1
|
Travers SL, Hutter CR, Austin CC, Donnellan SC, Buehler MD, Ellison CE, Ruane S. VenomCap: An exon-capture probe set for the targeted sequencing of snake venom genes. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e14020. [PMID: 39297212 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.14020] [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: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxic proteins that hold significant medical, pharmacological and evolutionary interest. To better understand the genetic diversity underlying snake venoms, we developed VenomCap, a novel exon-capture probe set targeting toxin-coding genes from a wide range of elapid snakes, with a particular focus on the ecologically diverse and medically important subfamily Hydrophiinae. We tested the capture success of VenomCap across 24 species, representing all major elapid lineages. We included snake phylogenomic probes in the VenomCap capture set, allowing us to compare capture performance between venom and phylogenomic loci and to infer elapid phylogenetic relationships. We demonstrated VenomCap's ability to recover exons from ~1500 target markers, representing a total of 24 known venom gene families, which includes the dominant gene families found in elapid venoms. We find that VenomCap's capture results are robust across all elapids sampled, and especially among hydrophiines, with respect to measures of target capture success (target loci matched, sensitivity, specificity and missing data). As a cost-effective and efficient alternative to full genome sequencing, VenomCap can dramatically accelerate the sequencing and analysis of venom gene families. Overall, our tool offers a model for genomic studies on snake venom gene diversity and evolution that can be expanded for comprehensive comparisons across the other families of venomous snakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Travers
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Carl R Hutter
- Museum of Natural Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Christopher C Austin
- Museum of Natural Sciences and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Stephen C Donnellan
- South Australian Museum, Adelaide, Australia
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew D Buehler
- Department of Biological Sciences and Auburn Museum of Natural History, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Sara Ruane
- Life Sciences Section, Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saldarriaga-Córdoba M, Clavero-León C, Rey-Suarez P, Nuñez-Rangel V, Avendaño-Herrera R, Solano-González S, Alzate JF. Unveiling Novel Kunitz- and Waprin-Type Toxins in the Micrurus mipartitus Coral Snake Venom Gland: An In Silico Transcriptome Analysis. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:224. [PMID: 38787076 PMCID: PMC11126030 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050224] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-type peptide expression has been described in the venom of snakes of the Viperidae, Elapidae and Colubridae families. This work aimed to identify these peptides in the venom gland transcriptome of the coral snake Micrurus mipartitus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a high diversity of venom-associated Kunitz serine protease inhibitor proteins (KSPIs). A total of eight copies of KSPIs were predicted and grouped into four distinctive types, including short KSPI, long KSPI, Kunitz-Waprin (Ku-WAP) proteins, and a multi-domain Kunitz-type protein. From these, one short KSPI showed high identity with Micrurus tener and Austrelaps superbus. The long KSPI group exhibited similarity within the Micrurus genus and showed homology with various elapid snakes and even with the colubrid Pantherophis guttatus. A third group suggested the presence of Kunitz domains in addition to a whey-acidic-protein-type four-disulfide core domain. Finally, the fourth group corresponded to a transcript copy with a putative 511 amino acid protein, formerly annotated as KSPI, which UniProt classified as SPINT1. In conclusion, this study showed the diversity of Kunitz-type proteins expressed in the venom gland transcriptome of M. mipartitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Clavero-León
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Paola Rey-Suarez
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (P.R.-S.); (V.N.-R.)
| | - Vitelbina Nuñez-Rangel
- Grupo de Investigación en Toxinología, Alternativas Terapéuticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia; (P.R.-S.); (V.N.-R.)
- Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia
| | - Ruben Avendaño-Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida & Centro de Investigación Marina Quintay (CIMARQ), Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar 2531015, Chile;
| | - Stefany Solano-González
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática Aplicada, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
| | - Juan F. Alzate
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 50010, Colombia;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alonso LL, van Thiel J, Slagboom J, Dunstan N, Modahl CM, Jackson TNW, Samanipour S, Kool J. Studying Venom Toxin Variation Using Accurate Masses from Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Bioinformatic Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:181. [PMID: 38668606 PMCID: PMC11053424 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16040181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides a new methodology for the rapid analysis of numerous venom samples in an automated fashion. Here, we use LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) for venom separation and toxin analysis at the accurate mass level combined with new in-house written bioinformatic scripts to obtain high-throughput results. This analytical methodology was validated using 31 venoms from all members of a monophyletic clade of Australian elapids: brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) and taipans (Oxyuranus spp.). In a previous study, we revealed extensive venom variation within this clade, but the data was manually processed and MS peaks were integrated into a time-consuming and labour-intensive approach. By comparing the manual approach to our new automated approach, we now present a faster and more efficient pipeline for analysing venom variation. Pooled venom separations with post-column toxin fractionations were performed for subsequent high-throughput venomics to obtain toxin IDs correlating to accurate masses for all fractionated toxins. This workflow adds another dimension to the field of venom analysis by providing opportunities to rapidly perform in-depth studies on venom variation. Our pipeline opens new possibilities for studying animal venoms as evolutionary model systems and investigating venom variation to aid in the development of better antivenoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis L. Alonso
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jory van Thiel
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK;
| | - Timothy N. W. Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Saer Samanipour
- Van‘t Hof Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (L.L.A.); (J.S.)
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tasoulis T, Wang CR, Sumner J, Dunstan N, Pukala TL, Isbister GK. The Eastern Bandy Bandy Vermicella annulata, expresses high abundance of SVMP, CRiSP and Kunitz protein families in its venom proteome. J Proteomics 2024; 295:105086. [PMID: 38266913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105086] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The Australian elapid snake radiation (Hydrophiinae) has evolved in the absence of competition from other advanced snakes. This has resulted in ecological specialisation in Australian elapids and the potential for venom proteomes divergent to other elapids. We characterised the venom of the Australian elapid Vermicella annulata (eastern bandy bandy). The venom was analysed using a two-dimensional fractionation process consisting of reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography then sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by bottom-up proteomics. Resulting peptides were matched to a species-specific transcriptome and 87% of the venom was characterised. We identified 11 toxins in the venom from six families: snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP; 24.2%; two toxins) that are class P-III SVMPs containing a disintegrin-like domain, three-finger toxins (3FTx; 21.6%; five toxins), kunitz peptides (KUN; 19.5%; one toxin), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRiSP; 18%; one toxin), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 4%; two toxins). The venom had low toxin diversity with five protein families having one or two toxins, except for 3FTx with five different toxins. V. annulata expresses an unusual venom proteome, with high abundances of CRiSP, KUN and SVMP, which are not normally highly expressed in elapid venoms. This unusual venom composition could be an adaptation to its specialised diet. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although the Australian elapid radiation represents the most extensive speciation event of elapids on any continent, with 100 terrestrial species, the venom composition of these snakes has rarely been investigated, with only five species currently characterised. Here we provide the venom proteome of a sixth species, Vermicella annulata. The venom of this species could be particularly informative from an evolutionary perspective, as it is an extreme dietary specialist, only preying on blind snakes (Typhlopidae). We show that V. annulata expresses a highly unusual venom for an elapid, due to the high abundance of the protein families SVMP, CRiSP, and KUN, which together make up 61% of the venom. When averaged across all species, a typical elapid venom is 82% PLA2 and 3FTx. This is the second recorded instance of an Australian elapid having evolved highly divergent venom expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theo Tasoulis
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle N.S.W. 2308, Australia
| | - C Ruth Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Adelaide S.A., Australia
| | - Joanna Sumner
- Museums Victoria, Carlton Gardens, VIC 3053, Australia
| | | | - Tara L Pukala
- Department of Chemistry, University of Adelaide S.A., Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle N.S.W. 2308, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Avella I, Damm M, Freitas I, Wüster W, Lucchini N, Zuazo Ó, Süssmuth RD, Martínez-Freiría F. One Size Fits All-Venomics of the Iberian Adder ( Vipera seoanei, Lataste 1878) Reveals Low Levels of Venom Variation across Its Distributional Range. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:371. [PMID: 37368672 PMCID: PMC10301717 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060371] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
European vipers (genus Vipera) are medically important snakes displaying considerable venom variation, occurring at different levels in this group. The presence of intraspecific venom variation, however, remains understudied in several Vipera species. Vipera seoanei is a venomous snake endemic to the northern Iberian Peninsula and south-western France, presenting notable phenotypic variation and inhabiting several diverse habitats across its range. We analysed the venoms of 49 adult specimens of V. seoanei from 20 localities across the species' Iberian distribution. We used a pool of all individual venoms to generate a V. seoanei venom reference proteome, produced SDS-PAGE profiles of all venom samples, and visualised patterns of variation using NMDS. By applying linear regression, we then assessed presence and nature of venom variation between localities, and investigated the effect of 14 predictors (biological, eco-geographic, genetic) on its occurrence. The venom comprised at least 12 different toxin families, of which five (i.e., PLA2, svSP, DI, snaclec, svMP) accounted for about 75% of the whole proteome. The comparative analyses of the SDS-PAGE venom profiles showed them to be remarkably similar across the sampled localities, suggesting low geographic variability. The regression analyses suggested significant effects of biological and habitat predictors on the little variation we detected across the analysed V. seoanei venoms. Other factors were also significantly associated with the presence/absence of individual bands in the SDS-PAGE profiles. The low levels of venom variability we detected within V. seoanei might be the result of a recent population expansion, or of processes other than directional positive selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Avella
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (I.F.); (N.L.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Maik Damm
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.)
| | - Inês Freitas
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (I.F.); (N.L.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Wolfgang Wüster
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution at Bangor, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK;
| | - Nahla Lucchini
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (I.F.); (N.L.)
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Óscar Zuazo
- Calle La Puebla 1, 26250 Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.)
| | - Fernando Martínez-Freiría
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; (I.F.); (N.L.)
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lee KS, Kim BY, Kim YH, Choi YS, Jin BR. Identification of waprin and its microbicidal activity: A novel protein component of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 266:109561. [PMID: 36738900 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom is a rich source of biologically and pharmacologically active proteins. Waprin is a protein component of venoms; however, waprin has yet to be identified in bee venom. Moreover, the biological functions of waprin in venoms remain poorly characterized. Thus, in this study, we have identified and characterized waprin: a novel protein component from the venom of honeybees (Apis mellifera). The waprin in A. mellifera venom (Amwaprin) was found to consist of an 80-amino acid mature peptide, in which the whey acidic protein domain contains four conserved disulfide bonds. We discovered the presence of the Amwaprin protein in secreted venom by using an antibody against recombinant Amwaprin produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Recombinant Amwaprin exhibited inhibitory activity against microbial serine proteases and elastases but not thrombin or plasmin. It recognized carbohydrates in the microbial cell wall molecules and bound to the live microbial surfaces. The binding action of Amwaprin produced its microbicidal activity by inducing structural damage to bacterial and fungal cell walls. In addition, recombinant Amwaprin is heat-stable and contains no hemolytic activity. These findings demonstrate that Amwaprin acts as a microbicidal and anti-elastolytic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hui Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Soo Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vink S, Akondi KB, Jin J, Poth K, Torres AM, Kuchel PW, Burke SL, Head GA, Alewood PF. Taipan Natriuretic Peptides Are Potent and Selective Agonists for the Natriuretic Peptide Receptor A. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073063. [PMID: 37049825 PMCID: PMC10095932 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular ailments are a major cause of mortality where over 1.3 billion people suffer from hypertension leading to heart-disease related deaths. Snake venoms possess a broad repertoire of natriuretic peptides with therapeutic potential for treating hypertension, congestive heart failure, and related cardiovascular disease. We now describe several taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) natriuretic peptides TNPa-e which stimulated cGMP production through the natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A) with higher potencies for the rat NPR-A (rNPR-A) over human NPR-A (hNPR-A). TNPc and TNPd were the most potent, demonstrating 100- and 560-fold selectivity for rNPR-A over hNPR-A. In vivo studies found that TNPc decreased diastolic and systolic blood pressure (BP) and increased heart rate (HR) in conscious normotensive rabbits, to a level that was similar to that of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP). TNPc also enhanced the bradycardia due to cardiac afferent stimulation (Bezold-Jarisch reflex). This indicated that TNPc possesses the ability to lower blood pressure and facilitate cardiac vagal afferent reflexes but unlike hANP does not produce tachycardia. The 3-dimensional structure of TNPc was well defined within the pharmacophoric disulfide ring, displaying two turn-like regions (RMSD = 1.15 Å). Further, its much greater biological stability together with its selectivity and potency will enhance its usefulness as a biological tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Vink
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Kalyana Bharati Akondi
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Kim Poth
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Allan M Torres
- Nanoscale Organisation and Dynamics Group, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2759, Australia
| | - Philip W Kuchel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Sandra L Burke
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Geoffrey A Head
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van Thiel J, Alonso LL, Slagboom J, Dunstan N, Wouters RM, Modahl CM, Vonk FJ, Jackson TNW, Kool J. Highly Evolvable: Investigating Interspecific and Intraspecific Venom Variation in Taipans ( Oxyuranus spp.) and Brown Snakes ( Pseudonaja spp.). Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:74. [PMID: 36668892 PMCID: PMC9864820 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxins that differ on interspecific (between species) and intraspecific (within species) levels. Whether venom variation within a group of closely related species is explained by the presence, absence and/or relative abundances of venom toxins remains largely unknown. Taipans (Oxyuranus spp.) and brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) represent medically relevant species of snakes across the Australasian region and provide an excellent model clade for studying interspecific and intraspecific venom variation. Using liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and mass spectrometry detection, we analyzed a total of 31 venoms covering all species of this monophyletic clade, including widespread localities. Our results reveal major interspecific and intraspecific venom variation in Oxyuranus and Pseudonaja species, partially corresponding with their geographical regions and phylogenetic relationships. This extensive venom variability is generated by a combination of the absence/presence and differential abundance of venom toxins. Our study highlights that venom systems can be highly dynamical on the interspecific and intraspecific levels and underscores that the rapid toxin evolvability potentially causes major impacts on neglected tropical snakebites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jory van Thiel
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luis L. Alonso
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Roel M. Wouters
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cassandra M. Modahl
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Freek J. Vonk
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy N. W. Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chandrasekara U, Harris RJ, Fry BG. The Target Selects the Toxin: Specific Amino Acids in Snake-Prey Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors That Are Selectively Bound by King Cobra Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080528. [PMID: 36006190 PMCID: PMC9416539 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venom is an adaptive ecological trait that has evolved primarily as a form of prey subjugation. Thus, the selection pressure for toxin diversification is exerted by the prey’s physiological targets, with this pressure being particularly acute for specialist feeders, such as the King Cobra species, all of which are snake-prey specialists. However, while extensive research has been undertaken to elucidate key amino acids that guide toxin structure–activity relationships, reciprocal investigations into the specific sites guiding prey-lineage selective effects have been lacking. This has largely been due to the lack of assay systems amenable to systematic amino acid replacements of targeted proteins in the prey’s physiological pathways. To fill this knowledge gap, we used a recently described approach based upon mimotope peptides corresponding to the orthosteric site of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha-1 subunits, a major binding site for snake venom neurotoxins that cause flaccid paralysis. We investigated the venoms of four different types of King Cobra (Cambodian, Javan, Malaysian, and Thai). This approach allowed for the determination of the key amino acid positions in King Cobra snake prey that are selectively bound by the toxins, whereby replacing these amino acids in the snake-prey orthosteric site with those from lizards or rats resulted in a significantly lower level of binding by the venoms, while conversely replacing the lizard or rat amino acids with those from the snake at that position increased the binding. By doing such, we identified three negatively charged amino acids in the snake orthosteric site that are strongly bound by the positively charged neurotoxic three-finger toxins found in King Cobra venom. This study, thus, sheds light on the selection pressures exerted by a specialist prey item for the evolution of lineage-selective toxins.
Collapse
|
10
|
Suranse V, Jackson TNW, Sunagar K. Contextual Constraints: Dynamic Evolution of Snake Venom Phospholipase A 2. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060420. [PMID: 35737081 PMCID: PMC9231074 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom is a dynamic trait that has contributed to the success of numerous organismal lineages. Predominantly composed of proteins, these complex cocktails are deployed for predation and/or self-defence. Many non-toxic physiological proteins have been convergently and recurrently recruited by venomous animals into their toxin arsenal. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is one such protein and features in the venoms of many organisms across the animal kingdom, including snakes of the families Elapidae and Viperidae. Understanding the evolutionary history of this superfamily would therefore provide insight into the origin and diversification of venom toxins and the evolution of novelty more broadly. The literature is replete with studies that have identified diversifying selection as the sole influence on PLA2 evolution. However, these studies have largely neglected the structural/functional constraints on PLA2s, and the ecology and evolutionary histories of the diverse snake lineages that produce them. By considering these crucial factors and employing evolutionary analyses integrated with a schema for the classification of PLA2s, we uncovered lineage-specific differences in selection regimes. Thus, our work provides novel insights into the evolution of this major snake venom toxin superfamily and underscores the importance of considering the influence of evolutionary and ecological contexts on molecular evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Suranse
- Evolutionary Venomics Laboratory, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
| | - Timothy N. W. Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Laboratory, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-080-2293-2895
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vuong NT, Jackson TNW, Wright CE. Role of Phospholipases A 2 in Vascular Relaxation and Sympatholytic Effects of Five Australian Brown Snake, Pseudonaja spp., Venoms in Rat Isolated Tissues. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:754304. [PMID: 34744732 PMCID: PMC8566954 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.754304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human envenoming by Australian brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) may result in potentially life-threatening hypotension and subsequent cardiovascular collapse. There have been relatively few studies of the cardiovascular and sympathetic effects of Pseudonaja spp. venoms. In this study, we have examined the effects of venom from five brown snake species-P. affinis, aspidorhyncha, inframacula, nuchalis, and textilis-on cardiac inotropic and chronotropic responses, vascular tone, and sympathetic nerve-induced vascular contractions in rat isolated tissues. The role of phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) in venom-induced effects was assessed with the sPLA2 inhibitor varespladib. In rat isolated left and right atria, there were no physiologically relevant effects of Pseudonaja venoms (0.1-30 µg/ml) on left atrial force of contraction (inotropy) or right atrial rate (chronotropy). In contrast, in isolated small mesenteric arteries precontracted with a thromboxane mimetic, each of the five brown snake venoms (at 30 µg/ml) caused marked vasorelaxation (-60 to -90% of contractile tone). Pretreatment with varespladib (1 µM) significantly inhibited the vasorelaxation caused by P. aspidorhyncha, P. nuchalis, and P. textilis venoms. Electrically induced sympathetic nerve-mediated contractions of mesenteric arteries were significantly attenuated by only P. textilis, and P. affinis venoms (30 µg/ml) and these sympatholytic effects were inhibited by varespladib (1 µM). Based on their inhibition with the sPLA2 inhibitor varespladib, we conclude that PLA2 toxins in P. aspidorhyncha, P. nuchalis, and P. textilis venoms are involved in brown snake venom-induced vasorelaxation and the sympatholytic effects of P. affinis, and P. textilis venoms. Our study supports the promising potential role of varespladib as an initial (pre-referral) and/or adjunct (in combination with antivenom) therapeutic agent for brown snake envenoming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nhi Thuc Vuong
- Cardiovascular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Timothy N. W. Jackson
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christine E. Wright
- Cardiovascular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Maxwell K, Fraser B, Schaer M, Allen A. A retrospective evaluation of eastern coral snake envenomation and antivenom administration in cats: 30 cases (2012-2019). Toxicon 2020; 191:38-43. [PMID: 33316296 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.11.177] [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: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Thirty cats were identified to be have been suspected to have a potential coral snake envenomation after searching medical records from 2012 to 2019 at a university teaching hospital. The records were reviewed and evaluated for signalment, date and time of the snake encounter, elapsed time between encounter and hospital examination, presenting complaint, initial physical examination findings, initial laboratory findings, antivenom dose and duration of administration, adverse reactions to antivenom, additional treatments administered, progression of clinical signs, length of hospitalization, and outcome. Thirteen cats presented with clinical signs consistent with envenomation while 17 cats were treated for possible asymptomatic envenomation, as defined by the owner discovering a live or dead coral snake in their home or on their property. Initial physical examination findings included tachypnea with short shallow breaths and use of accessory muscles; tetraparesis with normal or decreased to absent spinal reflexes; cranial nerve deficits including decreased to absent gag, slow pupillary light reflexes, and absent physiologic nystagmus; and normal or altered mentation. Laboratory findings included hypercapnia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, increased aspartate aminotransferase activity, increased alanine aminotransferase activity, echinocytosis, leukocytosis, azotemia, and hyperlactatemia. Twenty-eight cats received antivenom; two cats received two vials while twenty-six cats received one vial. Antivenom reaction was suspected in one cat that developed facial swelling during administration of the drug. Average length of hospitalization was 1 day for cats without clinical signs and 3 days for cats with clinical signs. Twenty-nine cats survived to discharge. Due to the inclusion criteria of the study, cats euthanized on presentation or discharged without receiving antivenom may have been unintentionally excluded from the study. Diagnosis of eastern coral snake envenomation should be suspected in the cat that has acute onset of lower motor neuron neuropathy. Prognosis with treatment is considered good with 97% of cats surviving to discharge. Antivenom reaction occurred in 3.5% of administrations with none being fatal. Monitoring of hypercapnia was critical in making the decision to mechanically ventilate patients. Supportive care that includes antivenom administration, recumbency care, and mechanical ventilation if needed are the mainstays of therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Maxwell
- University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, 2089 Southwest 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32608, United States.
| | - Brittney Fraser
- University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, 2089 Southwest 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32608, United States.
| | - Michael Schaer
- University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, 2089 Southwest 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32608, United States.
| | - Ashley Allen
- University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, 2089 Southwest 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32608, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Colella F, Scillitani G, Pierri CL. Sweet as honey, bitter as bile: Mitochondriotoxic peptides and other therapeutic proteins isolated from animal tissues, for dealing with mitochondrial apoptosis. Toxicology 2020; 447:152612. [PMID: 33171268 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are subcellular organelles involved in cell metabolism and cell life-cycle. Their role in apoptosis regulation makes them an interesting target of new drugs for dealing with cancer or rare diseases. Several peptides and proteins isolated from animal and plant sources are known for their therapeutic properties and have been tested on cancer cell-lines and xenograft murine models, highlighting their ability in inducing cell-death by triggering mitochondrial apoptosis. Some of those molecules have been even approved as drugs. Conversely, many other bioactive compounds are still under investigation for their proapoptotic properties. In this review we report about a group of peptides, isolated from animal venoms, with potential therapeutic properties related to their ability in triggering mitochondrial apoptosis. This class of compounds is known with different names, such as mitochondriotoxins or mitocans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Colella
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ciro Leonardo Pierri
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; BROWSer S.r.l. (https://browser-bioinf.com/) c/o Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70126, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nirthanan S. Snake three-finger α-neurotoxins and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: molecules, mechanisms and medicine. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114168. [PMID: 32710970 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Snake venom three-finger α-neurotoxins (α-3FNTx) act on postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) to produce skeletal muscle paralysis. The discovery of the archetypal α-bungarotoxin (α-BgTx), almost six decades ago, exponentially expanded our knowledge of membrane receptors and ion channels. This included the localisation, isolation and characterization of the first receptor (nAChR); and by extension, the pathophysiology and pharmacology of neuromuscular transmission and associated pathologies such as myasthenia gravis, as well as our understanding of the role of α-3FNTxs in snakebite envenomation leading to novel concepts of targeted treatment. Subsequent studies on a variety of animal venoms have yielded a plethora of novel toxins that have revolutionized molecular biomedicine and advanced drug discovery from bench to bedside. This review provides an overview of nAChRs and their subtypes, classification of α-3FNTxs and the challenges of typifying an increasing arsenal of structurally and functionally unique toxins, and the three-finger protein (3FP) fold in the context of the uPAR/Ly6/CD59/snake toxin superfamily. The pharmacology of snake α-3FNTxs including their mechanisms of neuromuscular blockade, variations in reversibility of nAChR interactions, specificity for nAChR subtypes or for distinct ligand-binding interfaces within a subtype and the role of α-3FNTxs in neurotoxic envenomation are also detailed. Lastly, a reconciliation of structure-function relationships between α-3FNTx and nAChRs, derived from historical mutational and biochemical studies and emerging atomic level structures of nAChR models in complex with α-3FNTxs is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selvanayagam Nirthanan
- School of Medical Science, Griffith Health Group, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhu W, Gao H, Luo X, Ye X, Ding L, Hao J, Shu Z, Li S, Li J, Chen Z. Cloning and identification of a new multifunctional Ascaris-type peptide from the hemolymph of Buthus martensii Karsch. Toxicon 2020; 184:167-174. [PMID: 32565098 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Only a few work have been done for peptides from non-venom gland tissues of venomous animals. Here, with the help of the whole body transcriptomic and the hemolymph proteomic data of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, we identified the first Ascaris-type peptide BmHDP from scorpion hemolymph. The precursor of BmHDP has 80 residues, including a 16 residue signal peptide and a 64 residue mature peptide. The mature peptide has 10 conserved cysteines and adopts a conserved Ascaris-type fold. Using combined inclusion body refolding and biochemical identification strategies, recombinant BmHDP was obtained successfully. Protease inhibitory assays showed that BmHDP inhibited chymotrypsin apparently at a concentration of 8 nM. Patch-clamp experiments showed that BmHDP inhibited the Kv1.3 potassium channel apparently at a concentration of 1000 nM. Coagulation experiment assays showed that BmHDP inhibited intrinsic coagulation pathway apparently at a concentration of 500 nM. To the best of our knowledge, BmHDP is the first Ascaris-type peptide from scorpion hemolymph. Our work highlighted a functional link between scorpion non-venom gland peptides and venom gland toxin peptides, and suggested that scorpion hemolymph might be a new source of bioactive peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Huanhuan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jinbo Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shiyan Occupational Disease Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Zhan Shu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Human Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Harris RJ, Zdenek CN, Debono J, Harrich D, Fry BG. Evolutionary Interpretations of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Targeting Venom Effects by a Clade of Asian Viperidae Snakes. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:312-318. [PMID: 32394055 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00211-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ecological variability among closely related species provides an opportunity for evolutionary comparative studies. Therefore, to investigate the origin and evolution of neurotoxicity in Asian viperid snakes, we tested the venoms of Azemiops feae, Calloselasma rhodostoma, Deinagkistrodon acutus, Tropidolaeums subannulatus, and T. wagleri for their relative specificity and potency upon the amphibian, lizard, bird, rodent, and human α-1 (neuromuscular) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. We utilised a biolayer interferometry assay to test the binding affinity of these pit viper venoms to orthosteric mimotopes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors binding region from a diversity of potential prey types. The Tropidolaemus venoms were much more potent than the other species tested, which is consistent with the greater prey escape potential in arboreal niches. Intriguingly, the venom of C. rhodostoma showed neurotoxic binding to the α-1 mimotopes, a feature not known previously for this species. The lack of prior knowledge of neurotoxicity in this species is consistent with our results due to the bias in rodent studies and human bite reports, whilst this venom had a greater binding affinity toward amphibian and diapsid α-1 targets. The other large terrestrial species, D. acutus, did not display any meaningful levels of neurotoxicity. These results demonstrate that whilst small peptide neurotoxins are a basal trait of these snakes, it has been independently amplified on two separate occasions, once in Azemiops and again in Tropidolaemus, and with Calloselasma representing a third possible amplification of this trait. These results also point to broader sources of novel neuroactive peptides with the potential for use as lead compounds in drug design and discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Harris
- Venom Evolution Lab, University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - David Harrich
- QIMR Berghofer, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Harris RJ, Zdenek CN, Harrich D, Frank N, Fry BG. An Appetite for Destruction: Detecting Prey-Selective Binding of α-Neurotoxins in the Venom of Afro-Asian Elapids. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12030205. [PMID: 32210072 PMCID: PMC7150784 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12030205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Prey-selective venoms and toxins have been documented across only a few species of snakes. The lack of research in this area has been due to the absence of suitably flexible testing platforms. In order to test more species for prey specificity of their venom, we used an innovative taxonomically flexible, high-throughput biolayer interferometry approach to ascertain the relative binding of 29 α-neurotoxic venoms from African and Asian elapid representatives (26 Naja spp., Aspidelaps scutatus, Elapsoidea boulengeri, and four locales of Ophiophagus hannah) to the alpha-1 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor orthosteric (active) site for amphibian, lizard, snake, bird, and rodent targets. Our results detected prey-selective, intraspecific, and geographical differences of α-neurotoxic binding. The results also suggest that crude venom that shows prey selectivity is likely driven by the proportions of prey-specific α-neurotoxins with differential selectivity within the crude venom. Our results also suggest that since the α-neurotoxic prey targeting does not always account for the full dietary breadth of a species, other toxin classes with a different pathophysiological function likely play an equally important role in prey immobilisation of the crude venom depending on the prey type envenomated. The use of this innovative and taxonomically flexible diverse assay in functional venom testing can be key in attempting to understanding the evolution and ecology of α-neurotoxic snake venoms, as well as opening up biochemical and pharmacological avenues to explore other venom effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Harris
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.J.H.); (C.N.Z.)
| | - Christina N. Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.J.H.); (C.N.Z.)
| | - David Harrich
- QIMR Berghofer, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia;
| | | | - Bryan G. Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.J.H.); (C.N.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Foo CS, Jobichen C, Hassan-Puttaswamy V, Dekan Z, Tae HS, Bertrand D, Adams DJ, Alewood PF, Sivaraman J, Nirthanan S, Kini RM. Fulditoxin, representing a new class of dimeric snake toxins, defines novel pharmacology at nicotinic ACh receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1822-1840. [PMID: 31877243 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Animal toxins have contributed significantly to our understanding of the neurobiology of receptors and ion channels. We studied the venom of the coral snake Micrurus fulvius fulvius and identified and characterized the structure and pharmacology of a new homodimeric neurotoxin, fulditoxin, that exhibited novel pharmacology at nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Fulditoxin was isolated by chromatography, chemically synthesized, its structure determined by X-ray crystallography, and its pharmacological actions on nAChRs characterized by organ bath assays and two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. KEY RESULTS Fulditoxin's distinct 1.95-Å quaternary structure revealed two short-chain three-finger α-neurotoxins (α-3FNTxs) non-covalently bound by hydrophobic interactions and an ability to bind metal and form tetrameric complexes, not reported previously for three-finger proteins. Although fulditoxin lacked all conserved amino acids canonically important for inhibiting nAChRs, it produced postsynaptic neuromuscular blockade of chick muscle at nanomolar concentrations, comparable to the prototypical α-bungarotoxin. This neuromuscular blockade was completely reversible, which is unusual for snake α-3FNTxs. Fulditoxin, therefore, interacts with nAChRs by utilizing a different pharmacophore. Unlike short-chain α-3FNTxs that bind only to muscle nAChRs, fulditoxin utilizes dimerization to expand its pharmacological targets to include human neuronal α4β2, α7, and α3β2 nAChRs which it blocked with IC50 values of 1.8, 7, and 12 μM respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Based on its distinct quaternary structure and unusual pharmacology, we named this new class of dimeric Micrurus neurotoxins represented by fulditoxin as Σ-neurotoxins, which offers greater insight into understanding the interactions between nAChRs and peptide antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Shin Foo
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chacko Jobichen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Varuna Hassan-Puttaswamy
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - J Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Selvanayagam Nirthanan
- School of Medical Science, Griffith Health Group, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tasoulis T, Lee MSY, Ziajko M, Dunstan N, Sumner J, Isbister GK. Activity of two key toxin groups in Australian elapid venoms show a strong correlation to phylogeny but not to diet. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:9. [PMID: 31931699 PMCID: PMC6958663 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-1578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The relative influence of diet and phylogeny on snake venom activity is a poorly understood aspect of snake venom evolution. We measured the activity of two enzyme toxin groups – phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) – in the venom of 39 species of Australian elapids (40% of terrestrial species diversity) and used linear parsimony and BayesTraits to investigate any correlation between enzyme activity and phylogeny or diet. Results PLA2 activity ranged from 0 to 481 nmol/min/mg of venom, and LAAO activity ranged from 0 to 351 nmol/min/mg. Phylogenetic comparative methods, implemented in BayesTraits showed that enzyme activity was strongly correlated with phylogeny, more so for LAAO activity. For example, LAAO activity was absent in both the Vermicella and Pseudonaja/Oxyuranus clade, supporting previously proposed relationships among these disparate taxa. There was no association between broad dietary categories and either enzyme activity. There was strong evidence for faster initial rates of change over evolutionary time for LAAO (delta parameter mean 0.2), but no such pattern in PLA2 (delta parameter mean 0.64). There were some exceptions to the phylogenetic patterns of enzyme activity: different PLA2 activity in the ecologically similar sister-species Denisonia devisi and D. maculata; large inter-specific differences in PLA2 activity in Hoplocephalus and Austrelaps. Conclusions We have shown that phylogeny is a stronger influence on venom enzyme activity than diet for two of the four major enzyme families present in snake venoms. PLA2 and LAAO activities had contrasting evolutionary dynamics with the higher delta value for PLA2 Some species/individuals lacked activity in one protein family suggesting that the loss of single protein family may not incur a significant fitness cost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theo Tasoulis
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Michael S Y Lee
- Earth Sciences Section, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, S.A, 5000, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, S.A, 5042, Australia
| | - Manon Ziajko
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Nathan Dunstan
- Venom Supplies, Tanunda, South Australia, 5352, Australia
| | - Joanna Sumner
- Museums Victoria, Carlton Gardens, Carlton, VIC, 5053, Australia
| | - Geoffrey K Isbister
- Clinical Toxicology Research Group, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, 2308, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abd El-Aziz TM, Shoulkamy MI, Hegazy AM, Stockand JD, Mahmoud A, Mashaly AMA. Comparative study of the in vivo toxicity and pathophysiology of envenomation by three medically important Egyptian snake venoms. Arch Toxicol 2019; 94:335-344. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02619-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
21
|
Modahl CM, Brahma RK, Koh CY, Shioi N, Kini RM. Omics Technologies for Profiling Toxin Diversity and Evolution in Snake Venom: Impacts on the Discovery of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2019; 8:91-116. [PMID: 31702940 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021419-083626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are primarily composed of proteins and peptides, and these toxins have developed high selectivity to their biological targets. This makes venoms interesting for exploration into protein evolution and structure-function relationships. A single venom protein superfamily can exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects; these variations in activity originate from differences in functional sites, domains, posttranslational modifications, and the formations of toxin complexes. In this review, we discuss examples of how the major venom protein superfamilies have diversified, as well as how newer technologies in the omics fields, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, can be used to characterize both known and unknown toxins.Because toxins are bioactive molecules with a rich diversity of activities, they can be useful as therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and successful examples of toxin applications in these areas are also reviewed. With the current rapid pace of technology, snake venom research and its applications will only continue to expand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Modahl
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| | - Rajeev Kungur Brahma
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| | - Cho Yeow Koh
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077;
| | - Narumi Shioi
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , , .,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan;
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Protein Science Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Singapore, Singapore 119077; , ,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zdenek CN, den Brouw BO, Dashevsky D, Gloria A, Youngman NJ, Watson E, Green P, Hay C, Dunstan N, Allen L, Fry BG. Clinical implications of convergent procoagulant toxicity and differential antivenom efficacy in Australian elapid snake venoms. Toxicol Lett 2019; 316:171-182. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
23
|
Mud in the blood: Novel potent anticoagulant coagulotoxicity in the venoms of the Australian elapid snake genus Denisonia (mud adders) and relative antivenom efficacy. Toxicol Lett 2019; 302:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
24
|
Venom characterization of the three species of Ophryacus and proteomic profiling of O. sphenophrys unveils Sphenotoxin, a novel Crotoxin-like heterodimeric β-neurotoxin. J Proteomics 2019; 192:196-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
25
|
Debono J, Bos MHA, Nouwens A, Ge L, Frank N, Kwok HF, Fry BG. Habu coagulotoxicity: Clinical implications of the functional diversification of Protobothrops snake venoms upon blood clotting factors. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 55:62-74. [PMID: 30471431 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Venom can affect any part of the body reachable via the bloodstream. Toxins which specifically act upon the coagulation cascade do so either by anticoagulant or procoagulant mechanisms. Here we investigated the coagulotoxic effects of six species within the medically important pit viper genus Protobothrops (Habu) from the Chinese mainland and Japanese islands, a genus known to produce hemorrhagic shock in envenomed patients. Differential coagulotoxicity was revealed: P. jerdonii and P. mangshanensis produced an overall net anticoagulant effect through the pseudo-procoagulant clotting of fibrinogen; P. flavoviridis and P. tokarensis exhibit a strong anticoagulant activity through the destructive cleavage of fibrinogen; and while P. elegans and P. mucrosquamatus both cleaved the A-alpha and B-beta chains of fibrinogen they did not exhibit strong anticoagulant activity. These variations in coagulant properties were congruent with phylogeny, with the closest relatives exhibiting similar venom effects in their action upon fibrinogen. Ancestral state reconstruction indicated that anticoagulation mediated by pseudo-procoagulant cleavage of fibrinogen is the basal state, while anticoagulation produced by destructive cleavage of fibrinogen is the derived state within this genus. This is the first in depth study of its kind highlighting extreme enzymatic variability, functional diversification and clotting diversification within one genus surrounding one target site, governed by variability in co-factor dependency. The documentation that the same net overall function, anticoagulation, is mediated by differential underlying mechanics suggests limited antivenom cross-reactivity, although this must be tested in future work. These results add to the body of knowledge necessary to inform clinical management of the envenomed patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mettine H A Bos
- Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Lilin Ge
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Functional Substance of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing 215400, China
| | | | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Coagulotoxicity of Bothrops (Lancehead Pit-Vipers) Venoms from Brazil: Differential Biochemistry and Antivenom Efficacy Resulting from Prey-Driven Venom Variation. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10100411. [PMID: 30314373 PMCID: PMC6215258 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10100411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lancehead pit-vipers (Bothrops genus) are an extremely diverse and medically important group responsible for the greatest number of snakebite envenomations and deaths in South America. Bothrops atrox (common lancehead), responsible for majority of snakebites and related deaths within the Brazilian Amazon, is a highly adaptable and widely distributed species, whose venom variability has been related to several factors, including geographical distribution and habitat type. This study examined venoms from four B. atrox populations (Belterra and Santarém, PA; Pres. Figueiredo, AM and São Bento, MA), and two additional Bothrops species (B. jararaca and B. neuwiedi) from Southeastern region for their coagulotoxic effects upon different plasmas (human, amphibian, and avian). The results revealed inter– and intraspecific variations in coagulotoxicity, including distinct activities between the three plasmas, with variations in the latter two linked to ecological niche occupied by the snakes. Also examined were the correlated biochemical mechanisms of venom action. Significant variation in the relative reliance upon the cofactors calcium and phospholipid were revealed, and the relative dependency did not significantly correlate with potency. Relative levels of Factor X or prothrombin activating toxins correlated with prey type and prey escape potential. The antivenom was shown to perform better in neutralising prothrombin activation activity than neutralising Factor X activation activity. Thus, the data reveal new information regarding the evolutionary selection pressures shaping snake venom evolution, while also having significant implications for the treatment of the envenomed patient. These results are, therefore, an intersection between evolutionary biology and clinical medicine.
Collapse
|
27
|
Three-Finger Toxin Diversification in the Venoms of Cat-Eye Snakes (Colubridae: Boiga). J Mol Evol 2018; 86:531-545. [PMID: 30206667 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-018-9864-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Asian genus Boiga (Colubridae) is among the better studied non-front-fanged snake lineages, because their bites have minor, but noticeable, effects on humans. Furthermore, B. irregularis has gained worldwide notoriety for successfully invading Guam and other nearby islands with drastic impacts on the local bird populations. One of the factors thought to allow B. irregularis to become such a noxious pest is irditoxin, a dimeric neurotoxin composed of two three-finger toxins (3FTx) joined by a covalent bond between two newly evolved cysteines. Irditoxin is highly toxic to diapsid (birds and reptiles) prey, but roughly 1000 × less potent to synapsids (mammals). Venom plays an important role in the ecology of all species of Boiga, but it remains unknown if any species besides B. irregularis produce irditoxin-like dimeric toxins. In this study, we use transcriptomic analyses of venom glands from five species [B. cynodon, B. dendrophila dendrophila, B. d. gemmicincta, B. irregularis (Brisbane population), B. irregularis (Sulawesi population), B. nigriceps, B. trigonata] and proteomic analyses of B. d. dendrophila and a representative of the sister genus Toxicodryas blandingii to investigate the evolutionary history of 3FTx within Boiga and its close relative. We found that 92.5% of Boiga 3FTx belong to a single clade which we refer to as denmotoxin-like because of the close relation between these toxins and the monomeric denmotoxin according to phylogenetic, sequence clustering, and protein similarity network analyses. We show for the first time that species beyond B. irregularis secrete 3FTx with additional cysteines in the same position as both the A and B subunits of irditoxin. Transcripts with the characteristic mutations are found in B. d. dendrophila, B. d. gemmicincta, B. irregularis (Brisbane population), B. irregularis (Sulawesi population), and B. nigriceps. These results are confirmed by proteomic analyses that show direct evidence of dimerization within the venom of B. d. dendrophila, but not T. blandingii. Our results also suggest the possibility of novel dimeric toxins in other genera such as Telescopus and Trimorphodon. All together, this suggests that the origin of these peculiar 3FTx is far earlier than was appreciated and their evolutionary history has been complex.
Collapse
|
28
|
Engineering varied serine protease inhibitors by converting P1 site of BF9, a weakly active Kunitz-type animal toxin. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:1190-1197. [PMID: 30172807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.08.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although there were a lot of weakly active animal toxins in the venoms, their values and applications are still mysterious, such as BF9, which is a Kunitz-type toxin isolated from the venom of the elapid snake Bungarus fasciatus. Here, we used BF9 to be a molecular scaffold, and engineered eight BF9-derived peptides by changing P1 site Asn17 of BF9, such as BF9-N17Y and BF9-N17T designed from the polar subfamily, BF9-N17L and BF9-N17G designed from the Non-polar subfamily, BF9-N17D designed from acidic subfamily, and BF9-N17H, BF9-N17K and BF9-N17R designed from basic subfamily. Through enzyme inhibitor experiment assays, we found a potent and selective chymotrypsin inhibitor BF9-N17Y, a potent and selective coagulation factor XIa inhibitor BF9-N17H, and two highly potent coagulation factor XIa inhibitors BF9-N17K and BF9-N17. APTT and PT assays further showed that BF9-N17H, BF9-N17K and BF9-N17R were three novel anticoagulants with selectively intrinsic coagulation pathway inhibitory activity. Considering that natural weakly active animal toxins are also a huge peptide resource, our present work might open a new window about pharmacological applications of weakly active animal toxins, which might be good templates for potent and selective molecular probe and lead drug designs.
Collapse
|
29
|
Goldenberg J, Cipriani V, Jackson TNW, Arbuckle K, Debono J, Dashevsky D, Panagides N, Ikonomopoulou MP, Koludarov I, Li B, Santana RC, Nouwens A, Jones A, Hay C, Dunstan N, Allen L, Bush B, Miles JJ, Ge L, Kwok HF, Fry BG. Proteomic and functional variation within black snake venoms (Elapidae: Pseudechis). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 205:53-61. [PMID: 29353015 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pseudechis (black snakes) is an Australasian elapid snake genus that inhabits much of mainland Australia, with two representatives confined to Papua New Guinea. The present study is the first to analyse the venom of all 9 described Pseudechis species (plus one undescribed species) to investigate the evolution of venom composition and functional activity. Proteomic results demonstrated that the typical Pseudechis venom profile is dominated by phospholipase A2 toxins. Strong cytotoxicity was the dominant function for most species. P. porphyriacus, the most basal member of the genus, also exhibited the most divergent venom composition, being the only species with appreciable amounts of procoagulant toxins. The relatively high presence of factor Xa recovered in P. porphyriacus venom may be related to a predominantly amphibian diet. Results of this study provide important insights to guide future ecological and toxinological investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Goldenberg
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Vittoria Cipriani
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kevin Arbuckle
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2, 8PP, UK
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Dashevsky
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nadya Panagides
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Maria P Ikonomopoulou
- QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Herston, QLD 4049, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4002, Australia; Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA) in Food, CEI UAM+CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bin Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Renan Castro Santana
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Alun Jones
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Slt Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chris Hay
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Luke Allen
- Venom Supplies, Tanunda, SA 5352, Australia
| | - Brian Bush
- Snakes Harmful & Harmless, 9 Birch Place, Stoneville, WA 6081, Australia
| | - John J Miles
- QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Herston, QLD 4049, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Lilin Ge
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Qixia District, Nanjing, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lister C, Arbuckle K, Jackson TNW, Debono J, Zdenek CN, Dashevsky D, Dunstan N, Allen L, Hay C, Bush B, Gillett A, Fry BG. Catch a tiger snake by its tail: Differential toxicity, co-factor dependence and antivenom efficacy in a procoagulant clade of Australian venomous snakes. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 202:39-54. [PMID: 28757215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A paradigm of venom research is adaptive evolution of toxins as part of a predator-prey chemical arms race. This study examined differential co-factor dependence, variations relative to dietary preference, and the impact upon relative neutralisation by antivenom of the procoagulant toxins in the venoms of a clade of Australian snakes. All genera were characterised by venoms rich in factor Xa which act upon endogenous prothrombin. Examination of toxin sequences revealed an extraordinary level of conservation, which indicates that adaptive evolution is not a feature of this toxin type. Consistent with this, the venoms did not display differences on the plasma of different taxa. Examination of the prothrombin target revealed endogenous blood proteins are under extreme negative selection pressure for diversification, this in turn puts a strong negative selection pressure upon the toxins as sequence diversification could result in a drift away from the target. Thus this study reveals that adaptive evolution is not a consistent feature in toxin evolution in cases where the target is under negative selection pressure for diversification. Consistent with this high level of toxin conservation, the antivenom showed extremely high-levels of cross-reactivity. There was however a strong statistical correlation between relative degree of phospholipid-dependence and clotting time, with the least dependent venoms producing faster clotting times than the other venoms even in the presence of phospholipid. The results of this study are not only of interest to evolutionary and ecological disciplines, but also have implications for clinical toxinology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callum Lister
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Kevin Arbuckle
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2, 8PP, UK
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Christina N Zdenek
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Dashevsky
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Chris Hay
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Brian Bush
- Snakes Harmful & Harmless, 9 Birch Place, Stoneville, WA 6081, Australia
| | - Amber Gillett
- Fauna Vet Wildlife Veterinary Consultancy, Beerwah, QLD, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ainsworth S, Petras D, Engmark M, Süssmuth RD, Whiteley G, Albulescu LO, Kazandjian TD, Wagstaff SC, Rowley P, Wüster W, Dorrestein PC, Arias AS, Gutiérrez JM, Harrison RA, Casewell NR, Calvete JJ. The medical threat of mamba envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa revealed by genus-wide analysis of venom composition, toxicity and antivenomics profiling of available antivenoms. J Proteomics 2017; 172:173-189. [PMID: 28843532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mambas (genus Dendroaspis) are among the most feared of the medically important elapid snakes found in sub-Saharan Africa, but many facets of their biology, including the diversity of venom composition, remain relatively understudied. Here, we present a reconstruction of mamba phylogeny, alongside genus-wide venom gland transcriptomic and high-resolution top-down venomic analyses. Whereas the green mambas, D. viridis, D. angusticeps, D. j. jamesoni and D. j. kaimosae, express 3FTx-predominant venoms, black mamba (D. polylepis) venom is dominated by dendrotoxins I and K. The divergent terrestrial ecology of D. polylepis compared to the arboreal niche occupied by all other mambas makes it plausible that this major difference in venom composition is due to dietary variation. The pattern of intrageneric venom variability across Dendroaspis represented a valuable opportunity to investigate, in a genus-wide context, the variant toxicity of the venom, and the degree of paraspecific cross-reactivity between antivenoms and mamba venoms. To this end, the immunological profiles of the five mamba venoms were assessed against a panel of commercial antivenoms generated for the sub-Saharan Africa market. This study provides a genus-wide overview of which available antivenoms may be more efficacious in neutralising human envenomings caused by mambas, irrespective of the species responsible. The information gathered in this study lays the foundations for rationalising the notably different potency and pharmacological profiles of Dendroaspis venoms at locus resolution. This understanding will allow selection and design of toxin immunogens with a view to generating a safer and more efficacious pan-specific antivenom against any mamba envenomation. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The mambas (genus Dendroaspis) comprise five especially notorious medically important venomous snakes endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. Their highly potent venoms comprise a high diversity of pharmacologically active peptides, including extremely rapid-acting neurotoxins. Previous studies on mamba venoms have focused on the biochemical and pharmacological characterisation of their most relevant toxins to rationalize the common neurological and neuromuscular symptoms of envenomings caused by these species, but there has been little work on overall venom composition or comparisons between them. Only very recently an overview of the composition of the venom of two Dendroaspis species, D. angusticeps and D. polylepis, has been unveiled through venomics approaches. Here we present the first genus-wide transcriptomic-proteomic analysis of mamba venom composition. The transcriptomic analyses described in this paper have contributed 29 (D. polylepis), 23 (D. angusticeps), 40 (D. viridis), 25 (D. j. jamesoni) and 21 (D. j. kaimosae), novel full-length toxin sequences to the non-redundant Dendroaspis sequence database. The mamba genus-wide venomic analysis demonstrated that major D. polylepis venom components are Kunitz-fold family toxins. This feature is unique in relation to the relatively conserved three-finger toxin (3FTx)-dominated venom compositions of the green mambas. Venom variation was interpreted in the context of dietary variation due to the divergent terrestrial ecology of D. polylepis compared to the arboreal niche occupied by all other mambas. Additionally, the degree of cross-reactivity conservation of mamba venoms was assessed by antivenomics against a panel of commercial antivenoms generated for the sub-Saharan Africa market. This study provides a genus-wide overview to infer which available antivenoms may be capable of neutralising human envenomings caused by mambas, irrespective of the species responsible. The information gathered in this study lays the foundations for rationalising the pharmacological profiles of mamba venoms at locus resolution. This understanding will contribute to the generation of a safer and more efficacious pan-Dendroaspis therapeutic antivenom against any mamba envenomation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Ainsworth
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Petras
- University of California San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Straße des 17.Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mikael Engmark
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Bio and Health Informatics, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Roderich D Süssmuth
- Technische Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie, Straße des 17.Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gareth Whiteley
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Taline D Kazandjian
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Simon C Wagstaff
- Bioinformatics Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Rowley
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Wüster
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, United Kingdom
| | - Pieter C Dorrestein
- University of California San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ana Silvia Arias
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José M Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Robert A Harrison
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom.
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Jaume Roig 11, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cipriani V, Debono J, Goldenberg J, Jackson TNW, Arbuckle K, Dobson J, Koludarov I, Li B, Hay C, Dunstan N, Allen L, Hendrikx I, Kwok HF, Fry BG. Correlation between ontogenetic dietary shifts and venom variation in Australian brown snakes (Pseudonaja). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 197:53-60. [PMID: 28457945 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Venom is a key evolutionary trait, as evidenced by its widespread convergent evolution across the animal kingdom. In an escalating prey-predator arms race, venoms evolve rapidly to guarantee predatory or defensive success. Variation in venom composition is ubiquitous among snakes. Here, we tested variation in venom activity on substrates relevant to blood coagulation among Pseudonaja (brown snake) species, Australian elapids responsible for the majority of medically important human envenomations in Australia. A functional approach was employed to elucidate interspecific variation in venom activity in all nine currently recognised species of Pseudonaja. Fluorometric enzymatic activity assays were performed to test variation in whole venom procoagulant activity among species. Analyses confirmed the previously documented ontogenetic shift from non-coagulopathic venom in juveniles to coagulopathic venom as adults, except for the case of P. modesta, which retains non-coagulopathic venom as an adult. These shifts in venom activity correlate with documented ontogenetic shifts in diet among brown snakes from specialisation on reptilian prey as juveniles (and throughout the life cycle of P. modesta), to a more generalised diet in adults that includes mammals. The results of this study bring to light findings relevant to both clinical and evolutionary toxinology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cipriani
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan Goldenberg
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Kevin Arbuckle
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2, 8PP, UK
| | - James Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bin Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Chris Hay
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nathan Dunstan
- Venom Supplies, Tanunda, South Australia 5352, Australia
| | - Luke Allen
- Venom Supplies, Tanunda, South Australia 5352, Australia
| | - Iwan Hendrikx
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Calderón-Celis F, Cid-Barrio L, Encinar JR, Sanz-Medel A, Calvete JJ. Absolute venomics: Absolute quantification of intact venom proteins through elemental mass spectrometry. J Proteomics 2017; 164:33-42. [PMID: 28579478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We report the application of a hybrid element and molecular MS configuration for the parallel absolute quantification of μHPLC-separated intact sulfur-containing venom proteins, via ICP triple quadrupole MS and 32S/34S isotope dilution analysis, and identification by ESI-QToF-MS of the toxins of the medically important African black-necked spitting cobra, Naja nigricollis (Tanzania); New Guinea small-eyed snake, Micropechis ikaheka; and Papuan black snake, Pseudechis papuanus. The main advantage of this approach is that only one generic sulfur-containing standard is required to quantify each and all intact Cys- and/or Met-containing toxins of the venom proteome. The results of absolute quantification are in reasonably good agreement with previously reported relative quantification of the most abundant protein families. However, both datasets depart in the quantification of the minor ones, showing a tendency for this set of proteins to be underestimated in standard peptide-centric venomics approaches. The molecular identity, specific toxic activity, and concentration in the venom, are the pillars on which the toxicovenomics-aimed discovery of the most medically-relevant venom toxins, e.g. those that need to be neutralized by an effective therapeutic antivenom, should be based. The pioneering venom proteome-wide absolute quantification shown in this paper represents thus a significant advance towards this goal. The potential of ICP triple quadrupole MS in proteomics in general, and venomics in particular, is critically discussed. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Animal venoms provide excellent model systems for investigating interactions between predators and prey, and the molecular mechanisms that contribute to adaptive protein evolution. On the other hand, numerous cases of snake bites occur yearly by encounters of humans and snakes in their shared natural environment. Snakebite envenoming is a serious global public health issue that affects the most impoverished and geopolitically disadvantaged rural communities in many tropical and subtropical countries. Unveiling the temporal and spatial patterns of venom variability is of fundamental importance to understand the molecular basis of envenoming, a prerequisite for developing therapeutic strategies against snakebite envenoming. Research on venoms has been continuously enhanced by advances in technology. The combined application of next-generation transcriptomic and venomic workflows has demonstrated unparalleled capabilities for venom characterization in unprecedented detail. However, mass spectrometry is not inherently quantitative, and this analytical limitation has sparked the development of methods to determine absolute abundance of proteins in biological samples. Here we show the potential of a hybrid element and molecular MS configuration for the parallel ESI-QToF-MS and ICP-QQQ detection and absolute quantification of intact sulfur-containing venom proteins via 32S/34S isotope dilution analysis. This configuration has been applied to quantify the toxins of the medically important African snake Naja nigricollis (Tanzania), and the Papuan species Micropechis ikaheka and Pseudechis papuanus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Calderón-Celis
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Laura Cid-Barrio
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge Ruiz Encinar
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Alfredo Sanz-Medel
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wright LV, Indrawirawan YH. Lowland copperhead (Austrelaps superbus
) envenomation causing severe neuromuscular paralysis in a dog. Aust Vet J 2017; 95:207-210. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- LV Wright
- Animal Emergency Centre Hallam; 18/151-159 Princes Hwy Hallam Victoria 3803 Australia
| | - YH Indrawirawan
- Animal Emergency Centre Hallam; 18/151-159 Princes Hwy Hallam Victoria 3803 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Debono J, Dobson J, Casewell NR, Romilio A, Li B, Kurniawan N, Mardon K, Weisbecker V, Nouwens A, Kwok HF, Fry BG. Coagulating Colubrids: Evolutionary, Pathophysiological and Biodiscovery Implications of Venom Variations between Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and Twig Snake (Thelotornis mossambicanus). Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E171. [PMID: 28534833 PMCID: PMC5450719 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9050171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms can deleteriously affect any physiological system reachable by the bloodstream, including directly interfering with the coagulation cascade. Such coagulopathic toxins may be anticoagulants or procoagulants. Snake venoms are unique in their use of procoagulant toxins for predatory purposes. The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and the twig snakes (Thelotornis species) are iconic African snakes belonging to the family Colubridae. Both species produce strikingly similar lethal procoagulant pathologies. Despite these similarities, antivenom is only produced for treating bites by D. typus, and the mechanisms of action of both venoms have been understudied. In this study, we investigated the venom of D. typus and T. mossambicanus utilising a range of proteomic and bioactivity approaches, including determining the procoagulant properties of both venoms in relation to the human coagulation pathways. In doing so, we developed a novel procoagulant assay, utilising a Stago STA-R Max analyser, to accurately detect real time clotting in plasma at varying concentrations of venom. This approach was used to assess the clotting capabilities of the two venoms both with and without calcium and phospholipid co-factors. We found that T. mossambicanus produced a significantly stronger coagulation response compared to D. typus. Functional enzyme assays showed that T. mossambicanus also exhibited a higher metalloprotease and phospholipase activity but had a much lower serine protease activity relative to D. typus venom. The neutralising capability of the available boomslang antivenom was also investigated on both species, with it being 11.3 times more effective upon D. typus venom than T. mossambicanus. In addition to being a faster clotting venom, T. mossambicanus was revealed to be a much more complex venom composition than D. typus. This is consistent with patterns seen for other snakes with venom complexity linked to dietary complexity. Consistent with the external morphological differences in head shape between the two species, CT and MRI analyses revealed significant internal structural differences in skull architecture and venom gland anatomy. This study increases our understanding of not only the biodiscovery potential of these medically important species but also increases our knowledge of the pathological relationship between venom and the human coagulation cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - James Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Anthony Romilio
- Vertebrate Palaeontology and Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Bin Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
| | - Nyoman Kurniawan
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Karine Mardon
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Vera Weisbecker
- Vertebrate Palaeontology and Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pla D, Sanz L, Whiteley G, Wagstaff SC, Harrison RA, Casewell NR, Calvete JJ. What killed Karl Patterson Schmidt? Combined venom gland transcriptomic, venomic and antivenomic analysis of the South African green tree snake (the boomslang), Dispholidus typus. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:814-823. [PMID: 28130154 PMCID: PMC5335903 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Non-front-fanged colubroid snakes comprise about two-thirds of extant ophidian species. The medical significance of the majority of these snakes is unknown, but at least five species have caused life-threatening or fatal human envenomings. However, the venoms of only a small number of species have been explored. Methods A combined venomic and venom gland transcriptomic approach was employed to characterise of venom of Dispholidus typus (boomslang), the snake that caused the tragic death of Professor Karl Patterson Schmidt. The ability of CroFab™ antivenom to immunocapture boomslang venom proteins was investigated using antivenomics. Results Transcriptomic-assisted proteomic analysis identified venom proteins belonging to seven protein families: three-finger toxin (3FTx); phospholipase A2 (PLA2); cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP); snake venom (SV) serine proteinase (SP); C-type lectin-like (CTL); SV metalloproteinases (SVMPs); and disintegrin-like/cysteine-rich (DC) proteolytic fragments. CroFab™ antivenom efficiently immunodepleted some boomslang SVMPs. Conclusions The present work is the first to address the overall proteomic profile of D. typus venom. This study allowed us to correlate the toxin composition with the toxic activities of the venom. The antivenomic analysis suggested that the antivenom available at the time of the unfortunate accident could have exhibited at least some immunoreactivity against the boomslang SVMPs responsible for the disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome that caused K.P. Schmidt's fatal outcome. General significance This study may stimulate further research on other non-front-fanged colubroid snake venoms capable of causing life-threatening envenomings to humans, which in turn should contribute to prevent fatal human accidents, such as that unfortunately suffered by K.P. Schmidt. The venom proteome of Dispholidus typus (boomslang) is reported. Transcriptomic-assisted proteomic analysis identified venom proteins belonging to seven protein families. Boomslang venom proteome is dominated (75%) by snake venom PIII-metalloproteinases (PIII-SVMPs). CroFab™ antivenom efficiently immunodepleted some boomslang PIII-SVMPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Pla
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Libia Sanz
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gareth Whiteley
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon C Wagstaff
- Bioinformatics Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Robert A Harrison
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Alistair Reid Venom Research Unit, Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Rapid Radiations and the Race to Redundancy: An Investigation of the Evolution of Australian Elapid Snake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8110309. [PMID: 27792190 PMCID: PMC5127106 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8110309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Australia is the stronghold of the front-fanged venomous snake family Elapidae. The Australasian elapid snake radiation, which includes approximately 100 terrestrial species in Australia, as well as Melanesian species and all the world's sea snakes, is less than 12 million years old. The incredible phenotypic and ecological diversity of the clade is matched by considerable diversity in venom composition. The clade's evolutionary youth and dynamic evolution should make it of particular interest to toxinologists, however, the majority of species, which are small, typically inoffensive, and seldom encountered by non-herpetologists, have been almost completely neglected by researchers. The present study investigates the venom composition of 28 species proteomically, revealing several interesting trends in venom composition, and reports, for the first time in elapid snakes, the existence of an ontogenetic shift in the venom composition and activity of brown snakes (Pseudonaja sp.). Trends in venom composition are compared to the snakes' feeding ecology and the paper concludes with an extended discussion of the selection pressures shaping the evolution of snake venom.
Collapse
|
38
|
Yang DC, Deuis JR, Dashevsky D, Dobson J, Jackson TNW, Brust A, Xie B, Koludarov I, Debono J, Hendrikx I, Hodgson WC, Josh P, Nouwens A, Baillie GJ, Bruxner TJC, Alewood PF, Lim KKP, Frank N, Vetter I, Fry BG. The Snake with the Scorpion's Sting: Novel Three-Finger Toxin Sodium Channel Activators from the Venom of the Long-Glanded Blue Coral Snake (Calliophis bivirgatus). Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E303. [PMID: 27763551 PMCID: PMC5086663 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of years of evolution have fine-tuned the ability of venom peptides to rapidly incapacitate both prey and potential predators. Toxicofera reptiles are characterized by serous-secreting mandibular or maxillary glands with heightened levels of protein expression. These glands are the core anatomical components of the toxicoferan venom system, which exists in myriad points along an evolutionary continuum. Neofunctionalisation of toxins is facilitated by positive selection at functional hotspots on the ancestral protein and venom proteins have undergone dynamic diversification in helodermatid and varanid lizards as well as advanced snakes. A spectacular point on the venom system continuum is the long-glanded blue coral snake (Calliophis bivirgatus), a specialist feeder that preys on fast moving, venomous snakes which have both a high likelihood of prey escape but also represent significant danger to the predator itself. The maxillary venom glands of C. bivirgatus extend one quarter of the snake's body length and nestle within the rib cavity. Despite the snake's notoriety its venom has remained largely unstudied. Here we show that the venom uniquely produces spastic paralysis, in contrast to the flaccid paralysis typically produced by neurotoxic snake venoms. The toxin responsible, which we have called calliotoxin (δ-elapitoxin-Cb1a), is a three-finger toxin (3FTx). Calliotoxin shifts the voltage-dependence of NaV1.4 activation to more hyperpolarised potentials, inhibits inactivation, and produces large ramp currents, consistent with its profound effects on contractile force in an isolated skeletal muscle preparation. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are a particularly attractive pharmacological target as they are involved in almost all physiological processes including action potential generation and conduction. Accordingly, venom peptides that interfere with NaV function provide a key defensive and predatory advantage to a range of invertebrate venomous species including cone snails, scorpions, spiders, and anemones. Enhanced activation or delayed inactivation of sodium channels by toxins is associated with the extremely rapid onset of tetanic/excitatory paralysis in envenomed prey animals. A strong selection pressure exists for the evolution of such toxins where there is a high chance of prey escape. However, despite their prevalence in other venomous species, toxins causing delay of sodium channel inhibition have never previously been described in vertebrate venoms. Here we show that NaV modulators, convergent with those of invertebrates, have evolved in the venom of the long-glanded coral snake. Calliotoxin represents a functionally novel class of 3FTx and a structurally novel class of NaV toxins that will provide significant insights into the pharmacology and physiology of NaV. The toxin represents a remarkable case of functional convergence between invertebrate and vertebrate venom systems in response to similar selection pressures. These results underscore the dynamic evolution of the Toxicofera reptile system and reinforces the value of using evolution as a roadmap for biodiscovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daryl C Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia.
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Daniel Dashevsky
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - James Dobson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy N W Jackson
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Andreas Brust
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Bing Xie
- Bejing Genomics Institute-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Jordan Debono
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Iwan Hendrikx
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia.
| | - Peter Josh
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Gregory J Baillie
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy J C Bruxner
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| | - Kelvin Kok Peng Lim
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377, Singapore.
| | | | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Junqueira-de-Azevedo ILM, Campos PF, Ching ATC, Mackessy SP. Colubrid Venom Composition: An -Omics Perspective. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E230. [PMID: 27455326 PMCID: PMC4999846 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8080230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms have been subjected to increasingly sensitive analyses for well over 100 years, but most research has been restricted to front-fanged snakes, which actually represent a relatively small proportion of extant species of advanced snakes. Because rear-fanged snakes are a diverse and distinct radiation of the advanced snakes, understanding venom composition among "colubrids" is critical to understanding the evolution of venom among snakes. Here we review the state of knowledge concerning rear-fanged snake venom composition, emphasizing those toxins for which protein or transcript sequences are available. We have also added new transcriptome-based data on venoms of three species of rear-fanged snakes. Based on this compilation, it is apparent that several components, including cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRiSPs), C-type lectins (CTLs), CTLs-like proteins and snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), are broadly distributed among "colubrid" venoms, while others, notably three-finger toxins (3FTxs), appear nearly restricted to the Colubridae (sensu stricto). Some putative new toxins, such as snake venom matrix metalloproteinases, are in fact present in several colubrid venoms, while others are only transcribed, at lower levels. This work provides insights into the evolution of these toxin classes, but because only a small number of species have been explored, generalizations are still rather limited. It is likely that new venom protein families await discovery, particularly among those species with highly specialized diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inácio L M Junqueira-de-Azevedo
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Pollyanna F Campos
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Ana T C Ching
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Stephen P Mackessy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639-0017, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Venomic Analysis of the Poorly Studied Desert Coral Snake, Micrurus tschudii tschudii, Supports the 3FTx/PLA₂ Dichotomy across Micrurus Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8060178. [PMID: 27338473 PMCID: PMC4926144 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8060178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The venom proteome of the poorly studied desert coral snake Micrurus tschudii tschudii was unveiled using a venomic approach, which identified ≥38 proteins belonging to only four snake venom protein families. The three-finger toxins (3FTxs) constitute, both in number of isoforms (~30) and total abundance (93.6% of the venom proteome), the major protein family of the desert coral snake venom. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s; seven isoforms, 4.1% of the venom proteome), 1–3 Kunitz-type proteins (1.6%), and 1–2 l-amino acid oxidases (LAO, 0.7%) complete the toxin arsenal of M. t. tschudii. Our results add to the growing evidence that the occurrence of two divergent venom phenotypes, i.e., 3FTx- and PLA2-predominant venom proteomes, may constitute a general trend across the cladogenesis of Micrurus. The occurrence of a similar pattern of venom phenotypic variability among true sea snake (Hydrophiinae) venoms suggests that the 3FTx/PLA2 dichotomy may be widely distributed among Elapidae venoms.
Collapse
|
41
|
McCleary RJR, Sridharan S, Dunstan NL, Mirtschin PJ, Kini RM. Proteomic comparisons of venoms of long-term captive and recently wild-caught Eastern brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) indicate venom does not change due to captivity. J Proteomics 2016; 144:51-62. [PMID: 27240975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Snake venom is a highly variable phenotypic character, and its variation and rapid evolution are important because of human health implications. Because much snake antivenom is produced from captive animals, understanding the effects of captivity on venom composition is important. Here, we have evaluated toxin profiles from six long-term (LT) captive and six recently wild-caught (RC) eastern brown snakes, Pseudonaja textilis, utilizing gel electrophoresis, HPLC-MS, and shotgun proteomics. We identified proteins belonging to the three-finger toxins, group C prothrombin activators, Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, and phospholipases A2, among others. Although crude venom HPLC analysis showed LT snakes to be higher in some small molecular weight toxins, presence/absence patterns showed no correlation with time in captivity. Shotgun proteomics indicated the presence of similar toxin families among individuals but with variation in protein species. Although no venom sample contained all the phospholipase A2 subunits that form the textilotoxin, all did contain both prothrombin activator subunits. This study indicates that captivity has limited effects on venom composition, that venom variation is high, and that venom composition may be correlated to geographic distribution. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Through proteomic comparisons, we show that protein variation within LT and RC groups of snakes (Pseudonaja textilis) is high, thereby resulting in no discernible differences in venom composition between groups. We utilize complementary techniques to characterize the venom proteomes of 12 individual snakes from our study area, and indicate that individuals captured close to one another have more similar venom gel electrophoresis patterns than those captured at more distant locations. These data are important for understanding natural variation in and potential effects of captivity on venom composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J R McCleary
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore; Department of Biology, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-5305, USA
| | - Sindhuja Sridharan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Nathan L Dunstan
- Venom Supplies Pty. Ltd., P.O. Box 547, Tanunda, South Australia 5352, Australia
| | - Peter J Mirtschin
- Venom Supplies Pty. Ltd., P.O. Box 547, Tanunda, South Australia 5352, Australia
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower Level 6, Singapore 169856, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tsai IH, Wang YM, Huang KF. Structures of Azemiops feae venom phospholipases and cys-rich-secretory protein and implications for taxonomy and toxinology. Toxicon 2016; 114:31-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
43
|
Suntravat M, Uzcategui NL, Atphaisit C, Helmke TJ, Lucena SE, Sánchez EE, Acosta AR. Gene expression profiling of the venom gland from the Venezuelan mapanare (Bothrops colombiensis) using expressed sequence tags (ESTs). BMC Mol Biol 2016; 17:7. [PMID: 26944950 PMCID: PMC4779267 DOI: 10.1186/s12867-016-0059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bothrops colombiensis is a highly dangerous pit viper and responsible for over 70% of snakebites in Venezuela. Although the composition in B. colombiensis venom has been identified using a proteome analysis, the venom gland transcriptome is currently lacking. RESULTS We constructed a cDNA library from the venom gland of B. colombiensis, and a set of 729 high quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was identified. A total number of 344 ESTs (47.2% of total ESTs) was related to toxins. The most abundant toxin transcripts were metalloproteinases (37.5%), phospholipases A2s (PLA2, 29.7%), and serine proteinases (11.9%). Minor toxin transcripts were linked to waprins (5.5%), C-type lectins (4.1%), ATPases (2.9%), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP, 2.3%), snake venom vascular endothelium growth factors (svVEGF, 2.3%), L-amino acid oxidases (2%), and other putative toxins (1.7%). While 160 ESTs (22% of total ESTs) coded for translation proteins, regulatory proteins, ribosomal proteins, elongation factors, release factors, metabolic proteins, and immune response proteins. Other proteins detected in the transcriptome (87 ESTs, 11.9% of total ESTs) were undescribed proteins with unknown functions. The remaining 138 (18.9%) cDNAs had no match with known GenBank accessions. CONCLUSION This study represents the analysis of transcript expressions and provides a physical resource of unique genes for further study of gene function and the development of novel molecules for medical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Montamas Suntravat
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A and M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA.
| | - Néstor L Uzcategui
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - Chairat Atphaisit
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A and M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA.
| | - Thomas J Helmke
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A and M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA.
| | - Sara E Lucena
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A and M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA.
| | - Elda E Sánchez
- National Natural Toxins Research Center, Department of Chemistry, Texas A and M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, USA.
| | - Alexis Rodríguez Acosta
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica y Ultraestructura, Instituto Anatómico de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Venomics of the Australian eastern brown snake ( Pseudonaja textilis ): Detection of new venom proteins and splicing variants. Toxicon 2015; 107:252-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
45
|
Deep venomics of the Pseudonaja genus reveals inter- and intra-specific variation. J Proteomics 2015; 133:20-32. [PMID: 26632978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Australian elapid venom remains an under-investigated resource of novel bioactive peptides. In this study, the venom gland transcriptomes and proteomes of the Australian western brown snakes, Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha and Pseudonaja nuchalis, were compared to Pseudonaja textilis. A deep venomics strategy incorporating high throughput 454 pyrosequencing gave a total of 200,911 raw reads for the three venoms. Subsequent annotation identified 5716 transcripts from 20 different toxin families with inter-specific variation between species observed in eight of the less abundant families. Integration of each venom proteome with the corresponding annotated reads identified 65 isoforms from six toxin families; high sequence coverage highlighted subtle differences between sequences and intra and inter-specific variation between species. High quality MS/MS data identified unusual glycoforms with natriuretic peptides from P. aspidorhyncha and P. nuchaliscontaining O-linked trisaccharides with high homology to the glycosylated region of TNPc. Molecular evolutionary assessments indicated the accelerated evolution of all toxin families with the exception of both natriuretic peptides and P. aspidorhyncha PLA2s that were found to be evolutionarily constrained under purifying selection pressures. This study has revealed a wide range of novel peptide sequences from six bioactive peptide families and highlights the subtle differences between toxins in these closely related species. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Mining Australia's vastly untapped source of toxins from its venomous creatures has been significantly advanced by employing deep venomics methodology. Technological advances in transcriptome analysis using next generation sequencing platforms and proteome analysis by highly sensitive tandem mass spectrometry allowed a more comprehensive interrogation of three underinvestigated brown snake (Pseudonaja) venoms uncovering many novel peptide sequences that are unique to these closely related species. This generic strategy will provide invaluable information when applied to other venomous snakes for a deeper understanding of venom composition, envenomation, venom evolution, as well as identifying research tools and drug leads.
Collapse
|
46
|
Romano JD, Tatonetti NP. VenomKB, a new knowledge base for facilitating the validation of putative venom therapies. Sci Data 2015; 2:150065. [PMID: 26601758 PMCID: PMC4658572 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2015.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms have been used for therapeutic purposes since the dawn of recorded history. Only a small fraction, however, have been tested for pharmaceutical utility. Modern computational methods enable the systematic exploration of novel therapeutic uses for venom compounds. Unfortunately, there is currently no comprehensive resource describing the clinical effects of venoms to support this computational analysis. We present VenomKB, a new publicly accessible knowledge base and website that aims to act as a repository for emerging and putative venom therapies. Presently, it consists of three database tables: (1) Manually curated records of putative venom therapies supported by scientific literature, (2) automatically parsed MEDLINE articles describing compounds that may be venom derived, and their effects on the human body, and (3) automatically retrieved records from the new Semantic Medline resource that describe the effects of venom compounds on mammalian anatomy. Data from VenomKB may be selectively retrieved in a variety of popular data formats, are open-source, and will be continually updated as venom therapies become better understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Romano
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Nicholas P Tatonetti
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA.,Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Combinations of long peptide sequence blocks can be used to describe toxin diversification in venomous animals. Toxicon 2015; 95:84-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
48
|
Phylogenetic and structural analysis of the phospholipase A2 gene family in vertebrates. Int J Mol Med 2014; 35:587-96. [PMID: 25543670 PMCID: PMC4314415 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.2047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The phospholipase A (PLA)2 family is the most complex gene family of phospholipases and plays a crucial role in a number of physiological activities. However, the phylogenetic background of the PLA2 gene family and the amino acid residues of the PLA2G7 gene following positive selection gene remain undetermined. In this study, we downloaded 49 genomic data sets of PLA from different species, including the human, house mouse, Norway rat, pig, dog, chicken, cattle, African clawed frog, Sumatran orangutan and the zebrafish species. Phylogenetic relationships were determined using the neighbor-joining (NJ), minimum evolution (ME) and maximum parsimony (MP) methods, as well as the Bayesian information criterion. The results were then presented as phylogenetic trees. Positive selection sites were detected using site, branch and branch‑site models. These methods led us to the following assumptions: i) closer lineages were observed between PLA2G16 and PLA2G6, PLA2G7 and PLA2G4, PLA2G3 and PLA2G12, as well as among PLA2G10, PLA2G5 and PLA2G15; ii) PLA2G5 appeared to be the origin of the PLA2 family, and PLA2G7 was one of the most evolutionarily distant PLA2 proteins; iii) 16 positive-selection sites were detected and were marked in the PLA2G7 protein sequence as 327D, 257Q, 276G, 34s, 66G, 67C, 319S, 28N, 50S, 54T, 58R, 75T, 88Q, 92R, 179H and 191K.
Collapse
|
49
|
Combined venom gland cDNA sequencing and venomics of the New Guinea small-eyed snake, Micropechis ikaheka. J Proteomics 2014; 110:209-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
50
|
Venomous and poisonous Australian animals of veterinary importance: a rich source of novel therapeutics. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:671041. [PMID: 25143943 PMCID: PMC4131074 DOI: 10.1155/2014/671041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Envenomation and poisoning by terrestrial animals (both vertebrate and invertebrate) are a significant economic problem and health risk for domestic animals in Australia. Australian snakes are some of the most venomous animals in the world and bees, wasps, ants, paralysis ticks, and cane toads are also present as part of the venomous and poisonous fauna. The diagnosis and treatment of envenomation or poisoning in animals is a challenge and can be a traumatic and expensive process for owners. Despite the potency of Australian venoms, there is potential for novel veterinary therapeutics to be modeled on venom toxins, as has been the case with human pharmaceuticals. A comprehensive overview of envenomation and poisoning signs in livestock and companion animals is provided and related to the potential for venom toxins to act as therapeutics.
Collapse
|