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Freuville L, Matthys C, Quinton L, Gillet JP. Venom-derived peptides for breaking through the glass ceiling of drug development. Front Chem 2024; 12:1465459. [PMID: 39398192 PMCID: PMC11468230 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1465459] [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: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Venoms are complex mixtures produced by animals and consist of hundreds of components including small molecules, peptides, and enzymes selected for effectiveness and efficacy over millions of years of evolution. With the development of venomics, which combines genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to study animal venoms and their effects deeply, researchers have identified molecules that selectively and effectively act against membrane targets, such as ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors. Due to their remarkable physico-chemical properties, these molecules represent a credible source of new lead compounds. Today, not less than 11 approved venom-derived drugs are on the market. In this review, we aimed to highlight the advances in the use of venom peptides in the treatment of diseases such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer. We report on the origin and activity of the peptides already approved and provide a comprehensive overview of those still in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lou Freuville
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Chloé Matthys
- Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, URPhyM, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Gillet
- Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, URPhyM, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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2
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Richards NJ, Alqallaf A, Mitchell RD, Parnell A, Haidar HB, Almeida JR, Williams J, Vijayakumar P, Balogun A, Matsakas A, Trim SA, Patel K, Vaiyapuri S. Indian Ornamental Tarantula ( Poecilotheria regalis) Venom Affects Myoblast Function and Causes Skeletal Muscle Damage. Cells 2023; 12:2074. [PMID: 37626884 PMCID: PMC10453882 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by the Indian ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis) is medically relevant to humans, both in its native India and worldwide, where they are kept as pets. Muscle-related symptoms such as cramps and pain are commonly reported in humans following envenomation by this species. There is no specific treatment, including antivenom, for its envenomation. Moreover, the scientific knowledge of the impact of this venom on skeletal muscle function is highly limited. Therefore, we carried out this study to better understand the myotoxic properties of Poecilotheria regalis venom by determining its effects in cultured myoblasts and in the tibialis anterior muscle in mice. While there was no effect found on undifferentiated myoblasts, the venom affected differentiated multinucleated myotubes resulting in the reduction of fusion and atrophy of myotubes. Similarly, intramuscular administration of this venom in the tibialis anterior muscle in mice resulted in extensive muscle damage on day 5. However, by day 10, the regeneration was evident, and the regeneration process continued until day 20. Nevertheless, some tissue abnormalities including reduced dystrophin expression and microthrombi presence were observed on day 20. Overall, this study demonstrates the ability of this venom to induce significant muscle damage and affect its regeneration in the early stages. These data provide novel mechanistic insights into this venom-induced muscle damage and guide future studies to isolate and characterise individual toxic component(s) that induce muscle damage and their significance in developing better therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Richards
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (N.J.R.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (H.B.H.)
| | - Ali Alqallaf
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (N.J.R.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (H.B.H.)
- Medical Services Authority, Ministry of Defence, Kuwait City 13012, Kuwait
| | | | - Andrew Parnell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (N.J.R.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (H.B.H.)
- Micregen Ltd., Thames Valley Science Park, Reading RG2 9LH, UK;
| | - Husain Bin Haidar
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (N.J.R.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (H.B.H.)
| | - José R. Almeida
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (J.R.A.); (J.W.); (P.V.)
| | - Jarred Williams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (J.R.A.); (J.W.); (P.V.)
| | - Pradeep Vijayakumar
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (J.R.A.); (J.W.); (P.V.)
| | - Adedoyin Balogun
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Antonios Matsakas
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | | | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (N.J.R.); (A.A.); (A.P.); (H.B.H.)
| | - Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK; (J.R.A.); (J.W.); (P.V.)
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3
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Viral vector-mediated expressions of venom peptides as novel gene therapy for anxiety and depression. Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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4
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Therapeutic potential of viral vectors that express venom peptides for neurological diseases. Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Therapeutic peptides: current applications and future directions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:48. [PMID: 35165272 PMCID: PMC8844085 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 258.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide drug development has made great progress in the last decade thanks to new production, modification, and analytic technologies. Peptides have been produced and modified using both chemical and biological methods, together with novel design and delivery strategies, which have helped to overcome the inherent drawbacks of peptides and have allowed the continued advancement of this field. A wide variety of natural and modified peptides have been obtained and studied, covering multiple therapeutic areas. This review summarizes the efforts and achievements in peptide drug discovery, production, and modification, and their current applications. We also discuss the value and challenges associated with future developments in therapeutic peptides.
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Teodoro A, Gonçalves FJ, Oliveira H, Marques S. Venom of Viperidae: A Perspective of its Antibacterial and Antitumor
Potential. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:126-144. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210811164517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
:
The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria and limitations on cancer treatment represent
two important challenges in modern medicine. Biological compounds have been explored with
a particular focus on venoms. Although they can be lethal or cause considerable damage to humans,
venom is also a source rich in components with high therapeutic potential.
:
Viperidae family is one of the most emblematic venomous snake families and several studies highlighted
the antibacterial and antitumor potential of viper toxins. According to the literature, these
activities are mainly associated to five protein families - svLAAO, Disintegrins, PLA2, SVMPs and
C-type lectins- that act through different mechanisms leading to the inhibition of the growth of bacteria,
as well as, cytotoxic effects and inhibition of metastasis process. In this review, we provide
an overview of the venom toxins produced by species belonging to the Viperidae family, exploring
their roles during the envenoming and their pharmacological properties, in order to demonstrate its
antibacterial and antitumor potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Teodoro
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando J.M. Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Helena Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Marques
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Ji F, Zhao Y, Jiang F, Shang D. Membrane mechanism of temporin-1CEc, an antimicrobial peptide isolated from the skin secretions of Rana chensinensis, and its systemic analogs. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105544. [PMID: 34953322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are new and powerful target molecules in the development of new antibacterial agents. Temporin-1CEc, a natural peptide isolated and purified from the skin secretions of the Chinese brown frog Rana chensinensis, exhibits low or no antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, which limits its potential therapeutic use; however, it displays low hemolysis to human erythrocytes. Here, a series of temporin-1CEc analogs was designed and synthesized by amino acid residue substitutions based on cationicity, hydrophobicity, amphipathicity and secondary structure to understand the structure-activity relationships of this peptide in depth. The results showed that all of the analogs, except for 2K and 4K, had significantly improved antibacterial activity against the tested standard bacterial strains and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains compared to temporin-1CEc. 2K2L and 2K4L, but not 4K2L and 4K4L, showed the strongest antibacterial activity compared with their parent peptides 2K and 4K, suggesting that peptide hydrophobicity plays a more important role in antibacterial activity than cationicity for this series of AMPs. However, the antibacterial activity of the 6 Trp-containing analogs of 2K4L decreased with a further increase in hydrophobicity based on the results of 2K4L, indicating that it is more important to balance cationicity and hydrophobicity. Moreover, an increase in AMP hydrophobicity led to hemolysis. Notably, all of the peptides adopted α-helical structures in 50% trifluoroethanol/water and 30 mM SDS solutions. 2K2L and 2K4L displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against sensitive and multidrug-resistant bacteria, effectively killing the tested multidrug resistant strain Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE1208). 2K2L and 2K4L were able to increase the permeability of the outer and inner membranes by depolarization and disturb the integration of the cytoplasmic membrane of MRSE1208 cells, leading to leakage of its cellular contents. In addition, 2K2L and 2K4L at low concentrations inhibited biofilm formation and degraded mature 1-day-old MRSE1208 biofilms. Notably, 2K2L and 2K4L inhibited the formation of MRSE1208 biofilms at concentrations below its MIC value, suggesting that the peptide may exert an inhibitory effect through not only direct antimicrobial activity but also a biofilm-specific mechanism. Collectively, these results suggest that 2K2L and 2K4L could be effective antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyu Ji
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Fengquan Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Dejing Shang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China.
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Arunmanee W, Duangkaew M, Taweecheep P, Aphicho K, Lerdvorasap P, Pitchayakorn J, Intasuk C, Jiraratmetacon R, Syamsidi A, Chanvorachote P, Chaotham C, Pornputtapong N. Resurfacing receptor binding domain of Colicin N to enhance its cytotoxic effect on human lung cancer cells. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:5225-5234. [PMID: 34630940 PMCID: PMC8479544 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colicin N (ColN) is a bacteriocin secreted by Escherichia coli (E. coli) to kill other Gram-negative bacteria by forcefully generating ion channels in the inner membrane. In addition to its bactericidal activity, ColN have been reported to selectively induce apoptosis in human lung cancer cells via the suppression of integrin modulated survival pathway. However, ColN showed mild toxicity against human lung cancer cells which could be improved for further applications. The protein resurfacing strategy was chosen to engineer ColN by extensive mutagenesis at solvent-exposed residues on ColN. The highly accessible Asp and Glu on wildtype ColN (ColNWT) were replaced by Lys to create polycationic ColN (ColN+12). Previous studies have shown that increase of positive charges on proteins leads to the enhancement of mammalian cell penetration as well as increased interaction with negatively charged surface of cancer cells. Those solvent-exposed residues of ColN were identified by Rosetta and AvNAPSA (Average number of Neighboring Atoms Per Sidechain Atom) approaches. The findings revealed that the structural features and stability of ColN+12 determined by circular dichroism were similar to ColNWT. Furthermore, the toxicity of ColN+12 was cancer selective. Human lung cancer cells, H460 and H23, were sensitive to ColN but human dermal papilla cells were not. ColN+12 also showed more potent toxicity than ColNWT in cancer cells. This confirmed that polycationic resurfacing method has enabled us to improve the anticancer activity of ColN towards human lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanatchaporn Arunmanee
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Methawee Duangkaew
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pornchanok Taweecheep
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kanokpol Aphicho
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panuwat Lerdvorasap
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Jesada Pitchayakorn
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chayada Intasuk
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Runglada Jiraratmetacon
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Armini Syamsidi
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, Tadulako University, Central Sulawesi 94118, Indonesia
| | - Pithi Chanvorachote
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cell-based Drug and Health Products Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chatchai Chaotham
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cell-based Drug and Health Products Development Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Natapol Pornputtapong
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Corresponding author.
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Giribaldi J, Smith JJ, Schroeder CI. Recent developments in animal venom peptide nanotherapeutics with improved selectivity for cancer cells. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 50:107769. [PMID: 33989705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that efficiently modulate key receptors and ion channels involved in cellular excitability to rapidly neutralize their prey or predators. As such, they have been a wellspring of highly useful pharmacological tools for decades. Besides targeting ion channels, some venom peptides exhibit strong cytotoxic activity and preferentially affect cancer over healthy cells. This is unlikely to be driven by an evolutionary impetus, and differences in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment are probably behind the serendipitous selectivity shown by some venom peptides. However, strategies such as bioconjugation and nanotechnologies are showing potential to improve their selectivity and potency, thereby paving the way to efficiently harness new anticancer mechanisms offered by venom peptides. This review aims to highlight advances in nano- and chemotherapeutic tools and prospective anti-cancer drug leads derived from animal venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Sowińska M, Szeliga M, Morawiak M, Ziemińska E, Zabłocka B, Urbańczyk-Lipkowska Z. Peptide Dendrimers with Non-Symmetric Bola Structure Exert Long Term Effect on Glioblastoma and Neuroblastoma Cell Lines. Biomolecules 2021; 11:435. [PMID: 33804286 PMCID: PMC8000084 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common cancers of childhood derived from the neural crest cells. The survival rate for patients with GBM and high-risk NB is poor; therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Increasing evidence suggests a dual role of redox-active compounds in both tumorigenesis and cancer treatment. Therefore, in this study, polyfunctional peptide-based dendrimeric molecules of the bola structure carrying residues with antiproliferative potential on one side and the antioxidant residues on the other side were designed. METHODS We synthesized non-symmetric bola dendrimers and assessed their radical scavenging potency as well as redox capability. The influence of dendrimers on viability of rat primary cerebellar neurons (CGC) and normal human astrocytes (NHA) was determined by propidium iodide staining and cell counting. Cytotoxicity against human GBM cell lines, T98G and LN229, and NB cell line SH-SY5Y was assessed by cell counting and colony forming assay. RESULTS Testing of CGC and NHA viability allowed to establish a range of optimal dendrimers structure and concentration for further evaluation of their impact on two human GBM and one human NB cell lines. According to ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC antioxidant tests, the most toxic for normal cells were dendrimers with high charge and an excess of antioxidant residues (Trp and PABA) on both sides of the bola structure. At 5 μM concentration, most of the tested dendrimers neither reduced rat CGC viability below 50-40%, nor harmed human neurons (NHA). The same dose of compounds 16 or 22, after 30 min treatment decreased the number of SH-SY5Y and LN229 cells, but did not affect the number of T98G cells 48 h post treatment. However, either compound significantly reduced the number of colonies formed by SH-SY5Y, LN229, and T98G cells measured 14 days after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Peptide dendrimers with non-symmetric bola structure are excellent scaffolds for design of molecules with pro/antioxidant functionality. Design of molecules with an excess of positive charges and antioxidant residues rendered molecules with high neurotoxicity. Single, 30 min exposition of the GBM and NB cell lines to the selected bola dendrimers significantly suppressed their clonogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sowińska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry PAS, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland; (M.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Monika Szeliga
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute PAS, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (E.Z.); (B.Z.)
| | - Maja Morawiak
- Institute of Organic Chemistry PAS, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland; (M.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Elżbieta Ziemińska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute PAS, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (E.Z.); (B.Z.)
| | - Barbara Zabłocka
- Mossakowski Medical Research Institute PAS, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (E.Z.); (B.Z.)
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Rodrigo AP, Mendes VM, Manadas B, Grosso AR, Alves de Matos AP, Baptista PV, Costa PM, Fernandes AR. Specific Antiproliferative Properties of Proteinaceous Toxin Secretions from the Marine Annelid Eulalia sp. onto Ovarian Cancer Cells. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:31. [PMID: 33445445 PMCID: PMC7827603 DOI: 10.3390/md19010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As Yondelis joins the ranks of approved anti-cancer drugs, the benefit from exploring the oceans' biodiversity becomes clear. From marine toxins, relevant bioproducts can be obtained due to their potential to interfere with specific pathways. We explored the cytotoxicity of toxin-bearing secretions of the polychaete Eulalia onto a battery of normal and cancer human cell lines and discovered that the cocktail of proteins is more toxic towards an ovarian cancer cell line (A2780). The secretions' main proteins were identified by proteomics and transcriptomics: 14-3-3 protein, Hsp70, Rab3, Arylsulfatase B and serine protease, the latter two being known toxins. This mixture of toxins induces cell-cycle arrest at G2/M phase after 3h exposure in A2780 cells and extrinsic programmed cell death. These findings indicate that partial re-activation of the G2/M checkpoint, which is inactivated in many cancer cells, can be partly reversed by the toxic mixture. Protein-protein interaction networks partake in two cytotoxic effects: cell-cycle arrest with a link to RAB3C and RAF1; and lytic activity of arylsulfatases. The discovery of both mechanisms indicates that venomous mixtures may affect proliferating cells in a specific manner, highlighting the cocktails' potential in the fine-tuning of anti-cancer therapeutics targeting cell cycle and protein homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Rodrigo
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (A.R.G.); (P.V.B.)
| | - Vera M. Mendes
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (V.M.M.); (B.M.)
| | - Bruno Manadas
- CNC–Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (V.M.M.); (B.M.)
| | - Ana R. Grosso
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (A.R.G.); (P.V.B.)
| | - António P. Alves de Matos
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Pedro V. Baptista
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (A.R.G.); (P.V.B.)
| | - Pedro M. Costa
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (A.R.G.); (P.V.B.)
| | - Alexandra R. Fernandes
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (A.R.G.); (P.V.B.)
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12
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Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. Pharmacol Res 2020; 164:105327. [PMID: 33276098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.
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Bioinspired Bola-Type Peptide Dendrimers Inhibit Proliferation and Invasiveness of Glioblastoma Cells in a Manner Dependent on Their Structure and Amphipathic Properties. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12111106. [PMID: 33217976 PMCID: PMC7698760 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Natural peptides supporting the innate immune system studied at the functional and mechanistic level are a rich source of innovative compounds for application in human therapy. Increasing evidence indicates that apart from antimicrobial activity, some of them exhibit selective cytotoxicity towards tumor cells. Their cationic, amphipathic structure enables interactions with the negatively-charged membranes of microbial or malignant cells. It can be modeled in 3D by application of dendrimer chemistry. (2) Methods: Here we presented design principles, synthesis and bioactivity of branched peptides constructed from ornithine (Orn) assembled as proline (Pro)- or histidine (His)-rich dendrons and dendrimers of the bola structure. The impact of the structure and amphipathic properties of dendrons/dendrimers on two glioblastoma cell lines U87 and T98G was studied with the application of proliferation, apoptosis and cell migration assays. Cell morphology/cytoskeleton architecture was visualized by immunofluorescence microscopy. (3) Results: Dimerization of dendrons into bola dendrimers enhanced their bioactivity. Pro- and His-functionalized bola dendrimers displayed cytostatic activity, even though differences in the responsiveness of U87 and T98G cells to these compounds indicate that their bioactivity depends not only on multiple positive charge and amphipathic structure but also on cellular phenotype. (4) Conclusion: Ornithine dendrons/dendrimers represent a group of promising anti-tumor agents and the potential tools to study interrelations between drug bioactivity, its chemical properties and tumor cells' phenotype.
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Okada M, Kozaki I, Honda H. Antidepressive effect of an inward rectifier K+ channel blocker peptide, tertiapin-RQ. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233815. [PMID: 33186384 PMCID: PMC7665585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233815] [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: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal outer medullary K+ channel, ROMK (Kir1.1, kcnj1) is expressed in the kidney and brain, but its role in the central nervous system remains unknown. Recent studies suggested an involvement of the ROMK channel in mental diseases. Tertiapin (TPN) is a European honey bee venom peptide and is reported to selectively block the ROMK channel. Here, we have chemically synthesized a series of mutated TPN peptides, including TPN-I8R and -M13Q (TPN-RQ), reported previously, and examined their blocking activity on the ROMK channel. Among 71 peptides tested, TPN-RQ was found to block the ROMK channel most effectively. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed the essential roles of two disulfide bonds and the circular structure for the blockade activity. To examine the central role, we injected TPN-RQ intracerebroventricularly and examined the effects on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. TPN-RQ showed an antidepressive effect in tail-suspension and forced swim tests. The injection of TPN-RQ also enhanced the anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze and light/dark box tests and impaired spontaneous motor activities in balance beam and wheel running tests. Administration of TPM-RQ suppressed the anti-c-Fos immunoreactivity in the lateral septum, without affecting immunoreactivity in antidepressant-related nuclei, e.g. the dorsal raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus. TPN-RQ may exert its antidepressive effects through a different mechanism from current drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Okada
- Department of Medical Life Science, College of Life Science, Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Ikkou Kozaki
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate Schoosl of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate Schoosl of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Roy A, Bharadvaja N. Venom-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Potential Anticancer Agents: A Review. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10073-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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