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Wang T, Fu ZY, Li YJ, Zi L, Song CZ, Tao YX, Zhang M, Gu W, Yu J, Yang XX. Recognition on pharmacodynamic ingredients of natural products. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102124. [PMID: 38933713 PMCID: PMC11201352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural products (NPs) play an irreplaceable role in the intervention of various diseases and have been considered a critical source of drug development. Many new pharmacodynamic compounds with potential clinical applications have recently been derived from NPs. These compounds range from small molecules to polysaccharides, polypeptides, proteins, self-assembled nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles. This review summarizes various active substances found in NPs. The investigation of active substances in NPs can potentiate new drug development and promote the in-depth comprehension of the mechanism of action of NPs that can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhong-Yu Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yan-Juan Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lei Zi
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Cheng-Zhu Song
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Tao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Wen Gu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jie Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xing-Xin Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, 1076 Yuhua Road, Kunming 650500, China
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Bourke LA, Zdenek CN, Huynh TM, Hodgson WC, Alagón A, Castro EN, Jones J, Fry BG. Fangs and foliage: Unearthing the haemotoxic secrets of cannabis-dwelling rattlesnakes. Toxicon 2024; 244:107756. [PMID: 38740096 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107756] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Despite a recent surge in high-throughput venom research that has enabled many species to be studied, some snake venoms remain understudied. The long-tailed rattlesnakes (Crotalus ericsmithi, C. lannomi, and C. stejnegeri) are one group where such research lags, largely owing to the rarity of these snakes and the hazardous areas, ripe with drug (marijuana and opium) production, they inhabit in Mexico. To fill this knowledge gap, we used multiple functional assays to examine the coagulotoxic (including across different plasma types), neurotoxic, and myotoxic activity of the venom of the long-tailed rattlesnakes. All crude venoms were shown to be potently anticoagulant on human plasma, which we discovered was not due to the destruction of fibrinogen, except for C. stejnegeri displaying minor fibrinogen destruction activity. All venoms exhibited anticoagulant activity on rat, avian, and amphibian plasmas, with C. ericsmithi being the most potent. We determined the mechanism of anticoagulant activity by C. ericsmithi and C. lannomi venoms to be phospholipid destruction and inhibition of multiple coagulation factors, leading to a net disruption of the clotting cascade. In the chick biventer assay, C. ericsmithi and C. lannomi did not exhibit neurotoxic activity but displayed potential weak myotoxic activity. BIRMEX® (Faboterápico Polivalente Antiviperino) antivenom was not effective in neutralising this venom effect. Overall, this study provides an in-depth investigation of venom function of understudied long-tailed rattlesnakes and provides a springboard for future venom and ecology research on the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan A Bourke
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Tam M Huynh
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico
| | - Edgar N Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico; Investigador por México, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, Avenida Universidad s/n. Fracc. Filadelfia, C.P. 35010, Gómez Palacio, Dgo., Mexico
| | - Jason Jones
- Herp.mx A.C, Villa Del Álvarez, Colima, Mexico
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Adaptive Biotoxicology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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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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Pedro G, Brasileiro FCDS, Macedo JM, Soares AM, Mafra GC, Alves CEF, Laufer-Amorim R. Cytotoxic effects of crotoxin from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake in canine mammary tumor cell lines. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230062. [PMID: 38505509 PMCID: PMC10950368 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0062] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mammary gland tumors are the most prevalent neoplasm in intact female dogs, and they are good natural models to study comparative oncology. Most canine mammary malignancies, as in women, are commonly refractory to conventional therapies and demand continuous new therapeutic approaches. Crotalus durissus terrificus, also called rattlesnake, has more than 60 different proteins in its venom with multiple pharmaceutical uses, such as antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial action. Crotoxin, a potent β-neurotoxin formed by the junction of two subunits, a basic subunit (CB-PLA2) and an acidic subunit (crotapotin), has already been reported to have anticancer properties in different types of cancers. Methods In this work, we describe the cytotoxic potential of crotoxin and its subunits compared to doxorubicin (drug of choice) in two canine mammary carcinoma cell lines. Results Crotoxin, CB-PLA2, crotalic venom, and doxorubicin decreased cell viability and the ability to migrate in a dose-dependent manner, and crotapotin did not present an antitumoral effect. For all compounds, the predominant cell death mechanism was apoptosis. In addition, crotoxin did not show toxicity in normal canine mammary gland cells. Conclusion Therefore, this work showed that crotoxin and CB-PLA2 had cytotoxic activity, migration inhibition, and pro-apoptotic potential in canine mammary gland carcinoma cell lines, making their possible use in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Pedro
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Jamile Mariano Macedo
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Education Applied to One Health (LABIOPROT), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz - Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- São Lucas University Center - São Lucas PVH, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Andreimar Martins Soares
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Education Applied to One Health (LABIOPROT), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz - Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- São Lucas University Center - São Lucas PVH, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- Western Amazon Research and Knowledge Network of Excellence (RED-CONEXAO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Epidemiology of the Western Amazon (INCT EpiAmO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Caporale Mafra
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Renée Laufer-Amorim
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Western Amazon Research and Knowledge Network of Excellence (RED-CONEXAO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Epidemiology of the Western Amazon (INCT EpiAmO), Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
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Wu CL, Ni ZF, Kuang XY, Li MF, Zong MH, Fan XD, Lou WY. Novel Multitarget ACE Inhibitory Peptides from Bovine Colostrum Immunoglobulin G: Cellular Transport, Efficacy in Regulating Endothelial Dysfunction, and Network Pharmacology Studies. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:4155-4169. [PMID: 38366990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we used traditional laboratory methods, bioinformatics, and cellular models to screen novel ACE inhibitory (ACEI) peptides with strong ACEI activity, moderate absorption rates, and multiple targets from bovine colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG). The purified fraction of the compound proteinase hydrolysate of IgG showed good ACEI activity. After nano-UPLC-MS/MS identification and in silico analysis, eight peptides were synthesized and verified. Among them, SFYPDY, TSFYPDY, FSWF, WYQQVPGSGL, and GVHTFP were identified as ACEI peptides, as they exhibited strong ACEI activity (with IC50 values of 104.7, 80.0, 121.2, 39.8, and 86.3 μM, respectively). They displayed good stability in an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion assay. In a Caco-2 monolayer model, SFYPDY, FSWF, and WYQQVPGSGL exhibited better absorption rates and lower IC50 values than the other peptides and were thereby identified as novel ACEI peptides. Subsequently, in a H2O2-induced endothelial dysfunction (ED) model based on HUVECs, SFYPDY, FSWF, and WYQQVPGSGL regulated ED by reducing apoptosis and ROS accumulation while upregulating NOS3 mRNA expression. Network pharmacology analysis and RT-qPCR confirmed that they regulated multiple targets. Overall, our results suggest that SFYPDY, FSWF, and WYQQVPGSGL can serve as novel multitarget ACEI peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Li Wu
- Laboratory of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong China
| | - Zi-Fu Ni
- Laboratory of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong China
| | - Xiao-Yan Kuang
- Laboratory of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong China
| | - Meng-Fan Li
- Laboratory of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong China
| | - Min-Hua Zong
- Laboratory of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong China
| | - Xiao-Dan Fan
- Laboratory of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong China
| | - Wen-Yong Lou
- Laboratory of Applied Biocatalysis, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong China
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Guo Q, Huang M, Li M, Chen J, Cheng S, Ma L, Gao B. Diversity and Evolutionary Analysis of Venom Insulin Derived from Cone Snails. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:34. [PMID: 38251250 PMCID: PMC10819828 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010034] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cone snails possess a diverse array of novel peptide toxins, which selectively target ion channels and receptors in the nervous and cardiovascular systems. These numerous novel peptide toxins are a valuable resource for future marine drug development. In this review, we compared and analyzed the sequence diversity, three-dimensional structural variations, and evolutionary aspects of venom insulin derived from different cone snail species. The comparative analysis reveals that there are significant variations in the sequences and three-dimensional structures of venom insulins from cone snails with different feeding habits. Notably, the venom insulin of some piscivorous cone snails exhibits a greater similarity to humans and zebrafish insulins. It is important to emphasize that these venom insulins play a crucial role in the predatory strategies of these cone snails. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to trace the lineage of venom insulin sequences, shedding light on the evolutionary interconnections among cone snails with diverse diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Meiling Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Jiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Shuanghuai Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Linlin Ma
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD), School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
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Kancha MM, Mehrabi M, Bitaraf FS, Vahedi H, Alizadeh M, Bernkop-Schnürch A. Preparation, Characterization, and Anticancer Activity Assessment of Chitosan/TPP Nanoparticles Loaded with Echis carinatus Venom. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:533-543. [PMID: 38243949 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206279731231129105221] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS AND BACKGROUND Echis carinatus venom is a toxic substance naturally produced by special glands in this snake species. Alongside various toxic properties, this venom has been used for its therapeutic effects, which are applicable in treating various cancers (liver, breast, etc.). OBJECTIVE Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are suitable for protecting Echis carinatus venom against destruction and unwanted absorption. They can manage its controlled transfer and absorption, significantly reducing side effects. METHODS In the present study, chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using the ionotropic gelation method with emulsion cross-linking. The venom's encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and release rate were calculated at certain time points. Moreover, the nanoparticles' optimal formulation and cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT assay. RESULTS The optimized nanoparticle formulation increases cell death induction in various cancerous cell lines. Moreover, chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Echis carinatus venom had a significant rate of cytotoxicity against cancer cells. CONCLUSION It is proposed that this formulation may act as a suitable candidate for more extensive assessments of cancer treatment using nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maral Mahboubi Kancha
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mehrabi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Bitaraf
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Hamid Vahedi
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Morteza Alizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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AlShammari AK, Abd El-Aziz TM, Al-Sabi A. Snake Venom: A Promising Source of Neurotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 38251229 PMCID: PMC10820993 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The venom derived from various sources of snakes represents a vast collection of predominantly protein-based toxins that exhibit a wide range of biological actions, including but not limited to inflammation, pain, cytotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. The venom of a particular snake species is composed of several toxins, while the venoms of around 600 venomous snake species collectively encompass a substantial reservoir of pharmacologically intriguing compounds. Despite extensive research efforts, a significant portion of snake venoms remains uncharacterized. Recent findings have demonstrated the potential application of neurotoxins derived from snake venom in selectively targeting voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv). These neurotoxins include BPTI-Kunitz polypeptides, PLA2 neurotoxins, CRISPs, SVSPs, and various others. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the significance of Kv channels in various tissues, highlighting their crucial role as proteins susceptible to modulation by diverse snake venoms. These toxins have demonstrated potential as valuable pharmacological resources and research tools for investigating the structural and functional characteristics of Kv channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf K. AlShammari
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ahmed Al-Sabi
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
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Phan P, Deshwal A, McMahon TA, Slikas M, Andrews E, Becker B, Kumar TKS. A Review of Rattlesnake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:2. [PMID: 38276526 PMCID: PMC10818703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010002] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Venom components are invaluable in biomedical research owing to their specificity and potency. Many of these components exist in two genera of rattlesnakes, Crotalus and Sistrurus, with high toxicity and proteolytic activity variation. This review focuses on venom components within rattlesnakes, and offers a comparison and itemized list of factors dictating venom composition, as well as presenting their known characteristics, activities, and significant applications in biosciences. There are 64 families and subfamilies of proteins present in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Snake venom serine proteases (SVSP), snake venom metalloproteases (SVMP), and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are the standard components in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Through this review, we highlight gaps in the knowledge of rattlesnake venom; there needs to be more information on the venom composition of three Crotalus species and one Sistrurus subspecies. We discuss the activity and importance of both major and minor components in biomedical research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuc Phan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Anant Deshwal
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Tyler Anthony McMahon
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Matthew Slikas
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Elodie Andrews
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Brian Becker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
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10
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Shin MK, Hwang IW, Jang BY, Bu KB, Han DH, Lee SH, Oh JW, Yoo JS, Sung JS. The Identification of a Novel Spider Toxin Peptide, Lycotoxin-Pa2a, with Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1708. [PMID: 38136742 PMCID: PMC10740532 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing challenge of controlling infectious diseases due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, the importance of discovering new antimicrobial agents is rapidly increasing. Animal venoms contain a variety of functional peptides, making them a promising platform for pharmaceutical development. In this study, a novel toxin peptide with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities was discovered from the spider venom gland transcriptome by implementing computational approaches. Lycotoxin-Pa2a (Lytx-Pa2a) showed homology to known-spider toxin, where functional prediction indicated the potential of both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory peptides without hemolytic activity. The colony-forming assay and minimum inhibitory concentration test showed that Lytx-Pa2a exhibited comparable or stronger antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains than melittin. Following mechanistic studies revealed that Lytx-Pa2a disrupts both cytoplasmic and outer membranes of bacteria while simultaneously inducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The peptide exerted no significant toxicity when treated to human primary cells, murine macrophages, and bovine red blood cells. Moreover, Lytx-Pa2a alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in mouse macrophages by suppressing the expression of inflammatory mediators. These findings not only suggested that Lytx-Pa2a with dual activity can be utilized as a new antimicrobial agent for infectious diseases but also demonstrated the implementation of in silico methods for discovering a novel functional peptide, which may enhance the future utilization of biological resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyoung Shin
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (I.-W.H.); (B.-Y.J.); (K.-B.B.); (D.-H.H.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - In-Wook Hwang
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (I.-W.H.); (B.-Y.J.); (K.-B.B.); (D.-H.H.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Bo-Young Jang
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (I.-W.H.); (B.-Y.J.); (K.-B.B.); (D.-H.H.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Kyung-Bin Bu
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (I.-W.H.); (B.-Y.J.); (K.-B.B.); (D.-H.H.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Dong-Hee Han
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (I.-W.H.); (B.-Y.J.); (K.-B.B.); (D.-H.H.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Seung-Ho Lee
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (I.-W.H.); (B.-Y.J.); (K.-B.B.); (D.-H.H.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Jin Wook Oh
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (I.-W.H.); (B.-Y.J.); (K.-B.B.); (D.-H.H.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Jung Sun Yoo
- Species Diversity Research Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung-Suk Sung
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (I.-W.H.); (B.-Y.J.); (K.-B.B.); (D.-H.H.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
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11
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Abu Aisheh M, Kayili HM, Numanoglu Cevik Y, Kanat MA, Salih B. Composition characterization of various viperidae snake venoms using MS-based proteomics N-glycoproteomics and N-glycomics. Toxicon 2023; 235:107328. [PMID: 37884129 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107328] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Viperidae snake species is widely abundant and responsible for most envenomation cases in Turkey. The structural and compositional profiles of snake venom have been investigated to study the venom component variation across different species and to profile the venom biological activity variation against prey. In this context, we used proteomics, glycoproteomics and glycomics strategies to characterize the protein, glycoproteins and glycan structural and compositional profiles of various snake venoms in the Viperidae family. Moreover, we compared these profiles using the downstream bioinformatics and machine learning classification modules. The overall mass spectrometry profiles identified 144 different proteins, 36 glycoproteins and 78 distinct N-glycan structures varying in composition across the five venoms. A high amount of the characterized proteins belongs to the glycosylated protein family Trypsin-like serine protease (Tryp_SPc), Disintegrin (DISIN), and ADAM Cysteine-Rich (ACR). Most identified N-glycans have a complex chain carrying galactosylated N-glycans abundantly. The glycan composition data obtained from glycoproteomics aligns consistently with the findings from glycomics. The clustering and principal component analyses (PCA) illustrated the composition-based similarities and differences between each snake venom species' proteome, glycoproteome and glycan profiles. Specifically, the N-glycan profiles of M. xanthina (Mx) and V. a. ammodytes (Vaa) venoms were identical and difficult to differentiate; in contrast, their proteome profiles were distinct. Interestingly, the variety of the proteins across the species highlighted the impact of glycosylation on the diversity of the glycosylated protein families. This proposed high throughput approach provides accurate and comprehensive profiles of the composition and function of various Viperidae snake venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Abu Aisheh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haci Mehmet Kayili
- Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Karabük University, 78000, Karabük, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Numanoglu Cevik
- Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Turkish Public Health Institute, Ministery of Health, 06430, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ali Kanat
- Microbiology and Reference Laboratory and Biological Products Department, General Directorate of Public Health, Minister of Health, 06430, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bekir Salih
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey.
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12
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Chan BD, Wong WY, Lee MML, Yue PYK, Dai X, Tsim KWK, Hsiao WLW, Li M, Li XY, Tai WCS. Isolation and characterization of ZK002, a novel dual function snake venom protein from Deinagkistrodon acutus with anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1227962. [PMID: 37841933 PMCID: PMC10570812 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1227962] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pathological angiogenesis, the abnormal or excessive generation of blood vessels, plays an important role in many diseases including cancer, diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, and arthritis. Additionally, increasing evidence supports the close linkage between angiogenesis and inflammation. Snake venoms are a rich natural source of biologically active molecules and carry rich potential for the discovery of anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory modulators. Methods: Here, we isolated and purified a novel protein, ZK002, from the venom of the snake Deinagkistrodon acutus, and investigated its anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities and mechanisms. Results: ZK002 was identified as a 30 kDa heterodimeric protein of α and β chains, which exhibited anti-angiogenic activity in various in vitro assays. Mechanistically, ZK002 inhibited activation of VEGF signaling and related mediators including eNOS, p38, LIMK, and HSP27. ZK002 also upregulated the metalloproteinase inhibitor TIMP3 and inhibited components of the VEGF-induced signaling cascade, PPP3R2 and SH2D2A. The anti-angiogenic activity of ZK002 was confirmed in multiple in vivo models. ZK002 could also inhibit the in vitro expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as in vivo inflammation in the carrageenin-induced edema rat model. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential for further development of ZK002 as a dual function therapeutic against diseases with involvement of pathogenic angiogenesis and chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Dow Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing-Yan Wong
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Magnolia Muk-Lan Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick Ying-Kit Yue
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiangrong Dai
- Lee’s Pharmaceutical (HK) Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karl Wah-Keung Tsim
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wen-Luan Wendy Hsiao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mandy Li
- Zhaoke (Hong Kong) Ophthalmology Pharmaceutical Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Li
- Zhaoke (Hong Kong) Ophthalmology Pharmaceutical Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William Chi-Shing Tai
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), Shenzhen Research Institute of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, Hong Kong SAR, China
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13
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Hiremath K, Dodakallanavar J, Sampat GH, Patil VS, Harish DR, Chavan R, Hegde HV, Roy S. Three finger toxins of elapids: structure, function, clinical applications and its inhibitors. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3. [PMID: 37749455 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The WHO lists snakebite as a "neglected tropical disease". In tropical and subtropical areas, envenoming is an important public health issue. This review article describes the structure, function, chemical composition, natural inhibitors, and clinical applications of Elapids' Three Finger Toxins (3FTX) using scientific research data. The primary venomous substance belonging to Elapidae is 3FTX, that targets nAChR. Three parallel β-sheets combine to create 3FTX, which has four or five disulfide bonds. The three primary types of 3FTX are short-chain, long-chain, and nonconventional 3FTX. The functions of 3FTX depend on the specific toxin subtype and the target receptor or ion channel. The well-known effect of 3FTX is probably neurotoxicity because of the severe consequences of muscular paralysis and respiratory failure in snakebite victims. 3FTX have also been studied for their potential clinical applications. α-bungarotoxin has been used as a molecular probe to study the structure and function of nAChRs (Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors). Acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) isoforms 1a and 1b are inhibited by Mambalgins, derived from Black mamba venom, which hinders their function and provide an analgesic effect. α- Cobra toxin is a neurotoxin purified from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) binds to nAChR at the neuronal junction and causes an analgesic effect for moderate to severe pain. Some of the plants and their compounds have been shown to inhibit the activity of 3FTX, and their mechanisms of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashinath Hiremath
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Jagadeesh Dodakallanavar
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Ganesh H Sampat
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Darasaguppe R Harish
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Rajashekar Chavan
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India.
| | - Harsha V Hegde
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
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14
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Almeida GDO, de Oliveira IS, Arantes EC, Sampaio SV. Snake venom disintegrins update: insights about new findings. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230039. [PMID: 37818211 PMCID: PMC10561651 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom disintegrins are low molecular weight, non-enzymatic proteins rich in cysteine, present in the venom of snakes from the families Viperidae, Crotalidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, and Colubridae. This family of proteins originated in venom through the proteolytic processing of metalloproteinases (SVMPs), which, in turn, evolved from a gene encoding an A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM) molecule. Disintegrins have a recognition motif for integrins in their structure, allowing interaction with these transmembrane adhesion receptors and preventing their binding to proteins in the extracellular matrix and other cells. This interaction gives disintegrins their wide range of biological functions, including inhibition of platelet aggregation and antitumor activity. As a result, many studies have been conducted in an attempt to use these natural compounds as a basis for developing therapies for the treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, the FDA has approved Tirofiban and Eptifibatide as antiplatelet compounds, and they are synthesized from the structure of echistatin and barbourin, respectively. In this review, we discuss some of the main functional and structural characteristics of this class of proteins and their potential for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela de Oliveira Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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15
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de Melo Fernandes TA, Teixeira SC, Costa TR, Rosini AM, de Souza G, Polloni L, Barbosa BDF, Silva MJB, Ferro EAV, Ávila VDMR. BjussuLAAO-II, an l-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, impairs Toxoplasma gondii infection in human trophoblast cells and villous explants from the third trimester of pregnancy. Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105123. [PMID: 36870599 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
One-third of the world's population is estimated to be affected by toxoplasmosis. Pregnancy-related Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause vertical transmission, infect the fetus, and cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and fetal death. The current study showed that both human trophoblast cells (BeWo lineage) and human explant villous were resistant to T. gondii infection after incubation with BjussuLAAO-II, an l-amino acid oxidase isolated from Bothrops jararacussu. Almost 90% of the parasite's ability to proliferate in BeWo cells was decreased by the toxin at 1.56 μg/mL and showed an irreversible anti-T. gondii effect. Also, BjussuLAAO-II impaired the key events of adhesion and invasion of T. gondii tachyzoites in BeWo cells. BjussuLAAO-II antiparasitic properties were associated with the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide, since the presence of catalase restored the parasite's growth and invasion. In addition, T. gondii growth in human villous explants was decreased to approximately 51% by the toxin treatment at 12.5 μg/mL. Furthermore, BjussuLAAO-II treatment altered IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and MIF cytokines levels, assuming a pro-inflammatory profile in the control of T. gondii infection. This study contributes to the potential use of a snake venom l-amino acid oxidase for the development of agents against congenital toxoplasmosis and the discovery of new targets in parasites and host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales Alves de Melo Fernandes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, St. Acre s/n, 38402-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Para, 1720, 38400-239, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Tássia Rafaela Costa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, St. Acre s/n, 38402-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Para, 1720, 38400-239, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Para, 1720, 38400-239, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Lorena Polloni
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, St. Acre s/n, 38402-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Bellisa de Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Para, 1720, 38400-239, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Campus Umuarama, Av. Para, 1720, 38400-239, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, Av. Para, 1720, 38400-239, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Veridiana de Melo Rodrigues Ávila
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Campus Umuarama, St. Acre s/n, 38402-902, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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16
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Gamulin E, Mateljak Lukačević S, Halassy B, Kurtović T. Snake Antivenoms-Toward Better Understanding of the Administration Route. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:398. [PMID: 37368699 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomations induced by animal bites and stings constitute a significant public health burden. Even though a standardized protocol does not exist, parenterally administered polyclonal antivenoms remain the mainstay in snakebite therapy. There is a prevailing opinion that their application by the i.m. route has poor efficacy and that i.v. administration should preferentially be chosen in order to achieve better accomplishment of the antivenom therapeutic activity. Recently, it has been demonstrated that neutralization not only in the systemic circulation but also in the lymphatic system might be of great importance for the clinical outcome since it represents another relevant body compartment through which the absorption of the venom components occurs. In this review, the present-day and summarized knowledge of the laboratory and clinical findings on the i.v. and i.m. routes of antivenom administration is provided, with a special emphasis on the contribution of the lymphatic system to the process of venom elimination. Until now, antivenom-mediated neutralization has not yet been discussed in the context of the synergistic action of both blood and lymph. A current viewpoint might help to improve the comprehension of the venom/antivenom pharmacokinetics and the optimal approach for drug application. There is a great need for additional dependable, practical, well-designed studies, as well as more practice-related experience reports. As a result, opportunities for resolving long-standing disputes over choosing one therapeutic principle over another might be created, improving the safety and effectiveness of snakebite management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Gamulin
- Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Rockefellerova 10, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Mateljak Lukačević
- Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Rockefellerova 10, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Beata Halassy
- Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Rockefellerova 10, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tihana Kurtović
- Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Rockefellerova 10, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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17
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Almeida TC, de Morais Ribeiro Silva L, de Oliveira AMB, Lopes FSR, Sant'Anna MB, Picolo G. Cytotoxic effect of crotoxin on cancer cells and its antitumoral effects correlated to tumor microenvironment: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124892. [PMID: 37196721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and despite the effort of standard treatments, the search for new tools against this disease is necessary. Importantly, it is known that the tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in tumor initiation, progression, and response to therapies. Therefore, studies of potential drugs that act on these components are as critical as studies regarding antiproliferative substances. Through the years, studies of several natural products, including animal toxins, have been conducted to guide the development of medical compounds. In this review, we present the remarkable antitumor activities of crotoxin, a toxin from the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, highlighting its effects on cancer cells and in the modulation of relevant elements in the tumor microenvironment as well as the clinical trials conducted with this compound. In summary, crotoxin acts through several mechanisms of action, such as activation of apoptosis, induction of cell cycle arrest, inhibition of metastasis, and decrease of tumor growth, in different tumor types. Crotoxin also modulates tumor-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, which contribute to its antitumoral effects. In addition, preliminary clinical studies confirm the promising results of crotoxin and support its potential future use as an anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gisele Picolo
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, 05503-900 São Paulo, Brazil.
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18
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Castro-Amorim J, Oliveira A, Mukherjee AK, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Unraveling the Reaction Mechanism of Russell's Viper Venom Factor X Activator: A Paradigm for the Reactivity of Zinc Metalloproteinases? J Chem Inf Model 2023. [PMID: 37092784 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are important drug targets against snakebite envenoming, the neglected tropical disease with the highest mortality worldwide. Here, we focus on Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), one of the "big four" snakes of the Indian subcontinent that, together, are responsible for ca. 50,000 fatalities annually. The "Russell's viper venom factor X activator" (RVV-X), a highly toxic metalloproteinase, activates the blood coagulation factor X (FX), leading to the prey's abnormal blood clotting and death. Given its tremendous public health impact, the WHO recognized an urgent need to develop efficient, heat-stable, and affordable-for-all small-molecule inhibitors, for which a deep understanding of the mechanisms of action of snake's principal toxins is fundamental. In this study, we determine the catalytic mechanism of RVV-X by using a density functional theory/molecular mechanics (DFT:MM) methodology to calculate its free energy profile. The results showed that the catalytic process takes place via two steps. The first step involves a nucleophilic attack by an in situ generated hydroxide ion on the substrate carbonyl, yielding an activation barrier of 17.7 kcal·mol-1, while the second step corresponds to protonation of the peptide nitrogen and peptide bond cleavage with an energy barrier of 23.1 kcal·mol-1. Our study shows a unique role played by Zn2+ in catalysis by lowering the pKa of the Zn2+-bound water molecule, enough to permit the swift formation of the hydroxide nucleophile through barrierless deprotonation by the formally much less basic Glu140. Without the Zn2+ cofactor, this step would be rate-limiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Castro-Amorim
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Ana Oliveira
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Vigyan Path Garchuk, Paschim Boragaon, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India
| | - Maria J Ramos
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
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19
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Eptifibatide, an Older Therapeutic Peptide with New Indications: From Clinical Pharmacology to Everyday Clinical Practice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065446. [PMID: 36982519 PMCID: PMC10049647 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic peptides are oligomers or short polymers of amino acids used for various medical purposes. Peptide-based treatments have evolved considerably due to new technologies, stimulating new research interests. They have been shown to be beneficial in a variety of therapeutic applications, notably in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ACS is characterized by coronary artery wall damage and consequent formation of an intraluminal thrombus obstructing one or more coronary arteries, leading to unstable angina, non-ST elevated myocardial infarction, and ST-elevated myocardial infarction. One of the promising peptide drugs in the treatment of these pathologies is eptifibatide, a synthetic heptapeptide derived from rattlesnake venom. Eptifibatide is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor that blocks different pathways in platelet activation and aggregation. In this narrative review, we summarized the current evidence on the mechanism of action, clinical pharmacology, and applications of eptifibatide in cardiology. Additionally, we illustrated its possible broader usage with new indications, including ischemic stroke, carotid stenting, intracranial aneurysm stenting, and septic shock. Further research is, however, required to fully evaluate the role of eptifibatide in these pathologies, independently and in comparison to other medications.
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20
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Past, Present, and Future of Naturally Occurring Antimicrobials Related to Snake Venoms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040744. [PMID: 36830531 PMCID: PMC9952678 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040744] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on proteins and peptides with antimicrobial activity because these biopolymers can be useful in the fight against infectious diseases and to overcome the critical problem of microbial resistance to antibiotics. In fact, snakes show the highest diversification among reptiles, surviving in various environments; their innate immunity is similar to mammals and the response of their plasma to bacteria and fungi has been explored mainly in ecological studies. Snake venoms are a rich source of components that have a variety of biological functions. Among them are proteins like lectins, metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, L-amino acid oxidases, phospholipases type A2, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, as well as many oligopeptides, such as waprins, cardiotoxins, cathelicidins, and β-defensins. In vitro, these biomolecules were shown to be active against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that are pathogenic to humans. Not only cathelicidins, but all other proteins and oligopeptides from snake venom have been proteolyzed to provide short antimicrobial peptides, or for use as templates for developing a variety of short unnatural sequences based on their structures. In addition to organizing and discussing an expressive amount of information, this review also describes new β-defensin sequences of Sistrurus miliarius that can lead to novel peptide-based antimicrobial agents, using a multidisciplinary approach that includes sequence phylogeny.
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Sjakste N, Gajski G. A Review on Genotoxic and Genoprotective Effects of Biologically Active Compounds of Animal Origin. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:165. [PMID: 36828477 PMCID: PMC9961038 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020165] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by animal venoms remains a serious medical and social problem, especially in tropical countries. On the other hand, animal venoms are widely used as a source of biologically active compounds for the development of novel drugs. Numerous derivatives of animal venoms are already used in clinical practice. When analysing the mechanisms of action of animal venoms, attention is usually focused on the main target of the venom's enzymes and peptides such as neurotoxic, cytotoxic or haemorrhagic effects. In the present review, we would like to draw attention to the "hidden" effects of animal venoms and their derivatives in regard to DNA damage and/or protection against DNA damage. Alkaloids and terpenoids isolated from sponges such as avarol, ingenamine G or variolin B manifest the capability to bind DNA in vitro and produce DNA breaks. Trabectidin, isolated from a sea squirt, also binds and damages DNA. A similar action is possible for peptides isolated from bee and wasp venoms such as mastoparan, melectin and melittin. However, DNA lesions produced by the crude venoms of jellyfish, scorpions, spiders and snakes arise as a consequence of cell membrane damage and the subsequent oxidative stress, whereas certain animal venoms or their components produce a genoprotective effect. Current research data point to the possibility of using animal venoms and their components in the development of various potential therapeutic agents; however, before their possible clinical use the route of injection, molecular target, mechanism of action, exact dosage, possible side effects and other fundamental parameters should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolajs Sjakste
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, 1004 Riga, Latvia
- Genetics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, 1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Goran Gajski
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Current Status of Peptide Medications and the Position of Active Therapeutic Peptides with Scorpion Venom Origin. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-134049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
: Peptides are highly potent, selective, and relatively safe therapeutics. Over the past two decades, natural peptides have been obtained, studied, and eventually approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to advancements in identification, production, modification, and analytical technologies. Some peptide therapeutics has been derived from the venom gland of venomous animals, including snake, leech, lizard, snail, and scorpion. Scorpion was identified as a reservoir of important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. The scorpion uses these peptides for capturing prey and defense. However, their pharmacological properties in treating different diseases, including cardiac problems, autoimmune and infectious diseases, and diverse cancers, have been confirmed. Ion channel modifiers are the greatest components of the scorpion venom glands. Due to advances in proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, the identification of new scorpion venom peptides is steadily increasing. In this review, we tried to represent the current status of peptide medicines and describe the last peptide medications approved by FDA in 2022. Moreover, we will further explain potent peptides originating from scorpion venom, which have gone through important steps to be approved.
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Sadat SN, Bagheri KP, Maghsoudi H, Shahbazzadeh D. Oxineur, a novel peptide from Caspian cobra Naja naja oxiana against HT-29 colon cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130285. [PMID: 36462597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Colon cancer ranks fourth in mortality. This cancer is still an important clinical challenge worldwide due to its high prevalence and poor prognosis. Proteomic studies revealed that snake venom is a diverse and variable mixture of enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins and peptides. Despite the toxic effects of these molecules, several proteins and peptides have been isolated that have practical applications and appear to induce apoptosis and prevent cell metastasis. In this study, we worked on cytotoxic effects and anticancer activity of Naja naja oxiana (Iranian Caspian cobra) snake venom components on HT-29 cell line colon cancer. Separated Fraction-5 by FPLC indicated the high cytotoxicity on HT-29 cell line colon cancer by MTT test. Further isolation of F5 by HPLC showed that the purified peak 2, nominated as Oxineur that contains a cytotoxic effect on HT-29 cells and reduces cell viability at 8 μg/ml to 4% in 24 h. Oxineur has the least cytotoxic effect on HEK-293 normal cells. Further studies on Oxineur peptide confirmed the apoptotic effects with high expression of CASP9 gene and DNA fragmentation in cancerous cells. The partial sequence of Oxineur revealed 71% homology with the neurotoxin II from Naja naja oxiana. Since our target molecule is a peptide in the molecular weight range of 7 kDa, it has potentially a therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Narjes Sadat
- Biotechnology Research Center, Medical Biotechnology Department, Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Biotechnology Research Center, Medical Biotechnology Department, Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hosein Maghsoudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Payame Noor University, PNU Rey, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Medical Biotechnology Department, Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Silva L, Antunes A. Omics and Remote Homology Integration to Decipher Protein Functionality. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2627:61-81. [PMID: 36959442 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2974-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
In the recent years, several "omics" technologies based on specific biomolecules (from DNA, RNA, proteins, or metabolites) have won growing importance in the scientific field. Despite each omics possess their own laboratorial protocols, they share a background of bioinformatic tools for data integration and analysis. A recent subset of bioinformatic tools, based on available templates or remote homology protocols, allow computational fast and high-accuracy prediction of protein structures. The quickly predict of actually unsolved protein structures, together with late omics findings allow a boost of scientific advances in multiple fields such as cancer, longevity, immunity, mitochondrial function, toxicology, drug design, biosensors, and recombinant protein engineering. In this chapter, we assessed methodological approaches for the integration of omics and remote homology inferences to decipher protein functionality, opening the door to the next era of biological knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Silva
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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25
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Platonov O, Nikulina V, Kucheryavyi Y, Gryshchuk V, Stohniy Y, Chernyshenko V, Slominskyi O, Rebriev A, Savchenko K, Garmanchuk L. Purification and characterization of platelet aggregation inhibitor from the venom of Bitis arietans. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj94.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disintegrins are the antagonists of integrin receptors that can be found mostly in snakes’ venom. They can inhibit platelet aggregation, thus preventing the formation of blood clots. By blocking the integrin receptors of cancer cells, disintegrins can inhibit proliferation and metastasis. Thus, the search for new sources of disintegrins and development of methods of their purification is an important task of modern biotechnology. This work was dedicated to the purification and characterization of inhibiting polypeptides from Bitis arietans venom. Crude venom of B. arietans was fractionated using ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose followed by size-exclusion chromatography on Superdex 75 using FPLC method. Analysis of molecular weight of protein components was performed using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF analysis on Voyager-DE. Aggregation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the presence of platelet aggregation inhibitor was investigated using aggregometry on the AR2110. MTT test was used for measuring HeLa cells proliferation and survival in vitro. Two-step chromatography allowed us to obtain fraction that contained polypeptides possessing the dose-dependent inhibitory action on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in PRP. SDS-PAGE showed that obtained fraction contained two polypeptides with molecular weight 9.0 and 13.67 kDa according to MALDI-TOF analysis. Purified polypeptides inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation with IC50 0.09 mg/ml. However, 0.005 mg/ml of fraction suppressed viability of HeLa cells according to MTT test on 20%. Discovered biological effects of fractions allowed us to conclude the possible use of these polypeptides as anti-aggregatory or anti-proliferative agents. Keywords: antithrombotic action, disintegrins, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, platelets, snake venom
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Ageitos L, Torres MDT, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Biologically Active Peptides from Venoms: Applications in Antibiotic Resistance, Cancer, and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315437. [PMID: 36499761 PMCID: PMC9740984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are potential therapeutic alternatives against global diseases, such as antimicrobial-resistant infections and cancer. Venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that have evolved over time to act on specific targets of the prey. Peptides are one of the main components responsible for the biological activity and toxicity of venoms. South American organisms such as scorpions, snakes, and spiders are important producers of a myriad of peptides with different biological activities. In this review, we report the main venom-derived peptide families produced from South American organisms and their corresponding activities and biological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Ageitos
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marcelo D. T. Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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González García MC, Radix C, Villard C, Breuzard G, Mansuelle P, Barbier P, Tsvetkov PO, De Pomyers H, Gigmes D, Devred F, Kovacic H, Mabrouk K, Luis J. Myotoxin-3 from the Pacific Rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus oreganus Venom Is a New Microtubule-Targeting Agent. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238241. [PMID: 36500334 PMCID: PMC9739105 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238241] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule targeting agents (MTA) are anti-cancer molecules that bind tubulin and interfere with the microtubule functions, eventually leading to cell death. In the present study, we used an in vitro microtubule polymerization assay to screen several venom families for the presence of anti-microtubule activity. We isolated myotoxin-3, a peptide of the crotamine family, and three isoforms from the venom of the Northern Pacific rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus oreganus, which was able to increase tubulin polymerization. Myotoxin-3 turned out to be a cell-penetrating peptide that slightly diminished the viability of U87 glioblastoma and MCF7 breast carcinoma cells. Myotoxin 3 also induced remodeling of the U87 microtubule network and decreased MCF-7 microtubule dynamic instability. These effects are likely due to direct interaction with tubulin. Indeed, we showed that myotoxin-3 binds to tubulin heterodimer with a Kd of 5.3 µM and stoichiometry of two molecules of peptide per tubulin dimer. Our results demonstrate that exogenous peptides are good candidates for developing new MTA and highlight the richness of venoms as a source of pharmacologically active molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cecilia González García
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Radix
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Claude Villard
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Breuzard
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Mansuelle
- Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (Marseille Protéomique), IMM (MaP), CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Pascale Barbier
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philipp O. Tsvetkov
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Harold De Pomyers
- Laboratoire LATOXAN SAS, 845 Avenue Pierre Brossolette, 26800 Portes-lès-Valence, France
| | - Didier Gigmes
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, ICR, Faculté des Sciences de Saint Jérôme, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - François Devred
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Hervé Kovacic
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Kamel Mabrouk
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, ICR, Faculté des Sciences de Saint Jérôme, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - José Luis
- Institut Neurophysiopathol, INP, Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-91-32-47-34
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Kumari J, Sah RK, Mohaideen. S NM, Ahmad S, Pati S, Singh S. Studying the Rationale of Fire Ant Sting Therapy Usage by the Tribal Natives of Bastar Revealed Ant Venom-Derived Peptides with Promising Anti-Malarial Activity. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110789. [PMID: 36422964 PMCID: PMC9697016 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110789] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevailing drug resistance in malaria imposes the major roadblock for the existing interventions necessitating the timely need to search for alternative therapies. Ants in Solenopsis spp, termed 'Fire ants', are well known for their aggressive behavior, which leads to the release of toxic venom. Notably, the tribal natives of the malaria-laden densely forested Bastar region, Chhattisgarh, India, use fire ant sting-based therapy to cure malaria-like high fever. Inspired by this, we have collected the fire ants from the forest of Bastar and extracted peptide and alkaloid fractions from ant venom using HPLC and analyzed them by LC/MS-based applications. Evaluation of the anti-malarial efficacy of these peptide fractions demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf 3D7) in vitro, whereas the alkaloid fraction showed a negligible effect. in vitro hemolytic activity confirmed the venom peptide fraction to be non-hemolytic. Additionally, the venom peptide fraction is purely non-toxic to HepG2 cells. Anti-malarial efficiency of the same in Plasmodium berghei ANKA infected mice models showed a drastic reduction in parasitemia representing promising anti-malarial activity. Overall, our study has unraveled the scientific rationale underlying fire ant sting therapy used as a tribal naturotherapy for curing malaria-like fever, thus, introducing a way forward to develop nature-inspired anti-malarial chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Kumari
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Delhi 201314, India
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Raj Kumar Sah
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | | | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Soumya Pati
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Delhi 201314, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
- Correspondence:
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Antibacterial Properties of Crotoxin from Crotalus durissus terrificus-Insight into the Mechanism of Action. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227726. [PMID: 36431827 PMCID: PMC9696005 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The growing problem of antibiotic resistance among bacteria requires searching for new therapeutic agents with bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal properties. Crotoxin is a β-neurotoxin from the venom of the Crotalus durissus terrificus. It is composed of two subunits: CA (non-active) and CB (with phospholipase A2 activity). It has already been shown that the isolated CB, but not the CA, subunit of crotoxin exhibits an antibacterial activity towards a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species. However, no studies on the whole crotoxin complex have been carried out so far. We tested the antibacterial properties of crotoxin, as well as its isolated CB subunit, towards Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6535, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10240, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145. Both toxins exhibited antibacterial properties only against Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10240. Crotoxin showed only bacteriostatic activity with a MIC of 46 µM, while the CB subunit acted as both a bacteriostatic and bactericidal agent with a MIC = MBC = 0.21 μM. The bacteriostatic effect of the toxins was independent of the enzymatic activity of the CB subunit. Bactericidal properties, however, require phospholipase A2 activity. Both toxins reduced bacteria viability at the MIC by 72% and 85% for crotoxin- and CB-treated bacteria, respectively. The membrane permeability increased approximately three times within the first hour of incubation with toxins; afterwards, either no significant changes or a decrease of membrane permeability, compared to the control cells, were observed. We isolated a single, approximately 30 kDa bacterial wall protein which belongs to the NlpC/P60 family that interacts with crotoxin leading to the inhibition of bacterial growth. Neither crotoxin nor the CB subunit showed any cytotoxic properties to human fibroblasts at the MIC during the three-day incubation.
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30
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Salabi F, Jafari H. Differential venom gland gene expression analysis of juvenile and adult scorpions Androctonus crassicauda. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:636. [PMID: 36076177 PMCID: PMC9454214 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Androctonus crassicauda, belonging to the genus Androctonus of the family Buthidae, is the most venomous scorpion in Middle East countries. However, the venom gland transcriptome profile of A. crassicauda scorpion has not yet been studied. In this study, we elucidated and compared the venom gland gene expression profiles of adult and juvenile male scorpion A. crassicauda using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. This is the first report of transcriptional analysis of the venom glands of scorpions in different growth stages, with insights into the identification of the key genes during venom gland development. Results A total of 209,951 mRNA transcripts were identified from total RNA-seq data, of which 963 transcripts were differentially expressed (DE) in adult and juvenile scorpions (p < 0.01). Overall, we identified 558 up-regulated and 405 down-regulated transcripts in the adult compared to the juvenile scorpions, of which 397 and 269 unique unigenes were annotated, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the metabolic, thermogenesis, cytoskeleton, estrogen signaling, GnRH signaling, growth hormone signaling, and melanogenesis pathways were affected by two different growth conditions and the results suggested that the DE genes related to those pathways are important genes associated with scorpion venom gland development, in which they may be important in future studies, including Chs, Elovl, MYH, RDX, ACTN, VCL, PIP5K, PP1C, FGFR, GNAS, EGFR, CREB, CoA, PLCB, CALM, CACNA, PKA and CAMK genes. Conclusions These findings broadened our knowledge of the differences between adult and juvenile scorpion venom and opened new perspectives on the application of comparative transcriptome analysis to identify the special key genes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08866-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Salabi
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-Venom Production, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Hedieh Jafari
- Department of Venomous Animals and Anti-Venom Production, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Iran
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Venom Variation of Neonate and Adult Chinese Cobras in Captivity Concerning Their Foraging Strategies. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090598. [PMID: 36136536 PMCID: PMC9501182 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The venom and transcriptome profile of the captive Chinese cobra (Naja atra) is not characterized until now. Here, LC-MS/MS and illumine technology were used to unveil the venom and trascriptome of neonates and adults N. atra specimens. In captive Chinese cobra, 98 co-existing transcripts for venom-related proteins was contained. A total of 127 proteins belong to 21 protein families were found in the profile of venom. The main components of snake venom were three finger toxins (3-FTx), snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP), cobra venom factor (CVF), and phosphodiesterase (PDE). During the ontogenesis of captive Chinese cobra, the rearrangement of snake venom composition occurred and with obscure gender difference. CVF, 3-FTx, PDE, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in adults were more abundant than neonates, while SVMP and CRISP in the neonates was richer than the adults. Ontogenetic changes in the proteome of Chinese cobra venom reveals different strategies for handling prey. The levels of different types of toxin families were dramatically altered in the wild and captive specimens. Therefore, we speculate that the captive process could reshape the snake venom composition vigorously. The clear comprehension of the composition of Chinese cobra venom facilitates the understanding of the mechanism of snakebite intoxication and guides the preparation and administration of traditional antivenom and next-generation drugs for snakebite.
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Bibliometric Analysis of Literature in Snake Venom-Related Research Worldwide (1933–2022). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162058. [PMID: 36009648 PMCID: PMC9405337 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Around the world, snake envenomation poses a serious health risk. Proteins with pharmacological effects are present in snake venom. Recent studies elaborate snake venom and its potential application, including as a cancer drug and antibacterial substances. Our study aimed to analyze the global profile of the literature in snake venom research from documents indexed in the Scopus database between 1933 and 2022. In total, 2999 documents were published with Brazil showing the highest productivity. Antivenom, proteomics, and transcriptomics are emerging as hot topics on a global scale. The present study offers a distinctive overview of snake venom research conducted worldwide. Abstract Snake envenomation is a severe economic and health concern affecting countries worldwide. Snake venom carries a wide variety of small peptides and proteins with various immunological and pharmacological properties. A few key research areas related to snake venom, including its applications in treating cancer and eradicating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, have been gaining significant attention in recent years. The goal of the current study was to analyze the global profile of literature in snake venom research. This study presents a bibliometric review of snake venom-related research documents indexed in the Scopus database between 1933 and 2022. The overall number of documents published on a global scale was 2999, with an average annual production of 34 documents. Brazil produced the highest number of documents (n = 729), followed by the United States (n = 548), Australia (n = 240), and Costa Rica (n = 235). Since 1963, the number of publications has been steadily increasing globally. At a worldwide level, antivenom, proteomics, and transcriptomics are growing hot issues for research in this field. The current research provides a unique overview of snake venom research at global level from 1933 through 2022, and it may be beneficial in guiding future research.
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Konrath EL, Strauch I, Boeff DD, Arbo MD. The potential of Brazilian native plant species used in the therapy for snakebites: A literature review. Toxicon 2022; 217:17-40. [PMID: 35952835 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a potentially fatal disease categorized as a neglected public health issue for not receiving the appropriate attention from national and international health authorities. The most affected people by this problem usually live in poor rural communities, where medical resources are often sparse and, in some instances, there is even a scarcity of serum therapy. The administration of the appropriate antivenom is the only specific treatment available, however it has limited efficacy against venom-induced local effects. In this scenario, various plant species are used as local first aid for the treatment of snakebite accidents in Brazil, and some of them can effectively inhibit lethality, neurotoxicity, hemorrhage, and venom enzymes activities. This review compiles a list of plants used in the treatment of snakebites in Brazil, focusing on the native Brazilian species registered in the databases Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus and Google Scholar. All these searches were limited to peer-reviewed journals written in English, with the exception of a few articles written in Portuguese. The most cited native plant species were Casearia sylvestris Sw., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Mikania glomerata Spreng., Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S.F.Blake and Dipteryx alata Vogel, all used to decrease the severity of toxic signs, inhibit proteolytic and hemorrhagic activities, thus increasing survival time and neutralizing myotoxicity effects. Different active compounds showing important activity against the snake venoms and their toxins include flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins. Although some limitations to the experimental studies with medicinal plants were observed, including lack of comparison with control drugs and unknown active extracts compounds, species with anti-venom characteristics are effective and considered as candidates for the development of adjuvants in the treatment of snake envenomation. Further studies on the chemistry and pharmacology of traditionally used plant species will help to understand the role that snakebite herbal remedies may display in local medical health systems. It might also contribute to the development of alternative or complementary treatments to reduce the number of severe disabilities and deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Luis Konrath
- Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Iara Strauch
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90620-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Daiana Daniele Boeff
- Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Dutra Arbo
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90620-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Identification of Daboia siamensis venome using integrated multi-omics data. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13140. [PMID: 35907887 PMCID: PMC9338987 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17300-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite, classified by World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease, causes more than 100,000 deaths and 2 million injuries per year. Currently, available antivenoms do not bind with strong specificity to target toxins, which means that severe complications can still occur despite treatment. Moreover, the cost of antivenom is expensive. Knowledge of venom compositions is fundamental for producing a specific antivenom that has high effectiveness, low side effects, and ease of manufacture. With advances in mass spectrometry techniques, venom proteomes can now be analyzed in great depth at high efficiency. However, these techniques require genomic and transcriptomic data for interpreting mass spectrometry data. This study aims to establish and incorporate genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics data to study venomics of a venomous snake, Daboia siamensis. Multiple proteins that have not been reported as venom components of this snake such as hyaluronidase-1, phospholipase B, and waprin were discovered. Thus, multi-omics data are advantageous for venomics studies. These findings will be valuable not only for antivenom production but also for the development of novel therapeutics.
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Salama WH, Shaheen MNF, Shahein YE. Egyptian cobra (Naja haje haje) venom phospholipase A2: a promising antiviral agent with potent virucidal activity against simian rotavirus and bovine coronavirus. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:526. [PMID: 35895237 PMCID: PMC9326960 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections are linked to a variety of human diseases. Despite the achievements made in drug and vaccine development, several viruses still lack preventive vaccines and efficient antiviral compounds. Thus, developing novel antiviral agents is of great concern, particularly the natural products that are promising candidates for such discoveries. In this study, we have purified an approximately 15 kDa basic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme from the Egyptian cobra Naja haje haje venom. The purified N. haje PLA2 showed a specific activity of 22 units/mg protein against 6 units/mg protein for the whole crude venom with 3.67-fold purification. The antiviral activity of purified N. haje PLA2 has been investigated in vitro against bovine coronavirus (BCoV) and simian rotavirus (RV SA-11). Our results showed that the CC50 of PLA2 were 33.6 and 29 µg/ml against MDBK and MA104 cell lines, respectively. Antiviral analysis of N. haje PLA2 showed an inhibition of BCoV and RV SA-11 infections with a therapeutic index equal to 33.6 and 16, respectively. Moreover, N. haje PLA2 decreased the BCoV and RV SA-11 titers by 4.25 log10 TCID50 and 2.5 log10 TCID50, respectively. Thus, this research suggests the potential antiviral activity of purified N. haje PLA2 against BCoV and RV SA-11 infections in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa H Salama
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed N F Shaheen
- Environmental Virology Laboratory, Water Pollution Research Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Yasser E Shahein
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
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Abstract
The deleterious consequences of snake envenomation are due to the extreme protein complexity of snake venoms. Therefore, the identification of their components is crucial for understanding the clinical manifestations of envenomation pathophysiology and for the development of effective antivenoms. In addition, snake venoms are considered as libraries of bioactive molecules that can be used to develop innovative drugs. Numerous separation and analytical techniques are combined to study snake venom composition including chromatographic techniques such as size exclusion and RP-HPLC and electrophoretic techniques. Herein, we present in detail these existing techniques and their applications in snake venom research. In the first part, we discuss the different possible technical combinations that could be used to isolate and purify SV proteins using what is known as bioassay-guided fractionation. In the second part, we describe four different proteomic strategies that could be applied for venomics studies to evaluate whole venom composition, including the mostly used technique: RP-HPLC. Eventually, we show that to date, there is no standard technique used for the separation of all snake venoms. Thus, different combinations might be developed, taking into consideration the main objective of the study, the available resources, and the properties of the target molecules to be isolated.
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Zhang ZY, Lv Y, Wu W, Yan C, Tang CY, Peng C, Li JT. The structural and functional divergence of a neglected three-finger toxin subfamily in lethal elapids. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111079. [PMID: 35830808 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bungarus multicinctus is a widely distributed and medically important elapid snake that produces lethal neurotoxic venom. To study and enhance existing antivenom, we explore the complete repertoire of its toxin genes based on de novo chromosome-level assembly and multi-tissue transcriptome data. Comparative genomic analyses suggest that the three-finger toxin family (3FTX) may evolve through the neofunctionalization of flanking LY6E. A long-neglected 3FTX subfamily (i.e., MKA-3FTX) is also investigated. Only one MKA-3FTX gene, which evolves a different protein conformation, is under positive selection and actively transcribed in the venom gland, functioning as a major toxin effector together with MKT-3FTX subfamily homologs. Furthermore, this lethal snake may acquire self-resistance to its β-bungarotoxin via amino acid replacements on fast-evolving KCNA2. This study provides valuable resources for further evolutionary and structure-function studies of snake toxins, which are fundamental for the development of effective antivenoms and drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yunyun Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; College of Life Science, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, Sichuan 641100, China
| | - Wei Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Chaochao Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chen-Yang Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Changjun Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jia-Tang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China.
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Norouznejad N, Zolfagharian H, Babaie M, Ghobeh M. Purification of Therapeutic Serums of Snake Anti-Venom with Caprylic Acid. J Pharmacopuncture 2022; 25:114-120. [PMID: 35837146 PMCID: PMC9240411 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2022.25.2.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nilofar Norouznejad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Zolfagharian
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahdi Babaie
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghobeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Sahyoun C, Krezel W, Mattei C, Sabatier JM, Legros C, Fajloun Z, Rima M. Neuro- and Cardiovascular Activities of Montivipera bornmuelleri Snake Venom. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060888. [PMID: 35741410 PMCID: PMC9219918 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Snake venoms are rich in molecules acting on different biological systems, and they are responsible for the complications following snake bite envenoming. These bioactive molecules are of interest in pharmaceutical industries as templates for drug design. Different biological activities of Montivipera bornmuelleri snake venom have been already studied; however, the venom’s activity on the nervous system has not yet been studied, and its effect on the cardiovascular system needs further investigation. Herein, we show that this venom induces toxicity on the nervous system and disrupts the cardiovascular system, highlighting a broad spectrum of biological activities. Abstract The complications following snake bite envenoming are due to the venom’s biological activities, which can act on different systems of the prey. These activities arise from the fact that snake venoms are rich in bioactive molecules, which are also of interest for designing drugs. The venom of Montivipera bornmuelleri, known as the Lebanon viper, has been shown to exert antibacterial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. However, the venom’s activity on the nervous system has not yet been studied, and its effect on the cardiovascular system needs further investigation. Because zebrafish is a convenient model to study tissue alterations induced by toxic agents, we challenged it with the venom of Montivipera bornmuelleri. We show that this venom leads to developmental toxicity but not teratogenicity in zebrafish embryos. The venom also induces neurotoxic effects and disrupts the zebrafish cardiovascular system, leading to heartbeat rate reduction and hemorrhage. Our findings demonstrate the potential neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity of M. bornmuelleri’s venom, suggesting a multitarget strategy during envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sahyoun
- INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, 49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (C.M.); (C.L.)
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Wojciech Krezel
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France;
| | - César Mattei
- INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, 49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (C.M.); (C.L.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- CNRS, INP, Institute of Neurophysiopathology, Aix-Marseille University, 13385 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.); (M.R.)
| | - Christian Legros
- INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Equipe CarMe, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, 49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (C.M.); (C.L.)
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences 3, Campus Michel Slayman, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.); (M.R.)
| | - Mohamad Rima
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France;
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.); (M.R.)
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The Enzymatic Core of Scorpion Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040248. [PMID: 35448857 PMCID: PMC9030722 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzymes are an integral part of animal venoms. Unlike snakes, in which enzymes play a primary role in envenomation, in scorpions, their function appears to be ancillary in most species. Due to this, studies on the diversity of scorpion venom components have focused primarily on the peptides responsible for envenomation (toxins) and a few others (e.g., antimicrobials), while enzymes have been overlooked. In this work, a comprehensive study on enzyme diversity in scorpion venoms was performed by transcriptomic and proteomic techniques. Enzymes of 63 different EC types were found, belonging to 330 orthogroups. Of them, 24 ECs conform the scorpion venom enzymatic core, since they were determined to be present in all the studied scorpion species. Transferases and lyases are reported for the first time. Novel enzymes, which can play different roles in the venom, including direct toxicity, as venom spreading factors, activators of venom components, venom preservatives, or in prey pre-digestion, were described and annotated. The expression profile for transcripts coding for venom enzymes was analyzed, and shown to be similar among the studied species, while being significantly different from their expression pattern outside the telson.
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Bitiscetin-3, a Novel C-Type Lectin-like Protein Cloned from the Venom Gland of the Viper Bitis arietans, Induces Platelet Agglutination and Inhibits Binding of Von Willebrand Factor to Collagen. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040236. [PMID: 35448845 PMCID: PMC9024624 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitiscetin-1 (aka bitiscetin) and bitiscetin-2 are C-type lectin-like proteins purified from the venom of Bitis arietans (puff adder). They bind to von Willebrand factor (VWF) and—at least bitiscetin-1—induce platelet agglutination via enhancement of VWF binding to platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb). Bitiscetin-1 and -2 bind the VWF A1 and A3 domains, respectively. The A3 domain includes the major site of VWF for binding collagen, explaining why bitiscetin-2 blocks VWF-to-collagen binding. In the present study, sequences for a novel bitiscetin protein—bitiscetin-3—were identified in cDNA constructed from the B. arietans venom gland. The deduced amino acid sequences of bitiscetin-3 subunits α and β share 79 and 80% identity with those of bitiscetin-1, respectively. Expression vectors for bitiscetin-3α and -3β were co-transfected to 293T cells, producing the heterodimer protein recombinant bitiscetin-3 (rBit-3). Functionally, purified rBit-3 (1) induced platelet agglutination involving VWF and GPIb, (2) did not compete with bitiscetin-1 for binding to VWF, (3) blocked VWF-to-collagen binding, and (4) lost its platelet agglutination inducing ability in the presence of an anti-VWF monoclonal antibody that blocked VWF-to-collagen binding. These combined results suggest that bitiscetin-3 binds to the A3 domain, as does bitiscetin-2. Except for a small N-terminal fragment of a single subunit—which differs from that of both bitiscetin-3 subunits—the sequences of bitiscetin-2 have never been determined. Therefore, by identifying and analyzing bitiscetin-3, the present study is the first to present the full-length α- and β-subunit sequences and recombinant expression of a bitiscetin-family toxin that blocks the binding of VWF to collagen.
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Gorai B, Vashisth H. Structures and interactions of insulin-like peptides from cone snail venom. Proteins 2022; 90:680-690. [PMID: 34661928 PMCID: PMC8816879 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The venomous insulin-like peptides released by certain cone snails stimulate hypoglycemic shock to immobilize fish and catch the prey. Compared to human insulin (hIns), the cone snail insulins (Con-Ins) are typically monomeric and shorter in sequence, yet they exhibit moderate hIns-like biological activity. We have modeled six variants of Con-Ins (G3, K1, K2, T1A, T1B, and T2) and carried out explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of eight types of insulins, two with known structures (hIns and Con-Ins-G1) and six Con-Ins with modeled structures, to characterize key residues of each insulin that interact with the truncated human insulin receptor (μIR). We show that each insulin/μIR complex is stable during explicit-solvent MD simulations and hIns interactions indicate the highest affinity for the "site 1" of IR. The residue contact maps reveal that each insulin preferably interacts with the αCT peptide than the L1 domain of IR. Through analysis of the average nonbonded interaction energy contribution of every residue of each insulin for the μIR, we probe the residues establishing favorable interactions with the receptor. We compared the interaction energy of each residue of every Con-Ins to the μIR and observed that γ-carboxylated glutamate (Gla), His, Thr, Tyr, Tyr/His, and Asn in Con-Ins are favorable substitutions for GluA4, AsnA21, ValB12, LeuB15, GlyB20, and ArgB22 in hIns, respectively. The identified insulin analogs, although lacking the last eight residues of the B-chain of hIns, bind strongly to μIR. Our findings are potentially useful in designing potent fast-acting therapeutic insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Gorai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
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Combined proteomic strategies for in-depth venomic analysis of the beaked sea snake (Hydrophis schistosus) from Songkhla Lake, Thailand. J Proteomics 2022; 259:104559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Expression of the First Recombinant Anti-Tumoral Snake Venom Kunitz-Type Serine Protease Inhibitor. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030170. [PMID: 35324668 PMCID: PMC8955015 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030170] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PIVL is a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor that was previously characterized from Tunisian snake venom, Macrovipera lebetina transmediterranea. It reduced glioblastoma cells’ development and significantly blocked angiogenesis in in-vitro and ex-vivo models. PIVL exerted these effects by interfering with αvβ3 integrin. In order to produce a biological active recombinant, the cDNA cloning and expression of PIVL was performed in Escherichia coli (BL21)-DE3 cells using pET-22b (+) vector. The recombinant PIVL protein (rPIVL) was purified by nickel affinity chromatography and has recognized monoclonal anti-His antibody. Functionally, rPIVL exhibited potent anti-tumor cell effects as well as anti-angiogenesis properties. Interestingly, we found that both native PIVL (nPIVL) and rPIVL modulated PI3/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In all, our results showed that we have successfully expressed the first active anti-oncogenic snake venom Kunitz-type protease inhibitor that can be a potential therapeutic drug against glioblastoma, in its native or recombinant form.
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Teodoro A, Gonçalves FJ, Oliveira H, Marques S. Venom of Viperidae: A Perspective of its Antibacterial and Antitumor
Potential. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:126-144. [DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210811164517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
:
The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria and limitations on cancer treatment represent
two important challenges in modern medicine. Biological compounds have been explored with
a particular focus on venoms. Although they can be lethal or cause considerable damage to humans,
venom is also a source rich in components with high therapeutic potential.
:
Viperidae family is one of the most emblematic venomous snake families and several studies highlighted
the antibacterial and antitumor potential of viper toxins. According to the literature, these
activities are mainly associated to five protein families - svLAAO, Disintegrins, PLA2, SVMPs and
C-type lectins- that act through different mechanisms leading to the inhibition of the growth of bacteria,
as well as, cytotoxic effects and inhibition of metastasis process. In this review, we provide
an overview of the venom toxins produced by species belonging to the Viperidae family, exploring
their roles during the envenoming and their pharmacological properties, in order to demonstrate its
antibacterial and antitumor potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Teodoro
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando J.M. Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Helena Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Marques
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM- Centre for Environmental and
Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Jafari Z, Bandehpour M, Gheflat S, Mohammadi N, Kazemi B. Cloning, Expression and Purification of Full-length Recombinant Ecarin and Comparing Its Expression and Function with Its Truncated Form. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH 2022; 21:e123791. [PMID: 35765508 PMCID: PMC9191215 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr.123791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
: Ecarin is a metalloproteinase found in snake venom (SVMP) with an important role in coagulation and control of hemostasis. It can specifically produce active-thrombin from prethrombin-2 and does not differentiate between normal and abnormal prothrombin. It is used in diagnostic tests and to evaluate the treatment process of many diseases. There are many drawbacks associated with separating these compounds from snake venom. Therefore, in this study, full-length recombinant Ecarin (r-Ecarin) was cloned, expressed, and purified in eukaryotic host cells. To determine the most effective form of the enzyme, r-Ecarin was compared with the recombinant truncated form, which has only the metalloprotease domain of the protein (r-Ecamet) in terms of function and expression. Briefly, A DNA construct composed of sequence-encoding Ecarin was designed and cloned into pCAGGS expression vector and, subsequently, expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. To identify the enzymatic activity of expressed protein, a bioactivity assay was performed. Blood coagulation time and expression levels of r-Ecarin and r-Ecamet proteins were compared. Also, a histopathological assessment was carried out on the liver of mice treated with these proteins. Comparison of r-Ecarin and r-Ecamet expression pattern demonstrated that full-length Ecarin expression has at least 2-fold higher expression in eukaryotic cells. Determination of r-Ecarin function proved that this protein is capable of prothrombin cleavage and producing thrombin. Comparison of PT test results between the r-Ecarin and r-Ecamet showed that there is a significant difference in the activity of the two enzymes and the full-length protein coagulates the blood in less time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Jafari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shivasadat Gheflat
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Mohammadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Shahzadi SK, Karuvantevida N, Banerjee Y. A Venomics Approach to the Identification and Characterization of Bioactive Peptides From Animal Venoms for Colorectal Cancer Therapy: Protocol for a Proof-of-Concept Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e31128. [PMID: 34932002 PMCID: PMC8734912 DOI: 10.2196/31128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer is the third leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after cardiovascular diseases and accidents. In the UAE, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the first and fourth most common cancer in males and females, respectively. Several treatment modalities have been employed for cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone replacement therapy, and immunotherapy. These treatment modalities often elicit adverse effects on normal cells, causing toxic side effects. To circumvent these toxicities, there has been an increased impetus towards the identification of alternate treatment strategies. Animal venoms are rich sources of pharmacologically active polypeptides and proteins. Objective In this proof-of-concept study, we will apply a high-throughput venomics strategy to identify and characterize anticancer bioactive peptides (BAPs) from 20 different animal venoms, specifically targeting CRC. We chose to focus on CRC because it is one of the foremost health issues in the UAE. Methods In the initial study, we will screen 2500 different peptides derived from 20 different animal venoms for anticancer activity specifically directed against 3 CRC cell lines and two control cell lines employing the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay for cytotoxicity. Of the 20 venoms, 3 that exhibit specific and potent anticancer activity directed against the 3 CRC cell lines will be selected; and from these 3 venoms, the specific peptides with anti-CRC activity will be isolated and characterized. Results This study is at the protocol development stage only, and as such, no results are available. However, we have initiated the groundwork required to disseminate the proposed study, which includes culturing of colorectal cancer cell lines and preparation of venom screens. Conclusions In summary, the proposed study will generate therapeutic leads to manage and treat one of the leading health issues in the UAE, namely, CRC. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/31128
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Kiran Shahzadi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noushad Karuvantevida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yajnavalka Banerjee
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Baudou FG, Rodriguez JP, Fusco L, de Roodt AR, De Marzi MC, Leiva L. South American snake venoms with abundant neurotoxic components. Composition and toxicological properties. A literature review. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106119. [PMID: 34481791 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In South America there are three snake genera with predominantly neurotoxic venoms: Crotalus, Micrurus and Hydrophis, which include nine species/subspecies, 97 species and a single marine species, respectively. Although accidents with neurotoxic venoms are less frequent than those with anticoagulant, cytotoxic or necrotic venoms (e.g. from Bothrops), they are of major public health importance. Venoms from genus Crotalus have been extensively studied, while data on the venoms from the other two genera are very limited, especially for Hydrophis. The venoms of North and South American Crotalus species show biochemical and physiopathological differences. The former species cause bothrops-like envenomation symptoms, while the latter mainly have neurotoxic and myotoxic effects, leading to respiratory paralysis and, occasionally, renal failure by myoglobinuria and death, often with no local lesions. Micrurus and Hydrophis also cause neurotoxic envenomations. Many studies have isolated, identified and characterized new enzymes and toxins, thus expanding the knowledge of snake venom composition. The present review summarizes the currently available information on neurotoxic venoms from South American snakes, with a focus on protein composition and toxicological properties. It also includes some comments concerning potential medical applications of elapid and crotalic toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico G Baudou
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juan P Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de la Facultad de Medicina (LIBIM), Instituto de Química Básica y Aplicada del Nordeste Argentino (IQUIBA-NEA), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNNE-CONICET), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Luciano Fusco
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Adolfo R de Roodt
- Área Investigación y Desarrollo-Venenos, Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina; Primera Cátedra de Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio C De Marzi
- Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu), Depto. de Ciencias Básicas, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Inmunología, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES), UNLu-CONICET, Luján, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Leiva
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Proteínas (LabInPro), IQUIBA-NEA (UNNE, CONICET), FaCENA, (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
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Kalita B, Saviola AJ, Samuel SP, Mukherjee AK. State-of-the-art review - A review on snake venom-derived antithrombotics: Potential therapeutics for COVID-19-associated thrombosis? Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:1040-1057. [PMID: 34656540 PMCID: PMC8514616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent responsible for the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has infected over 185 million individuals across 200 countries since December 2019 resulting in 4.0 million deaths. While COVID-19 is primarily associated with respiratory illnesses, an increasing number of clinical reports indicate that severely ill patients often develop thrombotic complications that are associated with increased mortality. As a consequence, treatment strategies that target COVID-associated thrombosis are of utmost clinical importance. An array of pharmacologically active compounds from natural products exhibit effects on blood coagulation pathways, and have generated interest for their potential therapeutic applications towards thrombotic diseases. In particular, a number of snake venom compounds exhibit high specificity on different blood coagulation factors and represent excellent tools that could be utilized to treat thrombosis. The aim of this review is to provide a brief summary of the current understanding of COVID-19 associated thrombosis, and highlight several snake venom compounds that could be utilized as antithrombotic agents to target this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargab Kalita
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; National Centre for Cell Science, Pune 411007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Stephen P Samuel
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4ET, UK
| | - Ashis K Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India; Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati 781035, Assam, India.
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LIMITED PROTEOLYSIS OF FIBRINOGEN BY PROTEASE OF Gloydius halys halys SNAKE VENOM. BIOTECHNOLOGIA ACTA 2021. [DOI: 10.15407/biotech14.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim. One of the approaches for studying structure and functions of proteins is their limited proteolysis. Proteolytic fragments of macromolecules can preserve the biological activity and can be used for the study of their structural and functional peculiarities. Thus, the characterization of new proteolytic enzymes and determination of the specificity of their action can be of interest for exploration. In the present work, we focused on the action of protease from the venom of Gloydius halys halys on fibrinogen, the crucial protein of blood coagulation system. Methods. Products of fibrinogen hydrolysis by protease from the venom of G. halys halys were studied by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and western-blot analysis using monoclonal antibodies ІІ-5 Сand 1-5A targeted to 20‒78 and 549‒610 fragments of fibrinogen Aα-chain. Molecular weights of hydrolytic products were determined using MALDI-TOF analysis on Voyager DE PRO (USA). Sequence of hydrolytic products were predicted by «Peptide Mass Calculator» soft ware. Results. SDS-PAGE showed that protease from the venom of Gloydius halys halys initially cleaved Аα-chain of fibrinogen molecule. Western-blot analysis confirmed that this protease specifically cleaves off fragment of C-terminal parts of Аα-chain with apparent molecular weight of 22 kDa. Cleaved fragment was identified by MALDI-TOF analysis as the 21.1 kDa polypeptide. «Peptide Mass Calculator» predicted that such a fragment corresponded to Аα414-610 residue of fibrinogen molecule. Thus, we showed that studied protease cleaved peptide bond AαK413-L414 with the formation of stable partly hydrolyzed fibrinogen desAα414-610. Conclusions. The use of protease from the venom of Gloydius halys halys would allow obtaining the unique partly hydrolyzed fibrinogen des Aα 414‒610 that is suitable for the study of structure and functions of fibrinogen αС-regions.
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