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Lee KS, Kim BY, Kim YH, Choi YS, Jin BR. Identification of waprin and its microbicidal activity: A novel protein component of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 266:109561. [PMID: 36738900 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bee venom is a rich source of biologically and pharmacologically active proteins. Waprin is a protein component of venoms; however, waprin has yet to be identified in bee venom. Moreover, the biological functions of waprin in venoms remain poorly characterized. Thus, in this study, we have identified and characterized waprin: a novel protein component from the venom of honeybees (Apis mellifera). The waprin in A. mellifera venom (Amwaprin) was found to consist of an 80-amino acid mature peptide, in which the whey acidic protein domain contains four conserved disulfide bonds. We discovered the presence of the Amwaprin protein in secreted venom by using an antibody against recombinant Amwaprin produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Recombinant Amwaprin exhibited inhibitory activity against microbial serine proteases and elastases but not thrombin or plasmin. It recognized carbohydrates in the microbial cell wall molecules and bound to the live microbial surfaces. The binding action of Amwaprin produced its microbicidal activity by inducing structural damage to bacterial and fungal cell walls. In addition, recombinant Amwaprin is heat-stable and contains no hemolytic activity. These findings demonstrate that Amwaprin acts as a microbicidal and anti-elastolytic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hui Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Soo Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
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von Reumont BM, Dutertre S, Koludarov I. Venom profile of the European carpenter bee Xylocopa violacea: Evolutionary and applied considerations on its toxin components. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100117. [PMID: 35309263 PMCID: PMC8927852 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern venomics is increasing its focus on hymenopterans such as honeybees, bumblebees, parasitoid wasps, ants and true wasps. However solitary bees remain understudied in comparison and the few available venom studies focus on short melittin-like sequences and antimicrobial peptides. Herein we describe the first comprehensive venom profile of a solitary bee, the violet carpenter bee Xylocopa violacea, by using proteo-transcriptomics. We reveal a diverse and complex venom profile with 43 different protein families identified from dissected venom gland extracts of which 32 are also detected in the defensively injected venom. Melittin and apamin are the most highly secreted components, followed by Phospholipase A2, Icarapin, Secapin and three novel components. Other components, including eight novel protein families, are rather lowly expressed. We further identify multiple forms of apamin-like peptides. The melittin-like sequences of solitary bees separate into two clades, one comprised most sequences from solitary bees including xylopin (the variant in Xylocopa), while sequences from Lasioglossa appear closer related to melittin-like peptides from Bombus (Bombolittins). Our study suggests that more proteo-transcriptomic data from other solitary bees should be complemented with corresponding genome data to fully understand the evolution and complexity of bee venom proteins, and is of a particular need to disentangle the ambiguous phylogenetic relations of short peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn M. von Reumont
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Department for Applied Bioinformatics, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Ivan Koludarov
- Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Kim BY, Lee KS, Lee KY, Yoon HJ, Jin BR. Anti-fibrinolytic activity of a metalloprotease inhibitor from bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) venom. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 245:109042. [PMID: 33838314 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bee venom is a mixture of bioactive components that include proteases and protease inhibitors. A metalloprotease inhibitor has been predicted to be a bumblebee-specific toxin in the venom proteome of Bombus terrestris; however, the identification and functional roles of bee venom metalloprotease inhibitors have not been previously determined. In this study, we identified a bumblebee (B. ignitus) venom metalloprotease inhibitor (BiVMPI) that exhibits anti-fibrinolytic activity. BiVMPI contains a trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich domain that exhibits similarity to inducible metalloprotease inhibitor. Using an anti-BiVMPI antibody raised against a recombinant BiVMPI protein produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells, the presence of BiVMPI in the venom gland and secreted venom of B. ignitus worker bees was confirmed. The recombinant BiVMPI protein demonstrated inhibitory activity against a metalloprotease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, protease K, and plasmin, but not subtilisin A, elastase, or thrombin. Additionally, the recombinant BiVMPI bound to plasmin and inhibited the plasmin-mediated degradation of fibrin, demonstrating an anti-fibrinolytic role for BiVMPI as a bee venom metalloprotease inhibitor. Our results provide the first evidence for the identification and anti-fibrinolytic activity of a metalloprotease inhibitor from bee venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yeon Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Yong Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joo Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung Rae Jin
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
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Lipolytic Activity of a Carboxylesterase from Bumblebee ( Bombus ignitus) Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13040239. [PMID: 33810599 PMCID: PMC8065460 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040239] [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] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee venom is a complex mixture composed of peptides, proteins with enzymatic properties, and low-molecular-weight compounds. Although the carboxylesterase in bee venom has been identified as an allergen, the enzyme's role as a venom component has not been previously elucidated. Here, we show the lipolytic activity of a bumblebee (Bombus ignitus) venom carboxylesterase (BivCaE). The presence of BivCaE in the venom secreted by B. ignitus worker bees was confirmed using an anti-BivCaE antibody raised against a recombinant BivCaE protein produced in baculovirus-infected insect cells. The enzymatic activity of the recombinant BivCaE protein was optimal at 40 °C and pH 8.5. Recombinant BivCaE protein degrades triglycerides and exhibits high lipolytic activity toward long-chain triglycerides, defining the role of BivCaE as a lipolytic agent. Bee venom phospholipase A2 binds to mammalian cells and induces apoptosis, whereas BivCaE does not affect mammalian cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that BivCaE functions as a lipolytic agent in bee venom, suggesting that BivCaE will be involved in distributing the venom via degradation of blood triglycerides.
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Scieuzo C, Salvia R, Franco A, Pezzi M, Cozzolino F, Chicca M, Scapoli C, Vogel H, Monti M, Ferracini C, Pucci P, Alma A, Falabella P. An integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approach to identify the main Torymus sinensis venom components. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5032. [PMID: 33658582 PMCID: PMC7930282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
During oviposition, ectoparasitoid wasps not only inject their eggs but also a complex mixture of proteins and peptides (venom) in order to regulate the host physiology to benefit their progeny. Although several endoparasitoid venom proteins have been identified, little is known about the components of ectoparasitoid venom. To characterize the protein composition of Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) venom, we used an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approach and identified 143 venom proteins. Moreover, focusing on venom gland transcriptome, we selected additional 52 transcripts encoding putative venom proteins. As in other parasitoid venoms, hydrolases, including proteases, phosphatases, esterases, and nucleases, constitute the most abundant families in T. sinensis venom, followed by protease inhibitors. These proteins are potentially involved in the complex parasitic syndrome, with different effects on the immune system, physiological processes and development of the host, and contribute to provide nutrients to the parasitoid progeny. Although additional in vivo studies are needed, initial findings offer important information about venom factors and their putative host effects, which are essential to ensure the success of parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Scieuzo
- grid.7367.50000000119391302Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy ,grid.7367.50000000119391302Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- grid.7367.50000000119391302Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy ,grid.7367.50000000119391302Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Franco
- grid.7367.50000000119391302Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy ,grid.7367.50000000119391302Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Marco Pezzi
- grid.8484.00000 0004 1757 2064Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Flora Cozzolino
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cinthia 6, 80126 Naples, Italy ,CEINGE Advanced Biotechnology, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Milvia Chicca
- grid.8484.00000 0004 1757 2064Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- grid.8484.00000 0004 1757 2064Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Heiko Vogel
- grid.418160.a0000 0004 0491 7131Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Monti
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cinthia 6, 80126 Naples, Italy ,CEINGE Advanced Biotechnology, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Ferracini
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Pietro Pucci
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Napoli, Via Cinthia 6, 80126 Naples, Italy ,CEINGE Advanced Biotechnology, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Alma
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- grid.7367.50000000119391302Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy ,grid.7367.50000000119391302Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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Barkan NP, Chevalier M, Pradervand JN, Guisan A. Alteration of Bumblebee Venom Composition toward Higher Elevation. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 12:toxins12010004. [PMID: 31861682 PMCID: PMC7020474 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals use venom, a complex biofluid composed of unique mixtures of proteins and peptides, for either predation or defense. Bumblebees, which occur in various habitats due to their unique thermoregulatory properties, mainly use venom for defense. Herein, we conducted an exploratory analysis of the venom composition of a bumblebee species (Bombus pascuorum) along an elevation gradient in the western Swiss Alps using shot-gun proteomic approaches to assess whether their defense mechanism varies along the gradient. The gradient was characterized by high temperatures and low humidity at low elevations and low temperatures and high humidity at high elevations. Venom composition is changing along the elevation gradient, with proteomic variation in the abundances of pain-inducing and allergenic proteins. In particular, the abundance of phospholipase A2-like, the main component of bumblebee venom, gradually decreases toward higher elevation (lower temperature), suggesting venom alteration and thus a decrease in bumblebee defense towards harsher environments. Larger datasets may complement this study to validate the observed novel trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nezahat Pınar Barkan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Biophore, Lausanne, Switzerland; (N.P.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Mathieu Chevalier
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Biophore, Lausanne, Switzerland; (N.P.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Jean-Nicolas Pradervand
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Valais Field Station, Rue du Rhône 11, CH-1950 Sion, Switzerland;
| | - Antoine Guisan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Biophore, Lausanne, Switzerland; (N.P.B.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Earth Surface Dynamics, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Géopolis, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-(0)21-692-42-54
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Perez-Riverol A, Lasa AM, Dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Palma MS. Insect venom phospholipases A1 and A2: Roles in the envenoming process and allergy. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 105:10-24. [PMID: 30582958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Insect venom phospholipases have been identified in nearly all clinically relevant social Hymenoptera, including bees, wasps and ants. Among other biological roles, during the envenoming process these enzymes cause the disruption of cellular membranes and induce hypersensitive reactions, including life threatening anaphylaxis. While phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a predominant component of bee venoms, phospholipase A1 (PLA1) is highly abundant in wasps and ants. The pronounced prevalence of IgE-mediated reactivity to these allergens in sensitized patients emphasizes their important role as major elicitors of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA). PLA1 and -A2 represent valuable marker allergens for differentiation of genuine sensitizations to bee and/or wasp venoms from cross-reactivity. Moreover, in massive attacks, insect venom phospholipases often cause several pathologies that can lead to fatalities. This review summarizes the available data related to structure, model of enzymatic activity and pathophysiological roles during envenoming process of insect venom phospholipases A1 and -A2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilcar Perez-Riverol
- Center of the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13500, Brazil
| | - Alexis Musacchio Lasa
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Division, Department of System Biology, Ave. 31, e/158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Cubanacan, Playa, Havana, 10600, Cuba
| | - José Roberto Aparecido Dos Santos-Pinto
- Center of the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13500, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Center of the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13500, Brazil.
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dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Perez-Riverol A, Lasa AM, Palma MS. Diversity of peptidic and proteinaceous toxins from social Hymenoptera venoms. Toxicon 2018; 148:172-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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