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Afordoanyi DM, Diabankana RGC, Komissarov EN, Kuchaev ES, Validov SZ. Characterization of a Novel Bacillus glycinifermentans Strain MGMM1 Based on Full Genome Analysis and Phenotypic Properties for Biotechnological Applications. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1410. [PMID: 37374912 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus species have gained much attention based on their phenotypic characteristics and their genetic architecture as biological control agents and plant growth-promotor with bioremediation potential. In this study, we analyzed the whole genome of a novel strain, Bacillus glycinifermentans MGMM1, isolated from the rhizosphere of a weed plant (Senna occidentalis) and assayed its phenotypic characteristics, as well as antifungal and biocontrol ability. The whole genome analysis of MGMM1 identified 4259 putative coding sequences, with an encoding density of 95.75% attributed to biological functions, including genes involved in stimulating plant growth, such as acetolactate synthase, alsS, and genes involved in the resistance to heavy metal antimony (arsB and arsC). AntiSMASH revealed the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters plipastatin, fengycin, laterocidine, geobacillin II, lichenysin, butirosin A and schizokinen. Tests in vitro confirmed that MGMM1 exhibited antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici (Forl) ZUM2407, Alternaria alternata, F. graminearum and F. spp. and produce protease, lipase amylase and cellulase. Bacillus glycinifermentans MGMM1 demonstrated proteolytic (4.82 ± 1.04 U/mL), amylolytic (0.84 ± 0.05 U/mL) and cellulosic (0.35 ± 0.02 U/mL) enzymatic activities, as well as indole-3-acetic acid production (48.96 ± 1.43 μg/mL). Moreover, the probiotic strain MGMM1 demonstrated a high biocontrol potential of inhibiting (up to 51.45 ± 8.08%) the development of tomato disease caused by Forl ZUM2407. These results suggest that B. glycinifermentans MGMM1 has significant potential as a biocontrol, plant growth-promoting agent in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mawuena Afordoanyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Methods, Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
- Tatar Scientific Research Institute of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Roderic Gilles Claret Diabankana
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Methods, Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Ernest Nailevich Komissarov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Methods, Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Evgenii Sergeyevich Kuchaev
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Methods, Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Shamil Zavdatovich Validov
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Methods, Kazan Scientific Center of Russian Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
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Guimarães DO, Ferro M, Santos TS, Costa TR, Yoneyama KAG, Rodrigues VDM, Henrique-Silva F, Rodrigues RS. Transcriptomic and biochemical analysis from the venom gland of the neotropical ant Odontomachus chelifer. Toxicon 2023; 223:107006. [PMID: 36572114 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.107006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The genus Odontomachus is widely distributed in neotropical areas throughout Central and South America. It is a stinging ant that subdues its prey (insects) by injecting them a cocktail of toxic molecules (venom). Ant venoms are generally composed of formic acid, alkaloids, hydrocarbons, amines, peptides, and proteins. Odontomachus chelifer is an ant that inhabits neotropical regions from Mexico to Argentina. Unlike the venom of other animals such as scorpions, spiders and snakes, this ant venom has seldom been analyzed comprehensively, and their compositions are not yet completely known. In the present study, we performed a partial investigation of enzymatic and functional activities of O. chelifer ant venom, and we provide a global insight on the transcripts expressed in the venom gland to better understand their properties. The crude venom showed phospholipase A2 and antiparasitic activities. RNA sequencing (Illumina platform) of the venom gland of O. chelifer generated 61, 422, 898 reads and de novo assembly Trinity generated 50,220 contigs. BUSCO analysis against Arthropoda_db10 showed that 92.89% of the BUSCO groups have complete gene representation (single-copy or duplicated), while 4.05% are only partially recovered, and 3.06% are missing. The 30 most expressed genes in O. chelifer venom gland transcriptome included important transcripts involved in venom function such as U-poneritoxin (01)-Om1a-like (pilosulin), chitinase 2, venom allergen 3, chymotrypsin 1 and 2 and glutathione S-transferase. Analysis of the molecular function revealed that the largest number of transcripts were related to catalytic activity, including phospholipases. These data emphasize the potential of O. chelifer venom for prospection of molecules with biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Oliveira Guimarães
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia - UFU, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Milene Ferro
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Thamires Silva Santos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia - UFU, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Tassia Rafaela Costa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia - UFU, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Kelly Aparecida Geraldo Yoneyama
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia - UFU, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Veridiana de Melo Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia - UFU, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Flávio Henrique-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, São Carlos, 13565-905, SP, Brazil.
| | - Renata Santos Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Animal Toxins, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia - UFU, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Effects of Phenotypic Variation on Biological Properties of Endophytic Bacteria Bacillus mojavensis PS17. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091305. [PMID: 36138785 PMCID: PMC9495571 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Microorganisms play an important role in agriculture by protecting and stimulating the growth of plants. The phenotypic activities of microbial biological agents (MBA) can change under different environmental conditions. However, to adapt to these harsh conditions, genetic mutations take place in bacteria that are seen phenotypically, which might not be beneficial or less beneficial to the plants. Some adaptative mechanisms used by microorganisms, especially bacteria, to face these environmental factors lead to the appearance of subpopulations with different morphotypes that may be more adapted to survive in stressful conditions. Moreover, in favorable conditions, these subpopulations may become dominant among the overall bacterial population. In this study, Bacillus mojavensis undergoes phase variation when grown in a minimal medium, in which two colonies, opaque (morphotype I) and translucent (morphotype II), were generated. The characteristics of the generated morphotypes were determined and compared with those of their original strain. Overall, the results obtained showed that the phenotypic characteristics of morphotype I statistically differed from morphotype II. This phenomenon may be one of the factors behind the dissimilarities in the results between the laboratory and field data on the application of MBA. Abstract The use of microorganism-based products in agricultural practices is gaining more interest as an alternative to chemical methods due to their non-toxic bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Various factors influence the efficacy of the microorganisms used as biological control agents in infield conditions as compared to laboratory conditions due to ecological and physiological aspects. Abiotic factors have been shown to trigger phase variations in bacterial microorganisms as a mechanism for adapting to hostile environments. In this study, we investigated the stability of the morphotype and the effects of phenotypic variation on the biological properties of Bacillus mojavensis strain PS17. B. mojavensis PS17 generated two variants (opaque and translucent) that were given the names morphotype I and II, respectively. The partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that both morphotypes belonged to B. mojavensis. BOX and ERIC fingerprinting PCR also showed the same DNA profiles in both morphotypes. The characteristics of morphotype I did not differ from the original strain, while morphotype II showed a lower hydrolytic enzyme activity, phytohormone production, and antagonistic ability against phytopathogenic fungi. Both morphotypes demonstrated endophytic ability in tomato plants. A low growth rate of the strain PS17(II) in a minimal medium was observed in comparison to the PS17(I) strain. Furthermore, the capacity for biocontrol of B. mojavensis PS17(II) was not effective in the suppression of root rot disease in the tomato plants caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radices-lycopersici stain ZUM2407, compared to B. mojavensis PS17(I), whose inhibition was almost 47.9 ± 1.03% effective.
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Shedding Lights on Crude Venom from Solitary Foraging Predatory Ant Ectatomma opaciventre: Initial Toxinological Investigation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14010037. [PMID: 35051015 PMCID: PMC8781531 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Some species of primitive predatory ants, despite living in a colony, exercise their hunting collection strategy individually; their venom is painful, paralyzing, digestive, and lethal for their prey, yet the toxins responsible for these effects are poorly known. Ectatomma opaciventre is a previously unrecorded solitary hunting ant from the Brazilian Cerrado. To overcome this hindrance, the present study performed the in vitro enzymatic, biochemical, and biological activities of E. opaciventre to better understand the properties of this venom. Its venom showed several proteins with masses ranging from 1-116 kDa, highlighting the complexity of this venom. Compounds with high enzymatic activity were described, elucidating different enzyme classes present in the venom, with the presence of the first L-amino acid oxidase in Hymenoptera venoms being reported. Its crude venom contributes to a state of blood incoagulability, acting on primary hemostasis, inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation, and operating on the fibrinolysis of loose red clots. Furthermore, the E. opaciventre venom preferentially induced cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cell lines and three different species of Leishmania. These data shed a comprehensive portrait of enzymatic components, biochemical and biological effects in vitro, opening perspectives for bio-pharmacological application of E. opaciventre venom molecules.
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Muller JDAI, Lencina JDS, Souza MIL, Mortari MR, Toffoli-Kadri MC. Macrophage activation in vitro by Parachartergus fraternus venom. Toxicon 2021; 198:48-53. [PMID: 33940047 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Parachartergus fraternus wasp induces inflammation with a predominance of mononuclear cells, that can acquire macrophage functions at the sting site, amplifying the response. These cells can be activated by venomous animals and are involved in destruction of injurious agents and release of inflammatory mediators. The objective of this work was to evaluate the activity of P. fraternus venom (Pfv) on isolated murine macrophage function. The cells were obtained from peritoneal cavity of Swiss male mice and incubated with Pfv (2.5, 5 and 10 μg/mL). Cytotoxicity was determined using MTT assay. Adhesion and detachment were evaluated using violet crystal dye. Spreading was evaluated based on morphological parameters. Phagocytosis was performed with opsonized zymosan. Production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) were quantified using the phenol red and Griess assays, respectively. Pfv at concentrations evaluated was not cytotoxic in MTT assay and did not cause macrophage detachment in cell culture plates. However, it increased adhesion of macrophage, spreading and phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan, as well as induced production of H2O2 and NO. Therefore, Pfv induces macrophage activation in vitro and the response of these cells can be correlated with the previously reported inflammatory process triggered by this wasp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica de Araujo Isaias Muller
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; PhD Student of the Multicenter Program of Post-Graduation in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, INBIO/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Joyce Dos Santos Lencina
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; Master of Science Student of the Program of Post-Graduation in Pharmacy, FACFAN/ Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Lenz Souza
- Laboratory of Biophysiopharmacology, INBIO/ Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, CB/University of Brasilia, Brazil
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Naephrai S, Khacha-ananda S, Pitchakarn P, Jaikang C. Composition and Acute Inflammatory Response from Tetraponera rufonigra Venom on RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13040257. [PMID: 33916734 PMCID: PMC8065575 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetraponera rufonigra (Arboreal Bicoloured Ant) venom induces pain, inflammation, and anaphylaxis in people and has an increased incident in Southeast Asia regions. The bioactive components and mechanism of action of the ant venom are still limited. The aim of this research was to identify the protein composition and inflammatory process of the ant venom by using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The major venom proteins are composed of 5' nucleotidase, prolyl endopeptidase-like, aminopeptidase N, trypsin-3, venom protein, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The venom showed PLA2 activity and represented 0.46 μg of PLA2 bee venom equivalent/μg crude venom protein. The venom induced cytotoxic in a dose- and time-dependent manner with IC20 approximately at 4.01 µg/mL. The increased levels of COX-2 and PGE2 were observed after 1 h of treatment correlating with an upregulation of COX-2 expression. Moreover, the level of mPGES-1 expression was obviously increased after 12 h of venom induction. Hence, our results suggested that the induction of COX-2/mPGEs-1 pathway could be a direct pathway for the ant venom-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwatjanee Naephrai
- Toxicology Section, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.N.); (S.K.-a.)
| | - Supakit Khacha-ananda
- Toxicology Section, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.N.); (S.K.-a.)
| | - Pornsiri Pitchakarn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Churdsak Jaikang
- Toxicology Section, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.N.); (S.K.-a.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-53934532
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Anti-parasitic effect on Toxoplasma gondii induced by a spider peptide lycosin-I. Exp Parasitol 2019; 198:17-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Neurobiology and therapeutic applications of neurotoxins targeting transmitter release. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 193:135-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Insects, arachnids and centipedes venom: A powerful weapon against bacteria. A literature review. Toxicon 2017; 130:91-103. [PMID: 28242227 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Currently, new antimicrobial molecules extracted or obtained by natural sources, could be a valide alternative to traditional antibiotics. Most of these molecules are represented by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are essential compounds of insect, arachnids and centipedes venom. AMPs, due to their strong effectiveness, low resistance rates and peculiar mode of action, seem to have all the suitable features to be a powerful weapon against several bacteria, especially considering the increasing antibiotic-resistance phenomena. The present literature review focuses on the antibacterial activity of bee, wasp, ant, scorpion, spider and scolopendra crude venom and of their main biological active compounds. After a brief overview of each animal and venom use in folkloristic medicine, this review reports, in a comprehensive table, the results obtained by the most relevant and recent researches carried out on the antibacterial activity of different venom and their AMPs. For each considered study, the table summarizes data concerning minimal inhibitory concentration values, minimal bactericidal concentration values, the methods employed, scientific name and common names and provenience of animal species from which the crude venom and its respective compounds were obtained.
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Al-Tamimi J, Alhazza IM, Al-Khalifa M, Metwalli A, Rady A, Ebaid H. Potential effects of samsum ant, Brachyponera sennaarensis, venom on TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-toxicity in vivo. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:198. [PMID: 27863485 PMCID: PMC5116174 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ant venom shows antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory activities, both in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have confirmed the role of samsum ant venom (SAV) as a powerful antioxidant. This study aimed to investigate whether SAV as a potential treatment for CCl4-induced acute liver toxicity in an animal (rat) model. Methods Thirty-two rats were assigned into four groups; the first one served as the control. The second group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl4 in a 1:1 ratio with olive oil through an intraperitoneal injection. The third group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl4 and then treated with SAV at a dose of 100 μg SAV twice a week for three weeks. The fourth group received a dose of 100 μg SAV only twice a week for three weeks. ELISA, RT-PCR and histopathological examinations were applied. Results Results showed that antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced in the diseased animals. SAV was found to significantly restore the oxidative stability in diseased animals. ELISA estimation and RT-PCR analysis also showed significant upregulation of both nuclear factor (κB) NF-κB and inhibitor (κB) IκB, respectively, in the diseased animals compared to the normal ones. The expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and pro-apoptotic receptor (Fas) were also significantly up-regulated in the diseased rats. Interestingly, SAV was found to significantly restore NF-κB, IκB and TNF-α in the diseased rats to the normal values. As a result, liver enzymes, serum proteins and lipid concentrations were significantly improved by SAV in CCl4-animals in comparison with the control ones. Moreover, SAV obviously improved the hepatic tissues of the same group was. Conclusion SAV treatment restores the normal biochemical and oxidative stability by improving the TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameel Al-Tamimi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Alhazza
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Al-Khalifa
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Metwalli
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Rady
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hossam Ebaid
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Pessoa WFB, Silva LCC, de Oliveira Dias L, Delabie JHC, Costa H, Romano CC. Analysis of Protein Composition and Bioactivity of Neoponera villosa Venom (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17040513. [PMID: 27110765 PMCID: PMC4848969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ants cause a series of accidents involving humans. Such accidents generate different reactions in the body, ranging from a mild irritation at the bite site to anaphylactic shock, and these reactions depend on the mechanism of action of the venom. The study of animal venom is a science known as venomics. Through venomics, the composition of the venom of several ant species has already been characterized and their biological activities described. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the protein composition and biological activities (hemolytic and immunostimulatory) of the venom of Neoponera villosa (N. villosa), an ant widely distributed in South America. The protein composition was evaluated by proteomic techniques, such as two-dimensional electrophoresis. To assess the biological activity, hemolysis assay was carried out and cytokines were quantified after exposure of macrophages to the venom. The venom of N. villosa has a profile composed of 145 proteins, including structural and metabolic components (e.g., tubulin and ATPase), allergenic and immunomodulatory proteins (arginine kinase and heat shock proteins (HSPs)), protective proteins of venom (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase) and tissue degradation proteins (hyaluronidase and phospholipase A2). The venom was able to induce hemolysis in human erythrocytes and also induced release of both pro-inflammatory cytokines, as the anti-inflammatory cytokine release by murine macrophages. These results allow better understanding of the composition and complexity of N. villosa venom in the human body, as well as the possible mechanisms of action after the bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace Felipe Blohem Pessoa
- State University of Santa Cruz (UESC)-Center of Biotechnology and Genetics (CBG), Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Leila de Oliveira Dias
- State University of Santa Cruz (UESC)-Center of Biotechnology and Genetics (CBG), Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Jacques Hubert Charles Delabie
- Myrmecology Laboratory of the Cocoa Research Center-CEPEC, Executive Committee of the Cocoa Crop (CEPLAC), Ilhéus, Bahia 45660-000, Brazil.
| | - Helena Costa
- State University of Santa Cruz (UESC)-Center of Biotechnology and Genetics (CBG), Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Carla Cristina Romano
- State University of Santa Cruz (UESC)-Center of Biotechnology and Genetics (CBG), Ilhéus, Bahia 45662-900, Brazil.
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