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Dyba B, Rudolphi-Szydło E, Kreczmer B, Barbasz A, Petrilla V, Petrillova M, Legáth J, Bocian A, Hus KK. Exploring the effects of three-finger toxins from Naja ashei venom on neuronal and immunological cancer cell membranes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18570. [PMID: 39127758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69459-4] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-finger proteins are the most abundant toxins in the venom of Naja ashei, a snake species from the Elapidae family. This research aimed to describe the effects of varying charges of these proteins, isolated from Naja ashei venom using SEC and IEX chromatography. The study examined how differently charged three-finger toxin fractions interact with and affect neuroblastoma (SK-N-SH) and promyeloblast (HL-60) cells, as well as model Langmuir membranes and liposomes designed to mimic cellular lipid composition. Findings revealed that protein surface charges significantly impact cell survival (MTT assay), membrane damage (lactate dehydrogenase release, malondialdehyde formation), and the structural and electrochemical properties of model membranes (Langmuir membranes and zeta potential for liposomes and cancer cell lines). Results indicated that SK-N-SH cells, characterized by a higher negative charge on their cell membranes, interacted more effectively with positively charged toxins than HL-60 cells. However, the mechanism of these electrostatic interactions is complex. The research demonstrated that electrostatic and mechanical membrane modifications induced by venom proteins can significantly affect cell metabolism. Additionally, the total charge of the membrane, influenced by polar lipid components and phospholipid saturation, plays a decisive role in toxin interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Dyba
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of the National Education Commission, Cracow, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Rudolphi-Szydło
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of the National Education Commission, Cracow, Poland
| | - Barbara Kreczmer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of the National Education Commission, Cracow, Poland
| | - Anna Barbasz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of the National Education Commission, Cracow, Poland
| | - Vladimír Petrilla
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Kosice, Slovakia
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Petrillova
- Department of General Competencies, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Aleksandra Bocian
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Konrad Kamil Hus
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland
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2
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Gasanoff ES, Dagda RK. Cobra Venom Cytotoxins as a Tool for Probing Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Energetics and Understanding Mitochondrial Membrane Structure. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:287. [PMID: 39057927 PMCID: PMC11281317 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16070287] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we provide an overview of mitochondrial bioenergetics and specific conditions that lead to the formation of non-bilayer structures in mitochondria. Secondly, we provide a brief overview on the structure/function of cytotoxins and how snake venom cytotoxins have contributed to increasing our understanding of ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, to reconcile some controversial aspects of the chemiosmotic theory. Specifically, we provide an emphasis on the biochemical contribution of delocalized and localized proton movement, involving direct transport of protons though the Fo unit of ATP synthase or via the hydrophobic environment at the center of the inner mitochondrial membrane (proton circuit) on oxidative phosphorylation, and how this influences the rate of ATP synthesis. Importantly, we provide new insights on the molecular mechanisms through which cobra venom cytotoxins affect mitochondrial ATP synthesis, mitochondrial structure, and dynamics. Finally, we provide a perspective for the use of cytotoxins as novel pharmacological tools to study membrane bioenergetics and mitochondrial biology, how they can be used in translational research, and their potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward S. Gasanoff
- STEM Research Center, Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy, Beijing 100018, China;
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ruben K. Dagda
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Medical School, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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3
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Dubovskii PV, Utkin YN. Specific Amino Acid Residues in the Three Loops of Snake Cytotoxins Determine Their Membrane Activity and Provide a Rationale for a New Classification of These Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:262. [PMID: 38922156 PMCID: PMC11209149 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060262] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxins (CTs) are three-finger membrane-active toxins present mainly in cobra venom. Our analysis of the available CT amino acid sequences, literature data on their membrane activity, and conformational equilibria in aqueous solution and detergent micelles allowed us to identify specific amino acid residues which interfere with CT incorporation into membranes. They include Pro9, Ser28, and Asn/Asp45 within the N-terminal, central, and C-terminal loops, respectively. There is a hierarchy in the effect of these residues on membrane activity: Pro9 > Ser28 > Asn/Asp45. Taking into account all the possible combinations of special residues, we propose to divide CTs into eight groups. Group 1 includes toxins containing all of the above residues. Their representatives demonstrated the lowest membrane activity. Group 8 combines CTs that lack these residues. For the toxins from this group, the greatest membrane activity was observed. We predict that when solely membrane activity determines the cytotoxic effects, the activity of CTs from a group with a higher number should exceed that of CTs from a group with a lower number. This classification is supported by the available data on the cytotoxicity and membranotropic properties of CTs. We hypothesize that the special amino acid residues within the loops of the CT molecule may indicate their involvement in the interaction with non-lipid targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya Str., 117997 Moscow, Russia;
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4
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Bartlett KE, Hall SR, Rasmussen SA, Crittenden E, Dawson CA, Albulescu LO, Laprade W, Harrison RA, Saviola AJ, Modahl CM, Jenkins TP, Wilkinson MC, Gutiérrez JM, Casewell NR. Dermonecrosis caused by a spitting cobra snakebite results from toxin potentiation and is prevented by the repurposed drug varespladib. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315597121. [PMID: 38687786 PMCID: PMC11087757 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315597121] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes substantial mortality and morbidity globally. The venom of African spitting cobras often causes permanent injury via tissue-destructive dermonecrosis at the bite site, which is ineffectively treated by current antivenoms. To address this therapeutic gap, we identified the etiological venom toxins in Naja nigricollis venom responsible for causing local dermonecrosis. While cytotoxic three-finger toxins were primarily responsible for causing spitting cobra cytotoxicity in cultured keratinocytes, their potentiation by phospholipases A2 toxins was essential to cause dermonecrosis in vivo. This evidence of probable toxin synergism suggests that a single toxin-family inhibiting drug could prevent local envenoming. We show that local injection with the repurposed phospholipase A2-inhibiting drug varespladib significantly prevents local tissue damage caused by several spitting cobra venoms in murine models of envenoming. Our findings therefore provide a therapeutic strategy that may effectively prevent life-changing morbidity caused by snakebite in rural Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keirah E. Bartlett
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Steven R. Hall
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Sean A. Rasmussen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, NSB3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Edouard Crittenden
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A. Dawson
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - William Laprade
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens LyngbyDK-2800, Denmark
| | - Robert A. Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO80045
| | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens LyngbyDK-2800, Denmark
| | - Mark C. Wilkinson
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José11501–2060, Costa Rica
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs & Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LiverpoolL3 5QA, United Kingdom
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Li M, Gasanoff ES. Cationic Proteins Rich in Lysine Residue Trigger Formation of Non-bilayer Lipid Phases in Model and Biological Membranes: Biophysical Methods of Study. J Membr Biol 2023; 256:373-391. [PMID: 37735238 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-023-00292-y] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Cationic membrane-active toxins are the most abundant group of proteins in the venom of snakes and insects. Cationic proteins such as cobra venom cytotoxin and bee venom melittin are known for their pharmacological reactions including anticancer and antimicrobial effects which arise from the toxin-induced alteration in the dynamics and structure of plasma membranes and membranes of organelles. It has been established that these cationic toxins trigger the formation of non-bilayer lipid phase transitions in artificial and native mitochondrial membranes. Remarkably, the toxin-induced formation of non-bilayer lipid phase increases at certain conditions mitochondrial ATP synthase activity. This observation opens an intriguing avenue for using cationic toxins in the development of novel drugs for the treatment of cellular energy deficiency caused by aging and diseases. This observation also warrants a thorough investigation of the molecular mechanism(s) of lipid phase polymorphisms triggered by cationic proteins. This article presents a review on the application of powerful biophysical methods such as resonance spectroscopy (31P-, 1H-, 2H-nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron paramagnetic resonance), luminescence, and differential scanning microcalorimetry in studies of non-bilayer lipid phase transitions triggered by cationic proteins in artificial and biological membranes. A phenomenon of the triggered by cationic proteins the non-bilayer lipid phase transitions occurring within 10-2-10-11 s is discussed in the context of potential pharmacological applications of cationic proteins. Next to the ATP dimer is an inverted micelle made of cardiolipin that serves as a vehicle for the transport of H+ ions from the intra-crista space to the matrix. It is proposed that such inverted micelles are triggered by the high density of H+ ions and the cationic proteins rich in lysine residue which compete with the conserved lysine residues of the ATP synthase rotor for binding to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane and perturb the bilayer lipid packing of cristae. Phospholipids with a blue polar head represent cardiolipin and those with a red polar head represent other phospholipids found in the crista membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyi Li
- STEM Research Centre, Science Department, Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy, Beijing, 100018, China
| | - Edward S Gasanoff
- STEM Research Centre, Science Department, Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy, Beijing, 100018, China.
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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6
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Thumtecho S, Suteparuk S, Sitprija V. Pulmonary involvement from animal toxins: the cellular mechanisms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230026. [PMID: 37727535 PMCID: PMC10506740 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals and their venom have always been of human interest because, despite species differences, coevolution has made them capable of targeting key physiological components of our bodies. Respiratory failure from lung injury is one of the serious consequences of envenomation, and the underlying mechanisms are rarely discussed. This review aims to demonstrate how toxins affect the pulmonary system through various biological pathways. Herein, we propose the common underlying cellular mechanisms of toxin-induced lung injury: interference with normal cell function and integrity, disruption of normal vascular function, and provocation of excessive inflammation. Viperid snakebites are the leading cause of envenomation-induced lung injury, followed by other terrestrial venomous animals such as scorpions, spiders, and centipedes. Marine species, particularly jellyfish, can also inflict such injury. Common pulmonary manifestations include pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhage, and exudative infiltration. Severe envenomation can result in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pulmonary involvement suggests severe envenomation, thus recognizing these mechanisms and manifestations can aid physicians in providing appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthimon Thumtecho
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society,
Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suchai Suteparuk
- Division of Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn
University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society,
Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visith Sitprija
- Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute and King Chulalongkorn Memorial
Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
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7
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The Cytotoxic Effects of Partially Purified Cytotoxic Peptides of Naja naja Oxiana Venom on Human Glioblastoma Multiforme: An in vitro Study. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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8
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Hiu JJ, Yap MKK. The myth of cobra venom cytotoxin: More than just direct cytolytic actions. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100123. [PMID: 35434602 PMCID: PMC9011113 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cobra venom cytotoxin (CTX) is a non-enzymatic three-finger toxin that constitutes 40-60% of cobra venom. Thus, it plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cobra envenomation, especially in local dermonecrosis. The three-finger hydrophobic loops of CTX determine the cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, the actual mechanisms of cytotoxicity are not fully elucidated as they involve not only cytolytic actions but also intracellular signalling-mediated cell death pathways. Furthermore, the possible transition cell death pattern remains to be explored. The actual molecular mechanisms require further studies to unveil the relationship between different CTXs from different cobra species and cell types which may result in differential cell death patterns. Here, we discuss the biophysical interaction of CTX with the cell membrane involving four binding modes: electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic partitioning, isotropic phase, and oligomerisation. Oligomerisation of CTX causes pore formation in the membrane lipid bilayer. Additionally, the CTX-induced apoptotic pathway can be executed via death receptor-mediated extrinsic pathways and mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic pathways. We also discuss lysosomal-mediated necrosis and the occurrence of necroptosis following CTX action. Collectively, we provided an insight into concentration-dependent transition of cell death pattern which involves different mechanistic actions. This contributes a new direction for further investigation of cytotoxic pathways activated by the CTXs for future development of biotherapeutics targeting pathological effects caused by CTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jin Hiu
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Michelle Khai Khun Yap
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Chong HP, Tan KY, Liu BS, Sung WC, Tan CH. Cytotoxicity of Venoms and Cytotoxins from Asiatic Cobras (Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, Naja atra) and Neutralization by Antivenoms from Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14050334. [PMID: 35622581 PMCID: PMC9144634 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14050334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenoming by cobras (Naja spp.) often results in extensive local tissue necrosis when optimal treatment with antivenom is not available. This study investigated the cytotoxicity of venoms and purified cytotoxins from the Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia), Taiwan Cobra (Naja atra), and Equatorial Spitting Cobra (Naja sumatrana) in a mouse fibroblast cell line, followed by neutralization of the cytotoxicity by three regional antivenoms: the Thai Naja kaouthia monovalent antivenom (NkMAV), Vietnamese snake antivenom (SAV) and Taiwanese Neuro bivalent antivenom (NBAV). The cytotoxins of N. atra (NA-CTX) and N. sumatrana (NS-CTX) were identified as P-type cytotoxins, whereas that of N. kaouthia (NK-CTX) is S-type. All venoms and purified cytotoxins demonstrated varying concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in the following trend: highest for N. atra, followed by N. sumatrana and N. kaouthia. The antivenoms moderately neutralized the cytotoxicity of N. kaouthia venom but were weak against N. atra and N. sumatrana venom cytotoxicity. The neutralization potencies of the antivenoms against the cytotoxins were varied and generally low across NA-CTX, NS-CTX, and NK-CTX, possibly attributed to limited antigenicity of CTXs and/or different formulation of antivenom products. The study underscores the need for antivenom improvement and/or new therapies in treating local tissue toxicity caused by cobra envenomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Phin Chong
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Bing-Sin Liu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan;
| | - Wang-Chou Sung
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (W.-C.S.); (C.H.T.)
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (W.-C.S.); (C.H.T.)
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10
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Van Baelen AC, Robin P, Kessler P, Maïga A, Gilles N, Servent D. Structural and Functional Diversity of Animal Toxins Interacting With GPCRs. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:811365. [PMID: 35198603 PMCID: PMC8859281 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.811365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins from venoms have undergone a long evolutionary process allowing host defense or prey capture and making them highly selective and potent for their target. This has resulted in the emergence of a large panel of toxins from a wide diversity of species, with varied structures and multiple associated biological functions. In this way, animal toxins constitute an inexhaustible reservoir of druggable molecules due to their interesting pharmacological properties. One of the most interesting classes of therapeutic targets is the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs represent the largest family of membrane receptors in mammals with approximately 800 different members. They are involved in almost all biological functions and are the target of almost 30% of drugs currently on the market. Given the interest of GPCRs in the therapeutic field, the study of toxins that can interact with and modulate their activity with the purpose of drug development is of particular importance. The present review focuses on toxins targeting GPCRs, including peptide-interacting receptors or aminergic receptors, with a particular focus on structural aspects and, when relevant, on potential medical applications. The toxins described here exhibit a great diversity in size, from 10 to 80 amino acids long, in disulfide bridges, from none to five, and belong to a large panel of structural scaffolds. Particular toxin structures developed here include inhibitory cystine knot (ICK), three-finger fold, and Kunitz-type toxins. We summarize current knowledge on the structural and functional diversity of toxins interacting with GPCRs, concerning first the agonist-mimicking toxins that act as endogenous agonists targeting the corresponding receptor, and second the toxins that differ structurally from natural agonists and which display agonist, antagonist, or allosteric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Cécile Van Baelen
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Philippe Robin
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Pascal Kessler
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Arhamatoulaye Maïga
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- CHU Sainte Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gilles
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Denis Servent
- CEA, Département Médicaments et Technologies pour La Santé (DMTS), SIMoS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- *Correspondence: Denis Servent,
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11
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Lin JH, Sung WC, Mu HW, Hung DZ. Local Cytotoxic Effects in Cobra Envenoming: A Pilot Study. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14020122. [PMID: 35202149 PMCID: PMC8877591 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The cobra (genus Naja (N.)) is one of the most common venomous snakes. Due to its frequency and deadly complications of muscle paralysis, local necrosis, and chronic musculoskeletal disability, it should not be ignored. The pathology of devastating tissue destruction, even though specific antivenoms exist, is not fully clear. Here, we attempted to dig in envenomed tissues to study the clinical toxicology of cobra venom. Four cases of N. atra snake envenomation, in which the subjects developed advanced tissue injury, were involved in this study. We used enzyme-ligand sandwich immunoassay (ELISA) to assay the whole venom, cytotoxin A3 and short-chain neurotoxin (sNTX) in blood, bullae, wound discharge, and debrided tissue. We found that persistently high concentrations of venom and toxins, especially cytotoxin A3, were detected in bullae, wound discharge fluid and necrotic tissue of these patients even after large doses of specific antivenom treatment, and wide excision and advanced debridement could largely remove these toxins, lessen the size of necrosis, and promote wound healing. We also found that the point-of-care apparatus, ICT-Cobra kit, might be used to promptly monitor the wound condition and as one of the indicators of surgical intervention in cases of cobra envenomation in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Hua Lin
- Division of Toxicology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; (J.-H.L.); (H.-W.M.)
| | - Wang-Chou Sung
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan;
| | - Han-Wei Mu
- Division of Toxicology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; (J.-H.L.); (H.-W.M.)
| | - Dong-Zong Hung
- Division of Toxicology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; (J.-H.L.); (H.-W.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-2205-2121
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12
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Wong KY, Tan KY, Tan NH, Gnanathasan CA, Tan CH. Elucidating the Venom Diversity in Sri Lankan Spectacled Cobra ( Naja naja) through De Novo Venom Gland Transcriptomics, Venom Proteomics and Toxicity Neutralization. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:558. [PMID: 34437429 PMCID: PMC8402536 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inadequate effectiveness of Indian antivenoms in treating envenomation caused by the Spectacled Cobra/Indian Cobra (Naja naja) in Sri Lanka has been attributed to geographical variations in the venom composition. This study investigated the de novo venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics of the Sri Lankan N. naja (NN-SL) to elucidate its toxin gene diversity and venom variability. The neutralization efficacy of a commonly used Indian antivenom product in Sri Lanka was examined against the lethality induced by NN-SL venom in mice. The transcriptomic study revealed high expression of 22 toxin genes families in NN-SL, constituting 46.55% of total transcript abundance. Three-finger toxins (3FTX) were the most diversely and abundantly expressed (87.54% of toxin gene expression), consistent with the dominance of 3FTX in the venom proteome (72.19% of total venom proteins). The 3FTX were predominantly S-type cytotoxins/cardiotoxins (CTX) and α-neurotoxins of long-chain or short-chain subtypes (α-NTX). CTX and α-NTX are implicated in local tissue necrosis and fatal neuromuscular paralysis, respectively, in envenomation caused by NN-SL. Intra-species variations in the toxin gene sequences and expression levels were apparent between NN-SL and other geographical specimens of N. naja, suggesting potential antigenic diversity that impacts antivenom effectiveness. This was demonstrated by limited potency (0.74 mg venom/ml antivenom) of the Indian polyvalent antivenom (VPAV) in neutralizing the NN-SL venom. A pan-regional antivenom with improved efficacy to treat N. naja envenomation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin Ying Wong
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Nget Hong Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | | | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
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13
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Koide H, Yamauchi I, Hoshino Y, Yasuno G, Okamoto T, Akashi S, Saito K, Oku N, Asai T. Design of abiotic polymer ligand-decorated lipid nanoparticles for effective neutralization of target toxins in the blood. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:5588-5598. [PMID: 34241600 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00515d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Macromolecular toxins often induce inflammatory cytokine production, multiple-organ dysfunction, and cell death. Synthetic polymer ligands (PLs) prepared with several functional monomers have the potential of neutralizing target toxins after binding to them; therefore, they are of significant interest as abiotic antidotes. Although PLs show little toxin neutralization effect in the bloodstream because of immediate elimination from there, the toxin neutralization effect is significantly improved by the direct decoration of PLs onto lipid nanoparticles (PL-LNPs). However, this direct decoration decreases PL mobility, induces LNP aggregation after capturing the target, and decreases LNP blood circulation time. We designed novel PL-LNPs to improve PL mobility, inhibit the aggregation tendency after capturing the target, and increase LNP blood circulation time in order to achieve highly effective toxin neutralization in vivo. Specifically, LNPs were modified with PLs-conjugated polyethylene glycol (PEG), and additional PEG was used to modify the PL-decorated LNPs (PL-PEG-LNPs). Histones were used as target toxins, and N-isopropylacrylamide-based PLs were used for histone capture. PEGylation increased the plasma LNP level 24 h after intravenous injection by ∼90 times and inhibited LNP aggregation after histone capture. The dissociation constant (Kd) of PL-PEG-LNPs against histone was two times smaller compared to that of PL-LNPs. Although PL-LNPs inhibited histone-platelet interaction in the bloodstream, a large amount of histone-PL-LNP complexes accumulated in the lungs because of aggregation. However, PL-PEG-LNPs inhibited both histone-platelet interaction and histone accumulation in the lungs. Importantly, PL-PEG-LNP treatment increased the survival rate of histone-treated mice compared to PL-LNPs. These results provide a platform for the development of abiotic antidote nanoparticles in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Koide
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Ikumi Yamauchi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Yu Hoshino
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Go Yasuno
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Takumi Okamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Sotaro Akashi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Saito
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
| | - Naoto Oku
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan. and Laboratory of Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, Faculty of Pharma Sciences, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Asai
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
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14
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Dyba B, Rudolphi-Szydło E, Barbasz A, Czyżowska A, Hus KK, Petrilla V, Petrillová M, Legáth J, Bocian A. Effects of 3FTx Protein Fraction from Naja ashei Venom on the Model and Native Membranes: Recognition and Implications for the Mechanisms of Toxicity. Molecules 2021; 26:2164. [PMID: 33918763 PMCID: PMC8070352 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-finger toxins are naturally occurring proteins in Elapidae snake venoms. Nowadays, they are gaining popularity because of their therapeutic potential. On the other hand, these proteins may cause undesirable reactions inside the body's cells. A full assessment of the safety of Naja ashei venom components for human cell application is still unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the exogenous application of three-finger toxins on the cells of monocytes (U-937) and promyelocytes (HL-60), with particular emphasis on the modification of their membranes under the influence of various doses of 3FTx protein fraction (0-120 ng/mL). The fraction exhibiting the highest proportion of 3FTx proteins after size exclusion chromatography (SEC) separation was used in the experiments. The structural response of cell membranes was described on the basis of single-component and multi-component Langmuir monolayers that mimicked the native membranes. The results show that the mechanism of protein-lipid interactions depends on both the presence of lipid polar parts (especially zwitterionic type of lipids) and the degree of membrane saturation (the greatest-for unsaturated lipids). The biochemical indicators reflecting the tested cells (MDA, LDH, cell survival, induction of inflammation, LD50) proved the results that were obtained for the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Dyba
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Cracow, Poland; (B.D.); (E.R.-S.); (A.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Elżbieta Rudolphi-Szydło
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Cracow, Poland; (B.D.); (E.R.-S.); (A.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Anna Barbasz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Cracow, Poland; (B.D.); (E.R.-S.); (A.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Czyżowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Cracow, Poland; (B.D.); (E.R.-S.); (A.B.); (A.C.)
| | - Konrad Kamil Hus
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Vladimír Petrilla
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041-81 Košice, Slovakia;
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Široká 31, 040 06 Košice-Kavečany, Slovakia
| | - Monika Petrillová
- Department of General Competencies, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041-81 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041-81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Aleksandra Bocian
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland; (K.K.H.); (J.L.)
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15
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Konshina AG, Dubovskii PV, Efremov RG. Stepwise Insertion of Cobra Cardiotoxin CT2 into a Lipid Bilayer Occurs as an Interplay of Protein and Membrane "Dynamic Molecular Portraits". J Chem Inf Model 2020; 61:385-399. [PMID: 33382618 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c01137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
For many peripheral membrane-binding polypeptides(MBPs), especially β-structural ones, the precise molecular mechanisms of membrane insertion remain unclear. In most cases, only the terminal water-soluble and membrane-bound states have been elucidated, whereas potential functionally important intermediate stages are still not understood in sufficient detail. In this study, we present one of the first successful attempts to describe step-by-step embedding of the MBP cardiotoxin 2 (CT2) from cobra Naja oxiana venom into a lipid bilayer at the atomistic level. CT2 possesses a highly conservative and rigid β-structured three-finger fold shared by many other exogenous and endogenous proteins performing a wide variety of functions. The incorporation of CT2 into the lipid bilayer was analyzed via a 2 μs all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation without restraints. This process was shown to occur over a number of distinct steps, while the geometry of initial membrane attachment drastically differs from that of the final equilibrated state. In the latter one, the hydrophobic platform ("bottom") formed by the tips of the three loops is deeply buried into the lipid bilayer. This agrees well with the NMR data obtained earlier for CT2 in detergent micelles. However, the bottom is too bulky to insert itself into the membrane at once. Instead, the gradual immersion of CT2 initiated by the loop-1 was observed. This initial binding stage was also demonstrated in a series of MD runs with varying starting orientations of the toxin with respect to the bilayer surface. Apart from the nonspecific long-range electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic match/mismatch factor, several specific lipid-binding sites were identified in CT2. They were shown to promote membrane insertion by engaging in strong interactions with lipid head groups, fine-tuning the toxin-membrane accommodation. We therefore propose that the toxin insertion relies on the interplay of nonspecific and specific interactions, which are determined by the "dynamic molecular portraits" of the two players, the protein and the membrane. The proposed model does not require protein oligomerization for membrane insertion and can be further employed to design MBPs with predetermined properties with regard to particular membrane targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia G Konshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Peter V Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia.,National Research University Higher School of Economics, 20 Myasnitskaya str., Moscow 101000, Russia.,Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region 141700, Russia
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16
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Chong HP, Tan KY, Tan CH. Cytotoxicity of Snake Venoms and Cytotoxins From Two Southeast Asian Cobras ( Naja sumatrana, Naja kaouthia): Exploration of Anticancer Potential, Selectivity, and Cell Death Mechanism. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:583587. [PMID: 33263003 PMCID: PMC7686564 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.583587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms of cobras (Naja spp.) contain high abundances of cytotoxins, which contribute to tissue necrosis in cobra envenomation. The tissue-necrotizing activity of cobra cytotoxins, nevertheless, indicates anticancer potentials. This study set to explore the anticancer properties of the venoms and cytotoxins from Naja sumatrana (equatorial spitting cobra) and Naja kaouthia (monocled cobra), two highly venomous species in Southeast Asia. The cytotoxicity, selectivity, and cell death mechanisms of their venoms and cytotoxins (NS-CTX from N. sumatrana: NS-CTX; N. kaouthia: NK-CTX) were elucidated in human lung (A549), prostate (PC-3), and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Cytotoxins were purified through a sequential fractionation approach using cation-exchange chromatography, followed by C18 reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to homogeneity validated with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). The cobra venoms and their respective cytotoxins exhibited concentration-dependent growth inhibitory effects in all cell lines tested, with the cytotoxins being more potent compared to the corresponding whole venoms. NS-CTX and NK-CTX are, respectively, P-type and S-type isoforms of cytotoxin, based on the amino acid sequences as per LCMS/MS analysis. Both cytotoxins exhibited differential cytotoxic effects in the cell lines tested, with NS-CTX (P-type cytotoxin) being significantly more potent in inhibiting the growth of the cancer cells. Both cytotoxins demonstrated promising selectivity only for the A549 lung cancer cell line (selectivity index = 2.17 and 2.26, respectively) but not in prostate (PC-3) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines (selectivity index < 1). Flow cytometry revealed that the A549 lung cancer cells treated with NS-CTX and NK-CTX underwent necrosis predominantly. Meanwhile, the cytotoxins induced mainly caspase-independent late apoptosis in the prostate (PC-3) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells lines but lacked selectivity. The findings revealed the limitations and challenges that could be faced during the development of new cancer therapy from cobra cytotoxins, notwithstanding their potent anticancer effects. Further studies should aim to overcome these impediments to unleash the anticancer potentials of the cytotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Phin Chong
- Venom Research and Toxicology Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Protein and Interactomics Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Venom Research and Toxicology Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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17
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Teoh SQ, Yap MKK. Naja sumatrana venom cytotoxin, sumaCTX exhibits concentration-dependent cytotoxicity via caspase-activated mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis without transitioning to necrosis. TOXIN REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1799408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Qi Teoh
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Michelle Khai Khun Yap
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine and Biology Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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18
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Li F, Shrivastava IH, Hanlon P, Dagda RK, Gasanoff ES. Molecular Mechanism by which Cobra Venom Cardiotoxins Interact with the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E425. [PMID: 32605112 PMCID: PMC7404710 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiotoxin CTII from Najaoxiana cobra venom translocates to the intermembrane space (IMS) of mitochondria to disrupt the structure and function of the inner mitochondrial membrane. At low concentrations, CTII facilitates ATP-synthase activity, presumably via the formation of non-bilayer, immobilized phospholipids that are critical in modulating ATP-synthase activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of another cardiotoxin CTI from Najaoxiana cobra venom on the structure of mitochondrial membranes and on mitochondrial-derived ATP synthesis. By employing robust biophysical methods including 31P-NMR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, we analyzed the effects of CTI and CTII on phospholipid packing and dynamics in model phosphatidylcholine (PC) membranes enriched with 2.5 and 5.0 mol% of cardiolipin (CL), a phospholipid composition that mimics that in the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). These experiments revealed that CTII converted a higher percentage of bilayer phospholipids to a non-bilayer and immobilized state and both cardiotoxins utilized CL and PC molecules to form non-bilayer structures. Furthermore, in order to gain further understanding on how cardiotoxins bind to mitochondrial membranes, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) and molecular docking simulations to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which CTII and CTI interactively bind with an in silico phospholipid membrane that models the composition similar to the OMM. In brief, MD studies suggest that CTII utilized the N-terminal region to embed the phospholipid bilayer more avidly in a horizontal orientation with respect to the lipid bilayer and thereby penetrate at a faster rate compared with CTI. Molecular dynamics along with the Autodock studies identified critical amino acid residues on the molecular surfaces of CTII and CTI that facilitated the long-range and short-range interactions of cardiotoxins with CL and PC. Based on our compiled data and our published findings, we provide a conceptual model that explains a molecular mechanism by which snake venom cardiotoxins, including CTI and CTII, interact with mitochondrial membranes to alter the mitochondrial membrane structure to either upregulate ATP-synthase activity or disrupt mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- STEM Program, Science Department, Chaoyang KaiWen Academy, Yard 46, 3rd Baoquan Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100018, China; (F.L.); (P.H.); (E.S.G.)
| | - Indira H. Shrivastava
- Department of Computational and System Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Paul Hanlon
- STEM Program, Science Department, Chaoyang KaiWen Academy, Yard 46, 3rd Baoquan Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100018, China; (F.L.); (P.H.); (E.S.G.)
| | - Ruben K. Dagda
- Reno School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Edward S. Gasanoff
- STEM Program, Science Department, Chaoyang KaiWen Academy, Yard 46, 3rd Baoquan Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100018, China; (F.L.); (P.H.); (E.S.G.)
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19
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Pucca MB, Ahmadi S, Cerni FA, Ledsgaard L, Sørensen CV, McGeoghan FTS, Stewart T, Schoof E, Lomonte B, Auf dem Keller U, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Unity Makes Strength: Exploring Intraspecies and Interspecies Toxin Synergism between Phospholipases A 2 and Cytotoxins. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:611. [PMID: 32457615 PMCID: PMC7221120 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxin synergism is a complex biochemical phenomenon, where different animal venom proteins interact either directly or indirectly to potentiate toxicity to a level that is above the sum of the toxicities of the individual toxins. This provides the animals possessing venoms with synergistically enhanced toxicity with a metabolic advantage, since less venom is needed to inflict potent toxic effects in prey and predators. Among the toxins that are known for interacting synergistically are cytotoxins from snake venoms, phospholipases A2 from snake and bee venoms, and melittin from bee venom. These toxins may derive a synergistically enhanced toxicity via formation of toxin complexes by hetero-oligomerization. Using a human keratinocyte assay mimicking human epidermis in vitro, we demonstrate and quantify the level of synergistically enhanced toxicity for 12 cytotoxin/melittin-PLA2 combinations using toxins from elapids, vipers, and bees. Moreover, by utilizing an interaction-based assay and by including a wealth of information obtained via a thorough literature review, we speculate and propose a mechanistic model for how toxin synergism in relation to cytotoxicity may be mediated by cytotoxin/melittin and PLA2 complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Brazil.,Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Farrell T S McGeoghan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Trenton Stewart
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erwin Schoof
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ulrich Auf dem Keller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Art, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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20
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Liu CC, Chou YS, Chen CY, Liu KL, Huang GJ, Yu JS, Wu CJ, Liaw GW, Hsieh CH, Chen CK. Pathogenesis of local necrosis induced by Naja atra venom: Assessment of the neutralization ability of Taiwanese freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom in animal models. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008054. [PMID: 32032357 PMCID: PMC7032728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Naja atra envenomation is one of the most significant clinical snakebite concerns in Taiwan. Taiwanese freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV) is currently used clinically for the treatment of cobra snakebite, and has been shown to limit the mortality of cobra envenomation to less than 1%. However, more than half of victims (60%) require surgery because of local tissue necrosis, a major problem in patients with cobra envenomation. Although the importance of evaluating the neutralizing effect of FNAV on this pathology is recognized, whether FNAV is able to prevent the local necrosis extension induced by N. atra venom has not been investigated in detail. Cytotoxins (CTXs) are considered as the major components of N. atra venom that cause necrosis. In the current study, we isolated CTXs from whole cobra venom and used both whole venom and purified CTXs to develop animal models for assessing the neutralization potential of FNAV against venom necrotizing activity. Local necrotic lesions were successfully produced in mice using CTXs in place of whole N. atra venom. FNAV was able to rescue mice from a subcutaneously injected lethal dose of cobra venom; however, it was unable to prevent CTX-induced dermo-necrosis. Furthermore, using the minimal necrosis dose (MND) of CTXs and venom proteome data, we found a dose of whole N. atra venom suitable for FNAV and developed a workable protocol for inducing local necrosis in rodent models that successfully imitated the clinical circumstance of cobra envenoming. This information provides a more comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of N. atra envenomation, and serves as a guide for improving current antivenom strategies and advancing clinical snakebite management in Taiwan. Naja atra envenomation is an important public health issue in Taiwan. Although the mortality rate of cobra snakebite is controlled using antivenom, more than half of victims develop symptoms of local necrosis and require surgical intervention. Whether the Taiwanese freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV) currently in clinical use is able to prevent the local necrosis extension induced by N. atra venom is still unclear. In this study, we developed a dermo-necrosis animal model using purified cytotoxins (CTXs), the major necrosis-related proteins from N. atra venom. We found that FNAV was able to neutralize the lethality of whole cobra venom, but was unable to neutralize the necrosis induced by CTXs in vivo. This finding introduced an example that supplementary quality control assays may be necessary to determine the effectiveness of antivenoms in neutralizing specific pathology induced by the venom; only evaluating the rodent lethality prevention is insufficient. Our results provide insights that should help improve current antivenoms and advance cobra snakebite management in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chun Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shao Chou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Lin Liu
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Jen Huang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Song Yu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Ju Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Geng-Wang Liaw
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yeezen General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CHH); (CKC)
| | - Chun-Kuei Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CHH); (CKC)
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21
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Rheubert JL, Meyer MF, Strobel RM, Pasternak MA, Charvat RA. Predicting antibacterial activity from snake venom proteomes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226807. [PMID: 31978103 PMCID: PMC6980403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The continued evolution of antibiotic resistance has increased the urgency for new antibiotic development, leading to exploration of non-traditional sources. In particular, snake venom has garnered attention for its potent antibacterial properties. Numerous studies describing snake venom proteomic composition as well as antibiotic efficacy have created an opportunity to synthesize relationships between venom proteomes and their antibacterial properties. Using literature reported values from peer-reviewed studies, our study generated models to predict efficacy given venom protein family composition, snake taxonomic family, bacterial Gram stain, bacterial morphology, and bacterial respiration strategy. We then applied our predictive models to untested snake species with known venom proteomic compositions. Overall, our results provide potential protein families that serve as accurate predictors of efficacy as well as promising organisms in terms of antibacterial properties of venom. The results from this study suggest potential future research trajectories for antibacterial properties in snake venom by offering hypotheses for a variety of taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L. Rheubert
- Department of Biology, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Meyer
- School of the Environment, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Raeshelle M. Strobel
- Department of Biology, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Megan A. Pasternak
- Department of Biology, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Charvat
- Department of Biology, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, United States of America
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22
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Ozverel CS, Damm M, Hempel BF, Göçmen B, Sroka R, Süssmuth RD, Nalbantsoy A. Investigating the cytotoxic effects of the venom proteome of two species of the Viperidae family (Cerastes cerastes and Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus) from various habitats. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 220:20-30. [PMID: 30825636 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal secretions are of great interest in terms of drug development due to their complex protein and peptide composition. Especially, in the field of therapeutic medications such as anti-cancer drugs snake venoms receive attention. In this study, we address two Viperidae species from various habitats with a particular focus on the cytotoxic potential along with the decomplexation of the venom proteome: the horned desert viper (Cerastes cerastes), native to desert regions of North Africa and the mangrove pit viper (Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus), found in coastal forests of Southeast Asia. Initial cytotoxic screenings of the crude venoms revealed diverse activity, with the highest effect against SHSY5Y human glioblastoma carcinoma cells compared to other cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines. In-depth cytotoxicity studies of SHSY5Y cells with purified venom fractions revealed heterodimeric disintegrins from C. cerastes venom, which exerted a high cytotoxic activity with IC50 values from 0.11 to 0.58 μM and a disintegrin-like effect on SHSY5Y morphology was observed due to cell detachment. Furthermore, two polyproline BPP-related peptides, one PLA2 and a peptide-rich fraction were determined for C. purpureomaculatus with moderate IC50 values between 3 and 51 μM. Additionally, the decryption of the venom proteomes by snake venomic mass spectrometry and comparison of the same species from different habitats revealed slight differences in the composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cenk Serhan Ozverel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Maik Damm
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Strasse des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin-Florian Hempel
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Strasse des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Bayram Göçmen
- Zoology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Robert Sroka
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Strasse des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roderich D Süssmuth
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Strasse des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ayse Nalbantsoy
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 Izmir, Turkey.
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23
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Muller MP, Jiang T, Sun C, Lihan M, Pant S, Mahinthichaichan P, Trifan A, Tajkhorshid E. Characterization of Lipid-Protein Interactions and Lipid-Mediated Modulation of Membrane Protein Function through Molecular Simulation. Chem Rev 2019; 119:6086-6161. [PMID: 30978005 PMCID: PMC6506392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The cellular membrane constitutes one of the most fundamental compartments of a living cell, where key processes such as selective transport of material and exchange of information between the cell and its environment are mediated by proteins that are closely associated with the membrane. The heterogeneity of lipid composition of biological membranes and the effect of lipid molecules on the structure, dynamics, and function of membrane proteins are now widely recognized. Characterization of these functionally important lipid-protein interactions with experimental techniques is however still prohibitively challenging. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations offer a powerful complementary approach with sufficient temporal and spatial resolutions to gain atomic-level structural information and energetics on lipid-protein interactions. In this review, we aim to provide a broad survey of MD simulations focusing on exploring lipid-protein interactions and characterizing lipid-modulated protein structure and dynamics that have been successful in providing novel insight into the mechanism of membrane protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie P. Muller
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- College of Medicine
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Tao Jiang
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Chang Sun
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Muyun Lihan
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Shashank Pant
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Paween Mahinthichaichan
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anda Trifan
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- College of Medicine
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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24
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Naja annulifera Snake: New insights into the venom components and pathogenesis of envenomation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007017. [PMID: 30657756 PMCID: PMC6338361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Naja annulifera is a medically important venomous snake occurring in some of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Accidental bites result in severe coagulation disturbances, systemic inflammation and heart damage, as reported in dogs, and death, by respiratory arrest, in humans. Despite the medical importance of N. annulifera, little is known about its venom composition and the pathogenesis of envenomation. In this paper, the toxic, inflammatory and immunogenic properties of N. annulifera venom were analyzed. Methodology/Principal findings Venom proteomic analysis identified 79 different proteins, including Three Finger Toxins, Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins, Metalloproteinases, Phospholipases A2 (PLA2), Hyaluronidase, L-amino-acid oxidase, Cobra Venom Factor and Serine Proteinase. The presence of PLA2, hyaluronidase, fibrinogenolytic and anticoagulant activities was detected using functional assays. The venom was cytotoxic to human keratinocytes. In an experimental murine model of envenomation, it was found that the venom induced local changes, such as swelling, which was controlled by anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, the venom caused death, which was preceded by systemic inflammation and pulmonary hemorrhage. The venom was shown to be immunogenic, inducing a strong humoral immune response, with the production of antibodies able to recognize venom components with high molecular weight and to neutralize its lethal activity. Conclusions/Significance The results obtained in this study demonstrate that N. annulifera venom contains toxins able to induce local and systemic inflammation, which can contribute to lung damage and death. Moreover, the venom is immunogenic, an important feature that must be considered during the production of a therapeutic anti-N. annulifera antivenom. N. annulifera is a dangerous snake that belongs to the Elapidae family. It is found in some of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and has caused accidents in humans and dogs. In this study, we characterized some of the biochemical, toxic and immunogenic properties of N. annulifera venom. We showed that the venom is composed of several proteins, some of which display enzymatic activities, such as phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase, metalloproteinases and serine proteinases. The venom promoted disturbances in the human coagulation system and was cytotoxic to human epidermal cells. Using a mouse model, we showed that the venom promotes local reactions that were reduced with anti-inflammatory drugs. The venom caused systemic inflammation, lung hemorrhage and death. Further, the venom stimulated production of high antibody titers when injected into mice and the antiserum produced was able to inhibit venom-induced death. This study demonstrated that N. annulifera venom contains toxins that trigger inflammatory process, which may contribute to the envenomation pathology. Moreover, the venom is immunogenic, an important aspect for the production of an efficient N. annulifera antivenom.
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Massimino ML, Simonato M, Spolaore B, Franchin C, Arrigoni G, Marin O, Monturiol-Gross L, Fernández J, Lomonte B, Tonello F. Cell surface nucleolin interacts with and internalizes Bothrops asper Lys49 phospholipase A 2 and mediates its toxic activity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10619. [PMID: 30006575 PMCID: PMC6045611 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28846-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipases A2 are a major component of snake venoms. Some of them cause severe muscle necrosis through an unknown mechanism. Phospholipid hydrolysis is a possible explanation of their toxic action, but catalytic and toxic properties of PLA2s are not directly connected. In addition, viperid venoms contain PLA2-like proteins, which are very toxic even if they lack catalytic activity due to a critical mutation in position 49. In this work, the PLA2-like Bothrops asper myotoxin-II, conjugated with the fluorophore TAMRA, was found to be internalized in mouse myotubes, and in RAW264.7 cells. Through experiments of protein fishing and mass spectrometry analysis, using biotinylated Mt-II as bait, we found fifteen proteins interacting with the toxin and among them nucleolin, a nucleolar protein present also on cell surface. By means of confocal microscopy, Mt-II and nucleolin were shown to colocalise, at 4 °C, on cell membrane where they form Congo-red sensitive assemblies, while at 37 °C, 20 minutes after the intoxication, they colocalise in intracellular spots going from plasmatic membrane to paranuclear and nuclear area. Finally, nucleolin antagonists were found to inhibit the Mt-II internalization and toxic activity and were used to identify the nucleolin regions involved in the interaction with the toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morena Simonato
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, CNR, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Barbara Spolaore
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Padova, Via F. Marzolo, 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Franchin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
- Centro di Proteomica, Università di Padova e Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via G. Orus 2/B, 35129, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Arrigoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
- Centro di Proteomica, Università di Padova e Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via G. Orus 2/B, 35129, Padova, Italy
| | - Oriano Marin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Monturiol-Gross
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 11501, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 11501, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 11501, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fiorella Tonello
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, CNR, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy.
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26
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Abstract
Naja ashei is an African spitting cobra species closely related to N. mossambica and N. nigricollis. It is known that the venom of N. ashei, like that of other African spitting cobras, mainly has cytotoxic effects, however data about its specific protein composition are not yet available. Thus, an attempt was made to determine the venom proteome of N. ashei with the use of 2-D electrophoresis and MALDI ToF/ToF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight) mass spectrometry techniques. Our investigation revealed that the main components of analysed venom are 3FTxs (Three-Finger Toxins) and PLA₂s (Phospholipases A₂). Additionally the presence of cysteine-rich venom proteins, 5'-nucleotidase and metalloproteinases has also been confirmed. The most interesting fact derived from this study is that the venom of N. ashei includes proteins not described previously in other African spitting cobras-cobra venom factor and venom nerve growth factor. To our knowledge, there are currently no other reports concerning this venom composition and we believe that our results will significantly increase interest in research of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Kamil Hus
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Justyna Buczkowicz
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Vladimír Petrilla
- Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Kosice, Slovakia.
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Široká 31, 040 06 Košice-Kavečany, Slovakia.
| | - Monika Petrillová
- Department of General Education Subjects, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Andrzej Łyskowski
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Aleksandra Bocian
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
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27
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Dubovskii PV, Dubinnyi MA, Volynsky PE, Pustovalova YE, Konshina AG, Utkin YN, Arseniev AS, Efremov RG. Impact of membrane partitioning on the spatial structure of an S-type cobra cytotoxin. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2017; 36:3463-3478. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2017.1389662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Maxim A. Dubinnyi
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Pavel E. Volynsky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Yulia E. Pustovalova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Anastasia G. Konshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Yuri N. Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander S. Arseniev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region 141700, Russia
| | - Roman G. Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
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28
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Konshina AG, Krylov NA, Efremov RG. Cardiotoxins: Functional Role of Local Conformational Changes. J Chem Inf Model 2017; 57:2799-2810. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.7b00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia G. Konshina
- Shemyakin−Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 117997 GSP, Moscow V-437, Russia
| | - Nikolay A. Krylov
- Shemyakin−Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 117997 GSP, Moscow V-437, Russia
- Joint
Supercomputer Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect,
32a, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Roman G. Efremov
- Shemyakin−Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., 117997 GSP, Moscow V-437, Russia
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29
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Dubovskii PV, Dubinnyi MA, Konshina AG, Kazakova ED, Sorokoumova GM, Ilyasova TM, Shulepko MA, Chertkova RV, Lyukmanova EN, Dolgikh DA, Arseniev AS, Efremov RG. Structural and Dynamic “Portraits” of Recombinant and Native Cytotoxin I from Naja oxiana: How Close Are They? Biochemistry 2017; 56:4468-4477. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Maxim A. Dubinnyi
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Anastasia G. Konshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | | | | | - Tatyana M. Ilyasova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Shulepko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Rita V. Chertkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Ekaterina N. Lyukmanova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Biological
Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Dolgikh
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Biological
Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S. Arseniev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region 141700, Russia
| | - Roman G. Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
- Higher School of Economics, 20 Myasnitskaya, Moscow 101000, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region 141700, Russia
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30
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Tan KY, Tan CH, Chanhome L, Tan NH. Comparative venom gland transcriptomics of Naja kaouthia (monocled cobra) from Malaysia and Thailand: elucidating geographical venom variation and insights into sequence novelty. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3142. [PMID: 28392982 PMCID: PMC5384570 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) is a medically important venomous snake in Southeast Asia. Its venom has been shown to vary geographically in relation to venom composition and neurotoxic activity, indicating vast diversity of the toxin genes within the species. To investigate the polygenic trait of the venom and its locale-specific variation, we profiled and compared the venom gland transcriptomes of N. kaouthia from Malaysia (NK-M) and Thailand (NK-T) applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Methods The transcriptomes were sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq platform, assembled and followed by transcript clustering and annotations for gene expression and function. Pairwise or multiple sequence alignments were conducted on the toxin genes expressed. Substitution rates were studied for the major toxins co-expressed in NK-M and NK-T. Results and discussion The toxin transcripts showed high redundancy (41–82% of the total mRNA expression) and comprised 23 gene families expressed in NK-M and NK-T, respectively (22 gene families were co-expressed). Among the venom genes, three-finger toxins (3FTxs) predominated in the expression, with multiple sequences noted. Comparative analysis and selection study revealed that 3FTxs are genetically conserved between the geographical specimens whilst demonstrating distinct differential expression patterns, implying gene up-regulation for selected principal toxins, or alternatively, enhanced transcript degradation or lack of transcription of certain traits. One of the striking features that elucidates the inter-geographical venom variation is the up-regulation of α-neurotoxins (constitutes ∼80.0% of toxin’s fragments per kilobase of exon model per million mapped reads (FPKM)), particularly the long-chain α-elapitoxin-Nk2a (48.3%) in NK-T but only 1.7% was noted in NK-M. Instead, short neurotoxin isoforms were up-regulated in NK-M (46.4%). Another distinct transcriptional pattern observed is the exclusively and abundantly expressed cytotoxin CTX-3 in NK-T. The findings suggested correlation with the geographical variation in proteome and toxicity of the venom, and support the call for optimising antivenom production and use in the region. Besides, the current study uncovered full and partial sequences of numerous toxin genes from N. kaouthia which have not been reported hitherto; these include N. kaouthia-specific l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), snake venom serine protease (SVSP), cystatin, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), hyaluronidase (HYA), waprin, phospholipase B (PLB), aminopeptidase (AP), neprilysin, etc. Taken together, the findings further enrich the snake toxin database and provide deeper insights into the genetic diversity of cobra venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | | | - Nget Hong Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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31
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Kessler P, Marchot P, Silva M, Servent D. The three-finger toxin fold: a multifunctional structural scaffold able to modulate cholinergic functions. J Neurochem 2017; 142 Suppl 2:7-18. [PMID: 28326549 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Three-finger fold toxins are miniproteins frequently found in Elapidae snake venoms. This fold is characterized by three distinct loops rich in β-strands and emerging from a dense, globular core reticulated by four highly conserved disulfide bridges. The number and diversity of receptors, channels, and enzymes identified as targets of three-finger fold toxins is increasing continuously. Such manifold diversity highlights the specific adaptability of this fold for generating pleiotropic functions. Although this toxin superfamily disturbs many biological functions by interacting with a large diversity of molecular targets, the most significant target is the cholinergic system. By blocking the activity of the nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors or by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, three-finger fold toxins interfere most drastically with neuromuscular junction functioning. Several of these toxins have become powerful pharmacological tools for studying the function and structure of their molecular targets. Most importantly, since dysfunction of these receptors/enzyme is involved in many diseases, exploiting the three-finger scaffold to create novel, highly specific therapeutic agents may represent a major future endeavor. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kessler
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), IBITECS, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Pascale Marchot
- Aix-Marseille Université/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques laboratory, Faculté des Sciences Campus Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Marcela Silva
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), IBITECS, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.,Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Denis Servent
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), IBITECS, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Gorai B, Sivaraman T. Delineating residues for haemolytic activities of snake venom cardiotoxin 1 from Naja naja as probed by molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro validations. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 95:1022-1036. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.10.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Chan YS, Cheung RCF, Xia L, Wong JH, Ng TB, Chan WY. Snake venom toxins: toxicity and medicinal applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:6165-6181. [PMID: 27245678 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of small molecules and peptides/proteins, and most of them display certain kinds of bioactivities. They include neurotoxic, cytotoxic, cardiotoxic, myotoxic, and many different enzymatic activities. Snake envenomation is a significant health issue as millions of snakebites are reported annually. A large number of people are injured and die due to snake venom poisoning. However, several fatal snake venom toxins have found potential uses as diagnostic tools, therapeutic agent, or drug leads. In this review, different non-enzymatically active snake venom toxins which have potential therapeutic properties such as antitumor, antimicrobial, anticoagulating, and analgesic activities will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yau Sang Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, 518060, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Randy Chi Fai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, 518060, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jack Ho Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wai Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Suzuki-Matsubara M, Athauda SBP, Suzuki Y, Matsubara K, Moriyama A. Comparison of the primary structures, cytotoxicities, and affinities to phospholipids of five kinds of cytotoxins from the venom of Indian cobra, Naja naja. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 179:158-64. [PMID: 26456928 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism underlying the hemolytic and cytolytic processes of cobra cytotoxins (CTXs) is not yet fully elucidated. To examine this, we analyzed the amino acid sequences, hemolytic and cytotoxic activities, and affinities to phospholipids of the five major CTXs purified from the venom of Indian cobra, Naja naja. CTX2, CTX7, and CTX8 belonged to S-type, and CTX9 and CTX10 to P-type. Comparisons of CTX7 with CTX8 and CTX9 with CTX10 revealed similar primary structures and hemolytic and cytolytic activities. CTX2, whose primary structure was rather different from the others, showed several times weaker hemolytic and cytolytic biological activities than the others. The comparison of CTX2 with CTX7 suggested the importance of Lys30 in loop II for the strong hemolytic and cytolytic activities of S-type CTXs. Cloning of 12 CTX cDNAs from the Naja naja venom cDNA library revealed that 18 out of 23 substitutions found in CTX cDNAs were nonsynonymous. This clearly indicated the accelerated evolution of CTX genes. Multiple sequence alignment of 51 kinds of CTX cDNAs and calculations of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitutions indicated that the codons coding the three loops' regions, which may interact with the hydrophobic tails of phospholipids, have undergone an accelerated evolution. In contrast, the codons coding for amino acid residues considered to participate in the recognition and binding of the hydrophilic head groups of phospholipids, eight Cys residues, and those likely stabilizing β core structure, were all conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieko Suzuki-Matsubara
- Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Mizuho, Nagoya 467-8501, Japan.
| | - Senarath B P Athauda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya University, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Yoshiyuki Suzuki
- Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Mizuho, Nagoya 467-8501, Japan
| | - Kazumi Matsubara
- Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Mizuho, Nagoya 467-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Moriyama
- Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Nagoya City University, Mizuho, Nagoya 467-8501, Japan
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Ebrahim K, Shirazi FH, Mirakabadi AZ, Vatanpour H. Cobra venom cytotoxins; apoptotic or necrotic agents? Toxicon 2015; 108:134-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Viperatoxin-II: A novel viper venom protein as an effective bactericidal agent. FEBS Open Bio 2015; 5:928-41. [PMID: 26793432 PMCID: PMC4688439 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two novel viperatoxins (VipTx-I and VipTx-II) from Indian Russell’s viper snake venom were purified and characterized. VipTx-II but not VipTx-I showed strong antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and Burkholderia pseudomallei (strains KHW/TES), Proteus vulgaris and P. mirabilis. In broth dilution assays, VipTx-II had a potent bactericidal effect at the lowest dilutions against B. pseudomallei (strains KHW/TES), S. aureus and P. mirabilis. Protein-induced bactericidal potency was closely associated with pore formation and membrane damage. These proteins showed a low level of cytotoxic effects on human cells.
Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become a rising threat to public health. There is an urgent need for development of promising new therapeutic agents against drug resistant bacteria like S. aureus. This report discusses purification and characterization of proteins from Indian Russell’s viper snake venom. Novel 15-kDa proteins called “Viperatoxin” (VipTx-I and VipTx-II) were extracted from the whole venom and evaluated using in vitro antimicrobial experiments. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of “Viperatoxin” showed high sequence homology to daboiatoxin isolated from the same venom and also matched phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes isolated from other snake venoms. In an in vitro plate assay, VipTx-II but not VipTx-I showed strong antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and Burkholderia pseudomallei (KHW & TES), Proteus vulgaris and P. mirabilis. The VipTx-II was further tested by a broth-dilution assay at 100–3.1 μg/ml concentrations. The most potent bactericidal effect was found at the lowest dilutions (MICs of 6.25 μg/ml) against B. pseudomallei, S. aureus and P. vulgaris (MICs of 12.25 μg/ml). Electron microscopic investigation revealed that the protein-induced bactericidal potency was closely associated with pore formation and membrane damage, even at the lowest concentrations (<20 μg/ml). The toxin caused a low level of cytotoxic effects as observed in human (THP-1) cells at higher concentrations. Molecular weight determinations of VipTx-II by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed one major, along with a few minor bands. The results indicate that VipTx-II plays a significant role in bactericidal and membrane damaging effects in vitro. Non-cytotoxic properties on human cells highlight it as a promising candidate for further evaluation of antimicrobial potential in vivo.
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Key Words
- Bactericidal
- Daboia russelli russelli
- MALDI-TOF/MS, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight/mass spectrometer
- MDR, multi-drug resistant
- MH, Mueller Hinton
- MICs, minimum inhibitory concentrations
- MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- MTXs, myotoxins
- PLA2, phospholipase A2
- Phospholipase A2
- SEM, scanning electron microscopy
- TEM, transmission electron microscopy
- TS, Tryptic Soya
- VipTx-I and VipTx-II, viperatoxins I and II
- Viperatoxin-I
- Viperatoxin-II
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Naja naja oxiana Cobra Venom Cytotoxins CTI and CTII Disrupt Mitochondrial Membrane Integrity: Implications for Basic Three-Fingered Cytotoxins. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129248. [PMID: 26091109 PMCID: PMC4474699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cobra venom cytotoxins are basic three-fingered, amphipathic, non-enzymatic proteins that constitute a major fraction of cobra venom. While cytotoxins cause mitochondrial dysfunction in different cell types, the mechanisms by which cytotoxins bind to mitochondria remain unknown. We analyzed the abilities of CTI and CTII, S-type and P-type cytotoxins from Naja naja oxiana respectively, to associate with isolated mitochondrial fractions or with model membranes that simulate the mitochondrial lipid environment by using a myriad of biophysical techniques. Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-NMR) spectroscopy data suggest that both cytotoxins bind to isolated mitochondrial fractions and promote the formation of aberrant non-bilayer structures. We then hypothesized that CTI and CTII bind to cardiolipin (CL) to disrupt mitochondrial membranes. Collectively, 31P-NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), proton NMR (1H-NMR), deuterium NMR (2H-NMR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and erythrosine phosphorescence assays suggest that CTI and CTII bind to CL to generate non-bilayer structures and promote the permeabilization, dehydration and fusion of large unilamellar phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes enriched with CL. On the other hand, CTII but not CTI caused biophysical alterations of large unilamellar PC liposomes enriched with phosphatidylserine (PS). Mechanistically, single molecule docking simulations identified putative CL, PS and PC binding sites in CTI and CTII. While the predicted binding sites for PS and PC share a high number of interactive amino acid residues in CTI and CTII, the CL biding sites in CTII and CTI are more divergent as it contains additional interactive amino acid residues. Overall, our data suggest that cytotoxins physically associate with mitochondrial membranes by binding to CL to disrupt mitochondrial structural integrity.
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Petras D, Heiss P, Süssmuth RD, Calvete JJ. Venom Proteomics of Indonesian King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah: Integrating Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:2539-56. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Petras
- Institut
für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Müller-Breslau-Straße
10, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Heiss
- Institut
für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Müller-Breslau-Straße
10, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Institut
für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Müller-Breslau-Straße
10, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Laboratorio
de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Tan KY, Tan CH, Fung SY, Tan NH. Venomics, lethality and neutralization of Naja kaouthia (monocled cobra) venoms from three different geographical regions of Southeast Asia. J Proteomics 2015; 120:105-25. [PMID: 25748141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Previous studies showed that venoms of the monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia from Thailand and Malaysia are substantially different in their median lethal doses. The intraspecific venom variations of N. kaouthia, however, have not been fully elucidated. Here we investigated the venom proteomes of N. kaouthia from Malaysia (NK-M), Thailand (NK-T) and Vietnam (NK-V) through reverse-phase HPLC, SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry. The venom proteins comprise 13 toxin families, with three-finger toxins being the most abundant (63-77%) and the most varied (11-18 isoforms) among the three populations. NK-T has the highest content of neurotoxins (50%, predominantly long neurotoxins), followed by NK-V (29%, predominantly weak neurotoxins and some short neurotoxins), while NK-M has the least (18%, some weak neurotoxins but less short and long neurotoxins). On the other hand, cytotoxins constitute the main bulk of toxins in NK-M and NK-V venoms (up to 45% each), but less in NK-T venom (27%). The three venoms show different lethal potencies that generally reflect the proteomic findings. Despite the proteomic variations, the use of Thai monovalent and Neuro polyvalent antivenoms for N. kaouthia envenomation in the three regions is appropriate as the different venoms were neutralized by the antivenoms albeit at different degrees of effectiveness. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Biogeographical variations were observed in the venom proteome of monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The Thai N. kaouthia venom is particularly rich in long neurotoxins, while the Malaysian and Vietnamese specimens were predominated with cytotoxins. The differentially expressed toxin profile accounts for the discrepancy in the lethal dose of the venom from different populations. Commercially available Thai antivenoms (monovalent and polyvalent) were able to neutralize the three venoms at different effective doses, hence supporting their uses in the three regions. While dose adjustment according to geographical region seems possible, changes to standard recommended dosage should only be made if further study validates that the monocled cobras within a population do not exhibit remarkable inter-individual venom variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; University of Malaya Centre for Proteomics Research (UMPCR), University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Shin Yee Fung
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; University of Malaya Centre for Proteomics Research (UMPCR), University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nget Hong Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; University of Malaya Centre for Proteomics Research (UMPCR), University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Abdel Moneim AE, Ortiz F, Leonardo-Mendonça RC, Vergano-Villodres R, Guerrero-Martínez JA, López LC, Acuña-Castroviejo D, Escames G. Protective effects of melatonin against oxidative damage induced by Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) crude venom in rats. Acta Trop 2015; 143:58-65. [PMID: 25542296 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Naja haje envenomation is one of the leading causes of death due to snakebite. Antiserum therapy sometimes fails to provide enough protection against venom toxicity. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of melatonin against N. haje venom in rats. The animals were injected with venom (0.25mg/kg) and/or melatonin (10mg/kg) and compared with vehicle-treated rats. There was oxidative/nitrosative damage and apoptosis in the liver, heart, and kidneys of venom-injected rats. Melatonin counteracted the increased lipoperoxidation and nitric oxide, prevented decreased glutathione peroxidase and reductase activity, reduced the glutathione disulfide/glutathione (GSSG/GSH) ratio, and maintained the GSH pool. Furthermore, melatonin administration was associated with a reduction of apoptosis, which was increased in venom-injected rats. Overall, these results suggest that melatonin mitigates oxidative/nitrosative stress in venom-induced cardio-hepato-renal injury in rats. Our results suggest that melatonin treatment may ameliorate some of the effects of N. haje envenomation.
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Gasanov SE, Dagda RK, Rael ED. Snake Venom Cytotoxins, Phospholipase A 2s, and Zn 2+-dependent Metalloproteinases: Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacological Relevance. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 2014; 4:1000181. [PMID: 24949227 PMCID: PMC4060629 DOI: 10.4172/2161-0495.1000181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Snake venom toxins are responsible for causing severe pathology and toxicity following envenomation including necrosis, apoptosis, neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, profuse hemorrhage, and disruption of blood homeostasis. Clinically, snake venom toxins therefore represent a significant hazard to snakebite victims which underscores the need to produce more efficient anti-venom. Some snake venom toxins, however, have great potential as drugs for treating human diseases. In this review, we discuss the biochemistry, structure/function, and pathology induced by snake venom toxins on human tissue. We provide a broad overview of cobra venom cytotoxins, catalytically active and inactive phospholipase A2s (PLA2s), and Zn2+-dependent metalloproteinases. We also propose biomedical applications whereby snake venom toxins can be employed for treating human diseases. Cobra venom cytotoxins, for example, may be utilized as anti-cancer agents since they are efficient at destroying certain types of cancer cells including leukemia. Additionally, increasing our understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) by which snake venom PLA2s promote hydrolysis of cell membrane phospholipids can give insight into the underlying biomedical implications for treating autoimmune disorders that are caused by dysregulated endogenous PLA2 activity. Lastly, we provide an exhaustive overview of snake venom Zn2+-dependent metalloproteinases and suggest ways by which these enzymes can be engineered for treating deep vein thrombosis and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sardar E Gasanov
- Applied Mathematics and Informatics Department, Moscow State University Branch, 22 A. Timur Avenue, Tashkent 100060, Uzbekistan
- Science Department, Tashkent Ulugbek International School, 5-A J. Shoshiy Street, Tashkent 100100, Uzbekistan
| | - Ruben K Dagda
- Pharmacology Department, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 1664 North Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Eppie D Rael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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Maftouni N, Amininasab M, Ejtehadi MR, Kowsari F, Dastvan R. Nanomechanical properties of lipid bilayer: Asymmetric modulation of lateral pressure and surface tension due to protein insertion in one leaflet of a bilayer. J Chem Phys 2013; 138:065101. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4776764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Heus F, Vonk F, Otvos RA, Bruyneel B, Smit AB, Lingeman H, Richardson M, Niessen WM, Kool J. An efficient analytical platform for on-line microfluidic profiling of neuroactive snake venoms towards nicotinic receptor affinity. Toxicon 2013; 61:112-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 10/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lomonte B, Rangel J. Snake venom Lys49 myotoxins: From phospholipases A2 to non-enzymatic membrane disruptors. Toxicon 2012; 60:520-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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A Lys49-PLA2 myotoxin of Bothrops asper triggers a rapid death of macrophages that involves autocrine purinergic receptor signaling. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e343. [PMID: 22764102 PMCID: PMC3406575 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lys49-PLA(2) myotoxins, an important component of various viperid snake venoms, are a class of PLA(2)-homolog proteins deprived of catalytic activity. Similar to enzymatically active PLA(2) (Asp49) and to other classes of myotoxins, they cause severe myonecrosis. Moreover, these toxins are used as tools to study skeletal muscle repair and regeneration, a process that can be very limited after snakebites. In this work, the cytotoxic effect of different myotoxins, Bothrops asper Lys49 and Asp49-PLA(2), Notechis scutatus notexin and Naja mossambica cardiotoxin, was evaluated on macrophages, cells that have a key role in muscle regeneration. Only the Lys49-myotoxin was found to trigger a rapid asynchronous death of mouse peritoneal macrophages and macrophagic cell lines through a process that involves ATP release, ATP-induced ATP release and that is inhibited by various purinergic receptor antagonists. ATP leakage is induced also at sublytical doses of the Lys49-myotoxin, it involves Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores, and is reduced by inhibitors of VSOR and the maxi-anion channel. The toxin-induced cell death is different from that caused by high concentration of ATP and appears to be linked to localized purinergic signaling. Based on present findings, a mechanism of cell death is proposed that can be extended to other cytolytic proteins and peptides.
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Wu PL, Chiu CR, Huang WN, Wu WG. The role of sulfatide lipid domains in the membrane pore-forming activity of cobra cardiotoxin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:1378-85. [PMID: 22387431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Cobra CTX A3, the major cardiotoxin (CTX) from Naja atra, is a cytotoxic, basic β-sheet polypeptide that is known to induce a transient membrane leakage of cardiomyocytes through a sulfatide-dependent CTX membrane pore formation and internalization mechanism. The molecular specificity of CTX A3-sulfatide interaction at atomic levels has also been shown by both nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray diffraction techniques to reveal a role of CTX-induced sulfatide conformational changes for CTX A3 binding and dimer formation. In this study, we investigate the role of sulfatide lipid domains in CTX pore formation by various biophysical methods, including fluorescence imaging and atomic force microscopy, and suggest an important role of liquid-disordered (ld) and solid-ordered (so) phase boundary in lipid domains to facilitate the process. Fluorescence spectroscopic studies on the kinetics of membrane leakage and CTX oligomerization further reveal that, although most CTXs can oligomerize on membranes, only a small fraction of CTXs oligomerizations form leakage pores. We therefore suggest that CTX binding at the boundary between the so and so/ld phase coexistence sulfatide lipid domains could form effective pores to significantly enhance the CTX-induced membrane leakage of sulfatide-containing phosphatidylcholine vesicles. The model is consistent with our earlier observations that CTX may penetrate and lyse the bilayers into small aggregates at a lipid/protein molar ratio of about 20 in the ripple P(β)' phase of phosphatidylcholine bilayers and suggest a novel mechanism for the synergistic action of cobra secretary phospholipase A2 and CTXs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Long Wu
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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