng C, Yao G, Gao BM, Fan CX, Bian C, Wang J, Cao Y, Wen B, Zhu Y, Ruan Z, Zhao X, You X, Bai J, Li J, Lin Z, Zou S, Zhang X, Qiu Y, Chen J, Coon SL, Yang J, Chen JS, Shi Q. High-throughput identification of novel conotoxins from the Chinese tubular cone snail (Conus betulinus) by multi-transcriptome sequencing. Gigascience 2016; 5:17. [PMID: 27087938 PMCID: PMC4832519 DOI: 10.1186/s13742-016-0122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The venom of predatory marine cone snails mainly contains a diverse array of unique bioactive peptides commonly referred to as conopeptides or conotoxins. These peptides have proven to be valuable pharmacological probes and potential drugs because of their high specificity and affinity to important ion channels, receptors and transporters of the nervous system. Most previous studies have focused specifically on the conopeptides from piscivorous and molluscivorous cone snails, but little attention has been devoted to the dominant vermivorous species. Results The vermivorous Chinese tubular cone snail, Conus betulinus, is the dominant Conus species inhabiting the South China Sea. The transcriptomes of venom ducts and venom bulbs from a variety of specimens of this species were sequenced using both next-generation sequencing and traditional Sanger sequencing technologies, resulting in the identification of a total of 215 distinct conopeptides. Among these, 183 were novel conopeptides, including nine new superfamilies. It appeared that most of the identified conopeptides were synthesized in the venom duct, while a handful of conopeptides were identified only in the venom bulb and at very low levels. Conclusions We identified 215 unique putative conopeptide transcripts from the combination of five transcriptomes and one EST sequencing dataset. Variation in conopeptides from different specimens of C. betulinus was observed, which suggested the presence of intraspecific variability in toxin production at the genetic level. These novel conopeptides provide a potentially fertile resource for the development of new pharmaceuticals, and a pathway for the discovery of new conotoxins. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13742-016-0122-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Peng
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Ge Yao
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing, 102205 China
| | - Bing-Miao Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199 China
| | - Chong-Xu Fan
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing, 102205 China
| | - Chao Bian
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | | | - Ying Cao
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing, 102205 China
| | - Bo Wen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | | | - Zhiqiang Ruan
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | | | - Xinxin You
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Jie Bai
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Jia Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | | | | | - Xinhui Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Ying Qiu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Jieming Chen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Steven L Coon
- Molecular Genomics Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Jiaan Yang
- Micro Pharmatech Ltd, Wuhan, 430075 China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing, 102205 China
| | - Qiong Shi
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; BGI-Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang, 212000 China
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18
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Abstract
Peptide neurotoxins from cone snails called conotoxins are renowned for their therapeutic potential to treat pain and several neurodegenerative diseases. Inefficient assay-guided discovery methods have been replaced by high-throughput bioassays integrated with advanced MS and next-generation sequencing, ushering in the era of 'venomics'. In this review, we focus on the impact of venomics on the understanding of cone snail biology as well as the application of venomics to accelerate the discovery of new conotoxins. We also discuss the continued importance of medicinal chemistry approaches to optimize conotoxins for clinical use, with a descriptive case study of MrIA featured.
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19
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Intraspecific variations in Conus purpurascens injected venom using LC/MALDI-TOF-MS and LC-ESI-TripleTOF-MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:6105-16. [PMID: 26048056 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-8787-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The venom of cone snails is composed of highly modified peptides (conopeptides) that target a variety of ion channels and receptors. The venom of these marine gastropods represents a largely untapped resource of bioactive compounds of potential pharmaceutical value. Here, we use a combination of bioanalytical techniques to uncover the extent of venom expression variability in Conus purpurascens, a fish-hunting cone snail species. The injected venom of nine specimens of C. purpurascens was separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and fractions were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) in parallel with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization (LC-ESI)-TripleTOF-MS to compare standard analytical protocols used in preparative bioassay-guided fractionations with a deeper peptidomic analysis. Here, we show that C. purpurascens exhibits pronounced intraspecific venom variability. RP-HPLC fractionation followed by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of the injected venom of these nine specimens identified 463 distinct masses, with none common to all specimens. Using LC-ESI-TripleTOF-MS, the injected venom of these nine specimens yielded a total of 5517 unique masses. We also compare the injected venom of two specimens with their corresponding dissected venom. We found 2566 and 1990 unique masses for the dissected venom compared to 941 and 1959 masses in their corresponding injected venom. Of these, 742 and 1004 masses overlapped between the dissected and injected venom, respectively. The results indicate that larger conopeptide libraries can be assessed by studying multiple individuals of a given cone snail species. This expanded library of conopeptides enhances the opportunities for discovery of molecular modulators with direct relevance to human therapeutics. Graphical Abstract The venom of cone snails are extraordinarily complex mixtures of highly modified peptides. Venom analysis requires separation through RP-HPLC followed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry or direct analysis using LC-ESI-TripleTOF-MS. Using these techniques, venom intraspecific variability and comparison between injected and dissected were assessed.
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20
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Barghi N, Concepcion GP, Olivera BM, Lluisma AO. Comparison of the Venom Peptides and Their Expression in Closely Related Conus Species: Insights into Adaptive Post-speciation Evolution of Conus Exogenomes. Genome Biol Evol 2015; 7:1797-814. [PMID: 26047846 PMCID: PMC4494072 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evv109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes that encode products with exogenous targets, which comprise an organism's "exogenome," typically exhibit high rates of evolution. The genes encoding the venom peptides (conotoxins or conopeptides) in Conus sensu lato exemplify this class of genes. Their rapid diversification has been established and is believed to be linked to the high speciation rate in this genus. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie venom peptide diversification and ultimately emergence of new species remain poorly understood. In this study, the sequences and expression levels of conotoxins from several specimens of two closely related worm-hunting species, Conus tribblei and Conus lenavati, were compared through transcriptome analysis. Majority of the identified putative conopeptides were novel, and their diversity, even in each specimen, was remarkably high suggesting a wide range of prey targets for these species. Comparison of the interspecific expression patterns of conopeptides at the superfamily level resulted in the discovery of both conserved as well as species-specific expression patterns, indicating divergence in the regulatory network affecting conotoxin gene expression. Comparison of the transcriptomes of the individual snails revealed that each specimen produces a distinct set of highly expressed conopeptides, reflecting the capability of individual snails to fine-tune the composition of their venoms. These observations reflect the role of sequence divergence and divergence in the control of expression for specific conopeptides in the evolution of the exogenome and hence venom composition in Conus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Barghi
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Gisela P Concepcion
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines Philippine Genome Center, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
| | | | - Arturo O Lluisma
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines Philippine Genome Center, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
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21
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Morales-González D, Flores-Martínez E, Zamora-Bustillos R, Rivera-Reyes R, Michel-Morfín JE, Landa-Jaime V, Falcón A, Aguilar MB. Diversity of A-conotoxins of three worm-hunting cone snails (Conus brunneus, Conus nux, and Conus princeps) from the Mexican Pacific coast. Peptides 2015; 68:25-32. [PMID: 25703301 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Conus marine snails (∼500 species) are tropical predators that use venoms mainly to capture prey and defend themselves from predators. The principal components of these venoms are peptides that are known as "conotoxins" and generally comprise 7-40 amino acid residues, including 0-5 disulfide bridges and distinct posttranslational modifications. The most common molecular targets of conotoxins are voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, and neurotransmitter transporters, to which they bind, typically, with high affinity and specificity. Due to these properties, several conotoxins have become molecular probes, medicines, and leads for drug design. Conotoxins have been classified into genetic superfamilies based on the signal sequence of their precursors, and into pharmacological families according to their molecular targets. The objective of this work was to identify and analyze partial cDNAs encoding conotoxin precursors belonging to the A superfamily from Conus brunneus, Conus nux, and Conus princeps. These are vermivorous species of the Mexican Pacific coast from which only one A-conotoxin, and few O- and I2-conotoxins have been reported. Employing RT-PCR, we identified 30 distinct precursors that contain 13 different predicted mature toxins. With the exception of two groups of four highly similar peptides, these toxins are diverse at both the sequence and the physicochemical levels, and they belong to the 4/3, 4/4, 4/5, 4/6, and 4/7 structural subfamilies. These toxins are predicted to target diverse nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes: nx1d, muscle; pi1a-pi1d, α3β2, α7, and/or α9α10; br1a, muscle, α3β4, and/or α4β2; and nx1a-nx1c/pi1g and pi1h, α3β2, α3β4, α9β10, and/or α7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Morales-González
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; Maestría en Ciencias (Neurobiología), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Flores-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; Maestría en Ciencias (Neurobiología), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Roberto Zamora-Bustillos
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Conkal, Conkal, Yucatán 97345, Mexico
| | - Reginaldo Rivera-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Jesús Emilio Michel-Morfín
- Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Zonas Costeras, CUCSUR-Universidad de Guadalajara, Gómez Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Jalisco 48980, Mexico
| | - Víctor Landa-Jaime
- Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Zonas Costeras, CUCSUR-Universidad de Guadalajara, Gómez Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Jalisco 48980, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Andrés Falcón
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Manuel B Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico.
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22
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Biass D, Violette A, Hulo N, Lisacek F, Favreau P, Stöcklin R. Uncovering Intense Protein Diversification in a Cone Snail Venom Gland Using an Integrative Venomics Approach. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:628-38. [DOI: 10.1021/pr500583u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Biass
- Atheris Laboratories, case postale
314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aude Violette
- Atheris Laboratories, case postale
314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Hulo
- Atheris Laboratories, case postale
314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédérique Lisacek
- Proteome
Informatics Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, rue Michel Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Section
of Biology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva
4, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Favreau
- Atheris Laboratories, case postale
314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Reto Stöcklin
- Atheris Laboratories, case postale
314, CH-1233 Bernex-Geneva, Switzerland
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23
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Dutertre S, Jin AH, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ. Intraspecific variations in Conus geographus defence-evoked venom and estimation of the human lethal dose. Toxicon 2014; 91:135-44. [PMID: 25301479 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Conus geographus is the most dangerous cone snail species known, with reported human fatality rates as high as 65%. Crude venom gland extracts have been used to determine animal LD50 and to aid the isolation of several potent paralytic toxins. However, not only is the composition of injected venoms known to differ significantly from that in dissected venom glands, but also to vary according to predatory or defensive stimuli. Therefore, to study the venom that is directly relevant to human envenomation, the defense-evoked venom of several specimens of C. geographus was collected and analyzed by standard LC-MS methods. The molecular composition of individual defense-evoked venom showed significant intraspecific variations, but a core of paralytic conotoxins including α-GI, α-GII, μ-GIIIA, ω-GVIA and ω-GVIIA was always present in large amounts, consistent with the symptomology and high fatality rate in humans. Differences between injected and dissected venoms obtained from the same specimen were also evident. Interestingly, an apparent linear correlation between the dry weight/volume of injected venom and the size of the shell allowed extrapolation to a human lethal dose (0.038-0.029 mg/kg) from an historic fatal case of C. geographus envenomation, which may help in the management of future victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université Montpellier 2 - CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Queensland, Australia
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24
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Zhang Y, Huang Y, He Q, Liu J, Luo J, Zhu L, Lu S, Huang P, Chen X, Zeng X, Liang S. Toxin diversity revealed by a transcriptomic study of Ornithoctonus huwena. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100682. [PMID: 24949878 PMCID: PMC4065081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venom comprises a mixture of compounds with diverse biological activities, which are used to capture prey and defend against predators. The peptide components bind a broad range of cellular targets with high affinity and selectivity, and appear to have remarkable structural diversity. Although spider venoms have been intensively investigated over the past few decades, venomic strategies to date have generally focused on high-abundance peptides. In addition, the lack of complete spider genomes or representative cDNA libraries has presented significant limitations for researchers interested in molecular diversity and understanding the genetic mechanisms of toxin evolution. In the present study, second-generation sequencing technologies, combined with proteomic analysis, were applied to determine the diverse peptide toxins in venom of the Chinese bird spider Ornithoctonus huwena. In total, 626 toxin precursor sequences were retrieved from transcriptomic data. All toxin precursors clustered into 16 gene superfamilies, which included six novel superfamilies and six novel cysteine patterns. A surprisingly high number of hypermutations and fragment insertions/deletions were detected, which accounted for the majority of toxin gene sequences with low-level expression. These mutations contribute to the formation of diverse cysteine patterns and highly variable isoforms. Furthermore, intraspecific venom variability, in combination with variable transcripts and peptide processing, contributes to the hypervariability of toxins in venoms, and associated rapid and adaptive evolution of toxins for prey capture and defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiya Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Quanze He
- The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ji Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shanshan Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Pengfei Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiongzhi Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- * E-mail: (ZX); (SL)
| | - Songping Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- * E-mail: (ZX); (SL)
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Prator CA, Murayama KM, Schulz JR. Venom variation during prey capture by the cone snail, Conus textile. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98991. [PMID: 24940882 PMCID: PMC4062396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Observations of the mollusc-hunting cone snail Conus textile during feeding reveal that prey are often stung multiple times in succession. While studies on the venom peptides injected by fish-hunting cone snails have become common, these approaches have not been widely applied to the analysis of the injected venoms from mollusc-hunters. We have successfully obtained multiple injected venom samples from C. textile individuals, allowing us to investigate venom compositional variation during prey capture. Our studies indicate that C. textile individuals alter the composition of prey-injected venom peptides during single feeding events. The qualitative results obtained by MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry are mirrored by quantitative changes in venom composition observed by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. While it is unclear why mollusc-hunting cone snails inject prey multiple times prior to engulfment, our study establishes for the first time a link between this behavior and compositional changes of the venom during prey capture. Changes in venom composition during hunting may represent a multi-step strategy utilized by these venomous animals to slow and incapacitate prey prior to engulfment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia A. Prator
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kellee M. Murayama
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph R. Schulz
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Application of community phylogenetic approaches to understand gene expression: differential exploration of venom gene space in predatory marine gastropods. BMC Evol Biol 2014; 14:123. [PMID: 24903151 PMCID: PMC4064522 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-14-123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Predatory marine gastropods of the genus Conus exhibit substantial variation in venom composition both within and among species. Apart from mechanisms associated with extensive turnover of gene families and rapid evolution of genes that encode venom components (‘conotoxins’), the evolution of distinct conotoxin expression patterns is an additional source of variation that may drive interspecific differences in the utilization of species’ ‘venom gene space’. To determine the evolution of expression patterns of venom genes of Conus species, we evaluated the expression of A-superfamily conotoxin genes of a set of closely related Conus species by comparing recovered transcripts of A-superfamily genes that were previously identified from the genomes of these species. We modified community phylogenetics approaches to incorporate phylogenetic history and disparity of genes and their expression profiles to determine patterns of venom gene space utilization. Results Less than half of the A-superfamily gene repertoire of these species is expressed, and only a few orthologous genes are coexpressed among species. Species exhibit substantially distinct expression strategies, with some expressing sets of closely related loci (‘under-dispersed’ expression of available genes) while others express sets of more disparate genes (‘over-dispersed’ expression). In addition, expressed genes show higher dN/dS values than either unexpressed or ancestral genes; this implies that expression exposes genes to selection and facilitates rapid evolution of these genes. Few recent lineage-specific gene duplicates are expressed simultaneously, suggesting that expression divergence among redundant gene copies may be established shortly after gene duplication. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that venom gene space is explored differentially by Conus species, a process that effectively permits the independent and rapid evolution of venoms in these species.
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Zamora-Bustillos R, Rivera-Reyes R, Aguilar MB, Michel-Morfín E, Landa-Jaime V, Falcón A, Heimer EP. Identification, by RT-PCR, of eight novel I₂-conotoxins from the worm-hunting cone snails Conus brunneus, Conus nux, and Conus princeps from the eastern Pacific (Mexico). Peptides 2014; 53:22-9. [PMID: 24486530 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Marine snails of the genus Conus (∼500 species) are tropical predators that produce venoms for capturing prey, defense and competitive interactions. These venoms contain 50-200 different peptides ("conotoxins") that generally comprise 7-40 amino acid residues (including 0-5 disulfide bridges), and that frequently contain diverse posttranslational modifications, some of which have been demonstrated to be important for folding, stability, and biological activity. Most conotoxins affect voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, and neurotransmitter transporters, generally with high affinity and specificity. Due to these features, several conotoxins are used as molecular tools, diagnostic agents, medicines, and models for drug design. Based on the signal sequence of their precursors, conotoxins have been classified into genetic superfamilies, whereas their molecular targets allow them to be classified into pharmacological families. The objective of this work was to identify and analyze partial cDNAs encoding precursors of conotoxins belonging to I superfamily from three vermivorous species of the Mexican Pacific coast: C. brunneus, C. nux and C. princeps. The precursors identified contain diverse numbers of amino acid residues (C. brunneus, 65 or 71; C. nux, 70; C. princeps, 72 or 73), and all include a highly conserved signal peptide, a C-terminal propeptide, and a mature toxin. All the latter have one of the typical Cys frameworks of the I-conotoxins (C-C-CC-CC-C-C). The prepropeptides belong to the I2-superfamily, and encode eight different hydrophilic and acidic mature toxins, rather similar among them, and some of which have similarity with I2-conotoxins targeting voltage- and voltage-and-calcium-gated potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Zamora-Bustillos
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico; Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Instituto Tecnológico de Conkal, Conkal, Yucatán 97345, Mexico
| | - R Rivera-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - M B Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico.
| | - E Michel-Morfín
- Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Zonas Costeras. CUCSUR-Universidad de Guadalajara, San Patricio-Melaque, Jalisco 48980, Mexico
| | - V Landa-Jaime
- Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de Zonas Costeras. CUCSUR-Universidad de Guadalajara, San Patricio-Melaque, Jalisco 48980, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Mexico
| | - A Falcón
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - E P Heimer
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
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Dias NB, de Souza BM, Gomes PC, Palma MS. Peptide diversity in the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista (Hymenoptera): a comparison of the intra- and inter-colony compositions. Peptides 2014; 51:122-30. [PMID: 24239857 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of the social wasps evolved to be used as defensive tools to protect the colonies of these insects against the attacks of predators. Previous studies estimated the presence of a dozen peptide components in the venoms of each species of these insects, which altogether comprise up to 70% of the weight of freeze-dried venoms. In the present study, an optimized experimental protocol is reported that utilizes liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the detection of peptides in the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista; peptide profiles for both intra- and inter-colonial comparisons were obtained using this protocol. The results of our study revealed a surprisingly high level of intra- and inter-colonial variability for the same wasp species. We detected 78-108 different peptides in the venom of different colonies of P. paulista in the molar mass range from 400 to 3000Da; among those, only 36 and 44 common peptides were observed in the inter- and intra-colony comparisons, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Baptista Dias
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Center of Studies of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Bibiana Monson de Souza
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Center of Studies of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Gomes
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Center of Studies of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Center of Studies of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Brazil.
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Lavergne V, Dutertre S, Jin AH, Lewis RJ, Taft RJ, Alewood PF. Systematic interrogation of the Conus marmoreus venom duct transcriptome with ConoSorter reveals 158 novel conotoxins and 13 new gene superfamilies. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:708. [PMID: 24131469 PMCID: PMC3853152 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conopeptides, often generically referred to as conotoxins, are small neurotoxins found in the venom of predatory marine cone snails. These molecules are highly stable and are able to efficiently and selectively interact with a wide variety of heterologous receptors and channels, making them valuable pharmacological probes and potential drug leads. Recent advances in next-generation RNA sequencing and high-throughput proteomics have led to the generation of large data sets that require purpose-built and dedicated bioinformatics tools for efficient data mining. RESULTS Here we describe ConoSorter, an algorithm that categorizes cDNA or protein sequences into conopeptide superfamilies and classes based on their signal, pro- and mature region sequence composition. ConoSorter also catalogues key sequence characteristics (including relative sequence frequency, length, number of cysteines, N-terminal hydrophobicity, sequence similarity score) and automatically searches the ConoServer database for known precursor sequences, facilitating identification of known and novel conopeptides. When applied to ConoServer and UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot databases, ConoSorter is able to recognize 100% of known conotoxin superfamilies and classes with a minimum species specificity of 99%. As a proof of concept, we performed a reanalysis of Conus marmoreus venom duct transcriptome and (i) correctly classified all sequences previously annotated, (ii) identified 158 novel precursor conopeptide transcripts, 106 of which were confirmed by protein mass spectrometry, and (iii) identified another 13 novel conotoxin gene superfamilies. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings indicate that ConoSorter is not only capable of robust classification of known conopeptides from large RNA data sets, but can also facilitate de novo identification of conopeptides which may have pharmaceutical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ryan J Taft
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia.
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Jin AH, Dutertre S, Kaas Q, Lavergne V, Kubala P, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF. Transcriptomic messiness in the venom duct of Conus miles contributes to conotoxin diversity. Mol Cell Proteomics 2013; 12:3824-33. [PMID: 24043424 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m113.030353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine cone snails have developed sophisticated chemical strategies to capture prey and defend themselves against predators. Among the vast array of bioactive molecules in their venom, peptide components called conotoxins or conopeptides dominate, with many binding with high affinity and selectivity to a broad range of cellular targets, including receptors and transporters of the nervous system. Whereas the conopeptide gene precursor organization has a conserved topology, the peptides in the venom duct are highly processed. Indeed, deep sequencing transcriptomics has uncovered on average fewer than 100 toxin gene precursors per species, whereas advanced proteomics has revealed >10-fold greater diversity at the peptide level. In the present study, second-generation sequencing technologies coupled to highly sensitive mass spectrometry methods were applied to rapidly uncover the conopeptide diversity in the venom of a worm-hunting species, Conus miles. A total of 662 putative conopeptide encoded sequences were retrieved from transcriptomic data, comprising 48 validated conotoxin sequences that clustered into 10 gene superfamilies, including 3 novel superfamilies and a novel cysteine framework (C-C-C-CCC-C-C) identified at both transcript and peptide levels. A surprisingly large number of conopeptide gene sequences were expressed at low levels, including a series of single amino acid variants, as well as sequences containing deletions and frame and stop codon shifts. Some of the toxin variants generate alternative cleavage sites, interrupted or elongated cysteine frameworks, and highly variable isoforms within families that could be identified at the peptide level. Together with the variable peptide processing identified previously, background genetic and phenotypic levels of biological messiness in venoms contribute to the hypervariability of venom peptides and their ability to evolve rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Safavi-Hemami H, Möller C, Marí F, Purcell AW. High molecular weight components of the injected venom of fish-hunting cone snails target the vascular system. J Proteomics 2013; 91:97-105. [PMID: 23872086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The venom of marine cone snails is a rich source of pharmacotherapeutic compounds with striking target specificity and functional diversity. Small, disulfide-rich peptide toxins are the most well characterized active compounds in cone snail venom. However, reports on the presence of larger polypeptides have recently emerged. The majority of these studies have focused on the content of the dissected venom gland rather than the injected venom itself. Recent breakthroughs in the sensitivity of protein and nucleotide sequencing techniques allow for the exploration of the proteomic diversity of injected venom. Using mass spectrometric analysis of injected venoms of the two fish-hunting cone snails Conus purpurascens and Conus ermineus, we demonstrate the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme-1 (ACE-1) and endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), metalloproteases that activate potent vasoconstrictive peptides. ACE activity was confirmed in the venom of C. purpurascens and was significantly reduced in venom preincubated with the ACE inhibitor captopril. Reverse-transcription PCR demonstrated that these enzymes are expressed in the venom glands of other cone snail species with different prey preferences. These findings strongly suggest that cone snails employ compounds that cause disruption of cardiovascular function as part of their complex envenomation strategy, leading to the enhancement of neurotropic peptide toxin activity. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the presence of ACE and ECE in the venom of cone snails. Identification of these vasoactive peptide-releasing proteases in the injected venoms of two fish-hunting cone snails highlights their role in envenomation and enhances our understanding of the complex hunting strategies utilized by these marine predators. Our findings on the expression of these enzymes in other cone snail species suggests an important biological role of ACE and ECE in these animals and points towards recruitment into venom from general physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia.
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Neves J, Campos A, Osório H, Antunes A, Vasconcelos V. Conopeptides from Cape Verde Conus crotchii. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:2203-15. [PMID: 23783403 PMCID: PMC3721229 DOI: 10.3390/md11062203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine Cone snails of the genus Conus contain complex peptide toxins in their venom. Living in tropical habitats, they usually use the powerful venom for self-defense and prey capture. Here, we study Conus crotchii venom duct using a peptide mass-matching approach. The C. crotchii was collected on the Cape Verde archipelago in the Boa Vista Island. The venom was analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). About 488 molecular masses between 700 Da and 3000 Da were searched bymatching with known peptide sequences from UniProtKB protein sequence database. Through this method we were able to identify 12 conopeptides. For validation we considered the error between the experimental molecular mass (monoisotopic) and the calculated mass of less than 0.5 Da. All conopeptides detected belong to the A-, O1-, O2-, O3-, T- and D-superfamilies, which can block Ca²⁺ channels, inhibit K⁺ channels and act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Only a few of the detected peptides have a 100% UniProtKB database similarity, suggesting that several of them could be newly discovered marine drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Neves
- CIIMAR/CIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto 4050-123, Portugal; E-Mails: (J.N.); (A.C.); (A.A.)
- DECM—Department of Engineering and Sea Science, Cape Verde University, Mindelo CP 163, Cape Verde
| | - Alexandre Campos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto 4050-123, Portugal; E-Mails: (J.N.); (A.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Hugo Osório
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, IPATIMUP, Porto 4200-465, Portugal; E-Mail:
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto 4050-123, Portugal; E-Mails: (J.N.); (A.C.); (A.A.)
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Vitor Vasconcelos
- CIIMAR/CIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Rua dos Bragas 289, Porto 4050-123, Portugal; E-Mails: (J.N.); (A.C.); (A.A.)
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +351-22-340-1817; Fax: +351-22-339-0608
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Orts DJB, Peigneur S, Madio B, Cassoli JS, Montandon GG, Pimenta AMC, Bicudo JEPW, Freitas JC, Zaharenko AJ, Tytgat J. Biochemical and electrophysiological characterization of two sea anemone type 1 potassium toxins from a geographically distant population of Bunodosoma caissarum. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:655-79. [PMID: 23466933 PMCID: PMC3705364 DOI: 10.3390/md11030655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea anemone (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) venom is an important source of bioactive compounds used as tools to study the pharmacology and structure-function of voltage-gated K+ channels (KV). These neurotoxins can be divided into four different types, according to their structure and mode of action. In this work, for the first time, two toxins were purified from the venom of Bunodosoma caissarum population from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, Brazil. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis reveals that BcsTx1 and BcsTx2 are the newest members of the sea anemone type 1 potassium channel toxins. Their functional characterization was performed by means of a wide electrophysiological screening on 12 different subtypes of KV channels (KV1.1-KV1.6; KV2.1; KV3.1; KV4.2; KV4.3; hERG and Shaker IR). BcsTx1 shows a high affinity for rKv1.2 over rKv1.6, hKv1.3, Shaker IR and rKv1.1, while Bcstx2 potently blocked rKv1.6 over hKv1.3, rKv1.1, Shaker IR and rKv1.2. Furthermore, we also report for the first time a venom composition and biological activity comparison between two geographically distant populations of sea anemones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego J. B. Orts
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil; E-Mails: (D.J.B.O.); (B.M.); (J.E.P.W.B.); (J.C.F.)
- Center of Marine Biology, University of São Paulo, São Sebastião, SP, 11600-000, Brazil
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; E-Mail:
| | - Bruno Madio
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil; E-Mails: (D.J.B.O.); (B.M.); (J.E.P.W.B.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Juliana S. Cassoli
- Laboratory of Venoms and Animals Toxins, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil; E-Mails: (J.S.C.); (G.G.M.); (A.M.C.P.)
| | - Gabriela G. Montandon
- Laboratory of Venoms and Animals Toxins, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil; E-Mails: (J.S.C.); (G.G.M.); (A.M.C.P.)
| | - Adriano M. C. Pimenta
- Laboratory of Venoms and Animals Toxins, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil; E-Mails: (J.S.C.); (G.G.M.); (A.M.C.P.)
| | - José E. P. W. Bicudo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil; E-Mails: (D.J.B.O.); (B.M.); (J.E.P.W.B.); (J.C.F.)
| | - José C. Freitas
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil; E-Mails: (D.J.B.O.); (B.M.); (J.E.P.W.B.); (J.C.F.)
| | - André J. Zaharenko
- Laboratorio de Genetica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Laboratory of Toxicology, University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg O&N2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; E-Mail:
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Glycosylation of conotoxins. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:623-42. [PMID: 23455513 PMCID: PMC3705362 DOI: 10.3390/md11030623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins are small peptides present in the venom of cone snails. The snail uses this venom to paralyze and capture prey. The constituent conopeptides display a high level of chemical diversity and are of particular interest for scientists as tools employed in neurological studies and for drug development, because they target with exquisite specificity membrane receptors, transporters, and various ion channels in the nervous system. However, these peptides are known to contain a high frequency and variability of post-translational modifications-including sometimes O-glycosylation-which are of importance for biological activity. The potential application of specific conotoxins as neuropharmalogical agents and chemical probes requires a full characterization of the relevant peptides, including the structure of the carbohydrate part. In this review, the currently existing knowledge of O-glycosylation of conotoxins is described.
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Aguilar MB, Ortiz E, Kaas Q, López-Vera E, Becerril B, Possani LD, de la Cotera EPH. Precursor De13.1 from Conus delessertii defines the novel G gene superfamily. Peptides 2013; 41:17-20. [PMID: 23340018 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Peptide de13a was previously purified from the venom of the worm-hunting cone snail Conus delessertii from the Yucatán Channel, México. This peptide has eight cysteine (Cys) residues in the unique arrangement C-C-C-CC-C-C-C, which defines the cysteine framework XIII ("-" represents one or more non-Cys residues). Remarkably, δ-hydroxy-lysine residues have been found only in conotoxin de13a, which also contains an unusually high proportion of hydroxylated amino acid residues. Here, we report the cDNA cloning of the complete precursor De13.1 of a related peptide, de13b, which has the same Cys framework and inter-Cys spacings as peptide de13a, and shares high protein/nucleic acid sequence identity (87%/90%) with de13a, suggesting that both peptides belong to the same conotoxin gene superfamily. Analysis of the signal peptide of precursor De13.1 reveals that this precursor belongs to a novel conotoxin gene superfamily that we chose to name gene superfamily G. Thus far superfamily G only includes two peptides, each of which contains the same, distinctive Cys framework and a high proportion of amino acid residues with hydroxylated side chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel B Aguilar
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico.
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Comparative analysis of proteases in the injected and dissected venom of cone snail species. Toxicon 2013; 65:59-67. [PMID: 23339854 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The venom of cone snails has been the subject of intense studies because it contains small neuroactive peptides of therapeutic value. However, much less is known about their larger proteins counterparts and their role in prey envenomation. Here, we analyzed the proteolytic enzymes in the injected venom of Conus purpurascens and Conus ermineus (piscivorous), and the dissected venom of C. purpurascens, Conus marmoreus (molluscivorous) and Conus virgo (vermivorous). Zymograms show that all venom samples displayed proteolytic activity on gelatin. However, the electrophoresis patterns and sizes of the proteases varied considerably among these four species. The protease distribution also varied dramatically between the injected and dissected venom of C. purpurascens. Protease inhibitors demonstrated that serine and metalloproteases are responsible for the gelatinolytic activity. We found fibrinogenolytic activity in the injected venom of C. ermineus suggesting that this venom might have effects on the hemostatic system of the prey. Remarkable differences in protein and protease expression were found in different sections of the venom duct, indicating that these components are related to the storage granules and that they participate in venom biosynthesis. Consequently, different conoproteases play major roles in venom processing and prey envenomation.
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Dobson R, Collodoro M, Gilles N, Turtoi A, De Pauw E, Quinton L. Secretion and maturation of conotoxins in the venom ducts of Conus textile. Toxicon 2012; 60:1370-9. [PMID: 23031820 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The 700 or more species of cone snail attack prey by employing complex venom which can vary considerably both within species and from one species to another. Cone snail venom is remarkable for the high proportion of conotoxins with varied post-translational modifications (PTMs) and for the production of more diverse toxin scaffolds than any other known venomous animal. The venom gland, which is several times longer than its shell, is also unique in being tubular. These unusual characteristics both raise questions, and provide the opportunity for research, concerning the secretion and maturation of conotoxins along the venom duct, a process which is currently not fully understood. This research uses the two mass spectrometric techniques of isotope Coded Affinity Tagging (ICAT) and label-free quantification to study each of five portions of the venom duct of Conus textile snails from New Caledonia. Fifteen conotoxins, several with different post-translational modifications (PTMs) were identified and quantified. One hundred and forty three non-identified conotoxins were also quantified. Distinctive patterns emerged, with the largest group of conotoxins increasing, then peaking in the central-proximal part, before decreasing; whilst the second largest group peaked in the distal region, generally displaying nothing in the first parts. Conotoxins from different superfamilies were commonly found to have similar distributions. A new conotoxin, PCCSKLHDNSCCGL*, was sequenced. A comparison is made with other studies to see how the process varies in cone snails from different regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Dobson
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Large-scale discovery of conopeptides and conoproteins in the injectable venom of a fish-hunting cone snail using a combined proteomic and transcriptomic approach. J Proteomics 2012; 75:5215-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Molecular phylogeny, classification and evolution of conopeptides. J Mol Evol 2012; 74:297-309. [PMID: 22760645 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-012-9507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Conopeptides are toxins expressed in the venom duct of cone snails (Conoidea, Conus). These are mostly well-structured peptides and mini-proteins with high potency and selectivity for a broad range of cellular targets. In view of these properties, they are widely used as pharmacological tools and many are candidates for innovative drugs. The conopeptides are primarily classified into superfamilies according to their peptide signal sequence, a classification that is thought to reflect the evolution of the multigenic system. However, this hypothesis has never been thoroughly tested. Here we present a phylogenetic analysis of 1,364 conopeptide signal sequences extracted from GenBank. The results validate the current conopeptide superfamily classification, but also reveal several important new features. The so-called "cysteine-poor" conopeptides are revealed to be closely related to "cysteine-rich" conopeptides; with some of them sharing very similar signal sequences, suggesting that a distinction based on cysteine content and configuration is not phylogenetically relevant and does not reflect the evolutionary history of conopeptides. A given cysteine pattern or pharmacological activity can be found across different superfamilies. Furthermore, a few conopeptides from GenBank do not cluster in any of the known superfamilies, and could represent yet-undefined superfamilies. A clear phylogenetically based classification should help to disentangle the diversity of conopeptides, and could also serve as a rationale to understand the evolution of the toxins in the numerous other species of conoideans and venomous animals at large.
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Prashanth JR, Lewis RJ, Dutertre S. Towards an integrated venomics approach for accelerated conopeptide discovery. Toxicon 2012; 60:470-7. [PMID: 22564717 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Conopeptides and conotoxins are small peptides produced by cone snails as a part of their predatory/defense strategies that target key ion channels and receptors in the nervous system. Some of these peptides also potently target mammalian ion channels involved in pain pathways. As a result, these venoms are a source of valuable pharmacological and therapeutic agents. The traditional approach towards conopeptide discovery relied on activity-guided fractionation, which is time consuming and resource-intensive. In this review, we discuss the advances in the fields of transcriptomics, proteomics and bioinformatics that now allow researchers to integrate these three platforms towards a more efficient discovery strategy. In this review, we also highlight the challenges associated with the wealth of data generated with this integrated approach and briefly discuss the impact these methods could have on the field of toxinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutty Rajan Prashanth
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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41
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Chun JBS, Baker MR, Kim DH, Leroy M, Toribo P, Bingham JP. Cone snail milked venom dynamics--a quantitative study of Conus purpurascens. Toxicon 2012; 60:83-94. [PMID: 22497788 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Milked venom from cone snails represent a novel biological resource with a proven track record for drug discovery. To strengthen this correlation, we undertook a chromatographic and mass spectrometric study of individual milked venoms from Conus purpurascens. Milked venoms demonstrate extensive peptide differentiation amongst individual specimens and during captivity. Individual snails were found to lack a consistent set of described conopeptides, but instead demonstrated the ability to change venom expression, composition and post-translational modification incorporation; all variations contribute to an increase in chemical diversity and prey targeting strategies. Quantitative amino acid analysis revealed that milked venom peptides are expressed at ranges up to 3.51-121.01 μM within single milked venom samples. This provides for a 6.37-20,965 fold-excess of toxin to induce apparent IC₅₀ for individual conopeptides identified in this study. Comparative molecular mass analysis of duct venom, milked venom and radula tooth extracts from single C. purpurascens specimens demonstrated a level of peptide continuity. Numerous highly abundant and unique conopeptides remain to be characterized. This study strengthens the notion that approaches in conopeptide drug lead discovery programs will potentially benefit from a greater understanding of the toxinological nature of the milked venoms of Conus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joycelyn B S Chun
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Terrat Y, Biass D, Dutertre S, Favreau P, Remm M, Stöcklin R, Piquemal D, Ducancel F. High-resolution picture of a venom gland transcriptome: Case study with the marine snail Conus consors. Toxicon 2012; 59:34-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Abdel-Rahman MA, Abdel-Nabi IM, El-Naggar MS, Abbas OA, Strong PN. Intraspecific variation in the venom of the vermivorous cone snail Conus vexillum. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 154:318-25. [PMID: 21771667 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2011.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A combination of proteomic and biochemical assays was used to examine variations in the venom of Conus vexillum taken from two locations (Hurgada and Sharm El-Shaikh) in the Red Sea, Egypt. Using MALDI/TOF-MS, a remarkable degree of intra-species variation between venom samples from both locations was identified. To evaluate variability in the cytotoxic effects of Conus venom, mice were injected with the same dose from each location. The oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC)], antioxidants [glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)], total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and nitric oxide (NO), were measured 3, 6, 9 and 12h post venom injection. The venoms induced a significant increase in the levels of PCC, MDA, NO, GSH and CAT. The venoms significantly inhibited the activity of SOD and reduced the TAC. Toxicological data showed that the venom obtained from Hurgada was more potent than that obtained from Sharm El-Shaikh. It can be concluded that: (1) the venom of the same Conus species from different regions is highly diversified (2) the venoms from different locations reflect clear differences in venom potency and (3) the cytotoxic effects of C. vexillum venom can be attributed to its ability to induce oxidative stress.
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Möller C, Marí F. 9.3 KDa components of the injected venom of Conus purpurascens define a new five-disulfide conotoxin framework. Biopolymers 2011; 96:158-65. [PMID: 20564010 DOI: 10.1002/bip.21406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The 83-residue conopeptide (p21a) and its corresponding nonhydroxylated analog were isolated from the injected venom of Conus purpurascens. The complete conopeptide sequences were derived from Edman degradation sequencing of fragments from tryptic, chymotryptic and cyanogen bromide digestions, p21a has a unique, 10-cystine/5-disulfide 7-loop framework with extended 10-residue N-terminus and a 5-residue C-terminus tails, respectively. p21a has a 48% sequence homology with a recently described 13-cystine conopeptide, con-ikot-ikot, isolated from the dissected venom of the fish-hunting snail Conus striatus. However, unlike con-ikot-ikot, p21a does not form a dimer of dimers. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry suggests that p21a may form a noncovalent dimer. p21a is an unusually large conotoxin and in so far is the largest isolated from injected venom. p21a provides evidence that the Conus venom arsenal includes larger molecules that are directly injected into the prey. Therefore, cone snails can utilize toxins that are comparable in size to the ones commonly found in other venomous animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Möller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
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Safavi-Hemami H, Siero WA, Kuang Z, Williamson NA, Karas JA, Page LR, MacMillan D, Callaghan B, Kompella SN, Adams DJ, Norton RS, Purcell AW. Embryonic toxin expression in the cone snail Conus victoriae: primed to kill or divergent function? J Biol Chem 2011; 286:22546-57. [PMID: 21504902 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.217703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Predatory marine cone snails (genus Conus) utilize complex venoms mainly composed of small peptide toxins that target voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels in their prey. Although the venoms of a number of cone snail species have been intensively profiled and functionally characterized, nothing is known about the initiation of venom expression at an early developmental stage. Here, we report on the expression of venom mRNA in embryos of Conus victoriae and the identification of novel α- and O-conotoxin sequences. Embryonic toxin mRNA expression is initiated well before differentiation of the venom gland, the organ of venom biosynthesis. Structural and functional studies revealed that the embryonic α-conotoxins exhibit the same basic three-dimensional structure as the most abundant adult toxin but significantly differ in their neurological targets. Based on these findings, we postulate that the venom repertoire of cone snails undergoes ontogenetic changes most likely reflecting differences in the biotic interactions of these animals with their prey, predators, or competitors. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show toxin mRNA transcripts in embryos, a finding that extends our understanding of the early onset of venom expression in animals and may suggest alternative functions of peptide toxins during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia
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Gilly WF, Richmond TA, Duda TF, Elliger C, Lebaric Z, Schulz J, Bingham JP, Sweedler JV. A diverse family of novel peptide toxins from an unusual cone snail, Conus californicus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 214:147-61. [PMID: 21147978 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.046086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Diversity among Conus toxins mirrors the high species diversity in the Indo-Pacific region, and evolution of both is thought to stem from feeding-niche specialization derived from intra-generic competition. This study focuses on Conus californicus, a phylogenetic outlier endemic to the temperate northeast Pacific. Essentially free of congeneric competitors, it preys on a wider variety of organisms than any other cone snail. Using molecular cloning of cDNAs and mass spectrometry, we examined peptides isolated from venom ducts to elucidate the sequences and post-translational modifications of two eight-cysteine toxins (cal12a and cal12b of type 12 framework) that block voltage-gated Na(+) channels. Based on homology of leader sequence and mode of action, these toxins are related to the O-superfamily, but differ significantly from other members of that group. Six of the eight cysteine residues constitute the canonical framework of O-members, but two additional cysteine residues in the N-terminal region define an O+2 classification within the O-superfamily. Fifteen putative variants of Cal12.1 toxins have been identified by mRNAs that differ primarily in two short hypervariable regions and have been grouped into three subtypes (Cal12.1.1-3). This unique modular variation has not been described for other Conus toxins and suggests recombination as a diversity-generating mechanism. We propose that these toxin isoforms show specificity for similar molecular targets (Na(+) channels) in the many species preyed on by C. californicus and that individualistic utilization of specific toxin isoforms may involve control of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- W F Gilly
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
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Rivera-Ortiz JA, Cano H, Marí F. Intraspecies variability and conopeptide profiling of the injected venom of Conus ermineus. Peptides 2011; 32:306-16. [PMID: 21126547 PMCID: PMC3619394 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The venom of cone snails (ssp. Conus), a genus of predatory mollusks, is a vast source of bioactive peptides. Conus venom expression is complex, and venom composition can vary considerably depending upon the method of extraction and the species of cone snail in question. The injected venom from Conus ermineus, the only fish-hunting cone snail species that inhabits the Atlantic Ocean, was characterized using nanoNMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, RP-HPLC and nanoLC-ESI-MS. These methods allowed us to evaluate the variability of the venom within this species. Single specimens of C. ermineus show unchanged injected venom mass spectra and HPLC profiles over time. However, there was significant variability of the injected venom composition from specimen to specimen, in spite of their common biogeographic origin. Using nanoLC-ESI-MS, we determined that over 800 unique conopeptides are expressed by this reduced set of C. ermineus specimens. This number is considerably larger than previous estimates of the molecular repertoire available to cone snails to immobilize prey. These results support the idea of the existence of a complex regulatory mechanism to express specific venom peptides for injection into prey. These intraspecies differences can be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The differential expression of venom components represents a neurochemical paradigm that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frank Marí
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 561 297 3315; fax: +1 561 297 2759. , (F. Marí)
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Salisbury SM, Martin GG, Kier WM, Schulz JR. Venom kinematics during prey capture in Conus: the biomechanics of a rapid injection system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 213:673-82. [PMID: 20154182 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.035550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cone snails use an extensile, tubular proboscis as a conduit to deliver a potent cocktail of bioactive venom peptides into their prey. Previous studies have focused mainly on understanding the venom's role in prey capture but successful prey capture requires both rapid physiological and biomechanical mechanisms. Conus catus, a fish-hunting species, uses a high-speed hydraulic mechanism to inject its hollow, spear-like radular tooth into prey. We take an integrated approach to investigating the biomechanics of this process by coupling kinematic studies with morphological analyses. Taking advantage of the opaque venom and translucent proboscis of a mollusc-hunting juvenile cone snail, Conus pennaceus, we have determined that a high-speed prey capture mechanism is not unique to cone species that hunt fish prey. Two morphological structures were found to play crucial roles in this process. A constriction of the lumen near the tip of the proboscis, composed of tall epithelial cells densely packed with microfilaments, impedes forward movement of the radular tooth prior to its propulsion. Proximal to the constriction, a muscular sphincter was found to regulate venom flow and pressurization in the proboscis. In C. pennaceus, the rapid appearance and flushing of venom within the proboscis during prey capture suggests a mechanism involving the delivery of a discrete quantity of venom. The interplay between these elements provides a unique and effective biomechanical injection system for the fast-acting cone snail venom peptides.
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Baracchi D, Dapporto L, Teseo S, Hashim R, Turillazzi S. Medium molecular weight polar substances of the cuticle as tools in the study of the taxonomy, systematics and chemical ecology of tropical hover wasps (Hymenoptera: Stenogastrinae). J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0469.2009.00543.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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50
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Dramatic intraspecimen variations within the injected venom of Conus consors: an unsuspected contribution to venom diversity. Toxicon 2010; 55:1453-62. [PMID: 20206197 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Revised: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With the advent of highly sensitive mass spectrometry techniques, the minute amount of various secretions produced by living animals can be studied to a level of details never attained before. In this study, we used LC-ESI-MS to analyse the injected venom of an indo-pacific piscivorous cone snail, Conus consors. While long-term follow up of several captive specimens have revealed a typical "venom fingerprint" for this species, dramatic variations were also observed. In the most extreme case, a single cone snail unexpectedly produced two very distinct venom profiles containing completely different sets of peptides with no overlap of detected masses. Surprisingly, there was no correlation between the peptides produced in the venom duct and those obtained after milking live cone snails, implying yet unknown mechanisms of selection and regulation. Our study defines the notion of intraspecimen variation and demonstrates how this phenomenon contributes to the overall venom diversity.
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