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Flores-Holguín N, Salas-Leiva JS, Núñez-Vázquez EJ, Tovar-Ramírez D, Glossman-Mitnik D. Marine Toxins as Pharmaceutical Treasure Troves: A Focus on Saxitoxin Derivatives from a Computational Point of View. Molecules 2024; 29:275. [PMID: 38202857 PMCID: PMC10780485 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010275] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This work highlights the significant potential of marine toxins, particularly saxitoxin (STX) and its derivatives, in the exploration of novel pharmaceuticals. These toxins, produced by aquatic microorganisms and collected by bivalve mollusks and other filter-feeding organisms, offer a vast reservoir of chemical and biological diversity. They interact with sodium channels in physiological processes, affecting various functions in organisms. Exposure to these toxins can lead to symptoms ranging from tingling sensations to respiratory failure and cardiovascular shock, with STX being one of the most potent. The structural diversity of STX derivatives, categorized into carbamate, N-sulfocarbamoyl, decarbamoyl, and deoxydecarbamoyl toxins, offers potential for drug development. The research described in this work aimed to computationally characterize 18 STX derivatives, exploring their reactivity properties within marine sponges using conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) techniques. Additionally, their pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and drug-likeness scores were assessed. The outcomes of this research were the chemical reactivity parameters calculated via CDFT as well as the estimated pharmacokinetic and ADME properties derived using computational tools. While they may not align directly, the integration of these distinct datasets enriches our comprehensive understanding of the compound's properties and potential applications. Thus, this study holds promise for uncovering new pharmaceutical candidates from the considered marine toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Flores-Holguín
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31136, Chih, Mexico; (J.S.S.-L.); (D.G.-M.)
| | - Joan S. Salas-Leiva
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31136, Chih, Mexico; (J.S.S.-L.); (D.G.-M.)
| | - Erick J. Núñez-Vázquez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23096, BCS, Mexico; (E.J.N.-V.); (D.T.-R.)
| | - Dariel Tovar-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23096, BCS, Mexico; (E.J.N.-V.); (D.T.-R.)
| | - Daniel Glossman-Mitnik
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados, Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31136, Chih, Mexico; (J.S.S.-L.); (D.G.-M.)
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Flores-Holguín N, Salas-Leiva JS, Núñez-Vázquez EJ, Tovar-Ramírez D, Glossman-Mitnik D. Exploring marine toxins: comparative analysis of chemical reactivity properties and potential for drug discovery. Front Chem 2023; 11:1286804. [PMID: 38025068 PMCID: PMC10646282 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1286804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine toxins, produced by various marine microorganisms, pose significant risks to both marine ecosystems and human health. Understanding their diverse structures and properties is crucial for effective mitigation and exploration of their potential as therapeutic agents. This study presents a comparative analysis of two hydrophilic and two lipophilic marine toxins, examining their reactivity properties and bioavailability scores. By investigating similarities among these structurally diverse toxins, valuable insights into their potential as precursors for novel drug development can be gained. The exploration of lipophilic and hydrophilic properties in drug design is essential due to their distinct implications on drug distribution, elimination, and target interaction. By elucidating shared molecular properties among toxins, this research aims to identify patterns and trends that may guide future drug discovery efforts and contribute to the field of molecular toxinology. The findings from this study have the potential to expand knowledge on toxins, facilitate a deeper understanding of their bioactivities, and unlock new therapeutic possibilities to address unmet biomedical needs. The results showcased similarities among the studied systems, while also highlighting the exceptional attributes of Domoic Acid (DA) in terms of its interaction capabilities and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dariel Tovar-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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Vlasenko AE, Kuznetsov VG, Magarlamov TY. Investigation of Peptide Toxin Diversity in Ribbon Worms (Nemertea) Using a Transcriptomic Approach. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080542. [PMID: 36006205 PMCID: PMC9415933 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemertea is a phylum of nonsegmented worms (supraphylum: Spiralia), also known as ribbon worms. The members of this phylum contain various toxins, including peptide toxins. Here, we provide a transcriptomic analysis of peptide toxins in 14 nemertean species, including Cephalothrix cf. simula, which was sequenced in the current study. The summarized data show that the number of toxin transcripts in the studied nemerteans varied from 12 to 82. The most represented groups of toxins were enzymes and ion channel inhibitors, which, in total, reached a proportion of 72% in some species, and the least represented were pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins, the total proportion of which did not exceed 18%. The study revealed that nemerteans possess a much greater variety of toxins than previously thought and showed that these animals are a promising object for the investigation of venom diversity and evolution, and in the search for new peptide toxins.
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Hosseini H, Al-Jabri HM, Moheimani NR, Siddiqui SA, Saadaoui I. Marine microbial bioprospecting: Exploitation of marine biodiversity towards biotechnological applications-a review. J Basic Microbiol 2022; 62:1030-1043. [PMID: 35467037 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The increase in the human population causes an increase in the demand for nutritional supplies and energy resources. Thus, the novel, natural, and renewable resources became of great interest. Here comes the optimistic role of bioprospecting as a promising tool to isolate novel and interesting molecules and microorganisms from the marine environment as alternatives to the existing resources. Bioprospecting of marine metabolites and microorganisms with high biotechnological potentials has gained wide interest due to the variability and richness of the marine environment. Indeed, the existence of extreme conditions that increases the adaptability of marine organisms, especially planktons, allow the presence of interesting biological species that are able to produce novel compounds with multiple health benefits and high economical value. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of marine microbial bioprospecting as a growing field of interest. It emphasizes functional bioprospecting that facilitates the discovery of interesting metabolites. Marine bioprospecting was also discussed from a legal aspect for the first time, focusing on the shortcomings of international law. We also summarized the challenges facing bioprospecting in the marine environment including economic feasibility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Hosseini
- Algal Technologies Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hareb M Al-Jabri
- Algal Technologies Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Navid R Moheimani
- Algae R&D Centre, Harry Buttler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Simil A Siddiqui
- Algal Technologies Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imen Saadaoui
- Algal Technologies Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Louzao MC, Vilariño N, Vale C, Costas C, Cao A, Raposo-Garcia S, Vieytes MR, Botana LM. Current Trends and New Challenges in Marine Phycotoxins. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20030198. [PMID: 35323497 PMCID: PMC8950113 DOI: 10.3390/md20030198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine phycotoxins are a multiplicity of bioactive compounds which are produced by microalgae and bioaccumulate in the marine food web. Phycotoxins affect the ecosystem, pose a threat to human health, and have important economic effects on aquaculture and tourism worldwide. However, human health and food safety have been the primary concerns when considering the impacts of phycotoxins. Phycotoxins toxicity information, often used to set regulatory limits for these toxins in shellfish, lacks traceability of toxicity values highlighting the need for predefined toxicological criteria. Toxicity data together with adequate detection methods for monitoring procedures are crucial to protect human health. However, despite technological advances, there are still methodological uncertainties and high demand for universal phycotoxin detectors. This review focuses on these topics, including uncertainties of climate change, providing an overview of the current information as well as future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmen Louzao
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.L.); (L.M.B.)
| | - Natalia Vilariño
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Carmen Vale
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Celia Costas
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Alejandro Cao
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Sandra Raposo-Garcia
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
| | - Mercedes R. Vieytes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Luis M. Botana
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (N.V.); (C.V.); (C.C.); (A.C.); (S.R.-G.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.L.); (L.M.B.)
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Zhao HY, Wen L, Miao YF, Du Y, Sun Y, Yin Y, Lin CX, Lin LH, Ji X, Gao JF. Venom-gland transcriptomic, venomic, and antivenomic profiles of the spine-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis curtus) from the South China Sea. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:520. [PMID: 34238212 PMCID: PMC8268360 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07824-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A comprehensive evaluation of the -omic profiles of venom is important for understanding the potential function and evolution of snake venom. Here, we conducted an integrated multi-omics-analysis to unveil the venom-transcriptomic and venomic profiles in a same group of spine-bellied sea snakes (Hydrophis curtus) from the South China Sea, where the snake is a widespread species and might generate regionally-specific venom potentially harmful to human activities. The capacity of two heterologous antivenoms to immunocapture the H. curtus venom was determined for an in-depth evaluation of their rationality in treatment of H. curtus envenomation. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis by maximum likelihood was used to detect the adaptive molecular evolution of full-length toxin-coding unigenes. Results A total of 90,909,384 pairs of clean reads were generated via Illumina sequencing from a pooled cDNA library of six specimens, and yielding 148,121 unigenes through de novo assembly. Sequence similarity searching harvested 63,845 valid annotations, including 63,789 non-toxin-coding and 56 toxin-coding unigenes belonging to 22 protein families. Three protein families, three-finger toxins (3-FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and cysteine-rich secretory protein, were detected in the venom proteome. 3-FTx (27.15% in the transcriptome/41.94% in the proteome) and PLA2 (59.71%/49.36%) were identified as the most abundant families in the venom-gland transcriptome and venom proteome. In addition, 24 unigenes from 11 protein families were shown to have experienced positive selection in their evolutionary history, whereas four were relatively conserved throughout evolution. Commercial Naja atra antivenom exhibited a stronger capacity than Bungarus multicinctus antivenom to immunocapture H. curtus venom components, especially short neurotoxins, with the capacity of both antivenoms to immunocapture short neurotoxins being weaker than that for PLA2s. Conclusions Our study clarified the venom-gland transcriptomic and venomic profiles along with the within-group divergence of a H. curtus population from the South China Sea. Adaptive evolution of most venom components driven by natural selection appeared to occur rapidly during evolutionary history. Notably, the utility of commercial N. atra and B. multicinctus antivenoms against H. curtus toxins was not comprehensive; thus, the development of species-specific antivenom is urgently needed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07824-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Zhao
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Wen
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Feng Miao
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Du
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Herpetological Research, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, 572022, Hainan, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, 572022, Hainan, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yin Yin
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chi-Xian Lin
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Herpetological Research, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, 572022, Hainan, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, 572022, Hainan, China
| | - Long-Hui Lin
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, 572022, Hainan, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China. .,College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jian-Fang Gao
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory for Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, Zhejiang, China.
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7
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Ding W, Zhang X, Zhao X, Jing W, Cao Z, Li J, Huang Y, You X, Wang M, Shi Q, Bing X. A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Mandarin Fish ( Siniperca chuatsi). Front Genet 2021; 12:671650. [PMID: 34249093 PMCID: PMC8262678 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.671650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi, is an economically important perciform species with widespread aquaculture practices in China. Its special feeding habit, acceptance of only live prey fishes, contributes to its delicious meat. However, little is currently known about related genetic mechanisms. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing and assembled a 758.78 Mb genome assembly of the mandarin fish, with the scaffold and contig N50 values reaching 2.64 Mb and 46.11 Kb, respectively. Approximately 92.8% of the scaffolds were ordered onto 24 chromosomes (Chrs) with the assistance of a previously established genetic linkage map. The chromosome-level genome contained 19,904 protein-coding genes, of which 19,059 (95.75%) genes were functionally annotated. The special feeding behavior of mandarin fish could be attributable to the interaction of a variety of sense organs (such as vision, smell, and endocrine organs). Through comparative genomics analysis, some interesting results were found. For example, olfactory receptor (OR) genes (especially the beta and delta types) underwent a significant expansion, and endocrinology/vision related npy, spexin, and opsin genes presented various functional mutations. These may contribute to the special feeding habit of the mandarin fish by strengthening the olfactory and visual systems. Meanwhile, previously identified sex-related genes and quantitative trait locis (QTLs) were localized on the Chr14 and Chr17, respectively. 155 toxin proteins were predicted from mandarin fish genome. In summary, the high-quality genome assembly of the mandarin fish provides novel insights into the feeding habit of live prey and offers a valuable genetic resource for the quality improvement of this freshwater fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wu Jing
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, China
| | - Zheming Cao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, China
| | - Jia Li
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinxin You
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Wang
- BGI Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuwen Bing
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi, China
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8
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Proteogenomic Assessment of Intraspecific Venom Variability: Molecular Adaptations in the Venom Arsenal of Conus purpurascens. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100100. [PMID: 34029722 PMCID: PMC8260871 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails produce venom that contains diverse groups of peptides (conopeptides/conotoxins) and display a wide mass range, high rate of posttranslational modifications, and many potential pharmacological targets. Here we employ a proteogenomic approach to maximize conopeptide identification from the injected venom of Conus purpurascens. mRNA sequences from C. purpurascens venom ducts were assembled into a search database and complemented with known sequences and de novo approaches. We used a top-down peptidomic approach and tandem mass spectrometry identification to compare injected venom samples of 27 specimens. This intraspecific analysis yielded 543 unique conopeptide identifications, which included 33 base conopeptides and their toxiforms, 21 of which are novel. The results reveal two distinct venom profiles with different synergistic interactions to effectively target neural pathways aimed to immobilize prey. These venom expression patterns will aid target prediction, a significant step toward developing conotoxins into valuable drugs or neural probes. We analyzed the injected venom of 27 specimens of Conus purpurascens. We found 543 unique conopeptide identifications. We identified 21 novel base conopeptides. We found two distinct venom profiles with different synergistic interactions.
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Mouchbahani-Constance S, Sharif-Naeini R. Proteomic and Transcriptomic Techniques to Decipher the Molecular Evolution of Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:154. [PMID: 33669432 PMCID: PMC7920473 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020154] [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: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature's library of venoms is a vast and untapped resource that has the potential of becoming the source of a wide variety of new drugs and therapeutics. The discovery of these valuable molecules, hidden in diverse collections of different venoms, requires highly specific genetic and proteomic sequencing techniques. These have been used to sequence a variety of venom glands from species ranging from snakes to scorpions, and some marine species. In addition to identifying toxin sequences, these techniques have paved the way for identifying various novel evolutionary links between species that were previously thought to be unrelated. Furthermore, proteomics-based techniques have allowed researchers to discover how specific toxins have evolved within related species, and in the context of environmental pressures. These techniques allow groups to discover novel proteins, identify mutations of interest, and discover new ways to modify toxins for biomimetic purposes and for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Sharif-Naeini
- Department of Physiology and Cell Information Systems Group, Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada;
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10
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Li X, Chen W, Zhangsun D, Luo S. Diversity of Conopeptides and Their Precursor Genes of Conus Litteratus. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18090464. [PMID: 32937857 PMCID: PMC7551347 DOI: 10.3390/md18090464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The venom of various Conus species is composed of a rich variety of unique bioactive peptides, commonly referred to as conotoxins (conopeptides). Most conopeptides have specific receptors or ion channels as physiologically relevant targets. In this paper, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze putative conotoxin transcripts from the venom duct of a vermivorous cone snail species, Conus litteratus native to the South China Sea. A total of 128 putative conotoxins were identified, most of them belonging to 22 known superfamilies, with 43 conotoxins being regarded as belonging to new superfamilies. Notably, the M superfamily was the most abundant in conotoxins among the known superfamilies. A total of 15 known cysteine frameworks were also described. The largest proportion of cysteine frameworks were VI/VII (C-C-CC-C-C), IX (C-C-C-C-C-C) and XIV (C-C-C-C). In addition, five novel cysteine patterns were also discovered. Simple sequence repeat detection results showed that di-nucleotide was the major type of repetition, and the codon usage bias results indicated that the codon usage bias of the conotoxin genes was weak, but the M, O1, O2 superfamilies differed in codon preference. Gene cloning indicated that there was no intron in conotoxins of the B1- or J superfamily, one intron with 1273-1339 bp existed in a mature region of the F superfamily, which is different from the previously reported gene structure of conotoxins from other superfamilies. This study will enhance our understanding of conotoxin diversity, and the new conotoxins discovered in this paper will provide more potential candidates for the development of pharmacological probes and marine peptide drugs.
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11
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Becerra-Amezcua MP, Hernández-Sámano AC, Puch-Hau C, Aguilar MB, Collí-Dulá RC. Effect of pterois volitans (lionfish) venom on cholinergic and dopaminergic systems. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 77:103359. [PMID: 32146351 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pterois volitans venom induces muscular fibrillation, which results from nerve transmission caused by the presence of acetylcholine (ACh). It also has cardiovascular effects that are due to its actions on muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors. In this study, we characterized the effects of P. volitans venom on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and dopaminergic neurons. After exposure to P. volitans venom, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mRNA levels and the expression of the α2 subunit of nAChR increased in zebrafish embryos (15-20 somites). In addition, the lionfish venom blocked zebrafish α2 nAChR subunit functional expression and the ACh-induced response of human neuronal α3β2 receptors. The latter receptor was blocked by a protein fraction named F2, which was isolated from P. volitans venom using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This venom causes death in dopaminergic neurons, and affects the cholinergic system. The effect of these two systems may result in retarded embryonic development of zebrafish, since the two systems function in a related manner to control growth hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra P Becerra-Amezcua
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Arisaí C Hernández-Sámano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Carlos Puch-Hau
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Manuel B Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Reyna C Collí-Dulá
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT), Mexico
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12
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Conceição K, de Cena GL, da Silva VA, de Oliveira Neto XA, de Andrade VM, Tada DB, Richardson M, de Andrade SA, Dias SA, Castanho MARB, Lopes-Ferreira M. Design of bioactive peptides derived from CART sequence isolated from the toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:162. [PMID: 32206496 PMCID: PMC7060301 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-2151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of bacterial resistance due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics warrants the need for developing new bioactive agents. In this context, antimicrobial peptides are highly useful for managing resistant microbial strains. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of peptides obtained from the venom of the toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri. These peptides were active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The primary amino acid sequences showed similarity to Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript peptides, and two peptide analogs-Tn CRT2 and Tn CRT3-were designed using the AMPA algorithm based on these sequences. The analogs were subjected to physicochemical analysis and antimicrobial screening and were biologically active at concentrations ranging from 2.1 to 13 µM. Zeta potential analysis showed that the peptide analogs increased the positive charge on the cell surface of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The toxicity of Tn CRT2 and Tn CRT3 were analyzed in vitro using a hemolytic assay and tetrazolium salt reduction in fibroblasts and was found to be significant only at high concentrations (up to 40 µM). These results suggest that this methodological approach is appropriate to design novel antimicrobial peptides to fight bacterial infections and represents a new and promising discovery in fish venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Conceição
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle L. de Cena
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Verônica A. da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Xisto Antonio de Oliveira Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Vitor Martins de Andrade
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Dayane Batista Tada
- Laboratório de Nanomateriais e Nanotoxicologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Michael Richardson
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Prof. Carlos R. Diniz, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Sonia A. de Andrade
- Laboratório Especial de Toxicologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, São Paulo, 1500 Brazil
| | - Susana A. Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649‐028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649‐028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mônica Lopes-Ferreira
- Laboratório Especial de Toxicologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, São Paulo, 1500 Brazil
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13
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Bioinformatics for Marine Products: An Overview of Resources, Bottlenecks, and Perspectives. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17100576. [PMID: 31614509 PMCID: PMC6835618 DOI: 10.3390/md17100576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The sea represents a major source of biodiversity. It exhibits many different ecosystems in a huge variety of environmental conditions where marine organisms have evolved with extensive diversification of structures and functions, making the marine environment a treasure trove of molecules with potential for biotechnological applications and innovation in many different areas. Rapid progress of the omics sciences has revealed novel opportunities to advance the knowledge of biological systems, paving the way for an unprecedented revolution in the field and expanding marine research from model organisms to an increasing number of marine species. Multi-level approaches based on molecular investigations at genomic, metagenomic, transcriptomic, metatranscriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels are essential to discover marine resources and further explore key molecular processes involved in their production and action. As a consequence, omics approaches, accompanied by the associated bioinformatic resources and computational tools for molecular analyses and modeling, are boosting the rapid advancement of biotechnologies. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant bioinformatic resources and major approaches, highlighting perspectives and bottlenecks for an appropriate exploitation of these opportunities for biotechnology applications from marine resources.
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Genome Sequencing of the Japanese Eel ( Anguilla japonica) for Comparative Genomic Studies on tbx4 and a tbx4 Gene Cluster in Teleost Fishes. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17070426. [PMID: 31330852 PMCID: PMC6669545 DOI: 10.3390/md17070426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbs originated from paired fish fins are an important innovation in Gnathostomata. Many studies have focused on limb development-related genes, of which the T-box transcription factor 4 gene (tbx4) has been considered as one of the most essential factors in the regulation of the hindlimb development. We previously confirmed pelvic fin loss in tbx4-knockout zebrafish. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica), which is an economically important fish without pelvic fins. The assembled genome is 1.13 Gb in size, with a scaffold N50 of 1.03 Mb. In addition, we collected 24 tbx4 sequences from 22 teleost fishes to explore the correlation between tbx4 and pelvic fin evolution. However, we observed complete exon structures of tbx4 in several pelvic-fin-loss species such as Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and ricefield eel (Monopterus albus). More interestingly, an inversion of a special tbx4 gene cluster (brip1-tbx4-tbx2b- bcas3) occurred twice independently, which coincides with the presence of fin spines. A nonsynonymous mutation (M82L) was identified in the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of the Japanese eel tbx4. We also examined variation and loss of hindlimb enhancer B (HLEB), which may account for pelvic fin loss in Tetraodontidae and Diodontidae. In summary, we generated a genome assembly of the Japanese eel, which provides a valuable genomic resource to study the evolution of fish tbx4 and helps elucidate the mechanism of pelvic fin loss in teleost fishes. Our comparative genomic studies, revealed for the first time a potential correlation between the tbx4 gene cluster and the evolutionary development of toxic fin spines. Because fin spines in teleosts are usually venoms, this tbx4 gene cluster may facilitate the genetic engineering of toxin-related marine drugs.
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15
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Pore-Forming Proteins from Cnidarians and Arachnids as Potential Biotechnological Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060370. [PMID: 31242582 PMCID: PMC6628452 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are complex mixtures of highly specialized toxic molecules. Cnidarians and arachnids produce pore-forming proteins (PFPs) directed against the plasma membrane of their target cells. Among PFPs from cnidarians, actinoporins stand out for their small size and molecular simplicity. While native actinoporins require only sphingomyelin for membrane binding, engineered chimeras containing a recognition antibody-derived domain fused to an actinoporin isoform can nonetheless serve as highly specific immunotoxins. Examples of such constructs targeted against malignant cells have been already reported. However, PFPs from arachnid venoms are less well-studied from a structural and functional point of view. Spiders from the Latrodectus genus are professional insect hunters that, as part of their toxic arsenal, produce large PFPs known as latrotoxins. Interestingly, some latrotoxins have been identified as potent and highly-specific insecticides. Given the proteinaceous nature of these toxins, their promising future use as efficient bioinsecticides is discussed throughout this Perspective. Protein engineering and large-scale recombinant production are critical steps for the use of these PFPs as tools to control agriculturally important insect pests. In summary, both families of PFPs, from Cnidaria and Arachnida, appear to be molecules with promising biotechnological applications.
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16
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Mansbach RA, Travers T, McMahon BH, Fair JM, Gnanakaran S. Snails In Silico: A Review of Computational Studies on the Conopeptides. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E145. [PMID: 30832207 PMCID: PMC6471681 DOI: 10.3390/md17030145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine cone snails are carnivorous gastropods that use peptide toxins called conopeptides both as a defense mechanism and as a means to immobilize and kill their prey. These peptide toxins exhibit a large chemical diversity that enables exquisite specificity and potency for target receptor proteins. This diversity arises in terms of variations both in amino acid sequence and length, and in posttranslational modifications, particularly the formation of multiple disulfide linkages. Most of the functionally characterized conopeptides target ion channels of animal nervous systems, which has led to research on their therapeutic applications. Many facets of the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the specificity and virulence of conopeptides, however, remain poorly understood. In this review, we will explore the chemical diversity of conopeptides from a computational perspective. First, we discuss current approaches used for classifying conopeptides. Next, we review different computational strategies that have been applied to understanding and predicting their structure and function, from machine learning techniques for predictive classification to docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations for molecular-level understanding. We then review recent novel computational approaches for rapid high-throughput screening and chemical design of conopeptides for particular applications. We close with an assessment of the state of the field, emphasizing important questions for future lines of inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Mansbach
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Timothy Travers
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Benjamin H McMahon
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Jeanne M Fair
- Biosecurity and Public Health Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - S Gnanakaran
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
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Lyu P, Kwok HF. High-throughput Strategy Accelerates the Progress of Marine Anticancer Peptide Drug Development. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2018; 14:2-4. [PMID: 30474536 DOI: 10.2174/1574892813999181114152127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lyu
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, University Avenue, Taipa, Macau, P.R, China
| | - Hang F Kwok
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, University Avenue, Taipa, Macau, P.R, China
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18
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Zhang S, Li J, Qin Q, Liu W, Bian C, Yi Y, Wang M, Zhong L, You X, Tang S, Liu Y, Huang Y, Gu R, Xu J, Bian W, Shi Q, Chen X. Whole-Genome Sequencing of Chinese Yellow Catfish Provides a Valuable Genetic Resource for High-Throughput Identification of Toxin Genes. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E488. [PMID: 30477130 PMCID: PMC6316204 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10120488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally derived toxins from animals are good raw materials for drug development. As a representative venomous teleost, Chinese yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) can provide valuable resources for studies on toxin genes. Its venom glands are located in the pectoral and dorsal fins. Although with such interesting biologic traits and great value in economy, Chinese yellow catfish is still lacking a sequenced genome. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly of Chinese yellow catfish using a combination of next-generation Illumina and third-generation PacBio sequencing platforms. The final assembly reached 714 Mb, with a contig N50 of 970 kb and a scaffold N50 of 3.65 Mb, respectively. We also annotated 21,562 protein-coding genes, in which 97.59% were assigned at least one functional annotation. Based on the genome sequence, we analyzed toxin genes in Chinese yellow catfish. Finally, we identified 207 toxin genes and classified them into three major groups. Interestingly, we also expanded a previously reported sex-related region (to ≈6 Mb) in the achieved genome assembly, and localized two important toxin genes within this region. In summary, we assembled a high-quality genome of Chinese yellow catfish and performed high-throughput identification of toxin genes from a genomic view. Therefore, the limited number of toxin sequences in public databases will be remarkably improved once we integrate multi-omics data from more and more sequenced species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Zhang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Jia Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Qin Qin
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Nanjing Institute of Fisheries Science, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chao Bian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Yunhai Yi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Minghua Wang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Liqiang Zhong
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Xinxin You
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Shengkai Tang
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Yanshan Liu
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Yu Huang
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Ruobo Gu
- BGI Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| | - Junmin Xu
- BGI Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan.
| | - Wenji Bian
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
| | - Qiong Shi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- BGI Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210017, China.
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Structural diversity of arthropod venom toxins. Toxicon 2018; 152:46-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Oliveira CS, Caldeira CAS, Diniz-Sousa R, Romero DL, Marcussi S, Moura LA, Fuly AL, de Carvalho C, Cavalcante WLG, Gallacci M, Pai MD, Zuliani JP, Calderon LA, Soares AM. Pharmacological characterization of cnidarian extracts from the Caribbean Sea: evaluation of anti-snake venom and antitumor properties. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:22. [PMID: 30181737 PMCID: PMC6114500 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cnidarians produce toxins, which are composed of different polypeptides that induce pharmacological effects of biotechnological interest, such as antitumor, antiophidic and anti-clotting activities. This study aimed to evaluate toxicological activities and potential as antitumor and antiophidic agents contained in total extracts from five cnidarians: Millepora alcicornis, Stichodactyla helianthus, Plexaura homomalla, Bartholomea annulata and Condylactis gigantea (total and body wall). METHODS The cnidarian extracts were evaluated by electrophoresis and for their phospholipase, proteolytic, hemorrhagic, coagulant, fibrinogenolytic, neuromuscular blocking, muscle-damaging, edema-inducing and cytotoxic activities. RESULTS All cnidarian extracts showed indirect hemolytic activity, but only S. helianthus induced direct hemolysis and neurotoxic effect. However, the hydrolysis of NBD-PC, a PLA2 substrate, was presented only by the C. gigantea (body wall) and S. helianthus. The extracts from P. homomalla and S. helianthus induced edema, while only C. gigantea and S. helianthus showed intensified myotoxic activity. The proteolytic activity upon casein and fibrinogen was presented mainly by B. annulata extract and all were unable to induce hemorrhage or fibrinogen coagulation. Cnidarian extracts were able to neutralize clotting induced by Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, except M. alcicornis. All cnidarian extracts were able to inhibit hemorrhagic activity induced by Bothrops moojeni venom. Only the C. gigantea (body wall) inhibited thrombin-induced coagulation. All cnidarian extracts showed antitumor effect against Jurkat cells, of which C. gigantea (body wall) and S. helianthus were the most active; however, only C. gigantea (body wall) and M. alcicornis were active against B16F10 cells. CONCLUSION The cnidarian extracts analyzed showed relevant in vitro inhibitory potential over the activities induced by Bothrops venoms; these results may contribute to elucidate the possible mechanisms of interaction between cnidarian extracts and snake venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia S. Oliveira
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas a Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz de Rondônia (Fiocruz Rondônia), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
- Brazilian Marine Biotechnology Network (BioTecMar Network), Porto Velho, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
| | - Cleópatra A. S. Caldeira
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas a Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz de Rondônia (Fiocruz Rondônia), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
- Brazilian Marine Biotechnology Network (BioTecMar Network), Porto Velho, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
| | - Rafaela Diniz-Sousa
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas a Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz de Rondônia (Fiocruz Rondônia), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
- Brazilian Marine Biotechnology Network (BioTecMar Network), Porto Velho, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
| | - Dolores L. Romero
- Centro de Estudios de Proteínas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Habana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Silvana Marcussi
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG Brazil
| | - Laura A. Moura
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular (GCM), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, RJ Brazil
| | - André L. Fuly
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular (GCM), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, RJ Brazil
| | - Cicília de Carvalho
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Walter L. G. Cavalcante
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Márcia Gallacci
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Maeli Dal Pai
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Juliana P. Zuliani
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas a Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz de Rondônia (Fiocruz Rondônia), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
- Brazilian Marine Biotechnology Network (BioTecMar Network), Porto Velho, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
| | - Leonardo A. Calderon
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas a Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz de Rondônia (Fiocruz Rondônia), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
- Brazilian Marine Biotechnology Network (BioTecMar Network), Porto Velho, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
| | - Andreimar M. Soares
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas a Saúde (CEBio), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz de Rondônia (Fiocruz Rondônia), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
- Brazilian Marine Biotechnology Network (BioTecMar Network), Porto Velho, Brazil
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
- Centro Universitário São Lucas (UniSL), Porto Velho, RO Brazil
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21
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Hempel BF, Damm M, Göçmen B, Karis M, Oguz MA, Nalbantsoy A, Süssmuth RD. Comparative Venomics of the Vipera ammodytes transcaucasiana and Vipera ammodytes montandoni from Turkey Provides Insights into Kinship. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10010023. [PMID: 29301241 PMCID: PMC5793110 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nose-horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes) is one of the most widespread and venomous snakes in Europe, which causes high frequent snakebite accidents. The first comprehensive venom characterization of the regional endemic Transcaucasian Nose-horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes transcaucasiana) and the Transdanubian Sand Viper (Vipera ammodytes montandoni) is reported employing a combination of intact mass profiling and bottom-up proteomics. The bottom-up analysis of both subspecies identified the major snake protein families of viper venoms. Furthermore, intact mass profiling revealed the presence of two tripeptidic metalloprotease inhibitors and their precursors. While previous reports applied multivariate analysis techniques to clarify the taxonomic status of the subspecies, an accurate classification of Vipera ammodytestranscaucasiana is still part of the ongoing research. The comparative analysis of the viper venoms on the proteome level reveals a close relationship between the Vipera ammodytes subspecies, which could be considered to clarify the classification of the Transcaucasian Nose-horned Viper. However, the slightly different ratio of some venom components could be indicating interspecific variations of the two studied subspecies or intraspecies alternations based on small sample size. Additionally, we performed a bioactivity screening with the crude venoms against several human cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines, which showed interesting results against a human breast adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line. Several fractions of Vipera a. transcaucasiana demonstrated a strong cytotoxic effect on triple negative MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maik Damm
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Bayram Göçmen
- Department of Biology, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Mert Karis
- Department of Biology, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey.
| | | | - Ayse Nalbantsoy
- Department of Bioengineering, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Roderich D Süssmuth
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
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22
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Sáenz A, Ortiz N, Lomonte B, Rucavado A, Díaz C. Comparison of biochemical and cytotoxic activities of extracts obtained from dorsal spines and caudal fin of adult and juvenile non-native Caribbean lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles). Toxicon 2017; 137:158-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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