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DU C, Yuan F, Duan X, Rong M, Meng E, Liu C. Isolation and structural identification of a potassium ion channel Kv4.1 inhibitor SsTx-P2 from centipede venom. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2024; 53:194-200. [PMID: 38268403 PMCID: PMC11057981 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0430] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To isolate a potassium ion channel Kv4.1 inhibitor from centipede venom, and to determine its sequence and structure. METHODS Ion-exchange chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography were performed to separate and purify peptide components of centipede venom, and their inhibiting effect on Kv4.1 channel was determined by whole-cell patch clamp recording. The molecular weight of isolated peptide Kv4.1 channel inhibitor was identified with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry; its primary sequence was determined by Edman degradation sequencing and two-dimensional mass spectrometry; its structure was established based on iterative thread assembly refinement online analysis. RESULTS A peptide SsTx-P2 was separated from centipede venom with the molecular weight of 6122.8, and its primary sequence consists of 53 amino acid residues NH2-ELTWDFVRTCCKLFPDKSECTKACATEFTGGDESRLKDVWPRKLRSGDSRLKD-OH. Peptide SsTx-P2 potently inhibited the current of Kv4.1 channel transiently transfected in HEK293 cell, with 1.0 μmol/L SsTx-P2 suppressing 95% current of Kv4.1 channel. Its structure showed that SsTx-P2 shared a conserved helical structure. CONCLUSIONS The study has isolated a novel peptide SsTx-P2 from centipede venom, which can potently inhibit the potassium ion channel Kv4.1 and displays structural conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canwei DU
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Fuchu Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Xinyi Duan
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China
| | - Mingqiang Rong
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Er Meng
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China
| | - Changjun Liu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China.
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Yuan F, Li S, Huang B, Hu Y, Zeng X, Peng Y, Du C, Rong M. Molecular mechanism by which spider-driving peptide potentiates coagulation factors. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115421. [PMID: 37660649 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemostasis is a crucial process that quickly forms clots at injury sites to prevent bleeding and infections. Dysfunctions in this process can lead to hemorrhagic disorders, such as hemophilia and thrombocytopenia purpura. While hemostatic agents are used in clinical treatments, there is still limited knowledge about potentiators targeting coagulation factors. Recently, LCTx-F2, a procoagulant spider-derived peptide, was discovered. This study employed various methods, including chromogenic substrate analysis and dynamic simulation, to investigate how LCTx-F2 enhances the activity of thrombin and FXIIa. Our findings revealed that LCTx-F2 binds to thrombin and FXIIa in a similar manner, with the N-terminal penetrating the active-site cleft of the enzymes and the intermediate section reinforcing the peptide-enzyme connection. Interestingly, the C-terminal remained at a considerable distance from the enzymes, as evidenced by the retention of affinity for both enzymes using truncated peptide T-F2. Furthermore, results indicated differences in the bonding relationship of critical residues between thrombin and FXIIa, with His13 facilitating binding to thrombin and Arg7 being required for binding to FXIIa. Overall, our study sheds light on the molecular mechanism by which LCTx-F2 potentiates coagulation factors, providing valuable insights that may assist in designing drugs targeting procoagulation factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuchu Yuan
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, China
| | - Shuwan Li
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, China
| | - Biao Huang
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, China
| | - Ya Hu
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, China
| | - Xiongzhi Zeng
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, China
| | - Yanmei Peng
- Institute of Innovative Medicine, Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410006, China
| | - Canwei Du
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan, China; Institute of Innovative Medicine, Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410006, China.
| | - Mingqiang Rong
- The National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, China.
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Hu YX, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Deng Z, Huang Z, Feng T, Zhou QH, Mei S, Yi C, Zhou Q, Zeng PH, Pei G, Tian S, Tian XF. Antihepatoma peptide, scolopentide, derived from the centipede scolopendra subspinipes mutilans. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1875-1898. [PMID: 37032730 PMCID: PMC10080696 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i12.1875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centipedes have been used to treat tumors for hundreds of years in China. However, current studies focus on antimicrobial and anticoagulation agents rather than tumors. The molecular identities of antihepatoma bioactive components in centipedes have not yet been extensively investigated. It is a challenge to isolate and characterize the effective components of centipedes due to limited peptide purification technologies for animal-derived medicines.
AIM To purify, characterize, and synthesize the bioactive components with the strongest antihepatoma activity from centipedes and determine the antihepatoma mechanism.
METHODS An antihepatoma peptide (scolopentide) was isolated and identified from the centipede scolopendra subspinipes mutilans using a combination of enzymatic hydrolysis, a Sephadex G-25 column, and two steps of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, the CCK8 assay was used to select the extracted fraction with the strongest antihepatoma activity. The molecular weight of the extracted scolopentide was characterized by quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (QTOF MS), and the sequence was matched by using the Mascot search engine. Based on the sequence and molecular weight, scolopentide was synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis methods. The synthetic scolopentide was confirmed by MS and HPLC. The antineoplastic effect of extracted scolopentide was confirmed by CCK8 assay and morphological changes again in vitro. The antihepatoma effect of synthetic scolopentide was assessed by the CCK8 assay and Hoechst staining in vitro and tumor volume and tumor weight in vivo. In the tumor xenograft experiments, qualified model mice (male 5-week-old BALB/c nude mice) were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 6): The scolopentide group (0.15 mL/d, via intraperitoneal injection of synthetic scolopentide, 500 mg/kg/d) and the vehicle group (0.15 mL/d, via intraperitoneal injection of normal saline). The mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation after 14 d of continuous treatment. Mechanistically, flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells after treatment with extracted scolopentide in vitro. A Hoechst staining assay was also used to observe apoptosis in HepG2 cells after treatment with synthetic scolopentide in vitro. CCK8 assays and morphological changes were used to compare the cytotoxicity of synthetic scolopentide to liver cancer cells and normal liver cells in vitro. Molecular docking was performed to clarify whether scolopentide tightly bound to death receptor 4 (DR4) and DR5. qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of DR4, DR5, fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), Caspase-8, Caspase-3, cytochrome c (Cyto-C), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), x-chromosome linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein and Cellular fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1β converting enzyme inhibitory protein in hepatocarcinoma subcutaneous xenograft tumors from mice. Western blot assays were used to measure the protein expression of DR4, DR5, FADD, Caspase-8, Caspase-3, and Cyto-C in the tumor tissues. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) of tumor tissues were tested.
RESULTS In the process of purification, characterization and synthesis of scolopentide, the optimal enzymatic hydrolysis conditions (extract ratio: 5.86%, IC50: 0.310 mg/mL) were as follows: Trypsin at 0.1 g (300 U/g, centipede-trypsin ratio of 20:1), enzymolysis temperature of 46 °C, and enzymolysis time of 4 h, which was superior to freeze-thawing with liquid nitrogen (IC50: 3.07 mg/mL). A peptide with the strongest antihepatoma activity (scolopentide) was further purified through a Sephadex G-25 column (obtained A2) and two steps of HPLC (obtained B5 and C3). The molecular weight of the extracted scolopentide was 1018.997 Da, and the peptide sequence was RAQNHYCK, as characterized by QTOF MS and Mascot. Scolopentide was synthesized in vitro with a qualified molecular weight (1018.8 Da) and purity (98.014%), which was characterized by MS and HPLC. Extracted scolopentide still had an antineoplastic effect in vitro, which inhibited the proliferation of Eca-109 (IC50: 76.27 μg/mL), HepG2 (IC50: 22.06 μg/mL), and A549 (IC50: 35.13 μg/mL) cells, especially HepG2 cells. Synthetic scolopentide inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells (treated 6, 12, and 24 h) in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro, and the inhibitory effects were the strongest at 12 h (IC50: 208.11 μg/mL). Synthetic scolopentide also inhibited the tumor volume (Vehicle vs Scolopentide, P = 0.0003) and weight (Vehicle vs Scolopentide, P = 0.0022) in the tumor xenograft experiment. Mechanistically, flow cytometry suggested that the apoptosis ratios of HepG2 cells after treatment with extracted scolopentide were 5.01% (0 μg/mL), 12.13% (10 μg/mL), 16.52% (20 μg/mL), and 23.20% (40 μg/mL). Hoechst staining revealed apoptosis in HepG2 cells after treatment with synthetic scolopentide in vitro. The CCK8 assay and morphological changes indicated that synthetic scolopentide was cytotoxic and was significantly stronger in HepG2 cells than in L02 cells. Molecular docking suggested that scolopentide tightly bound to DR4 and DR5, and the binding free energies were-10.4 kcal/mol and-7.1 kcal/mol, respectively. In subcutaneous xenograft tumors from mice, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting suggested that scolopentide activated DR4 and DR5 and induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 Liver cancer cells by promoting the expression of FADD, caspase-8 and caspase-3 through a mitochondria-independent pathway.
CONCLUSION Scolopentide, an antihepatoma peptide purified from centipedes, may inspire new antihepatoma agents. Scolopentide activates DR4 and DR5 and induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells through a mitochondria-independent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xing Hu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Scientific Research, Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Scientific Research, Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhe Deng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Province University Key Laboratory of Oncology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ting Feng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qing-Hong Zhou
- Department of Pediatric, Shenzhen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Si Mei
- Department of Physiology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chun Yi
- Department of Pathology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Andrology, First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, Hunan Province, China
| | - Pu-Hua Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Gang Pei
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Sha Tian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Dr Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Xue-Fei Tian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
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Han Y, Kamau PM, Lai R, Luo L. Bioactive Peptides and Proteins from Centipede Venoms. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144423. [PMID: 35889297 PMCID: PMC9325314 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are a complex cocktail of biologically active molecules, including peptides, proteins, polyamide, and enzymes widely produced by venomous organisms. Through long-term evolution, venomous animals have evolved highly specific and diversified peptides and proteins targeting key physiological elements, including the nervous, blood, and muscular systems. Centipedes are typical venomous arthropods that rely on their toxins primarily for predation and defense. Although centipede bites are frequently reported, the composition and effect of centipede venoms are far from known. With the development of molecular biology and structural biology, the research on centipede venoms, especially peptides and proteins, has been deepened. Therefore, we summarize partial progress on the exploration of the bioactive peptides and proteins in centipede venoms and their potential value in pharmacological research and new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Lei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (L.L.)
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Centipede Venom: A Potential Source of Ion Channel Modulators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137105. [PMID: 35806107 PMCID: PMC9266919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Centipedes are one of the most ancient and successful living venomous animals. They have evolved spooky venoms to deter predators or hunt prey, and are widely distributed throughout the world besides Antarctica. Neurotoxins are the most important virulence factor affecting the function of the nervous system. Ion channels and receptors expressed in the nervous system, including NaV, KV, CaV, and TRP families, are the major targets of peptide neurotoxins. Insight into the mechanism of neurotoxins acting on ion channels contributes to our understanding of the function of both channels and centipede venoms. Meanwhile, the novel structure and selective activities give them the enormous potential to be modified and exploited as research tools and biological drugs. Here, we review the centipede venom peptides that act on ion channels.
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Tang D, Xu J, Li Y, Zhao P, Kong X, Hu H, Liang S, Tang C, Liu Z. Molecular mechanisms of centipede toxin SsTx-4 inhibition of inwardly rectifying potassium channels. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101076. [PMID: 34391777 PMCID: PMC8413892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kirs) are important drug targets, with antagonists for the Kir1.1, Kir4.1, and pancreatic Kir6.2/SUR1 channels being potential drug candidates for treating hypertension, depression, and diabetes, respectively. However, few peptide toxins acting on Kirs are identified and their interacting mechanisms remain largely elusive yet. Herein, we showed that the centipede toxin SsTx-4 potently inhibited the Kir1.1, Kir4.1, and Kir6.2/SUR1 channels with nanomolar to submicromolar affinities and intensively studied the molecular bases for toxin–channel interactions using patch-clamp analysis and site-directed mutations. Other Kirs including Kir2.1 to 2.4, Kir4.2, and Kir7.1 were resistant to SsTx-4 treatment. Moreover, SsTx-4 inhibited the inward and outward currents of Kirs with different potencies, possibly caused by a K+ “knock-off” effect, suggesting the toxin functions as an out pore blocker physically occluding the K+-conducting pathway. This conclusion was further supported by a mutation analysis showing that M137 located in the outer vestibule of the Kir6.2/ΔC26 channel was the key residue mediating interaction with SsTx-4. On the other hand, the molecular determinants within SsTx-4 for binding these Kir channels only partially overlapped, with K13 and F44 being the common key residues. Most importantly, K11A, P15A, and Y16A mutant toxins showed improved affinity and/or selectivity toward Kir6.2, while R12A mutant toxin had increased affinity for Kir4.1. To our knowledge, SsTx-4 is the first characterized peptide toxin with Kir4.1 inhibitory activity. This study provides useful insights for engineering a Kir6.2/SUR1 channel–specific antagonist based on the SsTx-4 template molecule and may be useful in developing new antidiabetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Tang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China; College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yinping Li
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Piao Zhao
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangjin Kong
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Haoliang Hu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Songping Liang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
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Matsumura K, Yokogawa M, Osawa M. Peptide Toxins Targeting KV Channels. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 267:481-505. [PMID: 34117930 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A number of peptide toxins isolated from animals target potassium ion (K+) channels. Many of them are particularly known to inhibit voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels and are mainly classified into pore-blocking toxins or gating-modifier toxins. Pore-blocking toxins directly bind to the ion permeation pores of KV channels, thereby physically occluding them. In contrast, gating-modifier toxins bind to the voltage-sensor domains of KV channels, modulating their voltage-dependent conformational changes. These peptide toxins are useful molecular tools in revealing the structure-function relationship of KV channels and have potential for novel treatments for diseases related to KV channels. This review focuses on the inhibition mechanism of pore-blocking and gating-modifier toxins that target KV channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Matsumura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Yokogawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Osawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Yang S, Wang Y, Wang L, Kamau P, Zhang H, Luo A, Lu X, Lai R. Target switch of centipede toxins for antagonistic switch. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb5734. [PMID: 32821839 PMCID: PMC7413724 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb5734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are powerful, highly evolved chemical weapons for defense and predation. While venoms are used mainly to lethally antagonize heterospecifics (individuals of a different species), nonlethal envenomation of conspecifics (individuals of the same species) is occasionally observed. Both the venom and target specifications underlying these two forms of envenomation are still poorly understood. Here, we show a target-switching mechanism in centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) venom. On the basis of this mechanism, a major toxin component [Ssm Spooky Toxin (SsTx)] in centipede venom inhibits the Shal channel in conspecifics but not in heterospecifics to cause short-term, recoverable, and nonlethal envenomation. This same toxin causes fatal heterospecific envenomation, for example, by switching its target to the Shaker channels in heterospecifics without inhibiting the Shaker channel of conspecific S. subspinipes individuals. These findings suggest that venom components exhibit intricate coevolution with their targets in both heterospecifics and conspecifics, which enables a single toxin to develop graded intraspecific and interspecific antagonistic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China
| | - Peter Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Anna Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiancui Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of bioactive peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Institute for Drug Discovery and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Corresponding author.
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Tajti G, Wai DCC, Panyi G, Norton RS. The voltage-gated potassium channel K V1.3 as a therapeutic target for venom-derived peptides. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114146. [PMID: 32653588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 is a well-established therapeutic target for a range of autoimmune diseases, in addition to being the site of action of many venom-derived peptides. Numerous studies have documented the efficacy of venom peptides that target KV1.3, in particular from sea anemones and scorpions, in animal models of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, an analogue of the sea anemone peptide ShK (known as dalazatide) has successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. In this article we consider other potential therapeutic applications of inhibitors of KV1.3, including in inflammatory bowel disease and neuroinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as fibrotic diseases. We also summarise strategies for facilitating the entry of peptides to the central nervous system, given that this will be a pre-requisite for the treatment of most neuroinflammatory diseases. Venom-derived peptides that have been reported recently to target KV1.3 are also described. The increasing number of autoimmune and other conditions in which KV1.3 is upregulated and is therefore a potential therapeutic target, combined with the fact that many venom-derived peptides are potent inhibitors of KV1.3, suggests that venoms are likely to continue to serve as a rich source of new pharmacological tools and therapeutic leads targeting this channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Tajti
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dorothy C C Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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Chu Y, Qiu P, Yu R. Centipede Venom Peptides Acting on Ion Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040230. [PMID: 32260499 PMCID: PMC7232367 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Centipedes are among the oldest venomous arthropods that use their venom to subdue the prey. The major components of centipede venom are a variety of low-molecular-weight peptide toxins that have evolved to target voltage-gated ion channels to interfere with the central system of prey and produce pain or paralysis for efficient hunting. Peptide toxins usually contain several intramolecular disulfide bonds, which confer chemical, thermal and biological stability. In addition, centipede peptides generally have novel structures and high potency and specificity and therefore hold great promise both as diagnostic tools and in the treatment of human disease. Here, we review the centipede peptide toxins with reported effects on ion channels, including Nav, Kv, Cav and the nonselective cation channel polymodal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).
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Affiliation(s)
- YanYan Chu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (R.Y.)
| | - PeiJu Qiu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - RiLei Yu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (R.Y.)
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