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Germoush MO, Fouda M, Aly H, Saber I, Alrashdi BM, Massoud D, Alzwain S, Altyar AE, Abdel-Daim MM, Sarhan M. Proteomic analysis of the venom of Conus flavidus from Red Sea reveals potential pharmacological applications. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2024; 22:100375. [PMID: 38797555 PMCID: PMC11066669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100375] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venomous marine cone snails produce unique neurotoxins called conopeptides or conotoxins, which are valuable for research and drug discovery. Characterizing Conus venom is important, especially for poorly studied species, as these tiny and steady molecules have considerable potential as research tools for detecting new pharmacological applications. In this study, a worm-hunting cone snail, Conus flavidus inhabiting the Red Sea coast were collected, dissected and the venom gland extraction was subjected to proteomic analysis to define the venom composition, and confirm the functional structure of conopeptides. RESULTS Analysis of C. flavidus venom identified 117 peptide fragments and assorted them to conotoxin precursors and non-conotoxin proteins. In this procedure, 65 conotoxin precursors were classified and identified to 16 conotoxin precursors and hormone superfamilies. In the venom of C. flavidus, the four conotoxin superfamilies T, A, O2, and M were the most abundant peptides, accounting for 75.8% of the total conotoxin diversity. Additionally, 19 non-conotoxin proteins were specified in the venom, as well as several potentially biologically active peptides with putative applications. CONCLUSION Our research displayed that the structure of the C. flavidus-derived proteome is similar to other Conus species and includes toxins, ionic channel inhibitors, insulin-like peptides, and hyaluronidase. This study provides a foundation for discovering new conopeptides from C. flavidus venom for pharmaceutical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousa O Germoush
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box: 2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Maged Fouda
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box: 2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdy Aly
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch 71524, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Islam Saber
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch 71524, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Barakat M Alrashdi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box: 2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Diaa Massoud
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box: 2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alzwain
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box: 2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed E Altyar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80260, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Moustafa Sarhan
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch 71524, Assuit, Egypt; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, 31982, Saudi Arabia
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Sofyantoro F, Septriani NI, Yudha DS, Wicaksono EA, Priyono DS, Putri WA, Primahesa A, Raharjeng ARP, Purwestri YA, Nuringtyas TR. Zebrafish as Versatile Model for Assessing Animal Venoms and Toxins: Current Applications and Future Prospects. Zebrafish 2024; 21:231-242. [PMID: 38608228 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2023.0088] [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] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms and toxins hold promise as sources of novel drug candidates, therapeutic agents, and biomolecules. To fully harness their potential, it is crucial to develop reliable testing methods that provide a comprehensive understanding of their effects and mechanisms of action. However, traditional rodent assays encounter difficulties in mimicking venom-induced effects in human due to the impractical venom dosage levels. The search for reliable testing methods has led to the emergence of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a versatile model organism for evaluating animal venoms and toxins. Zebrafish possess genetic similarities to humans, rapid development, transparency, and amenability to high-throughput assays, making it ideal for assessing the effects of animal venoms and toxins. This review highlights unique attributes of zebrafish and explores their applications in studying venom- and toxin-induced effects from various species, including snakes, jellyfish, cuttlefish, anemones, spiders, and cone snails. Through zebrafish-based research, intricate physiological responses, developmental alterations, and potential therapeutic interventions induced by venoms are revealed. Novel techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, optogenetics, and high-throughput screening hold great promise for advancing venom research. As zebrafish-based insights converge with findings from other models, the comprehensive understanding of venom-induced effects continues to expand, guiding the development of targeted interventions and promoting both scientific knowledge and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fajar Sofyantoro
- Faculties of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Ega Adhi Wicaksono
- Faculties of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Sendi Priyono
- Faculties of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Alfian Primahesa
- Faculties of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Anita Restu Puji Raharjeng
- Faculties of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang, South Sumatera, Indonesia
| | - Yekti Asih Purwestri
- Faculties of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Research Center for Biotechnology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tri Rini Nuringtyas
- Faculties of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Research Center for Biotechnology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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3
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Conlon JM, Owolabi BO, Flatt PR, Abdel-Wahab YHA. Amphibian host-defense peptides with potential for Type 2 diabetes therapy - an updated review. Peptides 2024; 175:171180. [PMID: 38401671 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171180] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Investigations conducted since 2018 have identified several host-defense peptides present in frog skin secretions whose properties suggest the possibility of their development into a new class of agent for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) therapy. Studies in vitro have described peptides that (a) stimulate insulin release from BRIN-BD11 clonal β-cells and isolated mouse islets, (b) display β-cell proliferative activity and protect against cytokine-mediated apoptosis and (c) stimulate production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and inhibit production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Rhinophrynin-27, phylloseptin-3.2TR and temporin F are peptides with therapeutic potential. Studies in vivo carried out in db/db and high fat-fed mice have shown that twice-daily administration of [S4K]CPF-AM1 and [A14K]PGLa-AM1, analogs of peptides first isolated from the octoploid frog Xenopus amieti, over 28 days lowers circulating glucose and HbA1c concentrations, increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose tolerance and lipid profile. Peptide treatment produced potentially beneficial changes in the expression of skeletal muscle genes involved in insulin signaling and islet genes involved in insulin secretion in these murine models of T2D. Lead compounds uncovered by the study of frog HDPs may provide a basis for the design of new types of agents that can be used, alone or in combination with existing therapies, for the treatment of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Bosede O Owolabi
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Yasser H A Abdel-Wahab
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
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4
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Lone JB, Long JZ, Svensson KJ. Size matters: the biochemical logic of ligand type in endocrine crosstalk. LIFE METABOLISM 2024; 3:load048. [PMID: 38425548 PMCID: PMC10904031 DOI: 10.1093/lifemeta/load048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The endocrine system is a fundamental type of long-range cell-cell communication that is important for maintaining metabolism, physiology, and other aspects of organismal homeostasis. Endocrine signaling is mediated by diverse blood-borne ligands, also called hormones, including metabolites, lipids, steroids, peptides, and proteins. The size and structure of these hormones are fine-tuned to make them bioactive, responsive, and adaptable to meet the demands of changing environments. Why has nature selected such diverse ligand types to mediate communication in the endocrine system? What is the chemical, signaling, or physiologic logic of these ligands? What fundamental principles from our knowledge of endocrine communication can be applied as we continue as a field to uncover additional new circulating molecules that are claimed to mediate long-range cell and tissue crosstalk? This review provides a framework based on the biochemical logic behind this crosstalk with respect to their chemistry, temporal regulation in physiology, specificity, signaling actions, and evolutionary development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameel Barkat Lone
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jonathan Z. Long
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Katrin J. Svensson
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305, USA
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5
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Guo Q, Huang M, Li M, Chen J, Cheng S, Ma L, Gao B. Diversity and Evolutionary Analysis of Venom Insulin Derived from Cone Snails. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:34. [PMID: 38251250 PMCID: PMC10819828 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cone snails possess a diverse array of novel peptide toxins, which selectively target ion channels and receptors in the nervous and cardiovascular systems. These numerous novel peptide toxins are a valuable resource for future marine drug development. In this review, we compared and analyzed the sequence diversity, three-dimensional structural variations, and evolutionary aspects of venom insulin derived from different cone snail species. The comparative analysis reveals that there are significant variations in the sequences and three-dimensional structures of venom insulins from cone snails with different feeding habits. Notably, the venom insulin of some piscivorous cone snails exhibits a greater similarity to humans and zebrafish insulins. It is important to emphasize that these venom insulins play a crucial role in the predatory strategies of these cone snails. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to trace the lineage of venom insulin sequences, shedding light on the evolutionary interconnections among cone snails with diverse diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Meiling Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Jiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Shuanghuai Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Linlin Ma
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD), School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (Q.G.); (M.H.); (M.L.); (J.C.); (S.C.)
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6
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Zhang Y, Hung-Chieh Chou D. From Natural Insulin to Designed Analogs: A Chemical Biology Exploration. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300470. [PMID: 37800626 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1921, insulin has been at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs. From its amino acid sequencing to the revelation of its three-dimensional structure, the progress in insulin research has spurred significant therapeutic breakthroughs. In recent years, protein engineering has introduced innovative chemical and enzymatic methods for insulin modification, fostering the development of therapeutics with tailored pharmacological profiles. Alongside these advances, the quest for self-regulated, glucose-responsive insulin remains a holy grail in the field. In this article, we highlight the pivotal role of chemical biology in driving these innovations and discuss how it continues to shape the future trajectory of insulin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxian Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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7
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Sintsova O, Popkova D, Kalinovskii A, Rasin A, Borozdina N, Shaykhutdinova E, Klimovich A, Menshov A, Kim N, Anastyuk S, Kusaykin M, Dyachenko I, Gladkikh I, Leychenko E. Control of postprandial hyperglycemia by oral administration of the sea anemone mucus-derived α-amylase inhibitor (magnificamide). Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115743. [PMID: 37862974 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115743] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a serious threat to human health in both developed and developing countries. Optimal disease control requires the use of a diet and a combination of several medications, including oral hypoglycemic agents such as α-glucosidase inhibitors. Currently, the arsenal of available drugs is insufficient, which determines the relevance of studying new potent α-amylase inhibitors. We implemented the recombinant production of sea anemone derived α-amylase inhibitor magnificamide in Escherichia coli. Peptide was isolated by a combination of liquid chromatography techniques. Its folding and molecular weight was proved by 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The Ki value of magnificamide against human pancreatic α-amylase is 3.1 nM according to Morrison equation for tight binding inhibitors. Our study of the thermodynamic characteristics of binding of magnificamide to human salivary and pancreatic α-amylases by isothermal titration calorimetry showed the presence of different binding mechanisms with Kd equal to 0.11 µM and 0.1 nM, respectively. Experiments in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mimicking diabetes mellitus type 1 were used to study the efficiency of magnificamide against postprandial hyperglycemia. It was found that at a dose of 0.005 mg kg-1, magnificamide effectively blocks starch breakdown and prevents the development of postprandial hyperglycemia in T1D mice. Our results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of magnificamide for the control of postprandial hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Sintsova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
| | - Darya Popkova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Kalinovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton Rasin
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Natalya Borozdina
- Branch of the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Nauki, 6, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Elvira Shaykhutdinova
- Branch of the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Nauki, 6, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Anna Klimovich
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Alexander Menshov
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Natalia Kim
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Stanislav Anastyuk
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Mikhail Kusaykin
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Igor Dyachenko
- Branch of the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Nauki, 6, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Irina Gladkikh
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Elena Leychenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
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Müller E, Hackney CM, Ellgaard L, Morth JP. High-resolution crystal structure of the Mu8.1 conotoxin from Conus mucronatus. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2023; 79:240-246. [PMID: 37642664 PMCID: PMC10478764 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x23007070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine cone snails produce a wealth of peptide toxins (conotoxins) that bind their molecular targets with high selectivity and potency. Therefore, conotoxins constitute valuable biomolecular tools with a variety of biomedical purposes. The Mu8.1 conotoxin from Conus mucronatus is the founding member of the newly identified saposin-like conotoxin class of conotoxins and has been shown to target Cav2.3, a voltage-gated calcium channel. Two crystal structures have recently been determined of Mu8.1 at 2.3 and 2.1 Å resolution. Here, a high-resolution crystal structure of Mu8.1 was determined at 1.67 Å resolution in the high-symmetry space group I4122. The asymmetric unit contained one molecule, with a symmetry-related molecule generating a dimer equivalent to that observed in the two previously determined structures. The high resolution allows a detailed atomic analysis of a water-filled cavity buried at the dimer interface, revealing a tightly coordinated network of waters that shield a lysine residue (Lys55) with a predicted unusually low side-chain pKa value. These findings are discussed in terms of a potential functional role of Lys55 in target interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Müller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Preben Morth
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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9
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Hackney CM, Flórez Salcedo P, Mueller E, Koch TL, Kjelgaard LD, Watkins M, Zachariassen LG, Tuelung PS, McArthur JR, Adams DJ, Kristensen AS, Olivera B, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Safavi-Hemami H, Morth JP, Ellgaard L. A previously unrecognized superfamily of macro-conotoxins includes an inhibitor of the sensory neuron calcium channel Cav2.3. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002217. [PMID: 37535677 PMCID: PMC10437998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal venom peptides represent valuable compounds for biomedical exploration. The venoms of marine cone snails constitute a particularly rich source of peptide toxins, known as conotoxins. Here, we identify the sequence of an unusually large conotoxin, Mu8.1, which defines a new class of conotoxins evolutionarily related to the well-known con-ikot-ikots and 2 additional conotoxin classes not previously described. The crystal structure of recombinant Mu8.1 displays a saposin-like fold and shows structural similarity with con-ikot-ikot. Functional studies demonstrate that Mu8.1 curtails calcium influx in defined classes of murine somatosensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. When tested on a variety of recombinantly expressed voltage-gated ion channels, Mu8.1 displayed the highest potency against the R-type (Cav2.3) calcium channel. Ca2+ signals from Mu8.1-sensitive DRG neurons were also inhibited by SNX-482, a known spider peptide modulator of Cav2.3 and voltage-gated K+ (Kv4) channels. Our findings highlight the potential of Mu8.1 as a molecular tool to identify and study neuronal subclasses expressing Cav2.3. Importantly, this multidisciplinary study showcases the potential of uncovering novel structures and bioactivities within the largely unexplored group of macro-conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste M. Hackney
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula Flórez Salcedo
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Emilie Mueller
- Enzyme and Protein Chemistry, Section for Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Lund Koch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lau D. Kjelgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maren Watkins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Linda G. Zachariassen
- Department of Drug Design & Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jeffrey R. McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Anders S. Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design & Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Baldomero Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Rocio K. Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Electrophysiology Facility for Cell Phenotyping and Drug Discovery, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Jens Preben Morth
- Enzyme and Protein Chemistry, Section for Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Park C, Zhang Y, Jung JU, Buron LD, Lin NP, Hoeg-Jensen T, Chou DHC. Antagonistic Insulin Derivative Suppresses Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37227951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Insulin derivatives provide new functions that are distinctive from native insulin. We investigated insulin modifications on the C-terminal A chain with insulin receptor (IR) peptide binders and presented a full and potent IR antagonist. We prepared insulin precursors featuring a sortase A (SrtA) recognition sequence, LPETGG, at the C-terminal A chain and used a SrtA-mediated ligation method to synthesize insulin derivatives. The insulin precursor exhibits full IR agonism potency, similar to native human insulin. We explored derivatives with linear IR binding peptides attached to the insulin C-terminal A chain. One insulin derivative with an IR binder (Ins-AC-S2) can fully antagonize IR activation by insulin, as confirmed by cell-based assays. This IR antagonist suppresses insulin-induced hypoglycemia in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. This study provides a new direction toward insulin antagonist development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Park
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | - Yanxian Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | - Jae Un Jung
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | - Line Due Buron
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Nai-Pin Lin
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | | | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
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11
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Krishnarjuna B, Sunanda P, Seow J, Tae HS, Robinson SD, Belgi A, Robinson AJ, Safavi-Hemami H, Adams DJ, Norton RS. Characterisation of Elevenin-Vc1 from the Venom of Conus victoriae: A Structural Analogue of α-Conotoxins. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21020081. [PMID: 36827123 PMCID: PMC9963005 DOI: 10.3390/md21020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevenins are peptides found in a range of organisms, including arthropods, annelids, nematodes, and molluscs. They consist of 17 to 19 amino acid residues with a single conserved disulfide bond. The subject of this study, elevenin-Vc1, was first identified in the venom of the cone snail Conus victoriae (Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 2017, 244, 11-18). Although numerous elevenin sequences have been reported, their physiological function is unclear, and no structural information is available. Upon intracranial injection in mice, elevenin-Vc1 induced hyperactivity at doses of 5 or 10 nmol. The structure of elevenin-Vc1, determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, consists of a short helix and a bend region stabilised by the single disulfide bond. The elevenin-Vc1 structural fold is similar to that of α-conotoxins such as α-RgIA and α-ImI, which are also found in the venoms of cone snails and are antagonists at specific subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In an attempt to mimic the functional motif, Asp-Pro-Arg, of α-RgIA and α-ImI, we synthesised an analogue, designated elevenin-Vc1-DPR. However, neither elevenin-Vc1 nor the analogue was active at six different human nAChR subtypes (α1β1εδ, α3β2, α3β4, α4β2, α7, and α9α10) at 1 µM concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bankala Krishnarjuna
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Punnepalli Sunanda
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Seow
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Samuel D. Robinson
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Alessia Belgi
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | | | - David J. Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-9903-9167
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12
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Gorai B, Vashisth H. Structural models of viral insulin-like peptides and their analogs. Proteins 2023; 91:62-73. [PMID: 35962629 PMCID: PMC9772067 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR), the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R), and the insulin/IGF1 hybrid receptors (hybR) are homologous transmembrane receptors. The peptide ligands, insulin and IGF1, exhibit significant structural homology and can bind to each receptor via site-1 and site-2 residues with distinct affinities. The variants of the Iridoviridae virus family show capability in expressing single-chain insulin/IGF1 like proteins, termed viral insulin-like peptides (VILPs), which can stimulate receptors from the insulin family. The sequences of VILPs lacking the central C-domain (dcVILPs) are known, but their structures in unbound and receptor-bound states have not been resolved to date. We report all-atom structural models of three dcVILPs (dcGIV, dcSGIV, and dcLCDV1) and their complexes with the receptors (μIR, μIGF1R, and μhybR), and probed the peptide/receptor interactions in each system using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Based on the nonbonded interaction energies computed between each residue of peptides (insulin and dcVILPs) and the receptors, we provide details on residues establishing significant interactions. The observed site-1 insulin/μIR interactions are consistent with previous experimental studies, and a residue-level comparison of interactions of peptides (insulin and dcVILPs) with the receptors revealed that, due to sequence differences, dcVILPs also establish some interactions distinct from those between insulin and IR. We also designed insulin analogs and report enhanced interactions between some analogs and the receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Gorai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
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13
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Paloma Álvarez-Rendón J, Manuel Murillo-Maldonado J, Rafael Riesgo-Escovar J. The insulin signaling pathway a century after its discovery: Sexual dimorphism in insulin signaling. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114146. [PMID: 36270337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Since practically a century ago, the insulin pathway was discovered in both vertebrates and invertebrates, implying an evolutionarily ancient origin. After a century of research, it is now clear that the insulin signal transduction pathway is a critical, flexible and pleiotropic pathway, evolving into multiple anabolic functions besides glucose homeostasis. It regulates paramount aspects of organismal well-being like growth, longevity, intermediate metabolism, and reproduction. Part of this diversification has been attained by duplications and divergence of both ligands and receptors riding on a common general signal transduction system. One of the aspects that is strikingly different is its usage in reproduction, particularly in male versus female development and fertility within the same species. This review highlights sexual divergence in metabolism and reproductive tract differences, the occurrence of sexually "exaggerated" traits, and sex size differences that are due to the sexes' differential activity/response to the insulin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Paloma Álvarez-Rendón
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Murillo-Maldonado
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Juan Rafael Riesgo-Escovar
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico.
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14
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Gao B, Huang Y, Peng C, Lin B, Liao Y, Bian C, Yang J, Shi Q. High-Throughput Prediction and Design of Novel Conopeptides for Biomedical Research and Development. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9895270. [PMID: 37850131 PMCID: PMC10521759 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9895270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone snail venoms have been considered a valuable treasure for international scientists and businessmen, mainly due to their pharmacological applications in development of marine drugs for treatment of various human diseases. To date, around 800 Conus species are recorded, and each of them produces over 1,000 venom peptides (termed as conopeptides or conotoxins). This reflects the high diversity and complexity of cone snails, although most of their venoms are still uncharacterized. Advanced multiomics (such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) approaches have been recently developed to mine diverse Conus venom samples, with the main aim to predict and identify potentially interesting conopeptides in an efficient way. Some bioinformatics techniques have been applied to predict and design novel conopeptide sequences, related targets, and their binding modes. This review provides an overview of current knowledge on the high diversity of conopeptides and multiomics advances in high-throughput prediction of novel conopeptide sequences, as well as molecular modeling and design of potential drugs based on the predicted or validated interactions between these toxins and their molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
- BGI-Marine Research Institute for Biomedical Technology, Shenzhen Huahong Marine Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518119, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Yanling Liao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Chao Bian
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
| | - Jiaan Yang
- Research and Development Department, Micro Pharmtech Ltd., Wuhan, Hubei 430075, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
- BGI-Marine Research Institute for Biomedical Technology, Shenzhen Huahong Marine Biomedicine Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518119, China
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15
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Han Y, Kamau PM, Lai R, Luo L. Bioactive Peptides and Proteins from Centipede Venoms. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144423. [PMID: 35889297 PMCID: PMC9325314 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are a complex cocktail of biologically active molecules, including peptides, proteins, polyamide, and enzymes widely produced by venomous organisms. Through long-term evolution, venomous animals have evolved highly specific and diversified peptides and proteins targeting key physiological elements, including the nervous, blood, and muscular systems. Centipedes are typical venomous arthropods that rely on their toxins primarily for predation and defense. Although centipede bites are frequently reported, the composition and effect of centipede venoms are far from known. With the development of molecular biology and structural biology, the research on centipede venoms, especially peptides and proteins, has been deepened. Therefore, we summarize partial progress on the exploration of the bioactive peptides and proteins in centipede venoms and their potential value in pharmacological research and new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Lei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (L.L.)
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16
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Laugesen SH, Chou DHC, Safavi-Hemami H. Unconventional insulins from predators and pathogens. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:688-697. [PMID: 35761080 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Insulin and its related peptides are found throughout the animal kingdom, in which they serve diverse functions. This includes regulation of glucose homeostasis, neuronal development and cognition. The surprising recent discovery that venomous snails evolved specialized insulins to capture fish demonstrated the nefarious use of this hormone in nature. Because of their streamlined role in predation, these repurposed insulins exhibit unique characteristics that have unraveled new aspects of the chemical ecology and structural biology of this important hormone. Recently, insulins were also reported in other venomous predators and pathogenic viruses, demonstrating the broader use of insulin by one organism to manipulate the physiology of another. In this Review, we provide an overview of the discovery and biomedical application of repurposed insulins and other hormones found in nature and highlight several unique insights gained from these unusual compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. .,School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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17
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Koch TL, Ramiro IBL, Flórez Salcedo P, Engholm E, Jensen KJ, Chase K, Olivera BM, Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Safavi-Hemami H. Reconstructing the Origins of the Somatostatin and Allatostatin-C Signaling Systems Using the Accelerated Evolution of Biodiverse Cone Snail Toxins. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:msac075. [PMID: 35383850 PMCID: PMC9048919 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatostatin and its related peptides (SSRPs) form an important family of hormones with diverse physiological roles. The ubiquitous presence of SSRPs in vertebrates and several invertebrate deuterostomes suggests an ancient origin of the SSRP signaling system. However, the existence of SSRP genes outside of deuterostomes has not been established, and the evolutionary history of this signaling system remains poorly understood. Our recent discovery of SSRP-like toxins (consomatins) in venomous marine cone snails (Conus) suggested the presence of a related signaling system in mollusks and potentially other protostomes. Here, we identify the molluscan SSRP-like signaling gene that gave rise to the consomatin family. Following recruitment into venom, consomatin genes experienced strong positive selection and repeated gene duplications resulting in the formation of a hyperdiverse family of venom peptides. Intriguingly, the largest number of consomatins was found in worm-hunting species (>400 sequences), indicating a homologous system in annelids, another large protostome phylum. Consistent with this, comprehensive sequence mining enabled the identification of SSRP-like sequences (and their corresponding orphan receptor) in annelids and several other protostome phyla. These results established the existence of SSRP-like peptides in many major branches of bilaterians and challenge the prevailing hypothesis that deuterostome SSRPs and protostome allatostatin-C are orthologous peptide families. Finally, having a large set of predator-prey SSRP sequences available, we show that although the cone snail's signaling SSRP-like genes are under purifying selection, the venom consomatin genes experience rapid directional selection to target receptors in a changing mix of prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lund Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen-N 2200, Denmark
| | - Iris Bea L. Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen-N 2200, Denmark
| | | | - Ebbe Engholm
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen-N 2200, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Knud Jørgen Jensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Kevin Chase
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | | | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen-N 2200, Denmark
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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18
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Ramiro IBL, Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Imperial JS, Gajewiak J, Salcedo PF, Watkins M, Taylor D, Resager W, Ueberheide B, Bräuner-Osborne H, Whitby FG, Hill CP, Martin LF, Patwardhan A, Concepcion GP, Olivera BM, Safavi-Hemami H. Somatostatin venom analogs evolved by fish-hunting cone snails: From prey capture behavior to identifying drug leads. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk1410. [PMID: 35319982 PMCID: PMC8942377 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk1410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Somatostatin (SS) is a peptide hormone with diverse physiological roles. By investigating a deep-water clade of fish-hunting cone snails, we show that predator-prey evolution has generated a diverse set of SS analogs, each optimized to elicit specific systemic physiological effects in prey. The increased metabolic stability, distinct SS receptor activation profiles, and chemical diversity of the venom analogs make them suitable leads for therapeutic application, including pain, cancer, and endocrine disorders. Our findings not only establish the existence of SS-like peptides in animal venoms but also serve as a model for the synergy gained from combining molecular phylogenetics and behavioral observations to optimize the discovery of natural products with biomedical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Bea L. Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen-N 2200, Denmark
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | | | - Julita S. Imperial
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Paula Flórez Salcedo
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Maren Watkins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Dylan Taylor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - William Resager
- New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | - Hans Bräuner-Osborne
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Frank G. Whitby
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Christopher P. Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Laurent F. Martin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Amol Patwardhan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Gisela P. Concepcion
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen-N 2200, Denmark
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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19
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Lin NP, Zheng N, Purushottam L, Zhang YW, Chou DHC. Synthesis and Characterization of Phenylboronic Acid-Modified Insulin With Glucose-Dependent Solubility. Front Chem 2022; 10:859133. [PMID: 35372263 PMCID: PMC8965884 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.859133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose-responsive insulin represents a promising approach to regulate blood glucose levels. We previously showed that attaching two fluorophenylboronic acid (FPBA) residues to the C-terminal B chain of insulin glargine led to glucose-dependent solubility. Herein, we demonstrated that relocating FPBA from B chain to A chain increased the baseline solubility without affecting its potency. Furthermore, increasing the number of FPBA groups led to increased glucose-dependent solubility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Pin Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Nan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Landa Purushottam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Yi Wolf Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States,*Correspondence: Danny Hung-Chieh Chou,
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20
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Xiong X, Blakely A, Kim JH, Menting JG, Schäfer IB, Schubert HL, Agrawal R, Gutmann T, Delaine C, Zhang YW, Artik GO, Merriman A, Eckert D, Lawrence MC, Coskun Ü, Fisher SJ, Forbes BE, Safavi-Hemami H, Hill CP, Chou DHC. Symmetric and asymmetric receptor conformation continuum induced by a new insulin. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:511-519. [PMID: 35289328 PMCID: PMC9248236 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-00981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cone snail venoms contain a wide variety of bioactive peptides, including insulin-like molecules with distinct structural features, binding modes and biochemical properties. Here, we report an active humanized cone snail venom insulin with an elongated A chain and a truncated B chain, and use cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and protein engineering to elucidate its interactions with the human insulin receptor (IR) ectodomain. We reveal how an extended A chain can compensate for deletion of B-chain residues, which are essential for activity of human insulin but also compromise therapeutic utility by delaying dissolution from the site of subcutaneous injection. This finding suggests approaches to developing improved therapeutic insulins. Curiously, the receptor displays a continuum of conformations from the symmetric state to a highly asymmetric low-abundance structure that displays coordination of a single humanized venom insulin using elements from both of the previously characterized site 1 and site 2 interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alan Blakely
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jin Hwan Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John G Menting
- WEHI, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ingmar B Schäfer
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Munich, Germany
| | - Heidi L Schubert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rahul Agrawal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Theresia Gutmann
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Zentrum München, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carlie Delaine
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yi Wolf Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gizem Olay Artik
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Zentrum München, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Membrane Biochemistry and Lipid Research, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Allanah Merriman
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Debbie Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- WEHI, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ünal Coskun
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Zentrum München, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Membrane Biochemistry and Lipid Research, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Simon J Fisher
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Briony E Forbes
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Christopher P Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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21
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Gorai B, Vashisth H. Structures and interactions of insulin-like peptides from cone snail venom. Proteins 2022; 90:680-690. [PMID: 34661928 PMCID: PMC8816879 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The venomous insulin-like peptides released by certain cone snails stimulate hypoglycemic shock to immobilize fish and catch the prey. Compared to human insulin (hIns), the cone snail insulins (Con-Ins) are typically monomeric and shorter in sequence, yet they exhibit moderate hIns-like biological activity. We have modeled six variants of Con-Ins (G3, K1, K2, T1A, T1B, and T2) and carried out explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of eight types of insulins, two with known structures (hIns and Con-Ins-G1) and six Con-Ins with modeled structures, to characterize key residues of each insulin that interact with the truncated human insulin receptor (μIR). We show that each insulin/μIR complex is stable during explicit-solvent MD simulations and hIns interactions indicate the highest affinity for the "site 1" of IR. The residue contact maps reveal that each insulin preferably interacts with the αCT peptide than the L1 domain of IR. Through analysis of the average nonbonded interaction energy contribution of every residue of each insulin for the μIR, we probe the residues establishing favorable interactions with the receptor. We compared the interaction energy of each residue of every Con-Ins to the μIR and observed that γ-carboxylated glutamate (Gla), His, Thr, Tyr, Tyr/His, and Asn in Con-Ins are favorable substitutions for GluA4, AsnA21, ValB12, LeuB15, GlyB20, and ArgB22 in hIns, respectively. The identified insulin analogs, although lacking the last eight residues of the B-chain of hIns, bind strongly to μIR. Our findings are potentially useful in designing potent fast-acting therapeutic insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Gorai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
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22
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Sen S, Ali R, Onkar A, Ganesh S, Verma S. Strategies for interference of insulin fibrillogenesis: challenges and advances. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100678. [PMID: 35025120 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of insulin came up with very high hopes for diabetic patients. In the year 2021, the world celebrated the 100 th anniversary of the discovery of this vital hormone. However, external use of insulin is highly affected by its aggregating tendency that occurs during its manufacturing, transportation, and improper handling which ultimately leads its pharmaceutically and biologically ineffective form. In this review, we aim to discuss the various approaches used for decelerating insulin aggregation which results in the enhancement of its overall structural stability and usage. The approaches that are discussed are broadly classified as either a measure through excipient additions or by intrinsic modifications in the insulin native structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Sen
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Chemistry, INDIA
| | - Rafat Ali
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Chemistry, Room No 131 Lab No2, CESE department IIT Kanpur, 208016, Kanpur, INDIA
| | - Akanksha Onkar
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, INDIA
| | - Subramaniam Ganesh
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, INDIA
| | - Sandeep Verma
- Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Department of Chemistry, IIT-Kanpur, 208016, Kanpur, INDIA
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23
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Mitchell ML, Hossain MA, Lin F, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Peigneur S, Wai DCC, Delaine C, Blyth AJ, Forbes BE, Tytgat J, Wade JD, Norton RS. Identification, Synthesis, Conformation and Activity of an Insulin-like Peptide from a Sea Anemone. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1785. [PMID: 34944429 PMCID: PMC8698791 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of insulin and insulin-like peptides (ILPs) in vertebrate animals is well studied. Numerous ILPs are also found in invertebrates, although there is uncertainty as to the function and role of many of these peptides. We have identified transcripts with similarity to the insulin family in the tentacle transcriptomes of the sea anemone Oulactis sp. (Actiniaria: Actiniidae). The translated transcripts showed that these insulin-like peptides have highly conserved A- and B-chains among individuals of this species, as well as other Anthozoa. An Oulactis sp. ILP sequence (IlO1_i1) was synthesized using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis of the individual chains, followed by regioselective disulfide bond formation of the intra-A and two interchain disulfide bonds. Bioactivity studies of IlO1_i1 were conducted on human insulin and insulin-like growth factor receptors, and on voltage-gated potassium, sodium, and calcium channels. IlO1_i1 did not bind to the insulin or insulin-like growth factor receptors, but showed weak activity against KV1.2, 1.3, 3.1, and 11.1 (hERG) channels, as well as NaV1.4 channels. Further functional studies are required to determine the role of this peptide in the sea anemone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela L. Mitchell
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Sciences Department, Museum Victoria, G.P.O. Box 666, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
- Biodiversity and Geosciences, Queensland Museum, P.O. Box 3000, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (M.A.H.); (F.L.); (J.D.W.)
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Feng Lin
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (M.A.H.); (F.L.); (J.D.W.)
| | - Ernesto L. Pinheiro-Junior
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.L.P.-J.); (S.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.L.P.-J.); (S.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Dorothy C. C. Wai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Carlie Delaine
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (C.D.); (A.J.B.); (B.E.F.)
| | - Andrew J. Blyth
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (C.D.); (A.J.B.); (B.E.F.)
| | - Briony E. Forbes
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; (C.D.); (A.J.B.); (B.E.F.)
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, O&N 2, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.L.P.-J.); (S.P.); (J.T.)
| | - John D. Wade
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (M.A.H.); (F.L.); (J.D.W.)
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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24
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Abstract
My path to research in neuropharmacology has been a coalescing of my training as a molecular biologist and my intense interest in an esoteric group of animals, the fish-hunting cone snails. Attempting to bridge these two disparate worlds has led me to an idiosyncratic career as a pharmacologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baldomero M Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA;
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25
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Torres JP, Lin Z, Watkins M, Salcedo PF, Baskin RP, Elhabian S, Safavi-Hemami H, Taylor D, Tun J, Concepcion GP, Saguil N, Yanagihara AA, Fang Y, McArthur JR, Tae HS, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Özpolat BD, Olivera BM, Schmidt EW. Small-molecule mimicry hunting strategy in the imperial cone snail, Conus imperialis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/11/eabf2704. [PMID: 33712468 PMCID: PMC7954447 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf2704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Venomous animals hunt using bioactive peptides, but relatively little is known about venom small molecules and the resulting complex hunting behaviors. Here, we explored the specialized metabolites from the venom of the worm-hunting cone snail, Conus imperialis Using the model polychaete worm Platynereis dumerilii, we demonstrate that C. imperialis venom contains small molecules that mimic natural polychaete mating pheromones, evoking the mating phenotype in worms. The specialized metabolites from different cone snails are species-specific and structurally diverse, suggesting that the cones may adopt many different prey-hunting strategies enabled by small molecules. Predators sometimes attract prey using the prey's own pheromones, in a strategy known as aggressive mimicry. Instead, C. imperialis uses metabolically stable mimics of those pheromones, indicating that, in biological mimicry, even the molecules themselves may be disguised, providing a twist on fake news in chemical ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Torres
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Maren Watkins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Paula Flórez Salcedo
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Robert P Baskin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Shireen Elhabian
- Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2200, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Dylan Taylor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jortan Tun
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Gisela P Concepcion
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Noel Saguil
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Angel A Yanagihara
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Yixin Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | | | - Baldomero M Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Eric W Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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26
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Irwin DM. Evolution of the Insulin Gene: Changes in Gene Number, Sequence, and Processing. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:649255. [PMID: 33868177 PMCID: PMC8051583 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.649255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin has not only made major contributions to the field of clinical medicine but has also played central roles in the advancement of fundamental molecular biology, including evolution. Insulin is essential for the health of vertebrate species, yet its function has been modified in species-specific manners. With the advent of genome sequencing, large numbers of insulin coding sequences have been identified in genomes of diverse vertebrates and have revealed unexpected changes in the numbers of genes within genomes and in their sequence that likely impact biological function. The presence of multiple insulin genes within a genome potentially allows specialization of an insulin gene. Discovery of changes in proteolytic processing suggests that the typical two-chain hormone structure is not necessary for all of inulin's biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: David M. Irwin,
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27
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Abstract
Insulin therapy has advanced remarkably over the past few decades. Ultra-rapid-acting and ultra-long-acting insulin analogs are now commercially available. Many additional insulin formulations are in development. This review outlines recent advances in insulin therapy and novel therapies in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M. Wilson
- Division of Endocrinology, Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jessica R. Castle
- Division of Endocrinology, Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Address correspondence to: Jessica R. Castle, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L607, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
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28
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Characterization of viral insulins reveals white adipose tissue-specific effects in mice. Mol Metab 2020; 44:101121. [PMID: 33220491 PMCID: PMC7770979 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Members of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) superfamily are well conserved across the evolutionary tree. We recently showed that four viruses in the Iridoviridae family possess genes that encode proteins highly homologous to human insulin/IGF-1. Using chemically synthesized single-chain (sc), i.e., IGF-1-like, forms of the viral insulin/IGF-1-like peptides (VILPs), we previously showed that they can stimulate human receptors. Because these peptides possess potential cleavage sites to form double chain (dc), i.e., more insulin-like, VILPs, in this study, we have characterized dc forms of VILPs for Grouper iridovirus (GIV), Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) and Lymphocystis disease virus-1 (LCDV-1) for the first time. Methods The dcVILPs were chemically synthesized. Using murine fibroblast cell lines overexpressing insulin receptor (IR-A or IR-B) or IGF1R, we first determined the binding affinity of dcVILPs to the receptors and characterized post-receptor signaling. Further, we used C57BL/6J mice to study the effect of dcVILPs on lowering blood glucose. We designed a 3-h dcVILP in vivo infusion experiment to determine the glucose uptake in different tissues. Results GIV and SGIV dcVILPs bind to both isoforms of human insulin receptor (IR-A and IR-B) and to the IGF1R, and for the latter, show higher affinity than human insulin. These dcVILPs stimulate IR and IGF1R phosphorylation and post-receptor signaling in vitro and in vivo. Both GIV and SGIV dcVILPs stimulate glucose uptake in mice. In vivo infusion experiments revealed that while insulin (0.015 nmol/kg/min) and GIV dcVILP (0.75 nmol/kg/min) stimulated a comparable glucose uptake in heart and skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue, GIV dcVILP stimulated 2-fold higher glucose uptake in white adipose tissue (WAT) compared to insulin. This was associated with increased Akt phosphorylation and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) gene expression compared to insulin in WAT. Conclusions Our results show that GIV and SGIV dcVILPs are active members of the insulin superfamily with unique characteristics. Elucidating the mechanism of tissue specificity for GIV dcVILP will help us to better understand insulin action, design new analogs that specifically target the tissues and provide new insights into their potential role in disease. Viral insulin/IGF1-like peptides (VILPs) are microbial members of the insulin superfamily. VILPs bind to human IR and IGF1R and stimulate post-receptor signaling. Grouper iridovirus (GIV) VILP has white adipose tissue (WAT)-specific characteristics. GIV VILP stimulates increased glucose uptake in WAT via increased GLUT4 expression.
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29
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Turner A, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Hormone-like conopeptides - new tools for pharmaceutical design. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:1235-1251. [PMID: 34095838 PMCID: PMC8126879 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00173b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides are a diverse family of peptides found in the venoms of marine cone snails and are used in prey capture and host defence. Because of their potent activity on a range of mammalian targets they have attracted interest as leads in drug design. Until recently most focus had been on studying conopeptides having activity at ion channels and related neurological targets but, with recent discoveries that some conopeptides might play hormonal roles, a new area of conopeptide research has opened. In this article we first summarize the canonical pharmaceutical families of Conus venom peptides and then focus on new research relating to hormone-like conopeptides and their potential applications. Finally, we briefly examine methods of chemically stabilizing conopeptides to improve their pharmacological properties. A summary is presented of conopeptides in clinical trials and a call for future work on hormone-like conopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlin Turner
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
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30
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McCullough D, Atofanei C, Knight E, Trim SA, Trim CM. Kinome scale profiling of venom effects on cancer cells reveals potential new venom activities. Toxicon 2020; 185:129-146. [PMID: 32682827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for novel and relevant cancer therapeutics is continuous and ongoing. Cancer adaptations, resulting in therapeutic treatment failures, fuel this continuous necessity for new drugs to novel targets. Recently, researchers have started to investigate the effect of venoms and venom components on different types of cancer, investigating their mechanisms of action. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) comprise a family of highly conserved and functionally important druggable targets for cancer therapy. This research exploits the novelty of complex venom mixtures to affect phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and related RTK family members, dually identifying new activities and unexplored avenues for future cancer and venom research. Six whole venoms from diverse species taxa, were evaluated for their ability to illicit changes in the phosphorylated expression of a panel of 49 commonly expressed RTKs. The triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 was treated with optimised venom doses, pre-determined by SDS PAGE and Western blot analysis. The phosphorylated expression levels of 49 RTKs in response to the venoms were assessed with the use of Human Phospho-RTK Arrays and analysed using ImageLab 5.2.1 analysis software (BioRad). Inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation occurred with treatment of venom from Acanthoscurria geniculata (Theraphosidae), Heterometrus swammerdami (Scorpionidae), Crotalus durissus vegrandis (Crotalidae) and Naja naja (Elapidae). Western green mamba Dendroaspis viridis venom increased EGFR phosphorylation. Eph, HGFR and HER were the most affected receptor families by venoms. Whilst the importance of these changes in terms of effect on MDA-MB-468 cells' long-term viability and functionality are still unclear, the findings present exciting opportunities for further investigation as potential drug targets in cancer and as tools to understand better how these pathways interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McCullough
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Cristina Atofanei
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Emily Knight
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK; Life Sciences Industry Liaison laboratory, Canterbury Christ Church University, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Steven A Trim
- Venomtech Ltd., Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Carol M Trim
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK.
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31
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Chua VM, Gajewiak J, Watkins M, Espino SS, Ramiro IBL, Omaga CA, Imperial JS, Carpio LPD, Fedosov A, Safavi-Hemami H, Salvador-Reyes LA, Olivera BM, Concepcion GP. Purification and Characterization of the Pink-Floyd Drillipeptide, a Bioactive Venom Peptide from Clavus davidgilmouri (Gastropoda: Conoidea: Drilliidae). Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12080508. [PMID: 32784699 PMCID: PMC7472735 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The cone snails (family Conidae) are the best known and most intensively studied venomous marine gastropods. However, of the total biodiversity of venomous marine mollusks (superfamily Conoidea, >20,000 species), cone snails comprise a minor fraction. The venoms of the family Drilliidae, a highly diversified family in Conoidea, have not previously been investigated. In this report, we provide the first biochemical characterization of a component in a Drilliidae venom and define a gene superfamily of venom peptides. A bioactive peptide, cdg14a, was purified from the venom of Clavus davidgilmouri Fedosov and Puillandre, 2020. The peptide is small (23 amino acids), disulfide-rich (4 cysteine residues) and belongs to the J-like drillipeptide gene superfamily. Other members of this superfamily share a conserved signal sequence and the same arrangement of cysteine residues in their predicted mature peptide sequences. The cdg14a peptide was chemically synthesized in its bioactive form. It elicited scratching and hyperactivity, followed by a paw-thumping phenotype in mice. Using the Constellation Pharmacology platform, the cdg14a drillipeptide was shown to cause increased excitability in a majority of non-peptidergic nociceptors, but did not affect other subclasses of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. This suggests that the cdg14a drillipeptide may be blocking a specific molecular isoform of potassium channels. The potency and selectivity of this biochemically characterized drillipeptide suggest that the venoms of the Drilliidae are a rich source of novel and selective ligands for ion channels and other important signaling molecules in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M. Chua
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; (V.M.C.); (I.B.L.R.); (C.A.O.); (L.P.D.C.); (L.A.S.-R.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Maren Watkins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Samuel S. Espino
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Iris Bea L. Ramiro
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; (V.M.C.); (I.B.L.R.); (C.A.O.); (L.P.D.C.); (L.A.S.-R.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Carla A. Omaga
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; (V.M.C.); (I.B.L.R.); (C.A.O.); (L.P.D.C.); (L.A.S.-R.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Julita S. Imperial
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Louie Paolo D. Carpio
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; (V.M.C.); (I.B.L.R.); (C.A.O.); (L.P.D.C.); (L.A.S.-R.)
| | - Alexander Fedosov
- Severstov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 33, Moscow 119071, Russia;
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Lilibeth A. Salvador-Reyes
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; (V.M.C.); (I.B.L.R.); (C.A.O.); (L.P.D.C.); (L.A.S.-R.)
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.G.); (M.W.); (S.S.E.); (J.S.I.); (H.S.-H.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Gisela P. Concepcion
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines; (V.M.C.); (I.B.L.R.); (C.A.O.); (L.P.D.C.); (L.A.S.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Ramiro IBL, Yandell M, McIntosh JM, Olivera BM, Ellgaard L, Safavi-Hemami H. Curses or Cures: A Review of the Numerous Benefits Versus the Biosecurity Concerns of Conotoxin Research. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E235. [PMID: 32708023 PMCID: PMC7460000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8080235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins form a diverse group of peptide toxins found in the venom of predatory marine cone snails. Decades of conotoxin research have provided numerous measurable scientific and societal benefits. These include their use as a drug, diagnostic agent, drug leads, and research tools in neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular evolution. Human envenomations by cone snails are rare but can be fatal. Death by envenomation is likely caused by a small set of toxins that induce muscle paralysis of the diaphragm, resulting in respiratory arrest. The potency of these toxins led to concerns regarding the potential development and use of conotoxins as biological weapons. To address this, various regulatory measures have been introduced that limit the use and access of conotoxins within the research community. Some of these regulations apply to all of the ≈200,000 conotoxins predicted to exist in nature of which less than 0.05% are estimated to have any significant toxicity in humans. In this review we provide an overview of the many benefits of conotoxin research, and contrast these to the perceived biosecurity concerns of conotoxins and research thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walden E. Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Iris Bea L. Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
| | - Mark Yandell
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Baldomero M. Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; (W.E.B.-Y.); (I.B.L.R.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (J.M.M.); (B.M.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Abalde S, Tenorio MJ, Afonso CML, Zardoya R. Comparative transcriptomics of the venoms of continental and insular radiations of West African cones. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200794. [PMID: 32546094 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptomes of the venom glands of 13 closely related species of vermivorous cones endemic to West Africa from genera Africonus and Varioconus were sequenced and venom repertoires compared within a phylogenetic framework using one Kalloconus species as outgroup. The total number of conotoxin precursors per species varied between 108 and 221. Individuals of the same species shared about one-fourth of the total conotoxin precursors. The number of common sequences was drastically reduced in the pairwise comparisons between closely related species, and the phylogenetical signal was totally eroded at the inter-generic level (no sequence was identified as shared derived), due to the intrinsic high variability of these secreted peptides. A common set of four conotoxin precursor superfamilies (T, O1, O2 and M) was expanded in all studied cone species, and thus, they are considered the basic venom toolkit for hunting and defense in the West African vermivorous cone snails. Maximum-likelihood ancestral character reconstructions inferred shared conotoxin precursors preferentially at internal nodes close to the tips of the phylogeny (between individuals and between closely related species) as well as in the common ancestor of Varioconus. Besides the common toolkit, the two genera showed significantly distinct catalogues of conotoxin precursors in terms of type of superfamilies present and the abundance of members per superfamily, but had similar relative expression levels indicating functional convergence. Differential expression comparisons between vermivorous and piscivorous cones highlighted the importance of the A and S superfamilies for fish hunting and defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abalde
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel J Tenorio
- Departamento CMIM y Q. Inorgánica-INBIO, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cadiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Carlos M L Afonso
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Rafael Zardoya
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
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A structurally minimized yet fully active insulin based on cone-snail venom insulin principles. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:615-624. [PMID: 32483339 PMCID: PMC7374640 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Human insulin and its current therapeutic analogs all show propensity, albeit varyingly, to self-associate into dimers and hexamers, which delays their onset of action and makes blood glucose management difficult for people with diabetes. Recently, we described a monomeric, insulin-like peptide in cone-snail venom with moderate human insulin-like bioactivity. Here, with insights from structural biology studies, we report the development of mini-Ins-a human des-octapeptide insulin analog-as a structurally minimal, full-potency insulin. Mini-Ins is monomeric and, despite the lack of the canonical B-chain C-terminal octapeptide, has similar receptor binding affinity to human insulin. Four mutations compensate for the lack of contacts normally made by the octapeptide. Mini-Ins also has similar in vitro insulin signaling and in vivo bioactivities to human insulin. The full bioactivity of mini-Ins demonstrates the dispensability of the PheB24-PheB25-TyrB26 aromatic triplet and opens a new direction for therapeutic insulin development.
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35
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Kumar S, Vijayasarathy M, Venkatesha M, Sunita P, Balaram P. Cone snail analogs of the pituitary hormones oxytocin/vasopressin and their carrier protein neurophysin. Proteomic and transcriptomic identification of conopressins and conophysins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140391. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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36
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Lu A, Watkins M, Li Q, Robinson SD, Concepcion GP, Yandell M, Weng Z, Olivera BM, Safavi-Hemami H, Fedosov AE. Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Extraordinary Diversity of Venom Peptides in Unexplored Predatory Gastropods of the Genus Clavus. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:684-700. [PMID: 32333764 PMCID: PMC7259678 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Predatory gastropods of the superfamily Conoidea number over 12,000 living species. The evolutionary success of this lineage can be explained by the ability of conoideans to produce complex venoms for hunting, defense, and competitive interactions. Whereas venoms of cone snails (family Conidae) have become increasingly well studied, the venoms of most other conoidean lineages remain largely uncharacterized. In the present study, we present the venom gland transcriptomes of two species of the genus Clavus that belong to the family Drilliidae. Venom gland transcriptomes of two specimens of Clavus canalicularis and two specimens of Clavus davidgilmouri were analyzed, leading to the identification of a total of 1,176 putative venom peptide toxins (drillipeptides). Based on the combined evidence of secretion signal sequence identity, entire precursor similarity search (BLAST), and the orthology inference, putative Clavus toxins were assigned to 158 different gene families. The majority of identified transcripts comprise signal, pro-, mature peptide, and post-regions, with a typically short (<50 amino acids) and cysteine-rich mature peptide region. Thus, drillipeptides are structurally similar to conotoxins. However, convincing homology with known groups of Conus toxins was only detected for very few toxin families. Among these are Clavus counterparts of Conus venom insulins (drillinsulins), porins (drilliporins), and highly diversified lectins (drillilectins). The short size of most drillipeptides and structural similarity to conotoxins were unexpected, given that most related conoidean gastropod families (Terebridae and Turridae) possess longer mature peptide regions. Our findings indicate that, similar to conotoxins, drillipeptides may represent a valuable resource for future pharmacological exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Lu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Qing Li
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah
- High-Throughput Genomics and Bioinformatic Analysis Shared Resource, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah
| | | | - Gisela P Concepcion
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Mark Yandell
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah
- Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | | | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexander E Fedosov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
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37
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News Feature: Venom back in vogue as a wellspring for drug candidates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:10100-10104. [PMID: 32321825 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2004486117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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38
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Adhesion, Catalysis and Signaling: A Commonality of Association Followed by Distinctive Events Driving Function. Structure 2019; 27:1055-1056. [PMID: 31269459 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Structure,Ranaivoson et al. (2019) highlight neuronal adhesion molecules with an extracellular exposure in synapses that have the potential to open new avenues in the study of the development and organization of the nervous system and their role in health and disease.
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39
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Xiong X, Blakely A, Karra P, VandenBerg MA, Ghabash G, Whitby F, Zhang YW, Webber MJ, Holland WL, Hill CP, Chou DHC. Novel four-disulfide insulin analog with high aggregation stability and potency. Chem Sci 2019; 11:195-200. [PMID: 32110371 PMCID: PMC7012051 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc04555d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel four-disulfide insulin analog was designed with retained bioactivity and increased fibrillation stability.
Although insulin was first purified and used therapeutically almost a century ago, there is still a need to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient convenience. A key challenge is the requirement for refrigeration to avoid inactivation of insulin by aggregation/fibrillation. Here, in an effort to mitigate this problem, we introduced a 4th disulfide bond between a C-terminal extended insulin A chain and residues near the C-terminus of the B chain. Insulin activity was retained by an analog with an additional disulfide bond between residues A22 and B22, while other linkages tested resulted in much reduced potency. Furthermore, the A22-B22 analog maintains the native insulin tertiary structure as demonstrated by X-ray crystal structure determination. We further demonstrate that this four-disulfide analog has similar in vivo potency in mice compared to native insulin and demonstrates higher aggregation stability. In conclusion, we have discovered a novel four-disulfide insulin analog with high aggregation stability and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Alan Blakely
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Prasoona Karra
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA
| | - Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , IN 46556 , USA
| | - Gabrielle Ghabash
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Frank Whitby
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Yi Wolf Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , IN 46556 , USA
| | - William L Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA
| | - Christopher P Hill
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
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40
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Jin AH, Muttenthaler M, Dutertre S, Himaya SWA, Kaas Q, Craik DJ, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF. Conotoxins: Chemistry and Biology. Chem Rev 2019; 119:11510-11549. [PMID: 31633928 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The venom of the marine predatory cone snails (genus Conus) has evolved for prey capture and defense, providing the basis for survival and rapid diversification of the now estimated 750+ species. A typical Conus venom contains hundreds to thousands of bioactive peptides known as conotoxins. These mostly disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides act on a wide range of targets such as ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, transporters, and enzymes. Conotoxins are of interest to neuroscientists as well as drug developers due to their exquisite potency and selectivity, not just against prey but also mammalian targets, thereby providing a rich source of molecular probes and therapeutic leads. The rise of integrated venomics has accelerated conotoxin discovery with now well over 10,000 conotoxin sequences published. However, their structural and pharmacological characterization lags considerably behind. In this review, we highlight the diversity of new conotoxins uncovered since 2014, their three-dimensional structures and folds, novel chemical approaches to their syntheses, and their value as pharmacological tools to unravel complex biology. Additionally, we discuss challenges and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry , University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria
| | - Sebastien Dutertre
- Département des Acides Amines, Peptides et Protéines, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5247, Université Montpellier 2-Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique , Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron , Place Eugène Bataillon , 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 , France
| | - S W A Himaya
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
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41
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Huang Q, Kahn CR, Altindis E. Viral Hormones: Expanding Dimensions in Endocrinology. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2165-2179. [PMID: 31310273 PMCID: PMC6736053 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Viruses have developed different mechanisms to manipulate their hosts, including the process of viral mimicry in which viruses express important host proteins. Until recently, examples of viral mimicry were limited to mimics of growth factors and immunomodulatory proteins. Using a comprehensive bioinformatics approach, we have shown that viruses possess the DNA/RNA with potential to encode 16 different peptides with high sequence similarity to human peptide hormones and metabolically important regulatory proteins. We have characterized one of these families, the viral insulin/IGF-1-like peptides (VILPs), which we identified in four members of the Iridoviridae family. VILPs can bind to human insulin and IGF-1 receptors and stimulate classic postreceptor signaling pathways. Moreover, VILPs can stimulate glucose uptake in vitro and in vivo and stimulate DNA synthesis. DNA sequences of some VILP-carrying viruses have been identified in the human enteric virome. In addition to VILPs, sequences with homology to 15 other peptide hormones or cytokines can be identified in viral DNA/RNA sequences, some with a very high identity to hormones. Recent data by others has identified a peptide that resembles and mimics α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone's anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro and in vivo models. Taken together, these studies reveal novel mechanisms of viral and bacterial pathogenesis in which the microbe can directly target or mimic the host endocrine system. These findings also introduce the concept of a system of microbial hormones that provides new insights into the evolution of peptide hormones, as well as potential new roles of microbial hormones in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Boston College Biology Department, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - C Ronald Kahn
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emrah Altindis
- Boston College Biology Department, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Correspondence: Emrah Altindis, PhD, Boston College Biology Department, Higgins Hall 515, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467. E-mail:
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42
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Jiráček J, Žáková L. From venom peptides to a potential diabetes treatment. eLife 2019; 8:e44829. [PMID: 30747103 PMCID: PMC6372278 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone snails have evolved a variety of insulin-like molecules that may help with the development of better treatments for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Jiráček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
| | - Lenka Žáková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
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43
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Ahorukomeye P, Disotuar MM, Gajewiak J, Karanth S, Watkins M, Robinson SD, Flórez Salcedo P, Smith NA, Smith BJ, Schlegel A, Forbes BE, Olivera B, Hung-Chieh Chou D, Safavi-Hemami H. Fish-hunting cone snail venoms are a rich source of minimized ligands of the vertebrate insulin receptor. eLife 2019; 8:41574. [PMID: 30747102 PMCID: PMC6372279 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The fish-hunting marine cone snail Conus geographus uses a specialized venom insulin to induce hypoglycemic shock in its prey. We recently showed that this venom insulin, Con-Ins G1, has unique characteristics relevant to the design of new insulin therapeutics. Here, we show that fish-hunting cone snails provide a rich source of minimized ligands of the vertebrate insulin receptor. Insulins from C. geographus, Conus tulipa and Conus kinoshitai exhibit diverse sequences, yet all bind to and activate the human insulin receptor. Molecular dynamics reveal unique modes of action that are distinct from any other insulins known in nature. When tested in zebrafish and mice, venom insulins significantly lower blood glucose in the streptozotocin-induced model of diabetes. Our findings suggest that cone snails have evolved diverse strategies to activate the vertebrate insulin receptor and provide unique insight into the design of novel drugs for the treatment of diabetes. Insulin is a hormone critical for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in humans. When the insulin system becomes faulty, blood sugar levels become too high, which can lead to diabetes. At the moment, the only effective treatment for one of the major types of diabetes are daily insulin injections. However, designing fast-acting insulin drugs has remained a challenge. Insulin molecules form clusters (so-called hexamers) that first have to dissolve in the body to activate the insulin receptor, which plays a key role in regulating the blood sugar levels throughout the body. This can take time and can therefore delay the blood-sugar control. In 2015, researchers discovered that the fish-hunting cone snail Conus geographus uses a specific type of insulin to capture its prey – fish. The cone snail releases insulin into the surrounding water and then engulfs its victim with its mouth. This induces dangerously low blood sugar levels in the fish and so makes them an easy target. Unlike the human version, the snail insulin does not cluster, and despite structural differences, can bind to the human insulin receptor. Now, Ahorukomeye, Disotuar et al. – including some of the authors involved in the previous study – wanted to find out whether other fish-hunting cone snails also make insulins and if they differed from the one previously discovered in C. geographus. The insulin molecules were extracted and analyzed, and the results showed that the three cone snail species had different versions of insulin – but none of them formed clusters. Ahorukomeye, Disotuar et al. further revealed that the snail insulins could bind to the human insulin receptors and could also reverse high blood sugar levels in fish and mouse models of the disease. This research may help guide future studies looking into developing fast-acting insulin drugs for diabetic patients. A next step will be to fully understand how snail insulins can be active at the human receptor without forming clusters. Cone snails solved this problem millions of years ago and by understanding how they have done this, researchers are hoping to redesign current diabetic therapeutics. Since the snail insulins do not form clusters and should act faster than currently available insulin drugs, they may lead to better or new diabetes treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ahorukomeye
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Maria M Disotuar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Santhosh Karanth
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Maren Watkins
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Paula Flórez Salcedo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Nicholas A Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brian J Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amnon Schlegel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Briony E Forbes
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Baldomero Olivera
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
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