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Xia Z, Wang H, Chen W, Wang A, Cao Z. Scorpion Venom Antimicrobial Peptide Derivative BmKn2-T5 Inhibits Enterovirus 71 in the Early Stages of the Viral Life Cycle In Vitro. Biomolecules 2024; 14:545. [PMID: 38785952 PMCID: PMC11117539 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a typical representative of unenveloped RNA viruses, is the main pathogenic factor responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in infants. This disease seriously threatens the health and lives of humans worldwide, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Numerous animal antimicrobial peptides have been found with protective functions against viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other pathogens, but there are few studies on the use of scorpion-derived antimicrobial peptides against unenveloped viruses. Here, we investigated the antiviral activities of scorpion venom antimicrobial peptide BmKn2 and five derivatives, finding that BmKn2 and its derivative BmKn2-T5 exhibit a significant inhibitory effect on EV71. Although both peptides exhibit characteristics typical of amphiphilic α-helices in terms of their secondary structure, BmKn2-T5 displayed lower cellular cytotoxicity than BmKn2. BmKn2-T5 was further found to inhibit EV71 in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, time-of-drug-addition experiments showed that BmKn2-T5 mainly restricts EV71, but not its virion or replication, at the early stages of the viral cycle. Interestingly, BmKn2-T5 was also found to suppress the replication of the enveloped viruses DENV, ZIKV, and HSV-1 in the early stages of the viral cycle, which suggests they may share a common early infection step with EV71. Together, the results of our study identified that the scorpion-derived antimicrobial peptide BmKn2-T5 showed valuable antiviral properties against EV71 in vitro, but also against other enveloped viruses, making it a potential new candidate therapeutic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
| | - Weilie Chen
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, China;
| | - Aili Wang
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
| | - Zhijian Cao
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518057, China
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2
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Díaz-Gómez JL, Martín-Estal I, Rivera-Aboytes E, Gaxiola-Muñíz RA, Puente-Garza CA, García-Lara S, Castorena-Torres F. Biomedical applications of synthetic peptides derived from venom of animal origin: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116015. [PMID: 38113629 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of therapeutic agents that have fewer adverse effects and have higher efficacy for diseases, such as cancer, metabolic disorders, neurological diseases, infections, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases, are required. Recent studies have focused on identifying novel sources for pharmaceutical molecules to develop therapies against these diseases. Among the sources for potentially new therapies, animal venom-derived molecules have generated much interest. Various animal venom-derived proteins and peptides have been isolated, identified, synthesized, and tested to develop drugs. Venom-derived peptides have several biomedical properties, such as proapoptotic, cell migration, and autophagy regulation activities in cancer cell models; induction of vasodilation by nitric oxide and regulation of angiotensin II; modification of insulin response by controlling calcium and potassium channels; regulation of pain receptor activity; modulation of immune cell activity; alteration of motor neuron activity; degradation or inhibition of β-amyloid plaque formation; antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal activities; increase in sperm motility and potentiation of erectile function; reduction of intraocular pressure; anticoagulation, fibrinolytic, and antithrombotic activities; etc. This systematic review compiles these biomedical properties and potential biomedical applications of synthesized animal venom-derived peptides reported in the latest research. In addition, the limitations and areas of opportunity in this research field are discussed so that new studies can be developed based on the data presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Díaz-Gómez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - Irene Martín-Estal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Rivera-Aboytes
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Ramón Alonso Gaxiola-Muñíz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - César A Puente-Garza
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Silverio García-Lara
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Fabiola Castorena-Torres
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico.
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3
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Pereira AFM, Cavalcante JS, Angstmam DG, Almeida C, Soares GS, Pucca MB, Ferreira Junior RS. Unveiling the Pain Relief Potential: Harnessing Analgesic Peptides from Animal Venoms. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2766. [PMID: 38140106 PMCID: PMC10748172 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of pain encompasses a complex interplay of sensory and emotional experiences associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Accurately describing and localizing pain, whether acute or chronic, mild or severe, poses a challenge due to its diverse manifestations. Understanding the underlying origins and mechanisms of these pain variations is crucial for effective management and pharmacological interventions. Derived from a wide spectrum of species, including snakes, arthropods, mollusks, and vertebrates, animal venoms have emerged as abundant repositories of potential biomolecules exhibiting analgesic properties across a broad spectrum of pain models. This review focuses on highlighting the most promising venom-derived toxins investigated as potential prototypes for analgesic drugs. The discussion further encompasses research prospects, challenges in advancing analgesics, and the practical application of venom-derived toxins. As the field continues its evolution, tapping into the latent potential of these natural bioactive compounds holds the key to pioneering approaches in pain management and treatment. Therefore, animal toxins present countless possibilities for treating pain caused by different diseases. The development of new analgesic drugs from toxins is one of the directions that therapy must follow, and it seems to be moving forward by recommending the composition of multimodal therapy to combat pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia Marques Pereira
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil;
| | - Joeliton S. Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Davi Gomes Angstmam
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Cayo Almeida
- Center of Mathematics, Computing Sciences and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09280-560, SP, Brazil;
| | - Gean S. Soares
- Delphina Rinaldi Abdel Azil Hospital and Emergency Room (HPSDRAA), Manaus 69093-415, AM, Brazil;
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara 14801-320, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira Junior
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
- Center for Translational Science and Development of Biopharmaceuticals FAPESP/CEVAP, São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil
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4
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Dehghani R, Ghorbani A, Varzandeh M, Karami-Robati F. Toxicity Mechanism of Dangerous Scorpion Stings in Iran. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2023; 17:105-119. [PMID: 37822761 PMCID: PMC10562200 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v17i2.13616] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Considering the importance of scorpions and recognizing the mechanisms of toxicity caused by their medically important species in Iran and adopting the best therapeutic approach based on these mechanisms, this study was performed by reviewing the clinical manifestations of scorpion stings. Methods The research was conducted by searching for articles and researches in related websites (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL) and using domestic and international authoritative journals using the keywords of scorpion, clinical manifestations, in a review method. Finally, 104 qualified sources were selected and after reviewing and criticizing these studies, the author's point of view was presented. Results Clinical manifestations of Scorpion sting toxicity vary due to the existence of two toxic classes of neurotoxins and cytotoxins or hemotoxins in these arthropods in Iran. The number and distribution of species with neurotoxic venom are higher than the scorpions with cytotoxic venom and are reported throughout Iran. Scorpions with cytotoxic venom are mostly widespread in south and southwest of Iran. Conclusion Treatment and prevention of scorpion stings in Iran and neighboring countries in the Middle East should be planned based on the mechanism of toxicity and the presence of toxic classes with neurotoxic or cytotoxic venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhullah Dehghani
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center and Department of Environmental Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Varzandeh
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Poisoning, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Karami-Robati
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Setayesh-Mehr Z, Ghasemi LV, Poorsargol M, Momeni R. Upregulation of GLUT4 Expression and Glucose Homeostasis by Synthetic Peptides HL-7 and HL-10 in in-vitro and in-vivo Diabetic Models. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10507-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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8
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Current Status of Peptide Medications and the Position of Active Therapeutic Peptides with Scorpion Venom Origin. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-134049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
: Peptides are highly potent, selective, and relatively safe therapeutics. Over the past two decades, natural peptides have been obtained, studied, and eventually approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to advancements in identification, production, modification, and analytical technologies. Some peptide therapeutics has been derived from the venom gland of venomous animals, including snake, leech, lizard, snail, and scorpion. Scorpion was identified as a reservoir of important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. The scorpion uses these peptides for capturing prey and defense. However, their pharmacological properties in treating different diseases, including cardiac problems, autoimmune and infectious diseases, and diverse cancers, have been confirmed. Ion channel modifiers are the greatest components of the scorpion venom glands. Due to advances in proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, the identification of new scorpion venom peptides is steadily increasing. In this review, we tried to represent the current status of peptide medicines and describe the last peptide medications approved by FDA in 2022. Moreover, we will further explain potent peptides originating from scorpion venom, which have gone through important steps to be approved.
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Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:19-35. [PMID: 36641229 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60382-6] [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: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.
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10
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An analgesic peptide H-20 attenuates chronic pain via the PD-1 pathway with few adverse effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204114119. [PMID: 35878019 PMCID: PMC9351488 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204114119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of effective and safe analgesics for chronic pain management has been a health problem associated with people's livelihoods for many years. Analgesic peptides have recently shown significant therapeutic potential, as they are devoid of opioid-related adverse effects. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is widely expressed in neurons. Activation of PD-1 by PD-L1 modulates neuronal excitability and evokes significant analgesic effects, making it a promising target for pain treatment. However, the research and development of small molecule analgesic peptides targeting PD-1 have not been reported. Here, we screened the peptide H-20 using high-throughput screening. The in vitro data demonstrated that H-20 binds to PD-1 with micromolar affinity, evokes Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) phosphorylation, and diminishes nociceptive signals in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Preemptive treatment with H-20 effectively attenuates perceived pain in naïve WT mice. Spinal H-20 administration displayed effective and longer-lasting analgesia in multiple preclinical pain models with a reduction in or absence of tolerance, abuse liability, constipation, itch, and motor coordination impairment. In summary, our findings reveal that H-20 is a promising candidate drug that ameliorates chronic pain in the clinic.
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Muller JAI, Chan LY, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Mortari MR, Craik DJ, Koehbach J. Antinociceptive peptides from venomous arthropods. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2022.2065510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. I. Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lai Y. Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Monica C. Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia R. Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - 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, Australia
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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Rezaei A, Asgari S, Komijani S, Sadat SN, Sabatier JM, Nasrabadi D, Pooshang Bagheri K, Shahbazzadeh D, Akbari Eidgahi MR, De Waard M, Mirzahoseini H. Discovery of Leptulipin, a New Anticancer Protein from theIranian Scorpion, Hemiscorpius lepturus. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072056. [PMID: 35408455 PMCID: PMC9000277 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. Unfortunately, the present anticancer chemotherapeutics display high cytotoxicity. Accordingly, the discovery of new anticancer agents with lower side effects is highly necessitated. This study aimed to discover an anticancer compound from Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom. Bioactivity-guided chromatography was performed to isolate an active compound against colon and breast cancer cell lines. 2D electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF were performed to identify the molecule. A partial protein sequence was obtained by mass spectrometry, while the full-length was deciphered using a cDNA library of the venom gland by bioinformatics analyses and was designated as leptulipin. The gene was cloned in pET-26b, expressed, and purified. The anticancer effect and mechanism action of leptulipin were evaluated by MTT, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays, as well as by gene expression analysis of apoptosis-related genes. The treated cells displayed inhibition of cell proliferation, altered morphology, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the treated cells showed a decrease in BCL-2 expression and an increase in Bax and Caspase 9 genes. In this study, we discovered a new anticancer protein from H. lepturus scorpion venom. Leptulipin showed significant anticancer activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rezaei
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Saeme Asgari
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 5157944533, Iran;
| | - Samira Komijani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Seyedeh Narjes Sadat
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology (INP), Faculté de Pharmacie, Université D’Aix-Marseille, UMR 7051, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, CEDEX 05, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Davood Nasrabadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
| | - Mohammad Reza Akbari Eidgahi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799422, Iran; (A.R.); (D.N.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Michel De Waard
- L’Institut du Thorax, INSERM, CNRS, University of Nantes, 44000 Nantes, France
- LabEx “Ion Channels, Science & Therapeutics”, 65560 Valbonne, France
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 Rue Des Platanes, 38120 Saint-Egrève, France
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
| | - Hasan Mirzahoseini
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran; (S.K.); (S.N.S.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (K.P.B.); (M.R.A.E.); (M.D.W.); (H.M.)
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Bevalian P, Pashaei F, Akbari R, Pooshang Bagheri K. Eradication of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on a mouse model of third-degree burn infection by melittin: An antimicrobial peptide from bee venom. Toxicon 2021; 199:49-59. [PMID: 34087287 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Third-degree burn infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are of high clinical concern. Chemical antibiotics are not promising in eradication of bacterial infections. In this challenging condition, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are recently introduced as novel promising agents to overcome the issue. Accordingly, our study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of 'melittin' as natural peptide in bee venom, in eradicating vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) on a mouse model of third-degree burn infection. In vitro pharmacological value of melittin was determined by examining its inhibitory and killing activities on VRSA isolates at different doses and time periods. The action mechanism of 'melittin' was evaluated by fluorescent release assay and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) analyses. In vivo activity and toxicity of melittin were also examined on a mouse model of third-degree burn infection. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of melittin on all isolates ranged from '0.125-2 μg/mL' and '0.125-4 μg/mL', respectively. Rapid antibacterial activity of melittin on VRSA isolates was demonstrated by killing kinetics assays. Fluorometric and FE-SEM analyses indicated the membranolytic effects of melittin on VRSA isolates. The colonized VRSA bacteria were eradicated by melittin at 16 μg, in a single dose. No dermal toxicity and in vivo hemolysis were observed in the examined mice. The lack of in vivo toxicity of melittin along with its potent antibacterial activity indicated its promising therapeutic value as a topical drug against S. aureus associated third-degree burn infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaneh Bevalian
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Pashaei
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Akbari
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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