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Chua RW, Song KP, Ting ASY. Characterization and identification of antimicrobial compounds from endophytic Fusarium incarnatum isolated from Cymbidium orchids. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:977-992. [PMID: 37975992 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00442-1] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This study characterized and identified the antimicrobial compounds from an endophytic fungus (Fusarium incarnatum (C4)) isolated from the orchid, Cymbidium sp. Chromatographic techniques were employed to separate the bioactive compounds from the crude extracts of F. incarnatum (C4). Following bio-guided fractionation, two fractionated extracts (fractions 1 and 2) of F. incarnatum (C4) exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities against Bacillus cereus (MIC: 0.156 mg/mL) and Ganoderma boninense (MIC: 0.3125 mg/mL), respectively. The active fractions were discovered to comprise of a variety of bioactive compounds with pharmacological importance (alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, peptides and fatty acids). Liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LCMS) analysis detected the presence of antibacterial (kanzonol N, rifaximin, linoleic acid (d4), cannabisativine, docosanedioic acid, and stearamide) and antifungal components (3-methyl-quinolin-2-ol, prothiocarb, kanzonol N, peganine, 5Z-tridecene, and tetronasin) in fractions 1 and 2, respectively, which may have contributed to the antimicrobial effects. Findings from this study highlighted the important potential of fungal endophytes from medicinal hosts as producers of antimicrobials and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Wei Chua
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Keang Peng Song
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Adeline Su Yien Ting
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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2
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Ellison CI, Frey MR, Sanford E, Maslakova S. Ribbon worms (phylum Nemertea) from Bodega Bay, California: A largely undescribed diversity. Zookeys 2024; 1204:15-64. [PMID: 38873218 PMCID: PMC11167275 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1204.117869] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The diversity of nemerteans along the Pacific coast of the United States is regarded as well characterized, but there remain many cryptic, undescribed, and "orphan" species (those known only in their larval form). Recent sampling of nemerteans in Oregon and Washington has begun to fill in these taxonomic gaps, but nemertean diversity in California has received relatively little attention over the past 60 years. During the summers of 2019 and 2020, nemertean specimens were collected from 20 locations in the Bodega Bay region of northern California, USA, including rocky intertidal shores, sandy beaches, mudflats, and other habitats. Based on morphological assessment and DNA sequence analysis (partial Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S rRNA genes), our surveys identified 34 nemertean species. Only 13 of these (38%) can be confidently assigned to described species. Another 11 represent species that are new to science, including members of the genera Riserius, Nipponnemertes, Poseidonemertes, Zygonemertes, Nemertellina, Oerstedia, and three species of uncertain affiliation. The remaining ten species include undescribed or cryptic species of uncertain status that have been found previously along the Pacific Coast of North America. Our surveys also document extensions of known geographic ranges for multiple species, including the first records in California of Antarctonemertesphyllospadicola, Cephalothrixhermaphroditica, and Maculauraoregonensis. This is the first report of the genus Nemertellina in the northeast Pacific and Riserius in California. Overall, our findings highlight how much remains to be learned about the diversity and distribution of nemerteans in the northeast Pacific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina I. Ellison
- Department of Biology, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Charleston, OR, USAUniversity of OregonCharlestonUnited States of America
| | - Madeline R. Frey
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USABodega Marine LaboratoryBodega BayUnited States of America
| | - Eric Sanford
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USABodega Marine LaboratoryBodega BayUnited States of America
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USAUniversity of CaliforniaDavisUnited States of America
| | - Svetlana Maslakova
- Department of Biology, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Charleston, OR, USAUniversity of OregonCharlestonUnited States of America
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Jacobsson E, Strömstedt AA, Andersson HS, Avila C, Göransson U. Peptide Toxins from Antarctica: The Nemertean Predator and Scavenger Parborlasia corrugatus (McIntosh, 1876). Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:209. [PMID: 38787061 PMCID: PMC11126048 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050209] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins from marine invertebrates have found use as drugs and in biotechnological applications. Many marine habitats, however, remain underexplored for natural products, and the Southern Ocean is among them. Here, we report toxins from one of the top predators in Antarctic waters: the nemertean worm Parborlasia corrugatus (McIntosh, 1876). Transcriptome mining revealed a total of ten putative toxins with a cysteine pattern similar to that of alpha nemertides, four nemertide-beta-type sequences, and two novel full-length parborlysins. Nemertean worms express toxins in the epidermal mucus. Here, the expression was determined by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The findings include a new type of nemertide, 8750 Da, containing eight cysteines. In addition, we report the presence of six cysteine-containing peptides. The toxicity of tissue extracts and mucus fractions was tested in an Artemia assay. Notably, significant activity was observed both in tissue and the high-molecular-weight mucus fraction, as well as in a parborlysin fraction. Membrane permeabilization experiments display the membranolytic activity of some peptides, most prominently the parborlysin fraction, with an estimated EC50 of 70 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Jacobsson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (E.J.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Adam A. Strömstedt
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (E.J.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Håkan S. Andersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, and Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ulf Göransson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (E.J.); (A.A.S.)
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4
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Vlasenko AE, Pereverzeva AO, Velansky PV, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxins in Tissues and Cells of Different Body Regions of Ribbon Worms Kulikovia alborostrata and K. manchenkoi from Spokoynaya Bay, Sea of Japan. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:186. [PMID: 38668611 PMCID: PMC11053740 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040186] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Nemerteans, or ribbon worms, possess tetrodotoxin and its analogues (TTXs), neurotoxins of bacterial origin, which they presumably use for capturing prey and self-defense. Most TTXs-containing nemertean species have low levels of these toxins and, therefore, have usually been neglected in studies of TTXs functions and accumulation. In the present study, Kulikovia alborostrata and K. manchenkoi, two closely related species, were analyzed for TTXs distribution in the body using the HPLC-MS/MS and fluorescence microscopy methods. The abundance of TTXs-positive cells was determined in the proboscis, integument, and digestive system epithelium. As a result, six TTXs-positive cell types were identified in each species; however, only four were common. Moreover, the proportions of the toxins in different body parts were estimated. According to the HPLC-MS/MS analysis, the TTXs concentrations in K. alborostrata varied from 0.91 ng/g in the proboscis to 5.52 ng/g in the precerebral region; in K. manchenkoi, the concentrations ranged from 7.47 ng/g in the proboscis to 72.32 ng/g in the posterior body region. The differences observed between the two nemerteans in the distribution of the TTXs were consistent with the differences in the localization of TTXs-positive cells. In addition, TTXs-positive glandular cell types were found in the intestine and characterized for the first time. TTXs in the new cell types were assumed to play a unique physiological role for nemerteans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Timur Yu. Magarlamov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
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Kem WR, Soti F, Rocca JR, Johnson JV. New Pyridyl and Dihydroisoquinoline Alkaloids Isolated from the Chevron Nemertean Amphiporus angulatus. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:141. [PMID: 38667758 PMCID: PMC11050936 DOI: 10.3390/md22040141] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nemertean worms contain toxins that are used to paralyze their prey and to deter potential predators. Hoplonemerteans often contain pyridyl alkaloids like anabaseine that act through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and crustacean chemoreceptors. The chemical reactivity of anabaseine, the first nemertean alkaloid to be identified, has been exploited to make drug candidates selective for alpha7 subtype nAChRs. GTS-21, a drug candidate based on the anabaseine scaffold, has pro-cognitive and anti-inflammatory actions in animal models. The circumpolar chevron hoplonemertean Amphiporus angulatus contains a multitude of pyridyl compounds with neurotoxic, anti-feeding, and anti-fouling activities. Here, we report the isolation and structural identification of five new compounds, doubling the number of pyridyl alkaloids known to occur in this species. One compound is an isomer of the tobacco alkaloid anatabine, another is a unique dihydroisoquinoline, and three are analogs of the tetrapyridyl nemertelline. The structural characteristics of these ten compounds suggest several possible pathways for their biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Kem
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ferenc Soti
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - James R. Rocca
- Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Facility, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Jodie V. Johnson
- Mass Spectrometry Research and Education Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
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Zhu H, Sakai T, Doi H, Yamaguchi K, Yamada A, Takatani T, Arakawa O. Tetrodotoxin/Saxitoxin Accumulation Profile in the Euryhaline Marine Pufferfish Chelonodontops patoca. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:18. [PMID: 38251235 PMCID: PMC10820246 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010018] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine Takifugu pufferfish, which naturally possess tetrodotoxins (TTXs), selectively take up and accumulate TTXs, whereas freshwater Pao pufferfish, which naturally possess saxitoxins (STXs), selectively take up and accumulate STXs. To further clarify the TTXs/STXs selectivity in pufferfish, we conducted a TTX/STX administration experiment using Chelonodontops patoca, a euryhaline marine pufferfish possessing both TTXs and STXs. Forty nontoxic cultured individuals of C. patoca were divided into a seawater group (SW, acclimated/reared at 33‱ salinity; n = 20) and a brackish water group (BW, acclimated/reared at 8‱ salinity; n = 20). An aqueous TTX/STX mixture was intrarectally administered (both at 7.5 nmol/fish), and five individuals/group were analyzed after 1-48 h. Instrumental toxin analyses revealed that both TTX and STX were taken up, transferred, and retained, but more STX than TTX was retained in both groups. TTX gradually decreased and eventually became almost undetectable in the intestinal tissue, while STX was retained at ~5-10% of the dose level, and only STX showed transient transfer in the liver. The BW group showed a faster decrease/disappearance of TTX, greater STX retention in the intestine, and greater STX transient transfer to the liver. Thus, C. patoca appears to more easily accumulate STXs than TTXs, especially under hypoosmotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchen Zhu
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (H.Z.); (T.S.); (K.Y.); (A.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Takashi Sakai
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (H.Z.); (T.S.); (K.Y.); (A.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Hiroyuki Doi
- Nifrel, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, 2-1, Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan;
| | - Kenichi Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (H.Z.); (T.S.); (K.Y.); (A.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Akinori Yamada
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (H.Z.); (T.S.); (K.Y.); (A.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Tomohiro Takatani
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (H.Z.); (T.S.); (K.Y.); (A.Y.); (T.T.)
| | - Osamu Arakawa
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-14, Bunkyo-machi, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; (H.Z.); (T.S.); (K.Y.); (A.Y.); (T.T.)
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Malykin GV, Velansky PV, Melnikova DI, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxins in Larval Development of Ribbon Worm Cephalothrix cf. simula (Palaeonemertea, Nemertea). MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 25:918-934. [PMID: 37672165 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-023-10249-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The toxic ribbon worm, Cephalothrix cf. simula (Palaeonemertea, Nemertea), possesses extremely high concentrations of tetrodotoxin (TTX). Although TTX has been found in the eggs of this species, the fate of the toxin in the ontogeny of the animal has not been explored. Here, using high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry with anti-TTX antibodies, we examined levels, profile, and localization of TTX and its analogues (TTXs) in larvae of C. cf. simula throughout 41 days post-fertilization. A detailed investigation of cells in sites of TTX-accumulation was performed with light and electron microscopy. Newly hatched larvae possessed weak TTX-like immunoreactivity in all cells. With subsequent development, intensity of TTX-labeling in the ectodermal structures, mesodermal cells and apical cylinder of the apical gland increased. In the ectodermal structures, an intense TTX-labeling was observed in the multiciliated, type II granular, type I mucoid, and basal cells of the epidermis, and in the type III granular cells of the mouth gland. In the mesoderm, TTX was localized in the muscle and unigranular parenchyma-like cells. Eggs and larvae of C. cf. simula contained five TTXs, with two major toxins - TTX and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX. Level and relative proportion of TTXs did not differ significantly among developmental stages, confirming that larvae obtained toxins from maternal eggs and were able to retain it. The results of this study provide insights into the formation of TTX-bearing apparatus of C. cf. simula through the larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorii V Malykin
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | - Peter V Velansky
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | - Daria I Melnikova
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | - Timur Yu Magarlamov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041, Vladivostok, Russian Federation.
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Campos S, Rodrigo AP, Moutinho Cabral I, Mendes VM, Manadas B, D’Ambrosio M, Costa PM. An Exploration of Novel Bioactives from the Venomous Marine Annelid Glycera alba. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:655. [PMID: 37999518 PMCID: PMC10674444 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110655] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The immense biodiversity of marine invertebrates makes them high-value targets for the prospecting of novel bioactives. The present study investigated proteinaceous toxins secreted by the skin and proboscis of Glycera alba (Annelida: Polychaeta), whose congenerics G. tridactyla and G. dibranchiata are known to be venomous. Proteomics and bioinformatics enabled the detection of bioactive proteins that hold potential for biotechnological applications, including toxins like glycerotoxins (GLTx), which can interfere with neuromuscular calcium channels and therefore have value for the development of painkillers, for instance. We also identified proteins involved in the biosynthesis of toxins. Other proteins of interest include venom and toxin-related bioactives like cysteine-rich venom proteins, many of which are known to interfere with the nervous system. Ex vivo toxicity assays with mussel gills exposed to fractionated protein extracts from the skin and proboscis revealed that fractions potentially containing higher-molecular-mass venom proteins can exert negative effects on invertebrate prey. Histopathology, DNA damage and caspase-3 activity suggest significant cytotoxic effects that can be coadjuvated by permeabilizing enzymes such as venom metalloproteinases M12B. Altogether, these encouraging findings show that venomous annelids are important sources of novel bioactives, albeit illustrating the challenges of surveying organisms whose genomes and metabolisms are poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Campos
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.P.R.); (I.M.C.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Rodrigo
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.P.R.); (I.M.C.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Inês Moutinho Cabral
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.P.R.); (I.M.C.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Vera M. Mendes
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (V.M.M.); (B.M.)
| | - Bruno Manadas
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal; (V.M.M.); (B.M.)
| | - Mariaelena D’Ambrosio
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.P.R.); (I.M.C.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Pedro M. Costa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.P.R.); (I.M.C.)
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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Sonoda GG, Tobaruela EDC, Norenburg J, Fabi JP, Andrade SCS. Venomous Noodles: The Evolution of Toxins in Nemertea through Positive Selection and Gene Duplication. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:650. [PMID: 37999513 PMCID: PMC10674772 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15110650] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Some, probably most and perhaps all, members of the phylum Nemertea are poisonous, documented so far from marine and benthic specimens. Although the toxicity of these animals has been long known, systematic studies on the characterization of toxins, mechanisms of toxicity, and toxin evolution for this group are scarce. Here, we present the first investigation of the molecular evolution of toxins in Nemertea. Using a proteo-transcriptomic approach, we described toxins in the body and poisonous mucus of the pilidiophoran Lineus sanguineus and the hoplonemertean Nemertopsis pamelaroeae. Using these new and publicly available transcriptomes, we investigated the molecular evolution of six selected toxin gene families. In addition, we also characterized in silico the toxin genes found in the interstitial hoplonemertean, Ototyphlonemertes erneba, a meiofaunal taxa. We successfully identified over 200 toxin transcripts in each of these species. Evidence of positive selection and gene duplication was observed in all investigated toxin genes. We hypothesized that the increased rates of gene duplications observed for Pilidiophora could be involved with the expansion of toxin genes. Studies concerning the natural history of Nemertea are still needed to understand the evolution of their toxins. Nevertheless, our results show evolutionary mechanisms similar to other venomous groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gonzalez Sonoda
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, IB-Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil;
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Eric de Castro Tobaruela
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Food Research Center (FoRC), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-080, Brazil; (E.d.C.T.); (J.P.F.)
| | | | - João Paulo Fabi
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Food Research Center (FoRC), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-080, Brazil; (E.d.C.T.); (J.P.F.)
| | - Sónia C. S. Andrade
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, IB-Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil;
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DNA barcoding reveals hidden nemertean diversity from the marine protected area Namuncurá–Burdwood Bank, Southwestern Atlantic. Polar Biol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-023-03117-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
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11
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Kem WR, Rocca JR, Johnson JV, Junoy J. Discovery of the Nicotinic Receptor Toxin Anabaseine in a Polystiliferan Nemertean. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:46. [PMID: 36668866 PMCID: PMC9867080 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nemerteans (also called Nemertines) are a phylum of predominantly marine worms that use toxins to capture prey and to defend themselves against predators. Hoplonemerteans have a proboscis armed with one or more stylets used in prey capture and are taxonomically divided into Order Monostilifera, whose members possess a single large proboscis stylet, and Order Polystilifera, whose members have multiple small stylets. Many monostiliferans contain alkaloidal toxins, including anabaseine, that stimulate and then desensitize nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that are present in all animals. These compounds also interact with pyridyl chemoreceptors in crustaceans, reducing predation and larval settlement. Anabaseine has been a lead compound in the design of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists like GTS-21 (also called DMXBA) to treat disorders of cognition such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. These drug candidates also display anti-inflammatory activities of potential medical importance. Most polystiliferans live deep in open oceans and are relatively inaccessible. We fortunately obtained two live specimens of a large benthic polystiliferan, Paradrepanophorus crassus (Pc), from the coast of Spain. MS and NMR analyses of the Ehrlich's reagent derivative allowed identification of anabaseine. A spectrophotometric assay for anabaseine, also based on its reaction with Ehrlich's reagent, revealed high concentrations of anabaseine in the body and proboscis. Apparently, the biosynthetic mechanism for producing anabaseine was acquired early in the evolution of the Hoplonemertea, before the monostiliferan-polystiliferan divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Kem
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - James R. Rocca
- AMRIS, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jodie V. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Juan Junoy
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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12
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Vlasenko AE, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxins in Ribbon Worms Cephalothrix cf. simula and Kulikovia alborostrata from Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:16. [PMID: 36668836 PMCID: PMC9860856 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin, an extremely potent low-molecular-weight neurotoxin, and its analogues (TTXs) are widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Most investigations concerning TTXs have been conducted mainly on puffer fish, octopus, and mollusks, without paying due attention to various non-edible animals including nemerteans, a small group of marine worms, several species of which have been shown to possess high amounts of TTXs. In this study, for the first time, variations in TTX and its analogues, in 32 specimens of Cephalothrix cf. simula and 36 specimens of Kulikovia alborostrata, from Peter the Great Bay Sea of Japan were investigated, which may contribute to elucidation of TTXs migration pathways in ecosystems. Using high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), it was found that the total TTXs concentrations within both species vary by one to several orders of magnitude, 85.75-7108.26 µg/g and 0.35-8.11 ng/g in C. cf. simula and K. alborostrata, respectively. The intra- and interspecies similarities in proportions of TTXs in both species were observed; based on the results, a possible way of their toxification was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timur Yu. Magarlamov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
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13
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Oyama H, Ito M, Suo R, Goto-Inoue N, Morisasa M, Mori T, Sugita H, Mori T, Nakahigashi R, Adachi M, Nishikawa T, Itoi S. Changes in Tissue Distribution of Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues in Association with Maturation in the Toxic Flatworm, Planocera multitentaculata. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 24:1158-1167. [PMID: 36322281 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-022-10179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The toxic flatworm, Planocera multitentaculata, possesses highly concentrated tetrodotoxin (TTX), also known as pufferfish toxin, throughout its life cycle, including the egg and larval stages. Additionally, TTX analogues, 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX and 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol, have also been detected in the flatworm. The high concentration of TTX in the eggs and larvae appears to be for protection against predation, and 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol in the pharyngeal tissue in the adults is likely used to sedate or kill prey during predation. However, information on the role of 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, a potential important biosynthetic intermediate of TTX, in the toxic flatworm is lacking. Here, we aimed to determine the region of localization of TTX and its analogues in the flatworm body, understand their pharmacokinetics during maturation, and speculate on their function. Flatworm specimens in four stages of maturity, namely juvenile, mating, spawning, and late spawning, were subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis, using the pharyngeal tissue, oocytes in seminal receptacle, sperm, and tissue from 12 other sites. Although TTX was consistently high in the pharyngeal tissue throughout maturation, it was extremely high in the oocytes during the spawning period. Meanwhile, 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX was almost undetectable in the pharyngeal part throughout the maturation but was very abundant in the oocytes during spawning. 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol consistently localized in the pharyngeal tissue. Although the localization of TTX and its analogues was approximately consistent with the MS imaging data, TTX and 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol were found to be highly localized in the parenchyma surrounding the pharynx, which suggests the parenchyma is involved in the accumulation and production of TTXs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Oyama
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Masaaki Ito
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Rei Suo
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Naoko Goto-Inoue
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Mizuki Morisasa
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Mori
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Haruo Sugita
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Mori
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakahigashi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Masaatsu Adachi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Toshio Nishikawa
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Shiro Itoi
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
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14
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Avila C, Buñuel X, Carmona F, Cotado A, Sacristán-Soriano O, Angulo-Preckler C. Would Antarctic Marine Benthos Survive Alien Species Invasions? What Chemical Ecology May Tell Us. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20090543. [PMID: 36135732 PMCID: PMC9501038 DOI: 10.3390/md20090543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many Antarctic marine benthic macroinvertebrates are chemically protected against predation by marine natural products of different types. Antarctic potential predators mostly include sea stars (macropredators) and amphipod crustaceans (micropredators) living in the same areas (sympatric). Recently, alien species (allopatric) have been reported to reach the Antarctic coasts, while deep-water crabs are suggested to be more often present in shallower waters. We decided to investigate the effect of the chemical defenses of 29 representative Antarctic marine benthic macroinvertebrates from seven different phyla against predation by using non-native allopatric generalist predators as a proxy for potential alien species. The Antarctic species tested included 14 Porifera, two Cnidaria, two Annelida, one Nemertea, two Bryozooa, three Echinodermata, and five Chordata (Tunicata). Most of these Antarctic marine benthic macroinvertebrates were chemically protected against an allopatric generalist amphipod but not against an allopatric generalist crab from temperate waters. Therefore, both a possible recolonization of large crabs from deep waters or an invasion of non-native generalist crab species could potentially alter the fundamental nature of these communities forever since chemical defenses would not be effective against them. This, together with the increasing temperatures that elevate the probability of alien species surviving, is a huge threat to Antarctic marine benthos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Whitman Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934020161
| | - Xavier Buñuel
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francesc Carmona
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Albert Cotado
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Oriol Sacristán-Soriano
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut Català de Recerca de l’Aigua, c/Emili Grahit, 101 (Edifici H2O-ICRA), 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carlos Angulo-Preckler
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBIO), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) & Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Vlasenko AE, Kuznetsov VG, Magarlamov TY. Investigation of Peptide Toxin Diversity in Ribbon Worms (Nemertea) Using a Transcriptomic Approach. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080542. [PMID: 36006205 PMCID: PMC9415933 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemertea is a phylum of nonsegmented worms (supraphylum: Spiralia), also known as ribbon worms. The members of this phylum contain various toxins, including peptide toxins. Here, we provide a transcriptomic analysis of peptide toxins in 14 nemertean species, including Cephalothrix cf. simula, which was sequenced in the current study. The summarized data show that the number of toxin transcripts in the studied nemerteans varied from 12 to 82. The most represented groups of toxins were enzymes and ion channel inhibitors, which, in total, reached a proportion of 72% in some species, and the least represented were pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins, the total proportion of which did not exceed 18%. The study revealed that nemerteans possess a much greater variety of toxins than previously thought and showed that these animals are a promising object for the investigation of venom diversity and evolution, and in the search for new peptide toxins.
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16
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Kwak HJ, Lee SG, Park SC, Kim JH, Weisblat DA, Park C, Cho SJ. Head transcriptome profiling of glossiphoniid leech ( Helobdella austinensis) reveals clues about proboscis development. Open Biol 2022; 12:210298. [PMID: 35232253 PMCID: PMC8889196 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210298] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cephalization refers to the evolutionary trend towards the concentration of neural tissues, sensory organs, mouth and associated structures at the front end of bilaterian animals. Comprehensive studies on gene expression related to the anterior formation in invertebrate models are currently lacking. In this study, we performed de novo transcriptional profiling on a proboscis-bearing leech (Helobdella austinensis) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the anterior versus other parts of the body, in particular to find clues as to the development of the proboscis. Between the head and the body, 132 head-specific DEGs were identified, of which we chose 11 to investigate their developmental function during embryogenesis. Analysis of the spatial expression of these genes using in situ hybridization showed that they were characteristically expressed in the anterior region of the developing embryo, including the proboscis. Our results provide information on the genes related to head formation and insights into the function of proboscis-related genes during organogenesis with the potential roles of genes not yet characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jin Kwak
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea,Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Sung-Gwon Lee
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Cheol Park
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyeuk Kim
- Wildlife Disease Response Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - David A. Weisblat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, 385 Weill Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - Chungoo Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
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17
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Intrabody Tetrodotoxin Distribution and Possible Hypothesis for Its Migration in Ribbon Worms Cephalothrix cf. simula (Palaeonemertea, Nemertea). Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19090494. [PMID: 34564156 PMCID: PMC8465930 DOI: 10.3390/md19090494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin found in many marine and terrestrial animals, but only a few species, such as the ribbon worms of the genus Cephalothrix, accumulate it in extremely high concentrations. The intrabody distribution of TTX in highly toxic organisms is of great interest because it helps researchers to understand the pathways by which the toxin migrates, accumulates, and functions in tissues. Using immunohistochemistry with anti-TTX antibodies, the authors of this study investigated the toxin's distribution inside the organs, tissues, and cells of Cephalothrix cf. simula. The cell types of TTX-positive tissues were identified by light microscopy. The main sites of TTX accumulation occurred in the secretory cells of the integuments, the microvilli of the epidermal ciliary cells, cephalic glands, the glandular epithelia of the proboscises, the enterocytes of the digestive systems, and nephridia. Obtained data suggest the toxin migrates from the digestive system through blood vessels to target organs. TTX is excreted from the body through the nephridia and mucus of epidermal cells.
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18
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Vlasenko AE, Kuznetsov VG, Malykin GV, Pereverzeva AO, Velansky PV, Yakovlev KV, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxins Secretion and Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Adaptation in the Ribbon Worm Kulikovia alborostrata (Takakura, 1898) (Nemertea). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090606. [PMID: 34564610 PMCID: PMC8472881 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nemertea is a phylum of marine worms whose members bear various toxins, including tetrodotoxin (TTX) and its analogues. Despite the more than 30 years of studying TTXs in nemerteans, many questions regarding their functions and the mechanisms ensuring their accumulation and usage remain unclear. In the nemertean Kulikovia alborostrata, we studied TTX and 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX concentrations in body extracts and in released mucus, as well as various aspects of the TTX-positive-cell excretion system and voltage-gated sodium (Nav1) channel subtype 1 mutations contributing to the toxins' accumulation. For TTX detection, an immunohistological study with an anti-TTX antibody and HPLC-MS/MS were conducted. For Nav1 mutation searching, PCR amplification with specific primers, followed by Sanger sequencing, was used. The investigation revealed that, in response to an external stimulus, subepidermal TTX-positive cells released secretions actively to the body surface. The post-release toxin recovery in these cells was low for TTX and high for 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX in captivity. According to the data obtained, there is low probability of the targeted usage of TTX as a repellent, and targeted 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX secretion by TTX-bearing nemerteans was suggested as a possibility. The Sanger sequencing revealed identical sequences of the P-loop regions of Nav1 domains I-IV in all 17 studied individuals. Mutations comprising amino acid substitutions, probably contributing to nemertean channel resistance to TTX, were shown.
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19
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Paule J, von Döhren J, Sagorny C, Nilsson MA. Genome Size Dynamics in Marine Ribbon Worms (Nemertea, Spiralia). Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1347. [PMID: 34573329 PMCID: PMC8468679 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemertea is a phylum consisting of 1300 mostly marine species. Nemertea is distinguished by an eversible muscular proboscis, and most of the species are venomous. Genomic resources for this phylum are scarce despite their value in understanding biodiversity. Here, we present genome size estimates of Nemertea based on flow cytometry and their relationship to different morphological and developmental traits. Ancestral genome size estimations were done across the nemertean phylogeny. The results increase the available genome size estimates for Nemertea three-fold. Our analyses show that Nemertea has a narrow genome size range (0.43-3.89 pg) compared to other phyla in Lophotrochozoa. A relationship between genome size and evolutionary rate, developmental modes, and habitat was found. Trait analyses show that the highest evolutionary rate of genome size is found in upper intertidal, viviparous species with direct development. Despite previous findings, body size in nemerteans was not correlated with genome size. A relatively small genome (1.18 pg) is assumed for the most recent common ancestor of all extant nemerteans. The results provide an important basis for future studies in nemertean genomics, which will be instrumental to understanding the evolution of this enigmatic and often neglected phylum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Paule
- Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Jörn von Döhren
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany; (J.v.D.); (C.S.)
| | - Christina Sagorny
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany; (J.v.D.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria A. Nilsson
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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20
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Jacobsson E, Peigneur S, Andersson HS, Laborde Q, Strand M, Tytgat J, Göransson U. Functional Characterization of the Nemertide α Family of Peptide Toxins. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:2121-2128. [PMID: 34445875 PMCID: PMC8406415 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Peptide toxins find use in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture. They are exploited as pharmaceutical tools, particularly for the investigation of ion channels. Here, we report the synthesis and activity of a novel family of peptide toxins: the cystine-knotted α nemertides. Following the prototypic α-1 and -2 (1 and 2), six more nemertides were discovered by mining of available nemertean transcriptomes. Here, we describe their synthesis using solid phase peptide chemistry and their oxidative folding by using an improved protocol. Nemertides α-2 to α-7 (2-7) were produced to characterize their effect on voltage-gated sodium channels (Blatella germanica BgNaV1 and mammalian NaVs1.1-1.8). In addition, ion channel activities were matched to in vivo tests using an Artemia microwell assay. Although nemertides demonstrate high sequence similarity, they display variability in activity on the tested NaVs. The nemertides are all highly toxic to Artemia, with EC50 values in the sub-low micromolar range, and all manifest preference for the insect BgNaV1 channel. Structure-activity relationship analysis revealed key residues for NaV-subtype selectivity. Combined with low EC50 values (e.g., NaV1.1: 7.9 nM (α-6); NaV1.3: 9.4 nM (α-5); NaV1.4: 14.6 nM (α-4)) this underscores the potential utility of α-nemertides for rational optimization to improve selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Jacobsson
- Pharmacognosy,
Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology
& Pharmacology, University of Leuven
(KU Leuven), O&N 2, PO Box 992, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Håkan S. Andersson
- Pharmacognosy,
Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Quentin Laborde
- Pharmacognosy,
Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Strand
- Swedish
Species Information Centre, Swedish University
of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology
& Pharmacology, University of Leuven
(KU Leuven), O&N 2, PO Box 992, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ulf Göransson
- Pharmacognosy,
Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 591, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
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21
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Tamargo RJI, Rubio PYM, Mohandoss S, Shim JJ, Lee YR. Cyrene™ as a Neoteric Bio-Based Solvent for Catalyst-Free Microwave-Assisted Construction of Diverse Bipyridine Analogues for Heavy-Metal Sensing. CHEMSUSCHEM 2021; 14:2133-2140. [PMID: 33780600 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202100379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An environment-friendly synthetic protocol was developed to access polyfunctionalized bipyridines from readily available amines, chromone-3-carboxaldehydes, and pyridinylacetonitriles under catalyst- and additive-free conditions using the bio-renewable neoteric solvent dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene™). In this strategy, amines served as both a mild-base promoter and a substrate. In addition, water was the only by-product of this reaction. This multi-component protocol provided highly diverse 2,3-, 3,3-, and 3,4-bipyridines in good-to-excellent yields. Operational simplicity, short reaction time, excellent atom economy, and easily obtainable substrates are among the features of this microwave-assisted synthesis. Additionally, the compounds synthesized via this method have demonstrated the ability to detect heavy metals, specifically mercury(II), copper(II), and iron (III) ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramuel John Inductivo Tamargo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
- Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
| | - Peter Yuosef M Rubio
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
| | - Sonaimuthu Mohandoss
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
| | - Jae-Jin Shim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
| | - Yong Rok Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea
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22
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Bell J, Sukiran NA, Walsh S, Fitches EC. The insecticidal activity of recombinant nemertide toxin α-1 from Lineus longissimus towards pests and beneficial species. Toxicon 2021; 197:79-86. [PMID: 33852905 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The nemertide toxins from the phylum Nemertea are a little researched family of neurotoxins with potential for development as biopesticides. Here we report the recombinant production of nemertide α-1 (α-1), a 65-residue inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptide from Lineus longissimus, known to target insect voltage-gated sodium channels. The insecticidal activity of α-1 was assessed and compared with the well characterised ICK venom peptide, ω-atracotoxin/hexatoxin-Hv1a (Hv1a). α-1 elicited potent spastic paralysis when injected into cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) larvae; conferring an ED50 3.90 μg/larva (10.30 nmol/g larva), followed by mortality (60% within 48 h after 10 μg injection). By comparison, injection of M. brassicae larvae with recombinant Hv1a produced short-lived flaccid paralysis with an ED50 over 6 times greater than that of α-1 at 26.20 μg/larva (64.70 nmol/g larva). Oral toxicity of α-1 was demonstrated against two aphid species (Myzus persicae and Acyrthosiphon pisum), with respective LC50 values of 0.35 and 0.14 mg/mL, some 6-fold lower than those derived for recombinant Hv1a. When delivered orally to M. brassicae larvae, α-1 caused both paralysis (ED50 11.93 μg/larva, 31.5 nmol/g larva) and mortality. This contrasts with the lack of oral activity of Hv1a, which when fed to M. brassicae larvae had no effect on feeding or survival. Hv1a has previously been shown to be non-toxic by injection to the beneficial honeybee (Apis mellifera). By contrast, rapid paralysis and 100% mortality was observed following injection of α-1 (31.6 nmol/g insect). These results demonstrate the great potential of naturally occurring non-venomous peptides, such as α-1, for development as novel effective biopesticides, but equally highlights the importance of understanding the phyletic specificity of a given toxin at an early stage in the quest to discover and develop safe and sustainable pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Bell
- Durham University, Department of Biosciences, Stockton Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
| | - Nur Afiqah Sukiran
- Durham University, Department of Biosciences, Stockton Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Stephen Walsh
- Durham University, Department of Biosciences, Stockton Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Elaine C Fitches
- Durham University, Department of Biosciences, Stockton Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
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Vlasenko AE, Magarlamov TY. Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues in Cephalothrix cf. simula (Nemertea: Palaeonemertea) from the Sea of Japan (Peter the Great Gulf): Intrabody Distribution and Secretions. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12120745. [PMID: 33256088 PMCID: PMC7760002 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12120745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some nemertean species from the genus Cephalothrix accumulate tetrodotoxin (TTX) in extremely high concentrations. The current study is the first to provide high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) data on tetrodotoxin and its analogues (TTXs) profile and concentration in different regions and organs of Cephalothrix cf. simula, and its secretions produced in response to stimulation. Different specimens of C. cf. simula possessed 7-11 analogues, including nine previously found in this species and two new for nemerteans-4,9-anhydro-8-epi-5,6,11-trideoxyTTX and 1-hydroxy-8-epi-5,6,11-trideoxyTTX. The study of the toxins' distribution in different regions and organs of nemerteans revealed the same qualitative composition of TTXs throughout the body but differences in the total concentration of the toxins. The total concentration of TTXs was highest in the anterior region of the body and decreased towards the posterior; the ratio of the analogues also differed between regions. The data obtained suggest a pathway of TTXs uptake in C. cf. simula and the role of toxins in the life activity of nemerteans.
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Berlinck RGS, Bernardi DI, Fill T, Fernandes AAG, Jurberg ID. The chemistry and biology of guanidine secondary metabolites. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 38:586-667. [PMID: 33021301 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00051e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2017-2019Guanidine natural products isolated from microorganisms, marine invertebrates and terrestrial plants, amphibians and spiders, represented by non-ribosomal peptides, guanidine-bearing polyketides, alkaloids, terpenoids and shikimic acid derived, are the subject of this review. The topics include the discovery of new metabolites, total synthesis of natural guanidine compounds, biological activity and mechanism-of-action, biosynthesis and ecological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto G S Berlinck
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 780, CEP 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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von Reumont BM, Lüddecke T, Timm T, Lochnit G, Vilcinskas A, von Döhren J, Nilsson MA. Proteo-Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies Potential Novel Toxins Secreted by the Predatory, Prey-Piercing Ribbon Worm Amphiporus lactifloreus. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18080407. [PMID: 32752210 PMCID: PMC7460313 DOI: 10.3390/md18080407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemerteans (ribbon worms) employ toxins to subdue their prey, but research thus far has focused on the small-molecule components of mucus secretions and few protein toxins have been characterized. We carried out a preliminary proteotranscriptomic analysis of putative toxins produced by the hoplonemertean Amphiporus lactifloreus (Hoplonemertea, Amphiporidae). No variants were found of known nemertean-specific toxin proteins (neurotoxins, cytotoxins, parbolysins or nemertides) but several toxin-like transcripts were discovered, expressed strongly in the proboscis, including putative metalloproteinases and sequences resembling sea anemone actitoxins, crown-of-thorn sea star plancitoxins, and multiple classes of inhibitor cystine knot/knottin family proteins. Some of these products were also directly identified in the mucus proteome, supporting their preliminary identification as secreted toxin components. Two new nemertean-typical toxin candidates could be described and were named U-nemertotoxin-1 and U-nemertotoxin-2. Our findings provide insight into the largely overlooked venom system of nemerteans and support a hypothesis in which the nemertean proboscis evolved in several steps from a flesh-melting organ in scavenging nemerteans to a flesh-melting and toxin-secreting venom apparatus in hunting hoplonemerteans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Marcus von Reumont
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Heinrich Buff Ring 26–32, 35392 Gießen, Germany;
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.L.); (M.A.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-993-9503
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.L.); (M.A.N.)
- Branch Bioressources, Department Animal Venomics, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Timm
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (T.T.); (G.L.)
| | - Günter Lochnit
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (T.T.); (G.L.)
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Heinrich Buff Ring 26–32, 35392 Gießen, Germany;
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.L.); (M.A.N.)
- Branch Bioressources, Department Animal Venomics, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jörn von Döhren
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Maria A. Nilsson
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.L.); (M.A.N.)
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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26
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Multi-Toxin Quantitative Analysis of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins and Tetrodotoxins in Bivalve Mollusks with Ultra-Performance Hydrophilic Interaction LC-MS/MS-An In-House Validation Study. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070452. [PMID: 32668707 PMCID: PMC7404990 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultra-performance hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry system (UP-HILIC–MS/MS) was used in multi-toxin analysis of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) and tetrodotoxins (TTXs) in sample matrices from bivalve molluscan species commercially produced for human consumption in Sweden. The method validation includes 17 toxins of which GTX6 and two TTX analogues, TTX and 4,9-anhydroTTX, were previously not analyzed together with hydrophilic PSTs. 11-deoxyTTX was monitored qualitatively with a non-certified reference standard. The performance of the method was evaluated for selectivity, repeatability, and linearity by analyzing spiked samples which generated linear calibration curves across the concentration ranges used (R2 > 0.99). The in-house reproducibility (RSD) was satisfactory including the LOD and LOQ for both PST and TTX toxins being far below their regulatory action limits. The major advantage of the method is that it allows direct confirmation of the toxin identity and specific toxin quantification using a derivatization-free approach. Unlike the PST-chemical methods used in routine regulatory monitoring until now for food control, the UP-HILIC-MS/MS approach enables the calibration set-up for each of the toxin analogs separately, thereby providing the essential flexibility and specificity in analysis of this challenging group of toxins. The method is suitable to implement in food monitoring for PSTs and TTXs in bivalves, and can serve as a fast and cost-efficient screening method. However, positive samples would, for regulatory reasons still need to be confirmed using the AOAC official method (2005.06).
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Vlasenko AE, Kuznetsov VG, Petrova IY, Magarlamov TY. Development of a polyclonal antibody-based indirect competitive ELISA for the determination of tetrodotoxins in marine ribbon worms (NEMERTEA) and its comparison with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Toxicon 2020; 176:30-33. [PMID: 31975690 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin frequently occurring in marine organisms along with its numerous analogues. To determine the total TTX content, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique utilizing polyclonal antibodies against TTX. The technique was tested using extracts of marine worms of the phylum Nemertea and confirmed by HPLC-MS/MS. It proved to be suitable for a preliminary assessment of the toxicity of marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Vlasenko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
| | - V G Kuznetsov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia; School of Natural Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690092, Russia
| | - I Yu Petrova
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
| | - T Yu Magarlamov
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia; School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690092, Russia.
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Schendel V, Rash LD, Jenner RA, Undheim EAB. The Diversity of Venom: The Importance of Behavior and Venom System Morphology in Understanding Its Ecology and Evolution. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E666. [PMID: 31739590 PMCID: PMC6891279 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are one of the most convergent of animal traits known, and encompass a much greater taxonomic and functional diversity than is commonly appreciated. This knowledge gap limits the potential of venom as a model trait in evolutionary biology. Here, we summarize the taxonomic and functional diversity of animal venoms and relate this to what is known about venom system morphology, venom modulation, and venom pharmacology, with the aim of drawing attention to the importance of these largely neglected aspects of venom research. We find that animals have evolved venoms at least 101 independent times and that venoms play at least 11 distinct ecological roles in addition to predation, defense, and feeding. Comparisons of different venom systems suggest that morphology strongly influences how venoms achieve these functions, and hence is an important consideration for understanding the molecular evolution of venoms and their toxins. Our findings also highlight the need for more holistic studies of venom systems and the toxins they contain. Greater knowledge of behavior, morphology, and ecologically relevant toxin pharmacology will improve our understanding of the evolution of venoms and their toxins, and likely facilitate exploration of their potential as sources of molecular tools and therapeutic and agrochemical lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Schendel
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Lachlan D. Rash
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Ronald A. Jenner
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK;
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
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