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Bekešová B, Petrilla V, Polláková M, Andrejčáková Z, Vlčková R, Dyba B, Sopková D, Petrillová M, Petrovová E, Legáth J. A Comparative Analysis of the Cytotoxic and Vascular Activity Effects of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox) and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake ( Crotalus adamanteus) Venoms Using a Chick Embryo Model. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1634. [PMID: 38891681 PMCID: PMC11171291 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Crotalus snakebites induce various toxicological effects, encompassing neurological, myotoxic, and cytotoxic symptoms, with potentially fatal outcomes. Investigating venom toxicity is essential for public health, and developing new tools allows for these effects to be studied more comprehensively. The research goals include the elucidation of the physiological consequences of venom exposure and the assessment of toxicity using animal models. Chicken embryos serve as valuable models for assessing venom toxicity through the chick embryotoxicity screening test (CHEST) and the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, particularly useful for evaluating vascular impacts. C. adamanteus venom application resulted in higher embryotoxicity and morphological abnormalities, such as Siamese twins. The CAM assay demonstrated the hemorrhagic effects of venom, varying with venom type and concentration. The irritant potential of both venom types was classified as slight or moderate depending on their concentration. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was performed to receive information about organ toxicity. The results show that both venoms induced changes in the whole embryo, heart, and liver weights, but the C. adamanteus venom was identified as more toxic. Specific venom concentrations affected AChE activity in embryonic tissues. These findings underscore the embryotoxic and vasoactive properties of Crotalus venoms, providing valuable insights into their mechanisms of toxicity and potential applications in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Bekešová
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (V.P.); (M.P.); (Z.A.); (R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Vladimír Petrilla
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (V.P.); (M.P.); (Z.A.); (R.V.); (D.S.)
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Široká 31, 040 06 Košice-Kavečany, Slovakia
| | - Magdaléna Polláková
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (V.P.); (M.P.); (Z.A.); (R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Zuzana Andrejčáková
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (V.P.); (M.P.); (Z.A.); (R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Radoslava Vlčková
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (V.P.); (M.P.); (Z.A.); (R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Barbara Dyba
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of the National Education Commission, Podchorążych 2 Street, 30-084 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Drahomíra Sopková
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (V.P.); (M.P.); (Z.A.); (R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Monika Petrillová
- Department of General Competencies, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Eva Petrovová
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Kosice, Slovakia;
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
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2
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Bittenbinder MA, van Thiel J, Cardoso FC, Casewell NR, Gutiérrez JM, Kool J, Vonk FJ. Tissue damaging toxins in snake venoms: mechanisms of action, pathophysiology and treatment strategies. Commun Biol 2024; 7:358. [PMID: 38519650 PMCID: PMC10960010 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06019-6] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is an important public health issue responsible for mortality and severe morbidity. Where mortality is mainly caused by venom toxins that induce cardiovascular disturbances, neurotoxicity, and acute kidney injury, morbidity is caused by toxins that directly or indirectly destroy cells and degrade the extracellular matrix. These are referred to as 'tissue-damaging toxins' and have previously been classified in various ways, most of which are based on the tissues being affected (e.g., cardiotoxins, myotoxins). This categorisation, however, is primarily phenomenological and not mechanistic. In this review, we propose an alternative way of classifying cytotoxins based on their mechanistic effects rather than using a description that is organ- or tissue-based. The mechanisms of toxin-induced tissue damage and their clinical implications are discussed. This review contributes to our understanding of fundamental biological processes associated with snakebite envenoming, which may pave the way for a knowledge-based search for novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mátyás A Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jory van Thiel
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - José-María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica.
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Freek J Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Huber RJ, Gray J, Kim WD. Loss of mfsd8 alters the secretome during Dictyostelium aggregation. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151361. [PMID: 37742391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein 8 (MFSD8) is a transmembrane protein that has been reported to function as a lysosomal chloride channel. In humans, homozygous mutations in MFSD8 cause a late-infantile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) called CLN7 disease. In the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, Mfsd8 localizes to cytoplasmic puncta and vesicles, and regulates conserved processes during the organism's life cycle. Here, we used D. discoideum to examine the effect of mfsd8-deficiency on the secretome during the early stages of multicellular development. Mass spectrometry revealed 61 proteins that were differentially released by cells after 4 and 8 h of starvation. Most proteins were present in increased amounts in mfsd8- conditioned buffer compared to WT indicating that loss of mfsd8 deregulates protein secretion and/or causes the release of proteins not normally secreted by WT cells. GO term enrichment analyses showed that many of the proteins aberrantly released by mfsd8- cells localize to compartments and regions of the cell associated with the endo-lysosomal and secretory pathways. Mass spectrometry also revealed proteins previously known to be impacted by the loss of mfsd8 (e.g., cathepsin D), as well as proteins that may underlie mfsd8-deficiency phenotypes during aggregation. Finally, we show that mfsd8-deficiency reduces intracellular proteasome 20S activity due to the abnormal release of at least one proteasomal subunit. Together, this study reveals the impact of mfsd8 loss on the secretome during D. discoideum aggregation and lays the foundation for follow up work that investigates the role of altered protein release in CLN7 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huber
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Joshua Gray
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - William D Kim
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Liao T, Gan M, Qiu Y, Lei Y, Chen Q, Wang X, Yang Y, Chen L, Zhao Y, Niu L, Wang Y, Zhang S, Zhu L, Shen L. miRNAs derived from cobra venom exosomes contribute to the cobra envenomation. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:356. [PMID: 37777744 PMCID: PMC10544165 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02131-7] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is an increasing amount of evidence indicating that exosomes and the miRNAs they contain are crucial players in various biological processes. However, the role of exosomes and miRNAs in snake venom during the envenomation process remains largely unknown. In this study, fresh venom from Naja atra of different ages (2-month-old, 1-year-old, and 5-year-old) was collected, and exosomes were isolated through ultracentrifugation. The study found that exosomes with inactivated proteins and enzymes can still cause symptoms similar to cobra envenomation, indicating that substances other than proteins and enzymes in exosomes may also play an essential role in cobra envenomation. Furthermore, the expression profiles of isolated exosome miRNAs were analyzed. The study showed that a large number of miRNAs were co-expressed and abundant in cobra venom exosomes (CV-exosomes) of different ages, including miR-2904, which had high expression abundance and specific sequences. The specific miR-2094 derived from CV-exosomes (CV-exo-miR-2904) was overexpressed both in vitro and in vivo. As a result, CV-exo-miR-2904 induced symptoms similar to cobra envenomation in mice and caused liver damage, demonstrating that it plays a crucial role in cobra envenomation. These results reveal that CV-exosomes and the miRNAs they contain play a significant regulatory role in cobra envenomation. Our findings provide new insights for the treatment of cobra bites and the development of snake venom-based medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianci Liao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Mailin Gan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yanhao Qiu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yuhang Lei
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Qiuyang Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Xingyu Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yiting Yang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Lei Chen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Lili Niu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Yan Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Shunhua Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Li Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Linyuan Shen
- Farm Animal Genetic Resource Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130 China
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5
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Almeida GDO, de Oliveira IS, Arantes EC, Sampaio SV. Snake venom disintegrins update: insights about new findings. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230039. [PMID: 37818211 PMCID: PMC10561651 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom disintegrins are low molecular weight, non-enzymatic proteins rich in cysteine, present in the venom of snakes from the families Viperidae, Crotalidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, and Colubridae. This family of proteins originated in venom through the proteolytic processing of metalloproteinases (SVMPs), which, in turn, evolved from a gene encoding an A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM) molecule. Disintegrins have a recognition motif for integrins in their structure, allowing interaction with these transmembrane adhesion receptors and preventing their binding to proteins in the extracellular matrix and other cells. This interaction gives disintegrins their wide range of biological functions, including inhibition of platelet aggregation and antitumor activity. As a result, many studies have been conducted in an attempt to use these natural compounds as a basis for developing therapies for the treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, the FDA has approved Tirofiban and Eptifibatide as antiplatelet compounds, and they are synthesized from the structure of echistatin and barbourin, respectively. In this review, we discuss some of the main functional and structural characteristics of this class of proteins and their potential for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela de Oliveira Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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6
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Bittenbinder MA, Capinha L, Da Costa Pereira D, Slagboom J, van de Velde B, Casewell NR, Jennings P, Kool J, Vonk FJ. Development of a high-throughput in vitro screening method for the assessment of cell-damaging activities of snake venoms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011564. [PMID: 37590328 PMCID: PMC10465002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a globally important public health issue that has devastating consequences on human health and well-being, with annual mortality rates between 81,000 and 138,000. Snake venoms may cause different pathological effects by altering normal physiological processes such as nervous transfer and blood coagulation. In addition, snake venoms can cause severe (local) tissue damage that may result in life-long morbidities, with current estimates pointing towards an additional 450,000 individuals that suffer from permanent disabilities such as amputations, contractions and blindness. Despite such high morbidity rates, research to date has been mainly focusing on neurotoxic and haemotoxic effects of snake venoms and considerably less on venom-induced tissue damage. The molecular mechanisms underlaying this pathology include membrane disruption and extracellular matrix degradation. This research describes methods used to study the (molecular) mechanisms underlaying venom-induced cell- and tissue damage. A selection of cellular bioassays and fluorescent microscopy were used to study cell-damaging activities of snake venoms in multi-well plates, using both crude and fractionated venoms. A panel of 10 representative medically relevant snake species was used, which cover a large part of the geographical regions most heavily affected by snakebite. The study comprises both morphological data as well as quantitative data on cell metabolism and viability, which were measured over time. Based on this data, a distinction could be made in the ways by which viper and elapid venoms exert their effects on cells. We further made an effort to characterise the bioactive compounds causing these effects, using a combination of liquid chromatography methods followed by bioassaying and protein identification using proteomics. The outcomes of this study might prove valuable for better understanding venom-induced cell- and tissue-damaging pathologies and could be used in the process of developing and improving snakebite treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matyas A. Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liliana Capinha
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Da Costa Pereira
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Velde
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Jennings
- Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek J. Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Oliveira AL, Viegas MF, da Silva SL, Soares AM, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. The chemistry of snake venom and its medicinal potential. Nat Rev Chem 2022; 6:451-469. [PMID: 37117308 PMCID: PMC9185726 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-022-00393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The fascination and fear of snakes dates back to time immemorial, with the first scientific treatise on snakebite envenoming, the Brooklyn Medical Papyrus, dating from ancient Egypt. Owing to their lethality, snakes have often been associated with images of perfidy, treachery and death. However, snakes did not always have such negative connotations. The curative capacity of venom has been known since antiquity, also making the snake a symbol of pharmacy and medicine. Today, there is renewed interest in pursuing snake-venom-based therapies. This Review focuses on the chemistry of snake venom and the potential for venom to be exploited for medicinal purposes in the development of drugs. The mixture of toxins that constitute snake venom is examined, focusing on the molecular structure, chemical reactivity and target recognition of the most bioactive toxins, from which bioactive drugs might be developed. The design and working mechanisms of snake-venom-derived drugs are illustrated, and the strategies by which toxins are transformed into therapeutics are analysed. Finally, the challenges in realizing the immense curative potential of snake venom are discussed, and chemical strategies by which a plethora of new drugs could be derived from snake venom are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matilde F Viegas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Saulo L da Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreimar M Soares
- Biotechnology Laboratory for Proteins and Bioactive Compounds from the Western Amazon, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, National Institute of Epidemiology in the Western Amazon (INCT-EpiAmO), Porto Velho, Brazil.,Sao Lucas Universitary Center (UniSL), Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Maria J Ramos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,LAQV/Requimte, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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8
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Vasconcelos AA, Estrada JC, David V, Wermelinger LS, Almeida FCL, Zingali RB. Structure-Function Relationship of the Disintegrin Family: Sequence Signature and Integrin Interaction. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:783301. [PMID: 34926583 PMCID: PMC8678471 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.783301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Disintegrins are small cysteine-rich proteins found in a variety of snake venom. These proteins selectively modulate integrin function, heterodimeric receptors involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction that are widely studied as therapeutic targets. Snake venom disintegrins emerged from the snake venom metalloproteinase and are classified according to the sequence size and number of disulfide bonds. Evolutive structure and function diversification of disintegrin family involves a stepwise decrease in the polypeptide chain, loss of cysteine residues, and selectivity. Since the structure elucidation of echistatin, the description of the structural properties of disintegrins has allowed the investigation of the mechanisms involved in integrin-cell-extracellular matrix interaction. This review provides an analysis of the structures of all family groups enabling the description of an expanded classification of the disintegrin family in seven groups. Each group presents a particular disulfide pattern and sequence signatures, facilitating the identification of new disintegrins. The classification was based on the disintegrin-like domain of the human metalloproteinase (ADAM-10). We also present the sequence and structural signatures important for disintegrin-integrin interaction, unveiling the relationship between the structure and function of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana A Vasconcelos
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica (IBqM) Leopoldo de Meis, Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (CNRMN), Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (CENABIO), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jorge C Estrada
- Laboratório de Hemostase e Venenos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica (IBqM) Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victor David
- Laboratório de Hemostase e Venenos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica (IBqM) Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana S Wermelinger
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica (IBqM) Leopoldo de Meis, Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (CNRMN), Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (CENABIO), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Russolina B Zingali
- Laboratório de Hemostase e Venenos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica (IBqM) Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Brown LE, Reyes G, Albrecht EA. Crotalus atrox venom-induced cellular toxicity: Early wound progression involves reactive oxygen species. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:852-863. [PMID: 34725845 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that produce cellular cytotoxicity is fundamental in the field of toxicology. Cytotoxic stimuli can include organic toxins such as hemorrhagic snake venom, which can lead to secondary complications such as the development of necrotic tissue and profuse scarring. These clinical manifestations mimic cytotoxic responses induce by other organic compounds such as organic acids. We used hemorrhagic snake venom and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293T) as a model system to better understand the cellular responses involved in venom induced cytotoxicity. Cells stimulated with Crotalus atrox (CA) (western diamondback) venom for 4 or 10 h demonstrated significant cytotoxicity. Results from 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2 DCF-DA) assays determine CA venom stimulation induces a robust production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) over a 3-h time course. In contrast, pretreatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-catalase or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) prior to CA venom stimulation significantly blunted H2 DCFDA fluorescence fold changes and showed greater cytoprotective effects than cells stimulated with CA venom alone. Pre- incubating HEK293T cells with the NADPH oxidase (NOX) pan-inhibitor VAS2870 prior venom stimulation significantly minimized the venom-induced oxidative burst at early timepoints (≤2 h). Collectively, our experiments show that pre-application of antioxidants reduces CA venom induce cellular toxicity. This result highlights the importance of ROS in the early stages of cytotoxicity and suggests muting ROS production in noxious injuries may increase positive clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E Brown
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
| | - Giovanni Reyes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric A Albrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
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10
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Gao J, Zhao BR, Zhang H, You YL, Li F, Wang XW. Interferon functional analog activates antiviral Jak/Stat signaling through integrin in an arthropod. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109761. [PMID: 34592151 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila Vago is a small antiviral peptide. Its ortholog in Culex mosquito was found to be an interferon-like cytokine that limits virus replication through activating Jak/Stat signaling. However, this activation is independent of Domeless, the sole homolog of vertebrate type I cytokine receptor. How Vago activates the Jak/Stat pathway remains unknown. Herein, we report this process is dependent on integrin in kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus). Shrimp Vago-like (MjVago-L) plays an antiviral role by activating the Jak/Stat pathway and inducing Stat-regulated Ficolin. Blocking integrin abrogates the role of MjVago-L. The interaction between MjVago-L and integrin β3 is confirmed. An Asp residue in MjVago-L is found critical for the interaction and MjVago-L's antiviral role. Moreover, Fak, a key adaptor of integrin signaling, mediates MjVago-L-induced Jak/Stat activation. Therefore, this study reveals that integrin, as the receptor of MjVago-L, mediates Jak/Stat activation. The establishment of the MjVago-L/integrin/Fak/Jak/Stat/Ficolin axis provides insights into antiviral cytokine signaling in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Bao-Rui Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yan-Lin You
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Fang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xian-Wei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
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11
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Larréché S, Chippaux JP, Chevillard L, Mathé S, Résière D, Siguret V, Mégarbane B. Bleeding and Thrombosis: Insights into Pathophysiology of Bothrops Venom-Related Hemostasis Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179643. [PMID: 34502548 PMCID: PMC8431793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxins from Bothrops venoms targeting hemostasis are responsible for a broad range of clinical and biological syndromes including local and systemic bleeding, incoagulability, thrombotic microangiopathy and macrothrombosis. Beyond hemostais disorders, toxins are also involved in the pathogenesis of edema and in most complications such as hypovolemia, cardiovascular collapse, acute kidney injury, myonecrosis, compartmental syndrome and superinfection. These toxins can be classified as enzymatic proteins (snake venom metalloproteinases, snake venom serine proteases, phospholipases A2 and L-amino acid oxidases) and non-enzymatic proteins (desintegrins and C-type lectin proteins). Bleeding is due to a multifocal toxicity targeting vessels, platelets and coagulation factors. Vessel damage due to the degradation of basement membrane and the subsequent disruption of endothelial cell integrity under hydrostatic pressure and tangential shear stress is primarily responsible for bleeding. Hemorrhage is promoted by thrombocytopenia, platelet hypoaggregation, consumption coagulopathy and fibrin(ogen)olysis. Onset of thrombotic microangiopathy is probably due to the switch of endothelium to a prothrombotic phenotype with overexpression of tissue factor and other pro-aggregating biomarkers in association with activation of platelets and coagulation. Thrombosis involving large-caliber vessels in B. lanceolatus envenomation remains a unique entity, which exact pathophysiology remains poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Larréché
- INSERM, UMRS-1144, Paris University, 75006 Paris, France; (S.L.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Bégin Military Teaching Hospital, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Chippaux
- MERIT, IRD, Paris University, 75006 Paris, France;
- CRT, Pasteur Institute, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Lucie Chevillard
- INSERM, UMRS-1144, Paris University, 75006 Paris, France; (S.L.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Simon Mathé
- INSERM, UMRS-1144, Paris University, 75006 Paris, France; (S.L.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Dabor Résière
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort de France, 97200 Martinique, France;
| | - Virginie Siguret
- INSERM, UMRS-1140, Paris University, 75006 Paris, France;
- Laboratory of Hematology, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- INSERM, UMRS-1144, Paris University, 75006 Paris, France; (S.L.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
- Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)-143-985-299
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12
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Abstract
Snake venoms have evolved primarily to immobilize and kill prey, and consequently, they contain some of the most potent natural toxins. Part of that armory is a range of hemotoxic components that affect every area of hemostasis, which we have harnessed to great effect in the study and diagnosis of hemostatic disorders. The most widely used are those that affect coagulation, such as thrombin-like enzymes unaffected by heparin and direct thrombin inhibitors, which can help confirm or dispute their presence in plasma. The liquid gold of coagulation activators is Russell's viper venom, since it contains activators of factor X and factor V. It is used in a range of clotting-based assays, such as assessment of factor X and factor V deficiencies, protein C and protein S deficiencies, activated protein C resistance, and probably the most important test for lupus anticoagulants, the dilute Russell's viper venom time. Activators of prothrombin, such as oscutarin C from Coastal Taipan venom and ecarin from saw-scaled viper venom, are employed in prothrombin activity assays and lupus anticoagulant detection, and ecarin has a valuable role in quantitative assays of direct thrombin inhibitors. Snake venoms affecting primary hemostasis include botrocetin from the jararaca, which can be used to assay von Willebrand factor activity, and convulxin from the cascavel, which can be used to detect deficiency of the platelet collagen receptor, glycoprotein VI. This article takes the reader to every area of the diagnostic hemostasis laboratory to appreciate the myriad applications of snake venoms available in diagnostic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary William Moore
- Department of Haematology, Specialist Haemostasis Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Structure of the platelet glycoprotein Ib receptor in complex with a novel antithrombotic agent. Blood 2021; 137:844-847. [PMID: 33181828 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020008028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Agkisacucetin, a snake C-type lectin-like protein isolated from the venom of Deinagkistrodon acutus (formerly Agkistrodon acutus), is a novel antithrombotic drug candidate in phase 2 clinical trials. Agkisacucetin specifically recognizes the platelet surface receptor glycoprotein Ib α chain (GPIbα) to block GPIb and von Willebrand factor (VWF). In this study, we solved the crystal structure of the GPIbα N-terminal domain (residues 1-305) in complex with agkisacucetin to understand their molecular recognition mechanism. The crystal structure showed that agkisacucetin primarily contacts GPIbα at the C-terminal part of the conserved leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain (LRR-6 to LRR-8) and the previously described "β-switch" region through the β chain. In addition, we found that agkisacucetin α chain contacts part of the GPIbα C-terminal peptide after the LRR domain through complementary charge interactions. This C-terminal peptide plays a key role in GPIbα and thrombin recognition. Therefore, our structure revealed that agkisacucetin can sterically block the interaction between the GPIb receptor and VWF and thrombin proteins to inhibit platelet function. Our structural work provides key molecular insights into how an antithrombotic drug candidate recognizes the GPIb receptor to modulate platelet function to inhibit thrombosis.
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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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Olaoba OT, Karina dos Santos P, Selistre-de-Araujo HS, Ferreira de Souza DH. Snake Venom Metalloproteinases (SVMPs): A structure-function update. Toxicon X 2020; 7:100052. [PMID: 32776002 PMCID: PMC7399193 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) represent a diverse group of multi-domain proteins with several biological activities such as the ability to induce hemorrhage, proteolytic degradation of fibrinogen and fibrin, induction of apoptosis and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Due to these activities, SVMPs are responsible for many of the well-known pathological phenotypes in snake envenomations caused particularly by species from the Viperidae family and the Crotalinae subfamily. These proteins have been classified based on their size and domain structure into P–I, P-II and P-III classes. Comparatively, members of the P–I SVMPs possess the simplest structures, formed by the catalytic metalloproteinase domain only; the P-II SVMPs are moderately more complex, having the canonical disintegrin domain in addition to the metalloproteinase domain; members of the P-III class are more structurally varied, comprising the metalloproteinase, disintegrin-like, and cysteine-rich domains. Proteolytic cleavage, repeated domain loss and presence of other ancillary domains are responsible for structural diversities in the P-III class. However, studies continue to unveil the relationship between the structure and function of these proteins. In this review, we recovered evidences from literature on the structural peculiarities and functional classification of Snake Venom Metalloproteinases. In addition, we reflect on diversities that exist among each class while taking into account specific and up-to-date class-based activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide Tosin Olaoba
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patty Karina dos Santos
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Dulce Helena Ferreira de Souza
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
- Corresponding author.
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16
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Bickler PE. Amplification of Snake Venom Toxicity by Endogenous Signaling Pathways. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E68. [PMID: 31979014 PMCID: PMC7076764 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The active components of snake venoms encompass a complex and variable mixture of proteins that produce a diverse, but largely stereotypical, range of pharmacologic effects and toxicities. Venom protein diversity and host susceptibilities determine the relative contributions of five main pathologies: neuromuscular dysfunction, inflammation, coagulopathy, cell/organ injury, and disruption of homeostatic mechanisms of normal physiology. In this review, we describe how snakebite is not only a condition mediated directly by venom, but by the amplification of signals dysregulating inflammation, coagulation, neurotransmission, and cell survival. Although venom proteins are diverse, the majority of important pathologic events following envenoming follow from a small group of enzyme-like activities and the actions of small toxic peptides. This review focuses on two of the most important enzymatic activities: snake venom phospholipases (svPLA2) and snake venom metalloproteases (svMP). These two enzyme classes are adept at enabling venom to recruit homologous endogenous signaling systems with sufficient magnitude and duration to produce and amplify cell injury beyond what would be expected from the direct impact of a whole venom dose. This magnification produces many of the most acutely important consequences of envenoming as well as chronic sequelae. Snake venom PLA2s and MPs enzymes recruit prey analogs of similar activity. The transduction mechanisms that recruit endogenous responses include arachidonic acid, intracellular calcium, cytokines, bioactive peptides, and possibly dimerization of venom and prey protein homologs. Despite years of investigation, the precise mechanism of svPLA2-induced neuromuscular paralysis remains incomplete. Based on recent studies, paralysis results from a self-amplifying cycle of endogenous PLA2 activation, arachidonic acid, increases in intracellular Ca2+ and nicotinic receptor deactivation. When prolonged, synaptic suppression supports the degeneration of the synapse. Interaction between endothelium-damaging MPs, sPLA2s and hyaluronidases enhance venom spread, accentuating venom-induced neurotoxicity, inflammation, coagulopathy and tissue injury. Improving snakebite treatment requires new tools to understand direct and indirect effects of envenoming. Homologous PLA2 and MP activities in both venoms and prey/snakebite victim provide molecular targets for non-antibody, small molecule agents for dissecting mechanisms of venom toxicity. Importantly, these tools enable the separation of venom-specific and prey-specific pathological responses to venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E. Bickler
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0542, USA;
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
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