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Kim YJ, Jo Y, Lee SE, Kim J, Choi JP, Lee N, Won H, Woo DH, Yum S. Synthetic ShK-like Peptide from the Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai Has Human Voltage-Gated Potassium-Channel-Blocking Activity. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:217. [PMID: 38786608 PMCID: PMC11122761 DOI: 10.3390/md22050217] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We identified a new human voltage-gated potassium channel blocker, NnK-1, in the jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai based on its genomic information. The gene sequence encoding NnK-1 contains 5408 base pairs, with five introns and six exons. The coding sequence of the NnK-1 precursor is 894 nucleotides long and encodes 297 amino acids containing five presumptive ShK-like peptides. An electrophysiological assay demonstrated that the fifth peptide, NnK-1, which was chemically synthesized, is an effective blocker of hKv1.3, hKv1.4, and hKv1.5. Multiple-sequence alignment with cnidarian Shk-like peptides, which have Kv1.3-blocking activity, revealed that three residues (3Asp, 25Lys, and 34Thr) of NnK-1, together with six cysteine residues, were conserved. Therefore, we hypothesized that these three residues are crucial for the binding of the toxin to voltage-gated potassium channels. This notion was confirmed by an electrophysiological assay with a synthetic peptide (NnK-1 mu) where these three peptides were substituted with 3Glu, 25Arg, and 34Met. In conclusion, we successfully identified and characterized a new voltage-gated potassium channel blocker in jellyfish that interacts with three different voltage-gated potassium channels. A peptide that interacts with multiple voltage-gated potassium channels has many therapeutic applications in various physiological and pathophysiological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ji Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea;
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Jo
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.); (N.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jungeun Kim
- Personal Genomics Institute (PGI), Genome Research Foundation (GRF), Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.-P.C.)
| | - Jae-Pil Choi
- Personal Genomics Institute (PGI), Genome Research Foundation (GRF), Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.-P.C.)
| | - Nayoung Lee
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.); (N.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Hyokyoung Won
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.); (N.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Dong Ho Woo
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea;
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungshic Yum
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.); (N.L.); (H.W.)
- KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
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2
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La Corte C, Dara M, Bertini F, Bisanti L, Cammarata M, Parisi MG. Sea anemones, methylmercury, and bacterial infection: A closer look at multiple stressors. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116287. [PMID: 38547612 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Specimens of the Mediterranean sea anemone Anemonia viridis were exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) and bacterial infection to study their immune responses to a well-known toxic pollutant. Anemones were housed in laboratory conditions and divided into five experimental groups: 1. control (no microinjection); 2. filtered seawater + buffer injection; 3. filtered seawater + Escherichia coli injection; 4. MeHg + buffer injection; 5. MeHg + E. coli injection. Data showed an increase in antioxidant enzyme production compared to the constitutive condition, while methylmercury inhibited lysozyme production. The buffer inoculation had no statistically significant effects on the animals. In addition, electrophoretic and protease analyses revealed differences in the type of proteins produced, as well as a modulation of proteases depending on the treatment. The study demonstrated the immunomodulatory effect of the organic pollutant on A. viridis, validating its use as a model organism for marine coastal biomonitoring programmes and multiple stress studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C La Corte
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - M Dara
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - F Bertini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - L Bisanti
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - M Cammarata
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - M G Parisi
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, Palermo 90133, Italy.
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3
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Lecaudey LA, Netzer R, Wibberg D, Busche T, Bloecher N. Metatranscriptome analysis reveals the putative venom toxin repertoire of the biofouling hydroid Ectopleura larynx. Toxicon 2024; 237:107556. [PMID: 38072317 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107556] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Cnidarians thriving in biofouling communities on aquaculture net pens represent a significant health risk for farmed finfish due to their stinging cells. The toxins coming into contact with the fish, during net cleaning, can adversely affect their behavior, welfare, and survival, with a particularly serious health risk for the gills, causing direct tissue damage such as formation of thrombi and increasing risks of secondary infections. The hydroid Ectopleura larynx is one of the most common fouling organisms in Northern Europe. However, despite its significant economic, environmental, and operational impact on finfish aquaculture, biological information on this species is scarce and its venom composition has never been investigated. In this study, we generated a whole transcriptome of E. larynx, and identified its putative expressed venom toxin proteins (predicted toxin proteins, not functionally characterized) based on in silico transcriptome annotation mining and protein sequence analysis. The results uncovered a broad and diverse repertoire of putative toxin proteins for this hydroid species. Its toxic arsenal appears to include a wide and complex selection of toxin proteins, covering a large panel of potential biological functions that play important roles in envenomation. The putative toxins identified in this species, such as neurotoxins, GTPase toxins, metalloprotease toxins, ion channel impairing toxins, hemorrhagic toxins, serine protease toxins, phospholipase toxins, pore-forming toxins, and multifunction toxins may cause various major deleterious effects in prey, predators, and competitors. These results provide valuable new insights into the venom composition of cnidarians, and venomous marine organisms in general, and offer new opportunities for further research into novel and valuable bioactive molecules for medicine, agronomics and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roman Netzer
- SINTEF Ocean, Aquaculture Department, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Daniel Wibberg
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany; Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 1, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Nina Bloecher
- SINTEF Ocean, Aquaculture Department, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
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4
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Hérnández-Elizárraga VH, Vega-Tamayo JE, Olguín-López N, Ibarra-Alvarado C, Rojas-Molina A. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal the first occurrence of diverse toxin groups in Millepora alcicornis. J Proteomics 2023; 288:104984. [PMID: 37536522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Millepora alcicornis is a reef-forming cnidarian widely distributed in the Mexican Caribbean. Millepora species or "fire corals" inflict a painful stinging reaction in humans when touched. Even though hundreds of organic and polypeptide toxins have been characterized from sea anemones and jellyfish, there are few reports regarding the diversity of toxins synthesized by fire corals. Here, based on transcriptomic analysis of M. alcicornis, several predicted proteins that show amino acid sequence similarity to toxins were identified, including neurotoxins, metalloproteases, hemostasis-impairing toxins, serin proteases, cysteine-rich venom proteins, phospholipases, complement system-impairing toxins, phosphodiesterases, pore-forming toxins, and L-aminoacid oxidases. The soluble nematocyst proteome of this organism was shown to induce hemolytic, proteolytic, and phospholipase A2 effects by gel zymography. Protein bands or spots on 1D- and 2D-PAGE gels corresponding to zones of hemolytic and enzymatic activities were excised, subjected to in-gel digestion with trypsin, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. These proteins exhibited sequence homology to PLA2s, metalloproteinases, pore-forming toxins, and neurotoxins, such as actitoxins and CrTX-A. The complex array of venom-related transcripts that were identified in M. alcicornis, some of which are first reported in "fire corals", provide novel insight into the structural richness of Cnidarian toxins and their distribution among species. SIGNIFICANCE: Marine organisms are a promising source of bioactive compounds with valuable contributions in diverse fields such as human health, pharmaceuticals, and industrial application. Currently, not much attention has been paid to the study of fire corals, which possess a variety of molecules that exhibit diverse toxic effects and therefore have great pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential. The isolation and identification of novel marine-derived toxins by classical approaches are time-consuming and have low yields. Thus, next-generation strategies, like base-'omics technologies, are essential for the high-throughput characterization of venom compounds such as those synthesized by fire corals. This study moves the field forward because it provides new insights regarding the first occurrence of diverse toxin groups in Millepora alcicornis. The findings presented here will contribute to the current understanding of the mechanisms of action of Millepora toxins. This research also reveals important information related to the potential role of toxins in the defense and capture of prey mechanisms and for designing appropriate treatments for fire coral envenomation. Moreover, due to the lack of information on the taxonomic identification of Millepora, the insights presented here can advise the taxonomic classification of the species of this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Hugo Hérnández-Elizárraga
- Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N, C.P. 76010 Querétaro, Qro, Mexico; University of Minnesota Genomics Center, 2231 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Norma Olguín-López
- Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N, C.P. 76010 Querétaro, Qro, Mexico; División Química y Energías Renovables, Universidad Tecnológica de San Juan del Río. Av La Palma No 125 Vista Hermosa, 76800 San Juan del Río, Qro, Mexico.
| | - César Ibarra-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N, C.P. 76010 Querétaro, Qro, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Rojas-Molina
- Laboratorio de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas S/N, C.P. 76010 Querétaro, Qro, Mexico.
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5
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Farhat S, Modica MV, Puillandre N. Whole Genome Duplication and Gene Evolution in the Hyperdiverse Venomous Gastropods. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad171. [PMID: 37494290 PMCID: PMC10401626 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The diversity of venomous organisms and the toxins they produce have been increasingly investigated, but taxonomic bias remains important. Neogastropods, a group of marine predators representing almost 22% of the known gastropod diversity, evolved a wide range of feeding strategies, including the production of toxins to subdue their preys. However, whether the diversity of these compounds is at the origin of the hyperdiversification of the group and how genome evolution may correlate with both the compounds and species diversities remain understudied. Among the available gastropods genomes, only eight, with uneven quality assemblies, belong to neogastropods. Here, we generated chromosome-level assemblies of two species belonging to the Tonnoidea and Muricoidea superfamilies (Monoplex corrugatus and Stramonita haemastoma). The two obtained high-quality genomes had 3 and 2.2 Gb, respectively, and 92-89% of the total assembly conformed 35 pseudochromosomes in each species. Through the analysis of syntenic blocks, Hox gene cluster duplication, and synonymous substitutions distribution pattern, we inferred the occurrence of a whole genome duplication event in both genomes. As these species are known to release venom, toxins were annotated in both genomes, but few of them were found in homologous chromosomes. A comparison of the expression of ohnolog genes (using transcriptomes from osphradium and salivary glands in S. haemastoma), where both copies were differentially expressed, showed that most of them had similar expression profiles. The high quality of these genomes makes them valuable reference in their respective taxa, facilitating the identification of genome-level processes at the origin of their evolutionary success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Farhat
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Maria Vittoria Modica
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Roma, Italy
| | - Nicolas Puillandre
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
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6
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Mazzi Esquinca ME, Correa CN, Marques de Barros G, Montenegro H, Mantovani de Castro L. Multiomic Approach for Bioprospection: Investigation of Toxins and Peptides of Brazilian Sea Anemone Bunodosoma caissarum. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030197. [PMID: 36976246 PMCID: PMC10058367 DOI: 10.3390/md21030197] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones are sessile invertebrates of the phylum Cnidaria and their survival and evolutive success are highly related to the ability to produce and quickly inoculate venom, with the presence of potent toxins. In this study, a multi-omics approach was applied to characterize the protein composition of the tentacles and mucus of Bunodosoma caissarum, a species of sea anemone from the Brazilian coast. The tentacles transcriptome resulted in 23,444 annotated genes, of which 1% showed similarity with toxins or proteins related to toxin activity. In the proteome analysis, 430 polypeptides were consistently identified: 316 of them were more abundant in the tentacles while 114 were enriched in the mucus. Tentacle proteins were mostly enzymes, followed by DNA- and RNA-associated proteins, while in the mucus most proteins were toxins. In addition, peptidomics allowed the identification of large and small fragments of mature toxins, neuropeptides, and intracellular peptides. In conclusion, integrated omics identified previously unknown or uncharacterized genes in addition to 23 toxin-like proteins of therapeutic potential, improving the understanding of tentacle and mucus composition of sea anemones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Mazzi Esquinca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Neves Correa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Marques de Barros
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Mantovani de Castro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
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7
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Li R, Yu H, Li A, Yu C, Li P. Identification and characterization of the key lethal toxin from jellyfish Cyanea nozakii. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123176. [PMID: 36621741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123176] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Jellyfish Cyanea nozakii venom is a complex mixture of various toxins, most of which are proteinous biological macromolecules and are considered to be responsible for clinical symptoms or even death after a severe sting. Previous transcriptome and proteome analysis identified hundreds of toxins in the venom, including hemolysins, C-type lectin, phospholipase A2, potassium channel inhibitor, metalloprotease, etc. However, it is not clear which toxin in the venom plays the most important role in lethality. Herein, we isolated the key lethal toxin (Letoxcn) from jellyfish Cyanea nozakii using anion exchange chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of Letoxcn is ∼50 kDa with the N-terminal sequences of QADAEKVNLPVGVCV. Peptide mass fingerprinting analysis of Letoxcn shows that it may have some motifs of phospholipase, metalloproteinase, thrombin-like enzyme, potassium channel toxin, etc. However, only metalloproteinase activity but no hemolytic, PLA2, or blood coagulation activity was observed from in vitro toxicity analysis. Overall, this study uncovered and characterized the key lethal toxin in the venom of jellyfish Cyanea nozakii, which will not only help to reveal the molecule mechanism of the lethality, but also develop effective treatment like antivenom for this jellyfish sting in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Huahua Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Aoyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunlin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China.
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8
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Delgado A, Benedict C, Macrander J, Daly M. Never, Ever Make an Enemy… Out of an Anemone: Transcriptomic Comparison of Clownfish Hosting Sea Anemone Venoms. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20120730. [PMID: 36547877 PMCID: PMC9782873 DOI: 10.3390/md20120730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones are predatory marine invertebrates and have diverse venom arsenals. Venom is integral to their biology, and is used in competition, defense, and feeding. Three lineages of sea anemones are known to have independently evolved symbiotic relationships with clownfish, however the evolutionary impact of this relationship on the venom composition of the host is still unknown. Here, we investigate the potential of this symbiotic relationship to shape the venom profiles of the sea anemones that host clownfish. We use transcriptomic data to identify differences and similarities in venom profiles of six sea anemone species, representing the three known clades of clownfish-hosting sea anemones. We recovered 1121 transcripts matching verified toxins across all species, and show that hemolytic and hemorrhagic toxins are consistently the most dominant and diverse toxins across all species examined. These results are consistent with the known biology of sea anemones, provide foundational data on venom diversity of these species, and allow for a review of existing hierarchical structures in venomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Delgado
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Charlotte Benedict
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jason Macrander
- Department of Biology, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL 33815, USA
| | - Marymegan Daly
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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9
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Cunha SA, Dinis-Oliveira RJ. Raising Awareness on the Clinical and Forensic Aspects of Jellyfish Stings: A Worldwide Increasing Threat. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148430. [PMID: 35886286 PMCID: PMC9324653 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Jellyfish are ubiquitous animals registering a high and increasing number of contacts with humans in coastal areas. These encounters result in a multitude of symptoms, ranging from mild erythema to death. This work aims to review the state-of-the-art regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and relevant clinical and forensic aspects of jellyfish stings. There are three major classes of jellyfish, causing various clinical scenarios. Most envenomations result in an erythematous lesion with morphological characteristics that may help identify the class of jellyfish responsible. In rare cases, the sting may result in delayed, persistent, or systemic symptoms. Lethal encounters have been described, but most of those cases happened in the Indo-Pacific region, where cubozoans, the deadliest jellyfish class, can be found. The diagnosis is mostly clinical but can be aided by dermoscopy, skin scrapings/sticky tape, confocal reflectance microscopy, immunological essays, among others. Treatment is currently based on preventing further envenomation, inactivating the venom, and alleviating local and systemic symptoms. However, the strategy used to achieve these effects remains under debate. Only one antivenom is currently used and covers merely one species (Chironex fleckeri). Other antivenoms have been produced experimentally but were not tested on human envenomation settings. The increased number of cases, especially due to climate changes, justifies further research in the study of clinical aspects of jellyfish envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Almeida Cunha
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; or
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; or
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- MTG Research and Development Lab, 4200-604 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +351-224-157-216
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10
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Li A, Yu H, Li R, Yue Y, Yu C, Geng H, Liu S, Xing R, Li P. Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai causes myotoxicity through the metalloprotease component of venom. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113192. [PMID: 35644119 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish envenomation is a common medical problem in many countries. However, the myotoxicity and effector molecules of scyphozoan venoms remain uninvestigated. Here, we present the myotoxicity of nematocyst venom from Nemopilema nomurai (NnNV), a giant venomous scyphozoan from China, for the first time, using in vivo models with inhibitors. NnNV was able to induce remarkable myotoxicity including significant muscle swelling, increasing the content of CK and LDH in serum, stimulating inflammation of muscle tissue, and destroying the structure of muscle tissue. In addition, the metalloproteinase inhibitors BMT and EDTA significantly reduced the myotoxicity induced by NnNV. Moreover, BMT and EDTA could decrease the inflammatory stimulation and necrosis of muscle tissue caused by the venom. These observations suggest that the metalloproteinase components of NnNV make a considerable contribution to myotoxicity. This study contributes to understanding the effector molecules of muscle injury caused by jellyfish stings and suggests a new idea for the treatment of scyphozoan envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoyu Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huahua Yu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Rongfeng Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yang Yue
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Chunlin Yu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hao Geng
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Song Liu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Ronge Xing
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
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11
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Verdes A, Taboada S, Hamilton BR, Undheim EAB, Sonoda GG, Andrade SCS, Morato E, Isabel Marina A, Cárdenas CA, Riesgo A. Evolution, expression patterns and distribution of novel ribbon worm predatory and defensive toxins. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6580756. [PMID: 35512366 PMCID: PMC9132205 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribbon worms are active predators that use an eversible proboscis to inject venom into their prey and defend themselves with toxic epidermal secretions. Previous work on nemertean venom has largely focused on just a few species and has not investigated the different predatory and defensive secretions in detail. Consequently, our understanding of the composition and evolution of ribbon worm venoms is still very limited. Here, we present a comparative study of nemertean venom combining RNA-seq differential gene expression analyses of venom-producing tissues, tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics of toxic secretions, and mass spectrometry imaging of proboscis sections, to shed light onto the composition and evolution of predatory and defensive toxic secretions in Antarctonemertes valida. Our analyses reveal a wide diversity of putative defensive and predatory toxins with tissue-specific gene expression patterns and restricted distributions to the mucus and proboscis proteomes respectively, suggesting that ribbon worms produce distinct toxin cocktails for predation and defense. Our results also highlight the presence of numerous lineage-specific toxins, indicating that venom evolution is highly divergent across nemerteans, producing toxin cocktails that might be finely tuned to subdue different prey. Our data also suggest that the hoplonemertean proboscis is a highly specialized predatory organ that seems to be involved in a variety of biological functions besides predation, including secretion and sensory perception. Overall, our results advance our knowledge into the diversity and evolution of nemertean venoms and highlight the importance of combining different types of data to characterize toxin composition in understudied venomous organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Verdes
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Sergi Taboada
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK.,Departament of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Brett R Hamilton
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gabriel G Sonoda
- Departmento de Genética e Biología Evolutiva, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sonia C S Andrade
- Departmento de Genética e Biología Evolutiva, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Esperanza Morato
- CBMSO Protein Chemistry Facility, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Marina
- CBMSO Protein Chemistry Facility, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - César A Cárdenas
- Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno, Punta Arenas, Chile.,Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana Riesgo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN), CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
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12
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New Insights into the Toxin Diversity and Antimicrobial Activity of the “Fire Coral” Millepora complanata. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030206. [PMID: 35324703 PMCID: PMC8954376 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, few studies have been carried out aimed at characterizing the toxins synthesized by hydrocorals of the genus Millepora. The purpose of this study was to explore the toxin diversity and antibacterial activity of the “fire coral” M. complanata using a transcriptomic data mining approach. In addition, the cytolytic and antibacterial activities of the M. complanata nematocyst proteome were experimentally confirmed. Cytolysins were predicted from the transcriptome by comparing against the Animal Toxin Annotation Project database, resulting in 190 putative toxins, including metalloproteases, hemostasis-impairing toxins, phospholipases, among others. The M. complanata nematocyst proteome was analyzed by 1D and 2D electrophoresis and zymography. The zymograms showed different zones of cytolytic activity: two zones of hemolysis at ~25 and ~205 kDa, two regions corresponding to phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity around 6 and 25 kDa, and a proteolytic zone was observed between 50 and 205 kDa. The hemolytic activity of the proteome was inhibited in the presence of PLA2 and proteases inhibitors, suggesting that PLA2s, trypsin, chymotrypsin, serine-proteases, and matrix metalloproteases are responsible for the hemolysis. On the other hand, antimicrobial peptide sequences were retrieved from their transcripts with the amPEPpy software. This analysis revealed the presence of homologs to SK84, cgUbiquitin, Ubiquicidin, TroTbeta4, SPINK9-v1, and Histone-related antimicrobials in the transcriptome of this cnidarian. Finally, by employing disk diffusion and microdilution assays, we found that the nematocyst peptidome of M. complanata showed inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including S. enteritidis, P. perfectomarina, E. coli, and C. xerosis, among others. This is the first transcriptomic data mining analysis to explore the diversity of the toxins synthesized by an organism of the genus Millepora. Undoubtedly, this work provides information that will broaden our general understanding of the structural richness of cnidarian toxins.
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13
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Guo Q, Whipps CM, Zhai Y, Li D, Gu Z. Quantitative Insights into the Contribution of Nematocysts to the Adaptive Success of Cnidarians Based on Proteomic Analysis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:91. [PMID: 35053089 PMCID: PMC8773148 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nematocysts are secretory organelles in cnidarians that play important roles in predation, defense, locomotion, and host invasion. However, the extent to which nematocysts contribute to adaptation and the mechanisms underlying nematocyst evolution are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the nematocyst in cnidarian evolution based on eight nematocyst proteomes and 110 cnidarian transcriptomes/genomes. We detected extensive species-specific adaptive mutations in nematocyst proteins (NEMs) and evidence for decentralized evolution, in which most evolutionary events involved non-core NEMs, reflecting the rapid diversification of NEMs in cnidarians. Moreover, there was a 33-55 million year macroevolutionary lag between nematocyst evolution and the main phases of cnidarian diversification, suggesting that the nematocyst can act as a driving force in evolution. Quantitative analysis revealed an excess of adaptive changes in NEMs and enrichment for positively selected conserved NEMs. Together, these findings suggest that nematocysts may be key to the adaptive success of cnidarians and provide a reference for quantitative analyses of the roles of phenotypic novelties in adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiang Guo
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Christopher M Whipps
- SUNY-ESF, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, 246 Illick Hall, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Yanhua Zhai
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zemao Gu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
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14
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Ashwood LM, Undheim EAB, Madio B, Hamilton BR, Daly M, Hurwood DA, King GF, Prentis PJ. Venoms for all occasions: The functional toxin profiles of different anatomical regions in sea anemones are related to their ecological function. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:866-883. [PMID: 34837433 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The phylum Cnidaria is the oldest extant venomous group and is defined by the presence of nematocysts, specialized organelles responsible for venom production and delivery. Although toxin peptides and the cells housing nematocysts are distributed across the entire animal, nematocyte and venom profiles have been shown to differ across morphological structures in actiniarians. In this study, we explore the relationship between patterns of toxin expression and the ecological roles of discrete anatomical structures in Telmatactis stephensoni. Specifically, using a combination of proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, we examined whether there is a direct correlation between the functional similarity of regions and the similarity of their associated toxin expression profiles. We report that the regionalization of toxin production is consistent with the partitioning of the ecological roles of venom across envenomating structures, and that three major functional regions are present in T. stephensoni: tentacles, epidermis and gastrodermis. Additionally, we find that most structures that serve similar functions not only have comparable putative toxin profiles but also similar nematocyst types. There was no overlap in the putative toxins identified using proteomics and transcriptomics, but the expression patterns of specific milked venom peptides were conserved across RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry imaging data sets. Furthermore, based on our data, it appears that acontia of T. stephensoni may be transcriptionally inactive and only mature nematocysts are present in the distal portions of the threads. Overall, we find that the venom profile of different anatomical regions in sea anemones varies according to its ecological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Ashwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bruno Madio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett R Hamilton
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Microscopy and Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marymegan Daly
- Department of Evolution, Ecology & Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - David A Hurwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,ARC Centre for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Li R, Yu H, Li A, Yu C, Li P. Refinement and Neutralization Evaluation of the F(ab') 2 Type of Antivenom against the Deadly Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai Toxins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312672. [PMID: 34884477 PMCID: PMC8657884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish stings threaten people's health and even life in coastal areas worldwide. Nemopilema nomurai is one of the most dangerous jellyfish in the East Asian Marginal Seas, which not only stings hundreds of thousands of people every year but also is assumed to be responsible for most deaths by jellyfish stings in China. However, there is no effective first-aid drug, such as antivenoms, for the treatment of severe stings by N. nomurai to date. In this study, we prepared a N. nomurai antiserum from rabbits using inactivated N. nomurai toxins (NnTXs) and isolated the IgG type of antivenom (IgG-AntiNnTXs) from the antiserum. Subsequently, IgG-AntiNnTXs were refined with multiple optimizations to remove Fc fragments. Finally, the F(ab')2 type of antivenom (F(ab')2-AntiNnTXs) was purified using Superdex 200 and protein A columns. The neutralization efficacy of both types of antivenom was analyzed in vitro and in vivo, and the results showed that both IgG and F(ab')2 types of antivenom have some neutralization effect on the metalloproteinase activity of NnTXs in vitro and could also decrease the mortality of mice in the first 4 h after injection. This study provides some useful information for the development of an effective antivenom for N. nomurai stings in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (H.Y.); (A.L.); (C.Y.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (P.L.); Tel.: +86-532-8289-8512 (R.L.); +86-532-8289-8707 (P.L.)
| | - Huahua Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (H.Y.); (A.L.); (C.Y.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Aoyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (H.Y.); (A.L.); (C.Y.)
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunlin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (H.Y.); (A.L.); (C.Y.)
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (H.Y.); (A.L.); (C.Y.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (P.L.); Tel.: +86-532-8289-8512 (R.L.); +86-532-8289-8707 (P.L.)
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16
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Chuang PS, Mitarai S. Genetic changes involving the coral gastrovascular system support the transition between colonies and bailed-out polyps: evidence from a Pocillopora acuta transcriptome. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:694. [PMID: 34563133 PMCID: PMC8466926 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A coral colony is composed of physiologically integrated polyps. In stony corals, coloniality adopts a wide diversity of forms and involves complex ontogenetic dynamics. However, molecular mechanisms underlying coloniality have been little studied. To understand the genetic basis of coloniality and its contribution to coral ecology, we induced polyp bail-out in a colonial coral, Pocillopora acuta, and compared transcription profiles of bailed-out polyps and polyps in normal colonies, and their responses to heat shock and hyposalinity. Results Consistent with morphological formation of a gastrovascular system and its neural transmission and molecular transport functions, we found genetic activation of neurogenesis and development of tube-like structures in normal colonies that is absent in bailed-out polyps. Moreover, relative to bailed-out polyps, colonies showed significant overexpression of genes for angiotensin-converting enzymes and endothelin-converting enzymes. In response to hyperthermal and hyposaline treatments, a high proportion of genetic regulation proved specific to either bailed-out polyps or colonies. Elevated temperatures even activated NF-κB signaling in colonies. On the other hand, colonies showed no discernible advantage over bailed-out polyps in regard to hyposalinity. Conclusions The present study provides a first look at the genetic basis of coloniality and documents different responses to environmental stimuli in P. acuta colonies versus those in bailed-out polyps. Overexpression of angiotensin-converting enzymes and endothelin-converting enzymes in colonies suggests possible involvement of these genes in development of the gastrovascular system in P. acuta. Functional characterization of these coral genes and further investigation of other forms of the transition to coloniality in stony corals should be fruitful areas for future research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08026-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Shun Chuang
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun , 904-0495, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Mitarai
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun , 904-0495, Okinawa, Japan
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17
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Hartigan A, Jaimes-Becerra A, Okamura B, Doonan LB, Ward M, Marques AC, Long PF. Recruitment of toxin-like proteins with ancestral venom function supports endoparasitic lifestyles of Myxozoa. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11208. [PMID: 33981497 PMCID: PMC8083181 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidarians are the oldest lineage of venomous animals and use nematocysts to discharge toxins. Whether venom toxins have been recruited to support parasitic lifestyles in the Endocnidozoa (Myxozoa + Polypodium) is, however, unknown. To examine this issue we variously employed transcriptomic, proteomic, associated molecular phylogenies, and localisation studies on representative primitive and derived myxozoans (Malacosporea and Myxosporea, respectively), Polypodium hydriforme, and the free-living staurozoan Calvadosia cruxmelitensis. Our transcriptomics and proteomics analyses provide evidence for expression and translation of venom toxin homologs in myxozoans. Phylogenetic placement of Kunitz type serine protease inhibitors and phospholipase A2 enzymes reveals modification of toxins inherited from ancestral free-living cnidarian toxins, and that venom diversity is reduced in myxozoans concordant with their reduced genome sizes. Various phylogenetic analyses of the Kunitz-type toxin family in Endocnidozoa suggested lineage-specific gene duplications, which offers a possible mechanism for enhancing toxin diversification. Toxin localisation in the malacosporean Buddenbrockia plumatellae substantiates toxin translation and thus illustrates a repurposing of toxin function for endoparasite development and interactions with hosts, rather than for prey capture or defence. Whether myxozoan venom candidates are expressed in transmission stages (e.g. in nematocysts or secretory vesicles) requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlie Hartigan
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Jaimes-Becerra
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beth Okamura
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liam B Doonan
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Ward
- Aulesa Biosciences Ltd, Shefford, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio C Marques
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul F Long
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Klompen AML, Kayal E, Collins AG, Cartwright P. Phylogenetic and Selection Analysis of an Expanded Family of Putatively Pore-Forming Jellyfish Toxins (Cnidaria: Medusozoa). Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6248095. [PMID: 33892512 PMCID: PMC8214413 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many jellyfish species are known to cause a painful sting, but box jellyfish (class Cubozoa) are a well-known danger to humans due to exceptionally potent venoms. Cubozoan toxicity has been attributed to the presence and abundance of cnidarian-specific pore-forming toxins called jellyfish toxins (JFTs), which are highly hemolytic and cardiotoxic. However, JFTs have also been found in other cnidarians outside of Cubozoa, and no comprehensive analysis of their phylogenetic distribution has been conducted to date. Here, we present a thorough annotation of JFTs from 147 cnidarian transcriptomes and document 111 novel putative JFTs from over 20 species within Medusozoa. Phylogenetic analyses show that JFTs form two distinct clades, which we call JFT-1 and JFT-2. JFT-1 includes all known potent cubozoan toxins, as well as hydrozoan and scyphozoan representatives, some of which were derived from medically relevant species. JFT-2 contains primarily uncharacterized JFTs. Although our analyses detected broad purifying selection across JFTs, we found that a subset of cubozoan JFT-1 sequences are influenced by gene-wide episodic positive selection compared with homologous toxins from other taxonomic groups. This suggests that duplication followed by neofunctionalization or subfunctionalization as a potential mechanism for the highly potent venom in cubozoans. Additionally, published RNA-seq data from several medusozoan species indicate that JFTs are differentially expressed, spatially and temporally, between functionally distinct tissues. Overall, our findings suggest a complex evolutionary history of JFTs involving duplication and selection that may have led to functional diversification, including variability in toxin potency and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M L Klompen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA
| | - Ehsan Kayal
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Sorbonne Université, CNRS, FR2424, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier, 29680, Roscoff, France
| | - Allen G Collins
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,National Systematics Laboratory of NOAA's Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Paulyn Cartwright
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA
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19
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Riyas A, Kumar A, Chandran M, Jaleel A, Biju Kumar A. The venom proteome of three common scyphozoan jellyfishes (Chrysaora caliparea, Cyanea nozakii and Lychnorhiza malayensis) (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) from the coastal waters of India. Toxicon 2021; 195:93-103. [PMID: 33741399 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.005] [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: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The jellyfish venom stored in nematocysts contains highly toxic compounds comprising of polypeptides, enzymes and other proteins, which form their chemical defence armoury against predators. We have characterized the proteome of crude venom extract from three bloom-forming scyphozoan jellyfish along the south-west coast of India, Chrysaora caliparea, Cyanea nozakii and Lychnorhiza malayensis using a Quadrupole-Time of Flight (Q/TOF) mass spectrometry analysis. The most abundant toxin identified from Chrysaora caliparea and Lychnorhiza malayensis is similar to the pore-forming toxins and metalloproteinases. A protective antioxidant enzyme called peroxiredoxin was found abundantly in Cyanea nozakii. Metalloproteinase identified from the C. caliparea shows similarity with the venom of pit viper (Bothrops pauloensis), while that of L. malayensis was similar to the venom of snakes such as the Bothrops insularis and Bothrops asper. Kininogen-1 is a secreted protein, identified for the first time from the jellyfish L. malayensis. The proteome analysis of Cyanea nozakii, Chrysaora caliparea and Lychnorhiza malayensis contained 20, 12, 8 unique proteins, respectively. Our study characterized the proteome map of crude venom extract from L. malayensis and C. caliparea for the first time, and the venom profile is compared with published information elsewhere. Proteomic data from this study has been made available in the public domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Riyas
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, 695581, Kerala, India
| | - Aneesh Kumar
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Mahesh Chandran
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Abdul Jaleel
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, 695581, Kerala, India.
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Mouchbahani-Constance S, Sharif-Naeini R. Proteomic and Transcriptomic Techniques to Decipher the Molecular Evolution of Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:154. [PMID: 33669432 PMCID: PMC7920473 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature's library of venoms is a vast and untapped resource that has the potential of becoming the source of a wide variety of new drugs and therapeutics. The discovery of these valuable molecules, hidden in diverse collections of different venoms, requires highly specific genetic and proteomic sequencing techniques. These have been used to sequence a variety of venom glands from species ranging from snakes to scorpions, and some marine species. In addition to identifying toxin sequences, these techniques have paved the way for identifying various novel evolutionary links between species that were previously thought to be unrelated. Furthermore, proteomics-based techniques have allowed researchers to discover how specific toxins have evolved within related species, and in the context of environmental pressures. These techniques allow groups to discover novel proteins, identify mutations of interest, and discover new ways to modify toxins for biomimetic purposes and for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Sharif-Naeini
- Department of Physiology and Cell Information Systems Group, Alan Edwards Center for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada;
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ERK and mTORC1 Inhibitors Enhance the Anti-Cancer Capacity of the Octpep-1 Venom-Derived Peptide in Melanoma BRAF(V600E) Mutations. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13020146. [PMID: 33672955 PMCID: PMC7918145 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the main cause of skin cancer deaths, with special emphasis in those cases carrying BRAF mutations that trigger the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling and unrestrained cell proliferation in the absence of mitogens. Current therapies targeting MAPK are hindered by drug resistance and relapse that rely on metabolic rewiring and Akt activation. To identify new drug candidates against melanoma, we investigated the molecular mechanism of action of the Octopus Kaurna-derived peptide, Octpep-1, in human BRAF(V600E) melanoma cells using proteomics and RNAseq coupled with metabolic analysis. Fluorescence microscopy verified that Octpep-1 tagged with fluorescein enters MM96L and NFF cells and distributes preferentially in the perinuclear area of MM96L cells. Proteomics and RNAseq revealed that Octpep-1 targets PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in MM96L cells. In addition, Octpep-1 combined with rapamycin (mTORC1 inhibitor) or LY3214996 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) augmented the cytotoxicity against BRAF(V600E) melanoma cells in comparison with the inhibitors or Octpep-1 alone. Octpep-1-treated MM96L cells displayed reduced glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration when combined with LY3214996. Altogether these data support Octpep-1 as an optimal candidate in combination therapies for melanoma BRAF(V600E) mutations.
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Becerra-Amezcua MP, Rincón-Guevara MA, Hernández-Calderas I, Guzmán-García X, Guerrero-Legarreta I, González-Márquez H. Metalloproteinases and NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase within of Bay nettle ( Chrysaora chesapeakei) venom. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1870497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xochitl Guzmán-García
- Departamento de Hidrobiología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
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Yue Y, Yu H, Li R, Li P. Topical Exposure to Nemopilema nomurai Venom Triggers Oedematogenic Effects: Enzymatic Contribution and Identification of Venom Metalloproteinase. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13010044. [PMID: 33430137 PMCID: PMC7826907 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Scyphozoan envenomation is featured as severe cutaneous damages due to the toxic effects of venom components released by the stinging nematocysts of a scyphozoan. However, the oedematogenic property and mechanism of scyphozoan venoms remain uninvestigated. Here, we present the oedematogenic properties of the nematocyst venom from Nemopilema nomurai (NnNV), a giant stinging scyphozoan in China, for the first time, using in vivo and in vitro models with class-specific inhibitors. NnNV was able to induce remarkable oedematogenic effects, including induction of significant oedema in the footpad and thigh of mouse, and increase in vascular permeability in the dorsal skin and kidney. Moreover, batimastat, a specific metalloproteinase inhibitor, could significantly reduce the Evan’s blue leakage in the damaged organs and attenuate paw oedema after 12 h, but exerted no influence on NnNV-induced thigh oedema. These observations suggested a considerable contribution of NnNV metalloproteinase-like components to the increased vasopermeability, and the participation was strongly suggested to be mediated by destroying the integrity of the vascular basement membrane. Moreover, partial isolation combined LC-MS/MS profiling led to identification of the protein species Nn65 with remarkable metalloproteinase activity. This study contributes to the understanding of the effector components underlying the cutaneous damages induced by scyphozoan stings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yue
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.Y.); (R.L.)
| | - Huahua Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.Y.); (R.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (P.L.); Tel.: +86-0532-8289-8780 (H.Y.); +86-0532-8289-8707 (P.L.)
| | - Rongfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.Y.); (R.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China; (Y.Y.); (R.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, No. 1 Wenhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (P.L.); Tel.: +86-0532-8289-8780 (H.Y.); +86-0532-8289-8707 (P.L.)
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Leung TCN, Qu Z, Nong W, Hui JHL, Ngai SM. Proteomic Analysis of the Venom of Jellyfishes Rhopilema esculentum and Sanderia malayensis. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18120655. [PMID: 33371176 PMCID: PMC7766711 DOI: 10.3390/md18120655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomics, the study of biological venoms, could potentially provide a new source of therapeutic compounds, yet information on the venoms from marine organisms, including cnidarians (sea anemones, corals, and jellyfish), is limited. This study identified the putative toxins of two species of jellyfish—edible jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye, 1891, also known as flame jellyfish, and Amuska jellyfish Sanderia malayensis Goette, 1886. Utilizing nano-flow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nLC–MS/MS), 3000 proteins were identified from the nematocysts in each of the above two jellyfish species. Forty and fifty-one putative toxins were identified in R. esculentum and S. malayensis, respectively, which were further classified into eight toxin families according to their predicted functions. Amongst the identified putative toxins, hemostasis-impairing toxins and proteases were found to be the most dominant members (>60%). The present study demonstrates the first proteomes of nematocysts from two jellyfish species with economic and environmental importance, and expands the foundation and understanding of cnidarian toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. N. Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Zhe Qu
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.Q.); (W.N.)
| | - Wenyan Nong
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.Q.); (W.N.)
| | - Jerome H. L. Hui
- Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.Q.); (W.N.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.L.H.); (S.M.N.)
| | - Sai Ming Ngai
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
- Correspondence: (J.H.L.H.); (S.M.N.)
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Hwang DH, Lee H, Choudhary I, Kang C, Chae J, Kim E. Protective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on toxic metalloproteinases-mediated skin damage induced by Scyphozoan jellyfish envenomation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18644. [PMID: 33122740 PMCID: PMC7596074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish stingings are currently raising serious public health concerns around the world. Hence, the search for an effective first aid reagent for the envenomation has been the goal of many investigators in the field. There have been a few previous reports of in vivo as well as in vivo studies suggesting the metalloproteinase activity of scyphozoan jellyfish venom, such as N. nomurai venom (NnV), plays a major role in the pathogenesis. These results have inspired us to develop a metalloproteinase inhibitor as a candidate for the treatment of Scyphozoan jellyfish envenomation. It has been previously demonstrated that the major polyphenol component in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), can inhibit metalloproteinase activity of snake venoms. In fact, plant polyphenols as potential therapeutics have been shown to exert positive effects on neutralizing snake venoms and toxins. In the present study, we found that EGCG significantly inhibits the toxic proteases of NnV in a concentration-dependent manner. Human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and Human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell culture studies showed that EGCG treatment can protect the cells from NnV-induced cytotoxicity which has been accompanied by the down-regulation of human matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9. Simulated rat NnV envenomation study disclosed that topical treatments with EGCG considerably ameliorated the progression of the dermonecrotic lesions caused by NnV. EGCG also reduced the activitions of tissue MMP-2 and MMP-9, which seem to be crucial players in the dermal toxic responses induced by NnV. Therefore, we propose that EGCG might be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of cutaneoous jellyfish symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Hyeon Hwang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea.,Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea
| | - Hyunkyoung Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea
| | - Indu Choudhary
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea
| | - Changkeun Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea.,Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea
| | - Jinho Chae
- Marine Environmental Research and Information Laboratory, B1101, 17 Gosan-ro 148beon-gil, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15850, Korea.
| | - Euikyung Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea. .,Institute of Animal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Korea.
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D’Ambra I, Lauritano C. A Review of Toxins from Cnidaria. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E507. [PMID: 33036158 PMCID: PMC7600780 DOI: 10.3390/md18100507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidarians have been known since ancient times for the painful stings they induce to humans. The effects of the stings range from skin irritation to cardiotoxicity and can result in death of human beings. The noxious effects of cnidarian venoms have stimulated the definition of their composition and their activity. Despite this interest, only a limited number of compounds extracted from cnidarian venoms have been identified and defined in detail. Venoms extracted from Anthozoa are likely the most studied, while venoms from Cubozoa attract research interests due to their lethal effects on humans. The investigation of cnidarian venoms has benefited in very recent times by the application of omics approaches. In this review, we propose an updated synopsis of the toxins identified in the venoms of the main classes of Cnidaria (Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Cubozoa, Staurozoa and Anthozoa). We have attempted to consider most of the available information, including a summary of the most recent results from omics and biotechnological studies, with the aim to define the state of the art in the field and provide a background for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella D’Ambra
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Chiara Lauritano
- Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
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A tentacle for every occasion: comparing the hunting tentacles and sweeper tentacles, used for territorial competition, in the coral Galaxea fascicularis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:548. [PMID: 32770938 PMCID: PMC7430897 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06952-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coral reefs are among the most diverse, complex and densely populated marine ecosystems. To survive, morphologically simple and sessile cnidarians have developed mechanisms to catch prey, deter predators and compete with adjacent corals for space, yet the mechanisms underlying these functions are largely unknown. Here, we characterize the histology, toxic activity and gene expression patterns in two different types of tentacles from the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascilcularis – catch tentacles (CTs), used to catch prey and deter predators, and sweeper tentacles (STs), specialized tentacles used for territorial aggression. Results STs exhibit more mucocytes and higher expression of mucin genes than CTs, and lack the ectodermal cilia used to deliver food to the mouth and remove debris. STs and CTs also express different sensory rhodopsin-like g-protein coupled receptors, suggesting they may employ different sensory pathways. Each tentacle type has a different complement of stinging cells (nematocytes), and the expression in the two tentacles of genes encoding structural nematocyte proteins suggests the stinging cells develop within the tentacles. CTs have higher neurotoxicity to blowfly larvae and hemolytic activity compared to the STs, consistent with a role in prey capture. In contrast, STs have higher phospholipase A2 activity, which we speculate may have a role in inducing tissue damage during territorial aggression. The expression of genes encoding cytolytic toxins (actinoporins) and phospholipases also differs between the tentacle types. Conclusions These results show that the same organism utilizes two distinct tentacle types, each equipped with a different venom apparatus and toxin composition, for prey capture and defense and for territorial aggression.
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Klompen AML, Macrander J, Reitzel AM, Stampar SN. Transcriptomic Analysis of Four Cerianthid (Cnidaria, Ceriantharia) Venoms. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18080413. [PMID: 32764303 PMCID: PMC7460484 DOI: 10.3390/md18080413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tube anemones, or cerianthids, are a phylogenetically informative group of cnidarians with complex life histories, including a pelagic larval stage and tube-dwelling adult stage, both known to utilize venom in stinging-cell rich tentacles. Cnidarians are an entirely venomous group that utilize their proteinaceous-dominated toxins to capture prey and defend against predators, in addition to several other ecological functions, including intraspecific interactions. At present there are no studies describing the venom for any species within cerianthids. Given their unique development, ecology, and distinct phylogenetic-placement within Cnidaria, our objective is to evaluate the venom-like gene diversity of four species of cerianthids from newly collected transcriptomic data. We identified 525 venom-like genes between all four species. The venom-gene profile for each species was dominated by enzymatic protein and peptide families, which is consistent with previous findings in other cnidarian venoms. However, we found few toxins that are typical of sea anemones and corals, and furthermore, three of the four species express toxin-like genes closely related to potent pore-forming toxins in box jellyfish. Our study is the first to provide a survey of the putative venom composition of cerianthids and contributes to our general understanding of the diversity of cnidarian toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. L. Klompen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Jason Macrander
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA; (J.M.); (A.M.R.)
- Department of Biology, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth, Drive Lakeland, FL 33801, USA
| | - Adam M. Reitzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA; (J.M.); (A.M.R.)
| | - Sérgio N. Stampar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), FCL, Assis, SP 19806, Brazil;
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A combined analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics of a novel Antarctic Salpa sp. and its potential toxin screenings. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 160:1101-1113. [PMID: 32473222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.05.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We successfully captured a kind of gelatinous organism DA-6 from Antarctic water, extracted its total RNAs and proteins, and performed species identification through a combination of transcriptomics and proteomics in this study. METHODS The gelatinous organism DA-6 was captured 200 m underwater in Antarctica. Total RNA was extracted to construct the transcriptome and the proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS DA-6 was identified as an Antarctic Salpa sp. through morphological examination and MT-CO1 phylogenetic analysis. A total of 47,183 unigenes were harvested through transcriptome. We also successfully annotated 11,954 (25.34%), 10,006 (22.21%), 4469 (9.47%) and 4901 (9.71%) unigenes with NR, SwissProt, GO and KEGG databases, respectively. In the proteomic analysis, a total of 4680 peptides and 1280 proteins were harvested using the transcriptome as the reference database. A number of both 549 (31.98%) proteins reannotated against the GO and KEGG databases. Moreover, a number of 5 toxic proteins matched from the 89 toxin-related unigenes were successfully screened, including 2 metalloproteinases, 1 serine protease, 1 serine protease inhibitor and 1 aflatoxin. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to identify an Antarctic Salpa sp. according to the combination of de novo transcriptomics and proteomics, which can further be served as a public database for the identification of potential polar Salpa-derived lead compounds. In addition to morphology and CO1, the combined analysis of transcriptome and proteome can also be used as a value method for new species identify e.g. Salpa sp.
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An Integrated Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Venom Complexity of the Bullet Ant Paraponera clavata. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050324. [PMID: 32422990 PMCID: PMC7290781 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical hurdle in ant venom proteomic investigations is the lack of databases to comprehensively and specifically identify the sequence and function of venom proteins and peptides. To resolve this, we used venom gland transcriptomics to generate a sequence database that was used to assign the tandem mass spectrometry (MS) fragmentation spectra of venom peptides and proteins to specific transcripts. This was performed alongside a shotgun liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of the venom to confirm that these assigned transcripts were expressed as proteins. Through the combined transcriptomic and proteomic investigation of Paraponera clavata venom, we identified four times the number of proteins previously identified using 2D-PAGE alone. In addition to this, by mining the transcriptomic data, we identified several novel peptide sequences for future pharmacological investigations, some of which conform with inhibitor cysteine knot motifs. These types of peptides have the potential to be developed into pharmaceutical or bioinsecticide peptides.
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Ashwood LM, Norton RS, Undheim EAB, Hurwood DA, Prentis PJ. Characterising Functional Venom Profiles of Anthozoans and Medusozoans within Their Ecological Context. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E202. [PMID: 32283847 PMCID: PMC7230708 DOI: 10.3390/md18040202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review examines the current state of knowledge regarding toxins from anthozoans (sea anemones, coral, zoanthids, corallimorphs, sea pens and tube anemones). We provide an overview of venom from phylum Cnidaria and review the diversity of venom composition between the two major clades (Medusozoa and Anthozoa). We highlight that the functional and ecological context of venom has implications for the temporal and spatial expression of protein and peptide toxins within class Anthozoa. Understanding the nuances in the regulation of venom arsenals has been made possible by recent advances in analytical technologies that allow characterisation of the spatial distributions of toxins. Furthermore, anthozoans are unique in that ecological roles can be assigned using tissue expression data, thereby circumventing some of the challenges related to pharmacological screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Ashwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David A. Hurwood
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Institute of Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Peter J. Prentis
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Institute of Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
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Mitchell ML, Tonkin-Hill GQ, Morales RAV, Purcell AW, Papenfuss AT, Norton RS. Tentacle Transcriptomes of the Speckled Anemone (Actiniaria: Actiniidae: Oulactis sp.): Venom-Related Components and Their Domain Structure. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 22:207-219. [PMID: 31981004 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-020-09945-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cnidarians are one of the oldest known animal lineages (ca. 700 million years), with a unique envenomation apparatus to deliver a potent mixture of peptides and proteins. Some peptide toxins from cnidarian venom have proven therapeutic potential. Here, we use a transcriptomic/proteomic strategy to identify sequences with similarity to known venom protein families in the tentacles of the endemic Australian 'speckled anemone' (Oulactis sp.). Illumina RNASeq data were assembled de novo. Annotated sequences in the library were verified by cross-referencing individuals' transcriptomes or protein expression evidence from LC-MS/MS data. Sequences include pore-forming toxins, phospholipases, peptidases, neurotoxins (sodium and potassium channel modulators), cysteine-rich secretory proteins and defensins (antimicrobial peptides). Fewer than 4% of the sequences in the library occurred across the three individuals examined, demonstrating high sequence variability of an individual's arsenal. We searched for actinoporins in Oulactis sp. to assess sequence similarity to the only described toxins (OR-A and -G) for this genus and examined the domain architecture of venom-related peptides and proteins. The novel putative actinoporin of Oulactis sp. has a greater similarity to other species in the Actiniidae family than to O. orientalis. Venom-related sequences have an architecture that occurs in single, repeat or multi-domain combinations of venom-related (e.g. ShK-like) and non-venom (e.g. whey acid protein) domains. This study has produced the first transcriptomes for an endemic Australian sea anemone species and the genus Oulactis, while identifying nearly 400 novel venom-related peptides and proteins for future structural and functional analyses and venom evolution studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela L Mitchell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
- Sciences Department, Museum Victoria, G.P.O. Box 666, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia.
- Queensland Museum, P.O. Box 3000, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia.
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Gerry Q Tonkin-Hill
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Rodrigo A V Morales
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
- CSL Limited, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony T Papenfuss
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
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Presence-absence polymorphisms of single-copy genes in the stony coral Acropora digitifera. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:158. [PMID: 32054446 PMCID: PMC7020367 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the importance of characterizing genetic variation among coral individuals for understanding phenotypic variation, the correlation between coral genomic diversity and phenotypic expression is still poorly understood. Results In this study, we detected a high frequency of genes showing presence–absence polymorphisms (PAPs) for single-copy genes in Acropora digitifera. Among 10,455 single-copy genes, 516 (5%) exhibited PAPs, including 32 transposable element (TE)-related genes. Five hundred sixteen genes exhibited a homozygous absence in one (102) or more than one (414) individuals (n = 33), indicating that most of the absent alleles were not rare variants. Among genes showing PAPs (PAP genes), roughly half were expressed in adults and/or larvae, and the PAP status was associated with differential expression among individuals. Although 85% of PAP genes were uncharacterized or had ambiguous annotations, 70% of these genes were specifically distributed in cnidarian lineages in eumetazoa, suggesting that these genes have functional roles related to traits related to cnidarians or the family Acroporidae or the genus Acropora. Indeed, four of these genes encoded toxins that are usually components of venom in cnidarian-specific cnidocytes. At least 17% of A. digitifera PAP genes were also PAPs in A. tenuis, the basal lineage in the genus Acropora, indicating that PAPs were shared among species in Acropora. Conclusions Expression differences caused by a high frequency of PAP genes may be a novel genomic feature in the genus Acropora; these findings will contribute to improve our understanding of correlation between genetic and phenotypic variation in corals.
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Jaimes-Becerra A, Gacesa R, Doonan LB, Hartigan A, Marques AC, Okamura B, Long PF. "Beyond Primary Sequence"-Proteomic Data Reveal Complex Toxins in Cnidarian Venoms. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 59:777-785. [PMID: 31225595 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals can deploy toxins for both predation and defense. These dual functions of toxins might be expected to promote the evolution of new venoms and alteration of their composition. Cnidarians are the most ancient venomous animals but our present understanding of their venom diversity is compromised by poor taxon sampling. New proteomic data were therefore generated to characterize toxins in venoms of a staurozoan, a hydrozoan, and an anthozoan. We then used a novel clustering approach to compare venom diversity in cnidarians to other venomous animals. Comparison of the presence or absence of 32 toxin protein families indicated venom composition did not vary widely among the 11 cnidarian species studied. Unsupervised clustering of toxin peptide sequences suggested that toxin composition of cnidarian venoms is just as complex as that in many venomous bilaterians, including marine snakes. The adaptive significance of maintaining a complex and relatively invariant venom remains unclear. Future study of cnidarian venom diversity, venom variation with nematocyst types and in different body regions are required to better understand venom evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Jaimes-Becerra
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Ranko Gacesa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Postbus 30.001, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands
| | - Liam B Doonan
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Ashlie Hartigan
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Antonio C Marques
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Beth Okamura
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Paul F Long
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Matão, Trav. 14, 101, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK.,¶Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, B16, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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Kitahara MV, Jaimes‐Becerra A, Gamero‐Mora E, Padilla G, Doonan LB, Ward M, Marques AC, Morandini AC, Long PF. Reciprocal transplantation of the heterotrophic coral Tubastraea coccinea (Scleractinia: Dendrophylliidae) between distinct habitats did not alter its venom toxin composition. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:1794-1803. [PMID: 32128117 PMCID: PMC7042732 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubastraea coccinea is an azooxanthellate coral species recorded in the Indian and Atlantic oceans and is presently widespread in the southwestern Atlantic with an alien status for Brazil. T. coccinea outcompete other native coral species by using a varied repertoire of biological traits. For example, T. coccinea has evolved potent venom capable of immobilizing and digesting zooplankton prey. Diversification and modification of venom toxins can provide potential adaptive benefits to individual fitness, yet acquired alteration of venom composition in cnidarians is poorly understood as the adaptive flexibility affecting toxin composition in these ancient lineages has been largely ignored. We used quantitative high-throughput proteomics to detect changes in toxin expression in clonal fragments of specimens collected and interchanged from two environmentally distinct and geographically separate study sites. Unexpectedly, despite global changes in protein expression, there were no changes in the composition and abundance of toxins from coral fragments recovered from either site, and following clonal transplantation between sites. There were also no apparent changes to the cnidome (cnidae) and gross skeletal or soft tissue morphologies of the specimens. These results suggest that the conserved toxin complexity of T. coccinea co-evolved with innovation of the venom delivery system, and its morphological development and phenotypic expression are not modulated by habitat pressures over short periods of time. The adaptive response of the venom trait to specific predatory regimes, however, necessitates further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo V. Kitahara
- Departamento de Ciências do MarUniversidade Federal de São PauloSantosBrazil
- Centro de Biologia Marinha (CEBIMar)Universidade de São PauloSão SebastiãoBrazil
| | - Adrian Jaimes‐Becerra
- Departamento de ZoologiaInstituto de BiociênciasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Edgar Gamero‐Mora
- Departamento de ZoologiaInstituto de BiociênciasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Gabriel Padilla
- Departmento de MicrobiologiaInstituto de Ciências BiomédicasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Liam B. Doonan
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical SciencesFaculty of Life Sciences & MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Antonio C. Marques
- Departamento de ZoologiaInstituto de BiociênciasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - André C. Morandini
- Departamento de ZoologiaInstituto de BiociênciasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Paul F. Long
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical SciencesFaculty of Life Sciences & MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Faculdade de Ciências FarmacêuticasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
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Guo Q, Liu Y, Zhai Y, Gu Z. A fast and effective method for dissecting parasitic spores: myxozoans as an example. J Exp Biol 2020:jeb.214916. [PMID: 34005559 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.214916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Disassembling the parasitic spores and acquiring the main subunits is a prerequisite for deep understanding of the basic biology of parasites. Herein we present a fast and efficient method to dissect the myxospores in a few steps, which mainly involved sonication, sucrose density gradient and Percoll density gradient. We tested our method on three myxozoans species and demonstrated this method allows the dismembering of myxospores, isolation of intact and clean nematocysts and shell valves within 2h by low-cost. This new tool will facilitate subsequent analyses and enable a better understanding of the ecological and evolutionary significance of parasitic spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiang Guo
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei province, 430070, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei province, 430070, PR China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Yanhua Zhai
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei province, 430070, PR China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
| | - Zemao Gu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei province, 430070, PR China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, 430070, PR China
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Matsumoto Y, Piraino S, Miglietta MP. Transcriptome Characterization of Reverse Development in Turritopsis dohrnii (Hydrozoa, Cnidaria). G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:4127-4138. [PMID: 31619459 PMCID: PMC6893190 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Medusae of Turritopsis dohrnii undergo reverse development in response to physical damage, adverse environmental conditions, or aging. Senescent, weakened or damaged medusae transform into a cluster of poorly differentiated cells (known as the cyst stage), which metamorphose back into a preceding life cycle stage, the polyp. During the metamorphosis, cell transdifferentiation occurs. The cyst represents the intermediate stage between a reverting medusa and a healthy polyp, during which cell transdifferentiation and tissue reorganization take place. Here we characterize and compare the transcriptomes of the polyp and newborn medusa stages of T. dohrnii with that of the cyst, to identify biological networks potentially involved in the reverse development and transdifferentiation processes. The polyp, medusa and cyst of T. dohrnii were sequenced through Illumina RNA-sequencing and assembled using a de novo approach, resulting in 92,569, 74,639 and 86,373 contigs, respectively. The transcriptomes were annotated and comparative analyses among the stages identified biological networks that were significantly over-and under-expressed in the cyst as compared to the polyp and medusa stages. Biological processes that occur at the cyst stage such as telomerase activity, regulation of transposable elements and DNA repair systems, and suppression of cell signaling pathways, mitotic cell division and cellular differentiation and development may be involved in T. dohrnii's reverse development and transdifferentiation. Our results are the first attempt to understand T. dohrnii's life-cycle reversal at the genetic level, and indicate possible avenues of future research on developmental strategies, cell transdifferentiation, and aging using T. dohrnii as a non-traditional in vivo system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Matsumoto
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX and
| | - Stefano Piraino
- Università del Salento, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Morlighem JÉRL, Radis-Baptista G. The Place for Enzymes and Biologically Active Peptides from Marine Organisms for Application in Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:334-355. [PMID: 30255754 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180926121722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of written history, diverse texts have reported the use of enzymatic preparations in food processing and have described the medicinal properties of crude and fractionated venoms to treat various diseases and injuries. With the biochemical characterization of enzymes from distinct sources and bioactive polypeptides from animal venoms, the last sixty years have testified the advent of industrial enzymology and protein therapeutics, which are currently applicable in a wide variety of industrial processes, household products, and pharmaceuticals. Bioprospecting of novel biocatalysts and bioactive peptides is propelled by their unsurpassed properties that are applicable for current and future green industrial processes, biotechnology, and biomedicine. The demand for both novel enzymes with desired characteristics and novel peptides that lead to drug development, has experienced a steady increase in response to the expanding global market for industrial enzymes and peptidebased drugs. Moreover, although largely unexplored, oceans and marine realms, with their unique ecosystems inhabited by a large variety of species, including a considerable number of venomous animals, are recognized as untapped reservoirs of molecules and macromolecules (enzymes and bioactive venom-derived peptides) that can potentially be converted into highly valuable biopharmaceutical products. In this review, we have focused on enzymes and animal venom (poly)peptides that are presently in biotechnological use, and considering the state of prospection of marine resources, on the discovery of useful industrial biocatalysts and drug leads with novel structures exhibiting selectivity and improved performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Étienne R L Morlighem
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Av da Abolicao 3207. Fortaleza/CE. 60165081, Brazil
| | - Gandhi Radis-Baptista
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Av da Abolicao 3207. Fortaleza/CE. 60165081, Brazil
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Liang H, Jiang G, Wang T, Zhang J, Liu W, Xu Z, Zhang J, Xiao L. An integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveals toxin arsenal of a novel Antarctic jellyfish Cyanea sp. J Proteomics 2019; 208:103483. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Doonan LB, Lynham S, Quinlan C, Ibiji SC, Winter CE, Padilla G, Jaimes-Becerra A, Morandini AC, Marques AC, Long PF. Venom Composition Does Not Vary Greatly Between Different Nematocyst Types Isolated from the Primary Tentacles of Olindias sambaquiensis (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa). THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2019; 237:26-35. [PMID: 31441701 DOI: 10.1086/705113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this quantitative proteomics study we determined the variety and relative abundance of toxins present in enriched preparations of two nematocyst types isolated from the primary tentacles of the adult medusa stage of the hydrozoan Olindias sambaquiensis. The two nematocyst types were microbasic mastigophores and microbasic euryteles, and these were recovered from the macerated tentacle tissues by using a differential centrifugation approach. Soluble protein extracts from these nematocysts were tagged with tandem mass tag isobaric labels and putative toxins identified using tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a stringent bioinformatics annotation pipeline. Astonishingly, the venom composition of the two capsule types was nearly identical, and there was also little difference in the comparative abundance of toxins between the two nematocyst preparations. This homogeneity suggested that the same toxin complement was present regardless of the penetrative ability of the nematocyst type. Predicted toxin protein families that constituted the venom closely matched those of the toxic proteome of O. sambaquiensis published four years previously, suggesting that venom composition in this species changes little over time. Retaining an array of different nematocyst types to deliver a single venom, rather than sustaining the high metabolic cost necessary to maintain a dynamically evolving venom, may be more advantageous, given the vastly different interspecific interactions that adult medusa encounter in coastal zones.
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Ramírez-Carreto S, Vera-Estrella R, Portillo-Bobadilla T, Licea-Navarro A, Bernaldez-Sarabia J, Rudiño-Piñera E, Verleyen JJ, Rodríguez E, Rodríguez-Almazán C. Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis of the Tentacles and Mucus of Anthopleura dowii Verrill, 1869. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17080436. [PMID: 31349621 PMCID: PMC6722582 DOI: 10.3390/md17080436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemone venom contains a complex and diverse arsenal of peptides and proteins of pharmacological and biotechnological interest, however, only venom from a few species has been explored from a global perspective to date. In the present study, we identified the polypeptides present in the venom of the sea anemone Anthopleura dowii Verrill, 1869 through a transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of the tentacles and the proteomic profile of the secreted mucus. In our transcriptomic results, we identified 261 polypeptides related to or predicted to be secreted in the venom, including proteases, neurotoxins that could act as either potassium (K+) or sodium (Na+) channels inhibitors, protease inhibitors, phospholipases A2, and other polypeptides. Our proteomic data allowed the identification of 156 polypeptides—48 exclusively identified in the mucus, 20 in the tentacles, and 88 in both protein samples. Only 23 polypeptides identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were related to the venom and 21 exclusively identified in the mucus, most corresponding to neurotoxins and hydrolases. Our data contribute to the knowledge of evolutionary and venomic analyses of cnidarians, particularly of sea anemones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santos Ramírez-Carreto
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Rosario Vera-Estrella
- Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Tobías Portillo-Bobadilla
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Bioestadística y Biología Computacional. Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Calle Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, C.P. 14080, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alexei Licea-Navarro
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, BC C.P. 22860, México
| | - Johanna Bernaldez-Sarabia
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, BC C.P. 22860, México
| | - Enrique Rudiño-Piñera
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Jerome J Verleyen
- Unidad Universitaria de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Estefanía Rodríguez
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Claudia Rodríguez-Almazán
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México.
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Shafee T, Mitchell ML, Norton RS. Mapping the chemical and sequence space of the ShKT superfamily. Toxicon 2019; 165:95-102. [PMID: 31063742 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The ShKT superfamily is widely distributed throughout nature and encompasses a wide range of documented functions and processes, from modulation of potassium channels to involvement in morphogenesis pathways. Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) contain a cysteine-rich domain (CRD) at the C-terminus that is similar in structure to the ShK fold. Despite the structural similarity of the CRD and ShK-like domains, we know little of the sequence-function relationships in these families. Here, for the first time, we examine the evolution of the biophysical properties of sequences within the ShKT superfamily in relation to function, with a focus on the ShK-like superfamily. ShKT data were sourced from published sequences in the protein family database, in addition to new ShK-like sequences from the Australian speckled anemone (Oulactis sp.). Our analysis clearly delineates the ShK-like family from the CRDs of CRISP proteins. The four CRISP subclusters separate out into the main phyla of Mammalia, Insecta and Reptilia. The ShK-like family is in turn composed of seven subclusters, the largest of which contains members from across the eukaryotes, with a continuum of intermediate properties. Smaller sub-clusters contain specialised members such as nematode ShK-like sequences. Several of these ShKT sub-clusters contain no functionally characterised sequences. This chemical space analysis should be useful as a guide to select sequences for functional studies and to gain insight into the evolution of these highly divergent sequences with an ancient conserved fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Shafee
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia; Department of Animal, Plant, and Soil Science, AgriBio, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Michela L Mitchell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Bioinformatics Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Marine Invertebrates, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Vic, 3001, Australia; Biodiversity & Geosciences, Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
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Wang C, Wang B, Wang B, Wang Q, Liu G, Wang T, He Q, Zhang L. Unique Diversity of Sting-Related Toxins Based on Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis of the Jellyfish Cyanea capillata and Nemopilema nomurai (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa). J Proteome Res 2018; 18:436-448. [PMID: 30481029 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The scyphozoan jellyfish Cyanea capillata and Nemopilema nomurai are common blooming species in China. They possess heterogeneous nematocysts and produce various types of venom that can elicit diverse sting symptoms in humans. However, the differences in venom composition between the two species remain unclear. In this study, a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach was used to identify and compare putative toxins in penetrant nematocysts isolated from C. capillata and N. nomurai. A total of 53 and 69 putative toxins were identified in C. capillata nematocyst venom (CnV) and N. nomurai nematocyst venom (NnV), respectively. These sting-related toxins from both CnV and NnV could be grouped into 10 functional categories, including proteinases, phospholipases, neurotoxins, cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), lectins, pore-forming toxins (PFTs), protease inhibitors, ion channel inhibitors, insecticidal components, and other toxins, but the constituent ratio of each toxin category varied between CnV and NnV. Metalloproteinases, proteases, and pore-forming toxins were predominant in NnV, representing 27.5%, 18.8%, and 8.7% of the identified venom proteins, respectively, while phospholipases, neurotoxins, and proteases were the top three identified venom proteins in CnV, accounting for 22.6%, 17.0%, and 11.3%, respectively. Our findings provide comprehensive information on the molecular diversity of toxins from two common blooming and stinging species of jellyfish in China. Furthermore, the results reveal a possible relationship between venom composition and sting consequences, guiding the development of effective treatments for different jellyfish stings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tao Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine , Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University , Shanghai 200433 , China
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Ranasinghe SL, Boyle GM, Fischer K, Potriquet J, Mulvenna JP, McManus DP. Kunitz type protease inhibitor EgKI-1 from the canine tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus as a promising therapeutic against breast cancer. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200433. [PMID: 30169534 PMCID: PMC6118354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
EgKI-1, a member of the Kunitz type protease inhibitor family, is highly expressed by the oncosphere of the canine tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, the stage that is infectious to humans and ungulates, giving rise to a hydatid cyst localized to the liver and other organs. Larval protoscoleces, which develop within the hydatid cyst, have been shown to possess anti-cancer properties, although the precise molecules involved have not been identified. We show that recombinant EgKI-1 inhibits the growth and migration of a range of human cancers including breast, melanoma and cervical cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner in vitro without affecting normal cell growth. Furthermore, EgKI-1 treatment arrested the cancer cell growth by disrupting the cell cycle and induced apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro. An in vivo model of triple negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) in BALB/c nude mice showed significant tumor growth reduction in EgKI-1-treated mice compared with controls. These findings indicate that EgKI-1 shows promise for future development as an anti-cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwanthi L. Ranasinghe
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Glen M. Boyle
- Cancer Drug Mechanisms Group, Cell & Molecular Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katja Fischer
- Scabies Group, Cell & Molecular Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jeremy Potriquet
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Jason P. Mulvenna
- Biomarkers and Biology of Infection Related Cancers Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Cnidarian peptide neurotoxins: a new source of various ion channel modulators or blockers against central nervous systems disease. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:189-197. [PMID: 30165198 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cnidaria provide the largest source of bioactive peptides for new drug development. The venoms contain enzymes, potent pore-forming toxins and neurotoxins. The neurotoxins can immobilize predators rapidly when discharged via modifying sodium-channel-gating or blocking the potassium channel during the repolarization stage. Most cnidarian neurotoxins remain conserved under the strong influence of negative selection. Neuroactive peptides targeting the central nervous system through affinity with ion channels could provide insight leading to drug treatment of neurological diseases, which arise from ion channel dysfunctions. Although marine resources offer thousands of possible peptides, only one peptide derived from Cnidaria: ShK-186, also named dalazatide, has reached the pharmaceutical market. This review focuses on neuroprotective agents derived from cnidarian neurotoxic peptides.
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Synthesis, folding, structure and activity of a predicted peptide from the sea anemone Oulactis sp. with an ShKT fold. Toxicon 2018; 150:50-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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R L Morlighem JÉ, Huang C, Liao Q, Braga Gomes P, Daniel Pérez C, de Brandão Prieto-da-Silva ÁR, Ming-Yuen Lee S, Rádis-Baptista G. The Holo-Transcriptome of the Zoantharian Protopalythoa variabilis (Cnidaria: Anthozoa): A Plentiful Source of Enzymes for Potential Application in Green Chemistry, Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:E207. [PMID: 29899267 PMCID: PMC6025448 DOI: 10.3390/md16060207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine invertebrates, such as sponges, tunicates and cnidarians (zoantharians and scleractinian corals), form functional assemblages, known as holobionts, with numerous microbes. This type of species-specific symbiotic association can be a repository of myriad valuable low molecular weight organic compounds, bioactive peptides and enzymes. The zoantharian Protopalythoa variabilis (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) is one such example of a marine holobiont that inhabits the coastal reefs of the tropical Atlantic coast and is an interesting source of secondary metabolites and biologically active polypeptides. In the present study, we analyzed the entire holo-transcriptome of P. variabilis, looking for enzyme precursors expressed in the zoantharian-microbiota assemblage that are potentially useful as industrial biocatalysts and biopharmaceuticals. In addition to hundreds of predicted enzymes that fit into the classes of hydrolases, oxidoreductases and transferases that were found, novel enzyme precursors with multiple activities in single structures and enzymes with incomplete Enzyme Commission numbers were revealed. Our results indicated the predictive expression of thirteen multifunctional enzymes and 694 enzyme sequences with partially characterized activities, distributed in 23 sub-subclasses. These predicted enzyme structures and activities can prospectively be harnessed for applications in diverse areas of industrial and pharmaceutical biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Étienne R L Morlighem
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60440-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil.
| | - Chen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 519020, China.
| | - Qiwen Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 519020, China.
| | - Paula Braga Gomes
- Department of Biology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Daniel Pérez
- Academic Center in Vitória, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | | | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 519020, China.
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60440-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil.
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Lewis Ames C, Macrander J. Evidence for an Alternative Mechanism of Toxin Production in the Box Jellyfish Alatina alata. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 56:973-988. [PMID: 27880678 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cubozoans (box jellyfish) have a reputation as the most venomous animals on the planet. Herein, we provide a review of cubozoan prey capture and digestion informed by the scientific literature. Like all cnidarians, box jellyfish envenomation originates from structures secreted within nematocyte post-Golgi vesicles called nematocysts. When tentacles come in contact with prey or would-be predators, a cocktail of toxins is rapidly deployed from nematocysts via a long spiny tubule that serves to immobilize the target organism. The implication has long been that toxin peptides and proteins making up the venom within the nematocyst capsule are secreted directly by nematocytes during nematogenesis. However, our combined molecular and morphological analysis of the venomous box jellyfish Alatina alata suggests that gland cells with possible dual roles in secreting toxins and toxic-like enzymes are found in the gastric cirri. These putative gland cell assemblages might be functionally important internally (digestion of prey) as well as externally (envenomation) in cubozoans. Despite the absence of nematocysts in the gastric cirri of mature A. alata medusae, this area of the digestive system appears to be the region of the body where venom-implicated gene products are found in highest abundance, challenging the idea that in cnidarians venom is synthesized exclusively in, or nearby, nematocysts. In an effort to uncover evidence for a central area enriched in gland cells associated with the gastric cirri we provide a comparative description of the morphology of the digestive structures of A. alata and Carybdea box jellyfish species. Finally, we conduct a multi-faceted analysis of the gene ontology terms associated with venom-implicated genes expressed in the tentacle/pedalium and gastric cirri, with a particular emphasis on zinc metalloprotease homologs and genes encoding other bioactive proteins that are abundant in the A. alata transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Lewis Ames
- *Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013, USA; .,Biological Sciences Graduate Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Jason Macrander
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
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Remigante A, Costa R, Morabito R, La Spada G, Marino A, Dossena S. Impact of Scyphozoan Venoms on Human Health and Current First Aid Options for Stings. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10040133. [PMID: 29570625 PMCID: PMC5923299 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10040133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cnidaria include the most venomous animals of the world. Among Cnidaria, Scyphozoa (true jellyfish) are ubiquitous, abundant, and often come into accidental contact with humans and, therefore, represent a threat for public health and safety. The venom of Scyphozoa is a complex mixture of bioactive substances—including thermolabile enzymes such as phospholipases, metalloproteinases, and, possibly, pore-forming proteins—and is only partially characterized. Scyphozoan stings may lead to local and systemic reactions via toxic and immunological mechanisms; some of these reactions may represent a medical emergency. However, the adoption of safe and efficacious first aid measures for jellyfish stings is hampered by the diffusion of folk remedies, anecdotal reports, and lack of consensus in the scientific literature. Species-specific differences may hinder the identification of treatments that work for all stings. However, rinsing the sting site with vinegar (5% acetic acid) and the application of heat (hot pack/immersion in hot water) or lidocaine appear to be substantiated by evidence. Controlled clinical trials or reliable models of envenomation are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of these approaches and identify possible species-specific exceptions. Knowledge of the precise composition of Scyphozoa venom may open the way to molecule-oriented therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Remigante
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Roberta Costa
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Rossana Morabito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppa La Spada
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Angela Marino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Silvia Dossena
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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50
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Guarnieri MC, de Albuquerque Modesto JC, Pérez CD, Ottaiano TF, Ferreira RDS, Batista FP, de Brito MV, Campos IHMP, Oliva MLV. Zoanthid mucus as new source of useful biologically active proteins. Toxicon 2018; 143:96-107. [PMID: 29360533 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Palythoa caribaeorum is a very common colonial zoanthid in the coastal reefs of Brazil. It is known for its massive production of mucus, which is traditionally used in folk medicine by fishermen in northeastern Brazil. This study identified biologically active compounds in P. caribaerum mucus. Crude mucus was collected during low tides by the manual scraping of colonies; samples were maintained in an ice bath, homogenized, and centrifuged at 16,000 g for 1 h at 4 °C; the supernatant (mucus) was kept at -80 °C until use. The enzymatic (proteolytic and phospholipase A2), inhibitory (metallo, cysteine and serine proteases), and hemagglutinating (human erythrocyte) activities were determined. The results showed high levels of cysteine and metallo proteases, intermediate levels of phosholipase A2, low levels of trypsin, and no elastase and chymotrypsin like activities. The mucus showed potent inhibitory activity on snake venom metalloproteases and cysteine proteinase papain. In addition, it showed agglutinating activity towards O+, B+, and A+ erythrocyte types. The hemostatic results showed that the mucus prolongs the aPTT and PT, and strongly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, collagen, epinephrine, ADP, and thrombin. The antimicrobial activity was tested on 15 strains of bacteria and fungi through the radial diffusion assay in agar, and no activity was observed. Compounds in P. caribaeorum mucus were analyzed for the first time in this study, and our results show potential pharmacological activities in these compounds, which are relevant for use in physiopathological investigations. However, the demonstration of these activities indicates caution in the use of crude mucus in folk medicine. Furthermore, the present or absent activities identified in this mucus suggest that the studied P. caribaeorum colonies were in thermal stress conditions at the time of sample collection; these conditions may precede the bleaching process in zoanthids. Hence, the use of mucus as an indicator of this process should be evaluated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Míriam Camargo Guarnieri
- Department of Zoology, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Moraes Rego 1235, CEP 50670-901, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil; Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, CEP 04044-020, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jeanne Claíne de Albuquerque Modesto
- Vitória Academic Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Rua Alto do Reservatório, s/n, CEP 55608-680, Bela Vista, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Daniel Pérez
- Vitória Academic Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Rua Alto do Reservatório, s/n, CEP 55608-680, Bela Vista, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana Fontes Ottaiano
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, CEP 04044-020, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo da Silva Ferreira
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, CEP 04044-020, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fabrício Pereira Batista
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, CEP 04044-020, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Marlon Vilela de Brito
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, CEP 04044-020, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ikaro Henrique Mendes Pinto Campos
- Department of Zoology, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Moraes Rego 1235, CEP 50670-901, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Maria Luiza Vilela Oliva
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, CEP 04044-020, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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