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Yao X, Gao S, Yan N. Structural biology of voltage-gated calcium channels. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2290807. [PMID: 38062897 PMCID: PMC10761187 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2290807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium (Cav) channels mediate Ca2+ influx in response to membrane depolarization, playing critical roles in diverse physiological processes. Dysfunction or aberrant regulation of Cav channels can lead to life-threatening consequences. Cav-targeting drugs have been clinically used to treat cardiovascular and neuronal disorders for several decades. This review aims to provide an account of recent developments in the structural dissection of Cav channels. High-resolution structures have significantly advanced our understanding of the working and disease mechanisms of Cav channels, shed light on the molecular basis for their modulation, and elucidated the modes of actions (MOAs) of representative drugs and toxins. The progress in structural studies of Cav channels lays the foundation for future drug discovery efforts targeting Cav channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Yao
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Nieng Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structures, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Antunes FTT, Campos MM, Carvalho VDPR, da Silva Junior CA, Magno LAV, de Souza AH, Gomez MV. Current Drug Development Overview: Targeting Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels for the Treatment of Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119223. [PMID: 37298174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are targeted to treat pain conditions. Since the discovery of their relation to pain processing control, they are investigated to find new strategies for better pain control. This review provides an overview of naturally based and synthetic VGCC blockers, highlighting new evidence on the development of drugs focusing on the VGCC subtypes as well as mixed targets with pre-clinical and clinical analgesic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Maria Martha Campos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Alexandre Viana Magno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG), Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Hubner de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG), Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil
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3
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Zhou M, Yang M, Wen H, Xu S, Han C, Wu Y. O1-conotoxin Tx6.7 cloned from the genomic DNA of Conus textile that inhibits calcium currents. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20220085. [PMID: 37283723 PMCID: PMC10241523 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2022-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Conotoxins exhibit great potential as neuropharmacology tools and therapeutic candidates due to their high affinity and specificity for ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors or transporters. The traditional methods to discover new conotoxins are peptide purification from the crude venom or gene amplification from the venom duct. Methods In this study, a novel O1 superfamily conotoxin Tx6.7 was directly cloned from the genomic DNA of Conus textile using primers corresponding to the conserved intronic sequence and 3' UTR elements. The mature peptide of Tx6.7 (DCHERWDWCPASLLGVIYCCEGLICFIAFCI) was synthesized by solid-phase chemical synthesis and confirmed by mass spectrometry. Results Patch clamp experiments on rat DRG neurons showed that Tx6.7 inhibited peak calcium currents by 59.29 ± 2.34% and peak potassium currents by 22.33 ± 7.81%. In addition, patch clamp on the ion channel subtypes showed that 10 μM Tx6.7 inhibited 56.61 ± 3.20% of the hCaV1.2 currents, 24.67 ± 0.91% of the hCaV2.2 currents and 7.30 ± 3.38% of the hNaV1.8 currents. Tx6.7 had no significant toxicity to ND7/23 cells and increased the pain threshold from 0.5 to 4 hours in the mouse hot plate assay. Conclusion Our results suggested that direct cloning of conotoxin sequences from the genomic DNA of cone snails would be an alternative approach to obtaining novel conotoxins. Tx6.7 could be used as a probe tool for ion channel research or a therapeutic candidate for novel drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maojun Zhou
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics,
State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Manyi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, NHC Key
Laboratory of Nanobiological Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,
Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huiling Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi,
China
| | - Shun Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular
Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Cuifang Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular
Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular
Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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4
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Wu Y, Yang M, Li Y, Zhang W, Zhou M. Synthesis and evaluation of a novel analgesic conotoxin Lt7b that inhibits calcium currents and increases sodium currents. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5330-5334. [PMID: 36050866 PMCID: PMC9575111 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins are promising neuropharmacological tools and drug candidates due to their high efficiency and specificity in targeting ion channels or neurotransmitter receptors. In this study, a novel O2‐superfamily conotoxin, Lt7b, was synthesized and its pharmacological functions were evaluated. Lt7b with three modified amino acids and three disulfide bonds was successfully synthesized. CD spectra showed that Lt7b had a typical α‐helix in the secondary structure. Patch clamp experiments on rat DRG neurons showed that Lt7b could significantly inhibit calcium currents with an IC50 value of 856 ± 95 nM. Meanwhile, 10 μM Lt7b could significantly increase the sodium currents by 77 ± 8%, but it had no obvious effects on the potassium currents in DRG neurons. In addition, patch clamp experiments on ion channel subtypes showed that 10 μM Lt7b could inhibit 7.0 ± 1.2%, 8.0 ± 1.5%, 4.6 ± 3.4%, and 9.5 ± 0.1% of the hCav1.2, hCav2.1, hCav2.2, and hCav3.2 currents, respectively, while it did not increase the rNav1.7, rNav1.8, hNav1.5, hNav1.7, and hNav1.8 currents. Lt7b had no obvious toxicity to HaCaT and ND7/23 cells up to 1 mM and significantly increased the pain threshold at the testing time of 0.5–4 h in a dose‐dependent manner in the mouse hotplate assay. This novel conotoxin Lt7b may be a useful tool for ion channel studies and analgesic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Manyi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, NHC Key Laboratory of Nanobiological Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yubin Li
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijingshan District, China
| | - Maojun Zhou
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, State Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Anticancer Drugs, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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5
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Single-Disulfide Conopeptide Czon1107, an Allosteric Antagonist of the Human α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20080497. [PMID: 36005500 PMCID: PMC9409646 DOI: 10.3390/md20080497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides are peptides in the venom of marine cone snails that are used for capturing prey or as a defense against predators. A new cysteine-poor conopeptide, Czon1107, has exhibited non-competitive inhibition with an undefined allosteric mechanism in the human (h) α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In this study, the binding mode of Czon1107 to hα3β4 nAChR was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations coupled with mutagenesis studies of the peptide and electrophysiology studies on heterologous hα3β4 nAChRs. Overall, this study clarifies the structure–activity relationship of Czon1107 and hα3β4 nAChR and provides an important experimental and theoretical basis for the development of new peptide drugs.
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6
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Pathophysiological Responses to Conotoxin Modulation of Voltage-Gated Ion Currents. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050282. [PMID: 35621933 PMCID: PMC9143252 DOI: 10.3390/md20050282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels are plasma membrane proteins that generate electrical signals following a change in the membrane voltage. Since they are involved in several physiological processes, their dysfunction may be responsible for a series of diseases and pain states particularly related to neuronal and muscular systems. It is well established for decades that bioactive peptides isolated from venoms of marine mollusks belonging to the Conus genus, collectively known as conotoxins, can target different types and isoforms of these channels exerting therapeutic effects and pain relief. For this reason, conotoxins are widely used for either therapeutic purposes or studies on ion channel mechanisms of action disclosure. In addition their positive property, however, conotoxins may generate pathological states through similar ion channel modulation. In this narrative review, we provide pieces of evidence on the pathophysiological impacts that different members of conotoxin families exert by targeting the three most important voltage-gated channels, such as sodium, calcium, and potassium, involved in cellular processes.
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7
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Voltage-dependent Ca V3.2 and Ca V2.2 channels in nociceptive pathways. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:421-434. [PMID: 35043234 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02666-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Noxious stimuli like cold, heat, pH change, tissue damage, and inflammation depolarize a membrane of peripheral endings of specialized nociceptive neurons which eventually results in the generation of an action potential. The electrical signal is carried along a long axon of nociceptive neurons from peripheral organs to soma located in dorsal root ganglions and further to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord where it is transmitted through a chemical synapse and is carried through the spinal thalamic tract into the brain. Two subtypes of voltage-activated calcium play a major role in signal transmission: a low voltage-activated CaV3.2 channel and a high voltage-activated CaV2.2 channel. The CaV3.2 channel contributes mainly to the signal conductance along nociceptive neurons while the principal role of the CaV2.2 channel is in the synaptic transmission at the dorsal horn. Both channels contribute to the signal initiation at peripheral nerve endings. This review summarizes current knowledge about the expression and distribution of these channels in a nociceptive pathway, the regulation of their expression and gating during pain pathology, and their suitability as targets for pharmacological therapy.
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8
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Tibery DV, de Souza ACB, Mourão CBF, do Nascimento JM, Schwartz EF. Purification and characterization of peptides Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 (ω-toxins) from the venom of the Brazilian tarantula Acanthoscurria paulensis. Peptides 2021; 145:170622. [PMID: 34363923 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Peptides isolated from spider venoms are of pharmacological interest due to their neurotoxic activity, acting on voltage-dependent ion channels present in different types of human body tissues. Three peptide toxins titled as Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 were purified by RP-HPLC from Acanthoscurria paulensis venom. They were partially sequenced by MALDI In-source Decay method and their sequences were completed and confirmed by transcriptome analysis of the venom gland. The Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 peptides have, respectively, 42, 41 and 46 amino acid residues, and experimental molecular masses of 4886.3, 4883.7 and 5454.7 Da, with the Ap2 peptide presenting an amidated C-terminus. Amongst the assayed channels - NaV1.1, NaV1.5, NaV1.7, CaV1.2, CaV2.1 and CaV2.2 - Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 inhibited 20-30 % of CaV2.1 current at 1 μM concentration. Ap3 also inhibited sodium current in NaV1.1, Nav1.5 and Nav1.7 channels by 6.6 ± 1.91 % (p = 0.0276), 4.2 ± 1.09 % (p = 0.0185) and 16.05 ± 2.75 % (p = 0.0282), respectively. Considering that Ap2, Ap3 and Ap5 belong to the 'U'-unknown family of spider toxins, which has few descriptions of biological activity, the present work contributes to the knowledge of these peptides and demonstrates this potential as channel modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Vieira Tibery
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Caroline Barbosa Farias Mourão
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Brasília, Campus Ceilândia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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9
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Laryushkin DP, Maiorov SA, Zinchenko VP, Gaidin SG, Kosenkov AM. Role of L-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Epileptiform Activity of Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910342. [PMID: 34638683 PMCID: PMC8508770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epileptic discharges manifest in individual neurons as abnormal membrane potential fluctuations called paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS). PDSs can combine into clusters that are accompanied by synchronous oscillations of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in neurons. Here, we investigate the contribution of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) to epileptiform activity induced in cultured hippocampal neurons by GABA(A)R antagonist, bicuculline. Using KCl-induced depolarization, we determined the optimal effective doses of the blockers. Dihydropyridines (nifedipine and isradipine) at concentrations ≤ 10 μM demonstrate greater selectivity than the blockers from other groups (phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines). However, high doses of dihydropyridines evoke an irreversible increase in [Ca2+]i in neurons and astrocytes. In turn, verapamil and diltiazem selectively block L-type VGCC in the range of 1–10 μM, whereas high doses of these drugs block other types of VGCC. We show that L-type VGCC blockade decreases the half-width and amplitude of bicuculline-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations. We also observe a decrease in the number of PDSs in a cluster and cluster duration. However, the pattern of individual PDSs and the frequency of the cluster occurrence change insignificantly. Thus, our results demonstrate that L-type VGCC contributes to maintaining the required [Ca2+]i level during oscillations, which appears to determine the number of PDSs in the cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis P. Laryushkin
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.A.M.); (V.P.Z.)
| | - Sergei A. Maiorov
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.A.M.); (V.P.Z.)
| | - Valery P. Zinchenko
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.A.M.); (V.P.Z.)
| | - Sergei G. Gaidin
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.A.M.); (V.P.Z.)
- Correspondence: (S.G.G.); (A.M.K.)
| | - Artem M. Kosenkov
- Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.A.M.); (V.P.Z.)
- Correspondence: (S.G.G.); (A.M.K.)
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10
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Rojas J, Hinostroza F, Vergara S, Pinto-Borguero I, Aguilera F, Fuentes R, Carvacho I. Knockin' on Egg's Door: Maternal Control of Egg Activation That Influences Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Animal Species. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:704867. [PMID: 34540828 PMCID: PMC8446563 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.704867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization by multiple sperm leads to lethal chromosomal number abnormalities, failed embryo development, and miscarriage. In some vertebrate and invertebrate eggs, the so-called cortical reaction contributes to their activation and prevents polyspermy during fertilization. This process involves biogenesis, redistribution, and subsequent accumulation of cortical granules (CGs) at the female gamete cortex during oogenesis. CGs are oocyte- and egg-specific secretory vesicles whose content is discharged during fertilization to block polyspermy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling critical aspects of CG biology prior to and after the gametes interaction. This allows to block polyspermy and provide protection to the developing embryo. We also examine how CGs form and are spatially redistributed during oogenesis. During egg activation, CG exocytosis (CGE) and content release are triggered by increases in intracellular calcium and relies on the function of maternally-loaded proteins. We also discuss how mutations in these factors impact CG dynamics, providing unprecedented models to investigate the genetic program executing fertilization. We further explore the phylogenetic distribution of maternal proteins and signaling pathways contributing to CGE and egg activation. We conclude that many important biological questions and genotype–phenotype relationships during fertilization remain unresolved, and therefore, novel molecular players of CG biology need to be discovered. Future functional and image-based studies are expected to elucidate the identity of genetic candidates and components of the molecular machinery involved in the egg activation. This, will open new therapeutic avenues for treating infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Japhet Rojas
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Fernando Hinostroza
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Sebastián Vergara
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Ingrid Pinto-Borguero
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Aguilera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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11
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Depuydt AS, Rihon J, Cheneval O, Vanmeert M, Schroeder CI, Craik DJ, Lescrinier E, Peigneur S, Tytgat J. Cyclic Peptides as T-Type Calcium Channel Blockers: Characterization and Molecular Mapping of the Binding Site. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1379-1389. [PMID: 34423272 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
T-type calcium (CaV3) channels play a crucial role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells and are considered potential drug targets for the treatment of neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Given the limited pharmacological repertoire for these channels, there is a great need for novel potent and selective CaV3 channel inhibitors. In this study, we used Xenopus oocytes to heterologously express CaV3.1 channels and characterized the interaction with a small cyclic peptide, PnCS1. Using molecular modeling, PnCS1 was docked into the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human CaV3.1 channel and molecular dynamics were performed on the resultant complex. The binding site of the peptide was mapped with the involvement of critical amino acids located in the pore region and fenestrations of the channel. More specifically, we found that PnCS1 reclines in the central cavity of the pore domain of the CaV3.1 channel and resides stably between the selectivity filter and the intracellular gate, blocking the conduction pathway of the channel. Using Multiple Attribute Positional Scanning approaches, we developed a series of PnCS1 analogues. These analogues had a reduced level of inhibition, confirming the importance of specific residues and corroborating our modeling. In summary, functional studies of PnCS1 on the CaV3.1 channel combined with molecular dynamics results provide the basis for understanding the molecular interactions of PnCS1 with CaV3.1 and are fundamental to structure-based drug discovery for treating CaV3 channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Depuydt
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Rihon
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Olivier Cheneval
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland Australia
| | - Michiel Vanmeert
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland Australia.,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland Australia
| | - Eveline Lescrinier
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium
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12
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Identification of Novel Toxin Genes from the Stinging Nettle Caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799): Insights into the Evolution of Lepidoptera Toxins. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050396. [PMID: 33946702 PMCID: PMC8145965 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Many caterpillar species can produce toxins that cause harmful reactions to humans, varying from mild irritation to death. Currently, there is very limited knowledge about caterpillar toxin diversity, because only a few species have been investigated. We used the transcriptome technique to identify candidate toxin genes from the nettle caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). It is a common pest of oil palm, coconut, and mango in South and South-East Asia, which can cause severe pain and allergic responses to those in contact with them. We reported 168 candidate toxin genes. Most of them are members of the toxin genes families commonly recruited in animal venoms such as serine protease and serine protease inhibitors. However, we identified 21 novel genes encoding knottin-like peptides expressed at a high level in the transcriptome. Their predicted 3D structures are similar to neurotoxins in scorpion and tarantula. Our study suggests that P. lepida venom contains diverse toxin proteins that potentially cause allergic reactions and pain. This study sheds light on the hidden diversity of toxin proteins in caterpillar lineage, which could be future fruitful new drug sources. Abstract Many animal species can produce venom for defense, predation, and competition. The venom usually contains diverse peptide and protein toxins, including neurotoxins, proteolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors, and allergens. Some drugs for cancer, neurological disorders, and analgesics were developed based on animal toxin structures and functions. Several caterpillar species possess venoms that cause varying effects on humans both locally and systemically. However, toxins from only a few species have been investigated, limiting the full understanding of the Lepidoptera toxin diversity and evolution. We used the RNA-seq technique to identify toxin genes from the stinging nettle caterpillar, Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). We constructed a transcriptome from caterpillar urticating hairs and reported 34,968 unique transcripts. Using our toxin gene annotation pipeline, we identified 168 candidate toxin genes, including protease inhibitors, proteolytic enzymes, and allergens. The 21 P. lepida novel Knottin-like peptides, which do not show sequence similarity to any known peptide, have predicted 3D structures similar to tarantula, scorpion, and cone snail neurotoxins. We highlighted the importance of convergent evolution in the Lepidoptera toxin evolution and the possible mechanisms. This study opens a new path to understanding the hidden diversity of Lepidoptera toxins, which could be a fruitful source for developing new drugs.
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13
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Aridoss G, Kim D, Kim JI, Kang JE. Ziconotide (
ω‐conotoxin MVIIA
)—Efficient solid‐phase synthesis of a linear precursor peptide and its strategic native folding. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gopalakrishnan Aridoss
- Peptide Smart Process Department Anygen Co., Ltd Cheongju‐si Chungcheongbuk‐do South Korea
| | - Dong‐Min Kim
- Peptide Smart Process Department Anygen Co., Ltd Cheongju‐si Chungcheongbuk‐do South Korea
| | - Jae Il Kim
- Peptide Smart Process Department Anygen Co., Ltd Cheongju‐si Chungcheongbuk‐do South Korea
| | - Jae Eun Kang
- Peptide Smart Process Department Anygen Co., Ltd Cheongju‐si Chungcheongbuk‐do South Korea
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14
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Eum JH, Park M, Yoon JA, Yoon SY. Voltage Dependent N Type Calcium Channel in Mouse Egg Fertilization. Dev Reprod 2021; 24:297-306. [PMID: 33537516 PMCID: PMC7837419 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2020.24.4.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive changes in the intracellular calcium concentration
([Ca2+]i) triggers egg activation, including cortical
granule exocytosis, resumption of second meiosis, block to polyspermy, and
initiating embryonic development. [Ca2+]i oscillations that
continue for several hours, are required for the early events of egg activation
and possibly connected to further development to the blastocyst stage. The
sources of Ca2+ ion elevation during [Ca2+]i
oscillations are Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum
through inositol 1,4,5 tri-phosphate receptor and Ca2+ ion
influx through Ca2+ channel on the plasma membrane.
Ca2+ channels have been characterized into
voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs), ligand-gated
Ca2+ channel, and leak-channel. VDCCs expressed on muscle
cell or neuron is specified into L, T, N, P, Q, and R type VDCs by their
activation threshold or their sensitivity to peptide toxins isolated from cone
snails and spiders. The present study was aimed to investigate the localization
pattern of N and P/Q type voltage-dependent calcium channels in mouse eggs and
the role in fertilization. [Ca2+]i oscillation was observed in
a Ca2+ contained medium with sperm factor or adenophostin A
injection but disappeared in Ca2+ free medium.
Ca2+ influx was decreased by Lat A. N-VDCC specific
inhibitor, ω-Conotoxin CVIIA induced abnormal [Ca2+]i
oscillation profiles in SrCl2 treatment. N or P/Q type VDC were
distributed on the plasma membrane in cortical cluster form, not in the
cytoplasm. Ca2+ influx is essential for
[Ca2+]i oscillation during mammalian fertilization. This
Ca2+ influx might be controlled through the N or P/Q type
VDCCs. Abnormal VDCCs expression of eggs could be tested in fertilization
failure or low fertilization eggs in subfertility women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Eum
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Miseon Park
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Jung Ah Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Sook Young Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
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15
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Yousuf A, Sadeghi M, Adams DJ. Venom-Derived Peptides Inhibiting Voltage-Gated Sodium and Calcium Channels in Mammalian Sensory Neurons. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:3-19. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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K 2P2.1 (TREK-1) potassium channel activation protects against hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22011. [PMID: 33319831 PMCID: PMC7738539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78886-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
No targeted therapies exist to counteract Hyperoxia (HO)-induced Acute Lung Injury (HALI). We previously found that HO downregulates alveolar K2P2.1 (TREK-1) K+ channels, which results in worsening lung injury. This decrease in TREK-1 levels leaves a subset of channels amendable to pharmacological intervention. Therefore, we hypothesized that TREK-1 activation protects against HALI. We treated HO-exposed mice and primary alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) with the novel TREK-1 activators ML335 and BL1249, and quantified physiological, histological, and biochemical lung injury markers. We determined the effects of these drugs on epithelial TREK-1 currents, plasma membrane potential (Em), and intracellular Ca2+ (iCa) concentrations using fluorometric assays, and blocked voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (CaV) as a downstream mechanism of cytokine secretion. Once-daily, intra-tracheal injections of HO-exposed mice with ML335 or BL1249 improved lung compliance, histological lung injury scores, broncho-alveolar lavage protein levels and cell counts, and IL-6 and IP-10 concentrations. TREK-1 activation also decreased IL-6, IP-10, and CCL-2 secretion from primary AECs. Mechanistically, ML335 and BL1249 induced TREK-1 currents in AECs, counteracted HO-induced cell depolarization, and lowered iCa2+ concentrations. In addition, CCL-2 secretion was decreased after L-type CaV inhibition. Therefore, Em stabilization with TREK-1 activators may represent a novel approach to counteract HALI.
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17
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Sajeevan KA, Roy D. Simulation of differential structure and dynamics of disulfide bond isoforms of conopeptide
AuIB
in presence of human
α
3
β
4
nAChR. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karuna Anna Sajeevan
- Department of Chemistry Birla Institute of Technology and Science‐Pilani Hyderabad Telangana India
| | - Durba Roy
- Department of Chemistry Birla Institute of Technology and Science‐Pilani Hyderabad Telangana India
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18
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Pro-Inflammatory Signaling Upregulates a Neurotoxic Conotoxin-Like Protein Encrypted Within Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071584. [PMID: 32629888 PMCID: PMC7407490 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron degeneration and spinal cord demyelination are hallmark pathological events in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) expression has an established association with ALS neuropathology, with murine modeling pointing to a role for the ERVK envelope (env) gene in disease processes. Here, we describe a novel viral protein cryptically encoded within the ERVK env transcript, which resembles two distinct cysteine-rich neurotoxic proteins: conotoxin proteins found in marine snails and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Tat protein. Consistent with Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-induced retrotransposon expression, the ERVK conotoxin-like protein (CTXLP) is induced by inflammatory signaling. CTXLP is found in the nucleus, impacting innate immune gene expression and NF-κB p65 activity. Using human autopsy specimens from patients with ALS, we further showcase CTXLP expression in degenerating motor cortex and spinal cord tissues, concomitant with inflammation linked pathways, including enhancement of necroptosis marker mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) protein and oligodendrocyte maturation/myelination inhibitor Nogo-A. These findings identify CTXLP as a novel ERVK protein product, which may act as an effector in ALS neuropathology.
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19
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Chow CY, Absalom N, Biggs K, King GF, Ma L. Venom-derived modulators of epilepsy-related ion channels. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114043. [PMID: 32445870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is characterised by spontaneous recurrent seizures that are caused by an imbalance between neuronal excitability and inhibition. Since ion channels play fundamental roles in the generation and propagation of action potentials as well as neurotransmitter release at a subset of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, their dysfunction has been linked to a wide variety of epilepsies. Indeed, these unique proteins are the major biological targets for antiepileptic drugs. Selective targeting of a specific ion channel subtype remains challenging for small molecules, due to the high level of homology among members of the same channel family. As a consequence, there is a growing trend to target ion channels with biologics. Venoms are the best known natural source of ion channel modulators, and venom peptides are increasingly recognised as potential therapeutics due to their high selectivity and potency gained through millions of years of evolutionary selection pressure. Here we describe the major ion channel families involved in the pathogenesis of various types of epilepsy, including voltage-gated Na+, K+, Ca2+ channels, Cys-loop receptors, ionotropic glutamate receptors and P2X receptors, and currently available venom-derived peptides that target these channel proteins. Although only a small number of venom peptides have successfully progressed to the clinic, there is reason to be optimistic about their development as antiepileptic drugs, notwithstanding the challenges associated with development of any class of peptide drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nathan Absalom
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Kimberley Biggs
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Linlin Ma
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
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20
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Liu Y, Yan S, Chen S, Zhang J, Shen Y, Su J, He G, Feng R, Shao D, Hao L. Calmodulin mutant in central linker reduces the binding affinity with PreIQ and IQ while interacting with Ca V1.2 channels. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 526:78-84. [PMID: 32197840 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.03.018] [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: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Calmodulin (CaM) was reported to interact with PreIQ and IQ of CaV1.2 channels, but to date, no explicit binding sites of CaM were illustrated. Therefore, in the present study, we firstly used MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) for protein-protein docking and we found that the most likely residues of CaM that play an important role in the interface are concentrated in central linker region. Next we examined the binding properties of CaM and its mutants to PreIQ and IQ by GST pull-down assays. Here we confirmed that CaM binds to PreIQ and IQ in a concentration-dependent and [Ca2+]-dependent manner. However, silencing the effect of N-lobe and C-lobe by mutating two Ca2+ binding sites of each lobe abolished [Ca2+]-dependence of CaM binding, but could not influence the combination. And the mutant in central linker reduced the binding of CaM/PreIQ and CaM/IQ especially at low [Ca2+]. We confirmed that N-lobe and C-lobe play vital role in sensing the change of Ca2+, and found that the central linker of CaM is involved in the binding of CaM to CaV1.2 channels in particular at low [Ca2+], not only participates in the combination with PreIQ, but also with IQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Shan Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Sichong Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Yixuan Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Jingyang Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Guilin He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Dongxue Shao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China
| | - Liying Hao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, 100122, China.
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21
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Li Q, Lu J, Zhou X, Chen X, Su D, Gu X, Yu W. High-Voltage-Activated Calcium Channel in the Afferent Pain Pathway: An Important Target of Pain Therapies. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:1073-1084. [PMID: 31065935 PMCID: PMC6864004 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00378-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ channels are widely expressed in the nervous system. They play an important role in pain conduction by participating in various physiological processes such as synaptic transmission, changes in synaptic plasticity, and neuronal excitability. Available evidence suggests that the HVA channel is an important therapeutic target for pain management. In this review, we summarize the changes in different subtypes of HVA channel during pain and present the currently available evidence from the clinical application of HVA channel blockers. We also review novel drugs in various phases of development. Moreover, we discuss the future prospects of HVA channel blockers in order to promote "bench-to-bedside" translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jian Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314000, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Diansan Su
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiyao Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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22
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Wang R, Zhong Y, Wang J, Yang H, Yuan J, Wang S. Development of an ic-ELISA and immunochromatographic strip based on IgG antibody for detection of ω-conotoxin MVIIA. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 378:120510. [PMID: 31226588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.03.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ω-conotoxin MVIIA(ω-CTX MVIIA) is a peptide consisting of 25 amino acid residues secreted mainly by Conus magus. In view of the toxin threat to humans and animals and defined application in analgesic therapy, it is necessary to develop a rapid, effective and accuracy method for the quantification and analysis of ω-CTX MVIIA in real samples. In the present study, a hybridoma cell named 2E5 stable secreting IgG antibody against ω-CTX MVIIA was selected successfully, and the subtype of Mab 2E5 was IgG1. The purified monoclonal antibody(Mab) 2E5 has high affinity (about 2.79 × 109 L/mol), and shows high specificity to ω-CTX MVIIA antigen. The linear range of ic-ELISA to detect ω-CTX MVIIA was 0.20˜7.22 μg/mL, with a lower detection limit (LOD) of 0.14 ng/mL. The average recovery of intra- and inter-assay were (85.45 ± 2.28)% and (88.03 ± 4.80)% respectively, with a coefficient of variation from 2.59% to 5.42%. The LOD of colloidal strip by naked eye was 1 μg/mL, and the detection time was less than 10 min without any equipment. The developed ELISA and colloidal test strips based on this IgG antibody could be used to detect ω-CTX MVIIA residue in real Conus samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yanfang Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Juncheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Hang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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23
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Conotoxin Diversity in the Venom Gland Transcriptome of the Magician's Cone, Pionoconus magus. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17100553. [PMID: 31569823 PMCID: PMC6835573 DOI: 10.3390/md17100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptomes of the venom glands of two individuals of the magician’s cone, Pionoconus magus, from Okinawa (Japan) were sequenced, assembled, and annotated. In addition, RNA-seq raw reads available at the SRA database from one additional specimen of P. magus from the Philippines were also assembled and annotated. The total numbers of identified conotoxin precursors and hormones per specimen were 118, 112, and 93. The three individuals shared only five identical sequences whereas the two specimens from Okinawa had 30 sequences in common. The total number of distinct conotoxin precursors and hormones for P. magus was 275, and were assigned to 53 conotoxin precursor and hormone superfamilies, two of which were new based on their divergent signal region. The superfamilies that had the highest number of precursors were M (42), O1 (34), T (27), A (18), O2 (17), and F (13), accounting for 55% of the total diversity. The D superfamily, previously thought to be exclusive of vermivorous cones was found in P. magus and contained a highly divergent mature region. Similarly, the A superfamily alpha 4/3 was found in P. magus despite the fact that it was previously postulated to be almost exclusive of the genus Rhombiconus. Differential expression analyses of P. magus compared to Chelyconus ermineus, the only fish-hunting cone from the Atlantic Ocean revealed that M and A2 superfamilies appeared to be more expressed in the former whereas the O2 superfamily was more expressed in the latter.
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24
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Finol-Urdaneta RK, McArthur JR, Korkosh VS, Huang S, McMaster D, Glavica R, Tikhonov DB, Zhorov BS, French RJ. Extremely Potent Block of Bacterial Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels by µ-Conotoxin PIIIA. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17090510. [PMID: 31470595 PMCID: PMC6780087 DOI: 10.3390/md17090510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
µ-Conotoxin PIIIA, in the sub-picomolar, range inhibits the archetypal bacterial sodium channel NaChBac (NavBh) in a voltage- and use-dependent manner. Peptide µ-conotoxins were first recognized as potent components of the venoms of fish-hunting cone snails that selectively inhibit voltage-gated skeletal muscle sodium channels, thus preventing muscle contraction. Intriguingly, computer simulations predicted that PIIIA binds to prokaryotic channel NavAb with much higher affinity than to fish (and other vertebrates) skeletal muscle sodium channel (Nav 1.4). Here, using whole-cell voltage clamp, we demonstrate that PIIIA inhibits NavBac mediated currents even more potently than predicted. From concentration-response data, with [PIIIA] varying more than 6 orders of magnitude (10−12 to 10−5 M), we estimated an IC50 = ~5 pM, maximal block of 0.95 and a Hill coefficient of 0.81 for the inhibition of peak currents. Inhibition was stronger at depolarized holding potentials and was modulated by the frequency and duration of the stimulation pulses. An important feature of the PIIIA action was acceleration of macroscopic inactivation. Docking of PIIIA in a NaChBac (NavBh) model revealed two interconvertible binding modes. In one mode, PIIIA sterically and electrostatically blocks the permeation pathway. In a second mode, apparent stabilization of the inactivated state was achieved by PIIIA binding between P2 helices and trans-membrane S5s from adjacent channel subunits, partially occluding the outer pore. Together, our experimental and computational results suggest that, besides blocking the channel-mediated currents by directly occluding the conducting pathway, PIIIA may also change the relative populations of conducting (activated) and non-conducting (inactivated) states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 0254-9110, USA.
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Vyacheslav S Korkosh
- I. M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Sun Huang
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Denis McMaster
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Robert Glavica
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Denis B Tikhonov
- I. M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Boris S Zhorov
- I. M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4K1, Canada
| | - Robert J French
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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25
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Morales Duque H, Campos Dias S, Franco OL. Structural and Functional Analyses of Cone Snail Toxins. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17060370. [PMID: 31234371 PMCID: PMC6628382 DOI: 10.3390/md17060370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails are marine gastropod mollusks with one of the most powerful venoms in nature. The toxins, named conotoxins, must act quickly on the cone snails´ prey due to the fact that snails are extremely slow, reducing their hunting capability. Therefore, the characteristics of conotoxins have become the object of investigation, and as a result medicines have been developed or are in the trialing process. Conotoxins interact with transmembrane proteins, showing specificity and potency. They target ion channels and ionotropic receptors with greater regularity, and when interaction occurs, there is immediate physiological decompensation. In this review we aimed to evaluate the structural features of conotoxins and the relationship with their target types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande-MS 79.117-900, Brazil.
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26
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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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27
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Neurobiology and therapeutic applications of neurotoxins targeting transmitter release. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 193:135-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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28
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Fu Y, Li C, Dong S, Wu Y, Zhangsun D, Luo S. Discovery Methodology of Novel Conotoxins from Conus Species. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16110417. [PMID: 30380764 PMCID: PMC6266589 DOI: 10.3390/md16110417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snail venoms provide an ideal resource for neuropharmacological tools and drug candidates discovery, which have become a research hotspot in neuroscience and new drug development. More than 1,000,000 natural peptides are produced by cone snails, but less than 0.1% of the estimated conotoxins has been characterized to date. Hence, the discovery of novel conotoxins from the huge conotoxin resources with high-throughput and sensitive methods becomes a crucial key for the conotoxin-based drug development. In this review, we introduce the discovery methodology of new conotoxins from various Conus species. It focuses on obtaining full N- to C-terminal sequences, regardless of disulfide bond connectivity through crude venom purification, conotoxin precusor gene cloning, venom duct transcriptomics, venom proteomics and multi-omic methods. The protocols, advantages, disadvantages, and developments of different approaches during the last decade are summarized and the promising prospects are discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Cheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Sulan Luo
- Key Laboratory for Marine Drugs of Haikou, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
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29
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Carvacho I, Piesche M, Maier TJ, Machaca K. Ion Channel Function During Oocyte Maturation and Fertilization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:63. [PMID: 29998105 PMCID: PMC6028574 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The proper maturation of both male and female gametes is essential for supporting fertilization and the early embryonic divisions. In the ovary, immature fully-grown oocytes that are arrested in prophase I of meiosis I are not able to support fertilization. Acquiring fertilization competence requires resumption of meiosis which encompasses the remodeling of multiple signaling pathways and the reorganization of cellular organelles. Collectively, this differentiation endows the egg with the ability to activate at fertilization and to promote the egg-to-embryo transition. Oocyte maturation is associated with changes in the electrical properties of the plasma membrane and alterations in the function and distribution of ion channels. Therefore, variations on the pattern of expression, distribution, and function of ion channels and transporters during oocyte maturation are fundamental to reproductive success. Ion channels and transporters are important in regulating membrane potential, but also in the case of calcium (Ca2+), they play a critical role in modulating intracellular signaling pathways. In the context of fertilization, Ca2+ has been shown to be the universal activator of development at fertilization, playing a central role in early events associated with egg activation and the egg-to-embryo transition. These early events include the block of polyspermy, the completion of meiosis and the transition to the embryonic mitotic divisions. In this review, we discuss the role of ion channels during oocyte maturation, fertilization and early embryonic development. We will describe how ion channel studies in Xenopus oocytes, an extensively studied model of oocyte maturation, translate into a greater understanding of the role of ion channels in mammalian oocyte physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Carvacho
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Matthias Piesche
- Biomedical Research Laboratories, Medicine Faculty, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Thorsten J. Maier
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Khaled Machaca
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell-Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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30
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Chen J, Liang L, Ning H, Cai F, Liu Z, Zhang L, Zhou L, Dai Q. Cloning, Synthesis and Functional Characterization of a Novel α-Conotoxin Lt1.3. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16040112. [PMID: 29614714 PMCID: PMC5923399 DOI: 10.3390/md16040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Conotoxins (α-CTxs) are small peptides composed of 11 to 20 amino acid residues with two disulfide bridges. Most of them potently and selectively target nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes, and a few were found to inhibit the GABAB receptor (GABABR)-coupled N-type calcium channels (Cav2.2). However, in all of α-CTxs targeting both receptors, the disulfide connectivity arrangement "C¹-C³, C²-C⁴" is present. In this work, a novel α4/7-CTx named Lt1.3 (GCCSHPACSGNNPYFC-NH₂) was cloned from the venom ducts of Conus litteratus (C. litteratus) in the South China Sea. Lt1.3 was then chemically synthesized and two isomers with disulfide bridges "C¹-C³, C²-C⁴" and "C¹-C⁴, C²-C³" were found and functionally characterized. Electrophysiological experiments showed that Lt1.3 containing the common disulfide bridges "C¹-C³, C²-C⁴" potently and selectively inhibited α3β2 nAChRs and not GABABR-coupled Cav2.2. Surprisingly, but the isomer with the disulfide bridges "C¹-C⁴, C²-C³" showed exactly the opposite inhibitory activity, inhibiting only GABABR-coupled Cav2.2 and not α3β2 nAChRs. These findings expand the knowledge of the targets and selectivity of α-CTxs and provide a new structural motif to inhibit the GABABR-coupled Cav2.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqin Chen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 236041, China.
| | - Li Liang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Huying Ning
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Fengtao Cai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Zhuguo Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Longxiao Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Liangyi Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Qiuyun Dai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
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