1
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Tulika T, Ruso-Julve F, Ahmadi S, Ljungars A, Rivera-de-Torre E, Wade J, Fernández-Quintero ML, Jenkins TP, Belfakir SB, Ross GMS, Boyens-Thiele L, Buell AK, Sakya SA, Sørensen CV, Bohn MF, Ledsgaard L, Voldborg BG, Francavilla C, Schlothauer T, Lomonte B, Andersen JT, Laustsen AH. Engineering of pH-dependent antigen binding properties for toxin-targeting IgG1 antibodies using light-chain shuffling. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00277-6. [PMID: 39146931 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that bind their cognate antigen in a pH-dependent manner (acid-switched antibodies) can release their bound antigen for degradation in the acidic environment of endosomes, while the IgGs are rescued by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). Thus, such IgGs can neutralize multiple antigens over time and therefore be used at lower doses than their non-pH-responsive counterparts. Here, we show that light-chain shuffling combined with phage display technology can be used to discover IgG1 antibodies with increased pH-dependent antigen binding properties, using the snake venom toxins, myotoxin II and α-cobratoxin, as examples. We reveal differences in how the selected IgG1s engage their antigens and human FcRn and show how these differences translate into distinct cellular handling properties related to their pH-dependent antigen binding phenotypes and Fc-engineering for improved FcRn binding. Our study showcases the complexity of engineering pH-dependent antigen binding IgG1s and demonstrates the effects on cellular antibody-antigen recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fulgencio Ruso-Julve
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Jack Wade
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Selma B Belfakir
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark; VenomAid Diagnostics ApS, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Boyens-Thiele
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alexander K Buell
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Siri A Sakya
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn G Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Chiara Francavilla
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tilman Schlothauer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Terje Andersen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
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2
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Salvador GHM, Cardoso FF, Lomonte B, Fontes MRM. Inhibitors and activators for myotoxic phospholipase A 2-like toxins from snake venoms - A structural overview. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00175-5. [PMID: 39089640 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Snakebite envenomations result in acute and chronic physical and psychological health effects on their victims, leading to a substantial socio-economic burden in tropical and subtropical countries. Local necrosis is one of the serious effects caused by envenomation, primarily induced by snake venoms from the Viperidae family through the direct action of components collectively denominated as myotoxins, including the phopholipase A2-like (PLA2-like) toxins. Considering the limitations of antivenoms in preventing the rapid development of local tissue damage caused by envenomation, the use of small molecule therapeutics has been suggested as potential first-aid treatments or as adjuvants to antivenom therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the structural interactions of molecules exhibiting inhibitory activity toward PLA2-like toxins. Additionally, we discuss the implications for the myotoxic mechanism of PLA2-like toxins and the molecules involved in their activation, highlighting key differences between activators and inhibitors. Finally, we integrate all these results to propose a classification of inhibitors into three different classes and five sub-classes. Taking into account the structural and affinity information, we compare the different inhibitors/ligands to gain a deeper understanding of the structural basis for the effective inhibition of PLA2-like toxins. By offering these insights, we aim to contribute to the search for new and efficient inhibitor molecules to complement and improve current therapy by conventional antivenoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio F Cardoso
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil; Instituto de Estudos Avançados do Mar (IEAMar), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Vicente-SP, Brazil.
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3
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Sørensen CV, Fernández J, Adams AC, Wildenauer HHK, Schoffelen S, Ledsgaard L, Pucca MB, Fiebig M, Cerni FA, Tulika T, Voldborg BG, Karatt-Vellatt A, Morth JP, Ljungars A, Grav LM, Lomonte B, Laustsen AH. Antibody-dependent enhancement of toxicity of myotoxin II from Bothrops asper. Nat Commun 2024; 15:173. [PMID: 38228619 PMCID: PMC10791742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42624-5] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Improved therapies are needed against snakebite envenoming, which kills and permanently disables thousands of people each year. Recently developed neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against several snake toxins have shown promise in preclinical rodent models. Here, we use phage display technology to discover a human monoclonal antibody and show that this antibody causes antibody-dependent enhancement of toxicity (ADET) of myotoxin II from the venomous pit viper, Bothrops asper, in a mouse model of envenoming that mimics a snakebite. While clinical ADET related to snake venom has not yet been reported in humans, this report of ADET of a toxin from the animal kingdom highlights the necessity of assessing even well-known antibody formats in representative preclinical models to evaluate their therapeutic utility against toxins or venoms. This is essential to avoid potential deleterious effects as exemplified in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Anna Christina Adams
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Helen H K Wildenauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, BR-69310-000, Brazil
| | - Michael Fiebig
- Absolute Antibody Ltd, Wilton Centre, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 4RF, UK
| | - Felipe A Cerni
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, University of the State of Amazonas, Manaus, BR-69040-000, Brazil
| | - Tulika Tulika
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn G Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - J Preben Morth
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lise M Grav
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica.
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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4
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Díaz C, Serna-Gonzalez M, Chang-Castillo A, Lomonte B, Bonilla F, Alfaro-Chinchilla A, Triana F, Sasa M. Proteomic profile of the venom of three dark-colored Tityus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107031. [PMID: 37777039 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to elucidate the potential differences in the venom peptide sequences of three Tityus species from Costa Rican rainforests: T. jaimei, T. championi and T. dedoslargos, compared to T. cf. asthenes from Colombia, which could explain the low level of scorpionism in Costa Rica, evidenced by the lack of epidemiological data. METHODOLOGY We applied venom proteomics of peptides purified by RP-HPLC and compared the obtained sequences from venoms of these Tityus species to the sequences previously identified from Tityus inhabiting other Central and South American regions. RESULTS Venom proteome analysis evidences that most of the putative peptide toxins identified in Costa Rican dark-colored Tityus are very similar to those present in other T. (Atreus) from the region. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that, in the case of potential envenomation by Tityus in Costa Rica, the same level of toxicity should be observed, compared to other cases caused by members of the subgenus from other geographical localities. On the other hand, compared to countries with more accelerated urban expansion, Costa Rican Tityus still inhabit secondary rainforests and do not commonly share the same spaces with humans, so the lack of epidemiological evidence of medical emergencies caused by envenoming by this scorpion group could be more related to ecological and demographic factors and less attributed to the characteristics of the venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Díaz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | | | - Arturo Chang-Castillo
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Adriana Alfaro-Chinchilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Felipe Triana
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Museo de Zoología, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Tropical, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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5
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López-Dávila AJ, Weber N, Nayak A, Fritz L, Moustafa KR, Gand LV, Wehry E, Kraft T, Thum T, Fernández J, Gutiérrez JM, Lomonte B. Skeletal muscle fiber hypercontraction induced by Bothrops asper myotoxic phospholipases A 2 ex vivo does not involve a direct action on the contractile apparatus. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1193-1202. [PMID: 37474774 PMCID: PMC10499977 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02840-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Myonecrosis is a frequent clinical manifestation of envenomings by Viperidae snakes, mainly caused by the toxic actions of secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) enzymes and sPLA2-like homologs on skeletal muscle fibers. A hallmark of the necrotic process induced by these myotoxins is the rapid appearance of hypercontracted muscle fibers, attributed to the massive influx of Ca2+ resulting from cell membrane damage. However, the possibility of myotoxins having, in addition, a direct effect on the contractile machinery of skeletal muscle fibers when internalized has not been investigated. This question is here addressed by using an ex vivo model of single-skinned muscle fibers, which lack membranes but retain an intact contractile apparatus. Rabbit psoas skinned fibers were exposed to two types of myotoxins of Bothrops asper venom: Mt-I, a catalytically active Asp49 sPLA2 enzyme, and Mt-II, a Lys49 sPLA2-like protein devoid of phospholipolytic activity. Neither of these myotoxins affected the main parameters of force development in striated muscle sarcomeres of the skinned fibers. Moreover, no microscopical alterations were evidenced after their exposure to Mt-I or Mt-II. In contrast to the lack of effects on skinned muscle fibers, both myotoxins induced a strong hypercontraction in myotubes differentiated from murine C2C12 myoblasts, with drastic morphological alterations that reproduce those described in myonecrotic tissue in vivo. As neither Mt-I nor Mt-II showed direct effects upon the contractile apparatus of skinned fibers, it is concluded that the mechanism of hypercontraction triggered by both myotoxins in patients involves indirect effects, i.e., the large cytosolic Ca2+ increase after sarcolemma permeabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Jesús López-Dávila
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Natalie Weber
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arnab Nayak
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Leon Fritz
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kian Rami Moustafa
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Luis Vincens Gand
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Enke Wehry
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Theresia Kraft
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
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6
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Sørensen CV, Almeida JR, Bohn MF, Rivera-de-Torre E, Schoffelen S, Voldborg BG, Ljungars A, Vaiyapuri S, Laustsen AH. Discovery of a human monoclonal antibody that cross-neutralizes venom phospholipase A 2s from three different snake genera. Toxicon 2023; 234:107307. [PMID: 37783315 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the considerable global impact of snakebite envenoming, available treatments remain suboptimal. Here, we report the discovery of a broadly-neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, using a phage display-based cross-panning strategy, capable of reducing the cytotoxic effects of venom phospholipase A2s from three different snake genera from different continents. This highlights the potential of utilizing monoclonal antibodies to develop more effective, safer, and globally accessible polyvalent antivenoms that can be widely used to treat snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - José R Almeida
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6UB, United Kingdom
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bjørn G Voldborg
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sakthivel Vaiyapuri
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6UB, United Kingdom.
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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7
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Henrickson A, Montina T, Hazendonk P, Lomonte B, Neves-Ferreira AGC, Demeler B. SDS-induced hexameric oligomerization of myotoxin-II from Bothrops asper assessed by sedimentation velocity and nuclear magnetic resonance. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:445-457. [PMID: 37209172 PMCID: PMC10526984 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01658-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We report the solution behavior, oligomerization state, and structural details of myotoxin-II purified from the venom of Bothrops asper in the presence and absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and multiple lipids, as examined by analytical ultracentrifugation and nuclear magnetic resonance. Molecular functional and structural details of the myotoxic mechanism of group II Lys-49 phospholipase A2 homologues have been only partially elucidated so far, and conflicting observations have been reported in the literature regarding the monomeric vs. oligomeric state of these toxins in solution. We observed the formation of a stable and discrete, hexameric form of myotoxin-II, but only in the presence of small amounts of SDS. In SDS-free medium, myotoxin-II was insensitive to mass action and remained monomeric at all concentrations examined (up to 3 mg/ml, 218.2 μM). At SDS concentrations above the critical micelle concentration, only dimers and trimers were observed, and at intermediate SDS concentrations, aggregates larger than hexamers were observed. We found that the amount of SDS required to form a stable hexamer varies with protein concentration, suggesting the need for a precise stoichiometry of free SDS molecules. The discovery of a stable hexameric species in the presence of a phospholipid mimetic suggests a possible physiological role for this oligomeric form, and may shed light on the poorly understood membrane-disrupting mechanism of this myotoxic protein class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Henrickson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Tony Montina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Paul Hazendonk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología San José, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
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8
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Sørensen CV, Ledsgaard L, Wildenauer HHK, Dahl CH, Ebersole TW, Bohn MF, Ljungars A, Jenkins TP, Laustsen AH. Cross-reactivity trends when selecting scFv antibodies against snake toxins using a phage display-based cross-panning strategy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10181. [PMID: 37349546 PMCID: PMC10287648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies with cross-reactive binding and broad toxin-neutralizing capabilities are advantageous for treating indications such as infectious diseases and animal envenomings. Such antibodies have been successfully selected against closely related antigens using phage display technology. However, the mechanisms driving antibody cross-reactivity typically remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we sought to explore how a previously reported phage display-based cross-panning strategy drives the selection of cross-reactive antibodies using seven different snake toxins belonging to three protein (sub-)families: phospholipases A2, long-chain α-neurotoxins, and short-chain α-neurotoxins. We showcase how cross-panning can increase the chances of discovering cross-reactive single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) from phage display campaigns. Further, we find that the feasibility of discovering cross-reactive antibodies using cross-panning cannot easily be predicted by analyzing the sequence, structural, or surface similarity of the antigens alone. However, when antigens share the (exact) same functions, this seems to increase the chances of selecting cross-reactive antibodies, which may possibly be due to the existence of structurally similar motifs on the antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer V Sørensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Line Ledsgaard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Helen H K Wildenauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Camilla H Dahl
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tasja W Ebersole
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Markus-Frederik Bohn
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Ljungars
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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9
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Gabrili JJM, Pidde G, Magnoli FC, Marques-Porto R, Villas-Boas IM, Squaiella-Baptistão CC, Silva-de-França F, Burgher F, Blomet J, Tambourgi DV. New Insights into Immunopathology Associated to Bothrops lanceolatus Snake Envenomation: Focus on PLA 2 Toxin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9931. [PMID: 37373079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The systemic increase in inflammatory mediator levels can induce diverse pathological disorders, including potentially thrombus formation, which may be lethal. Among the clinical conditions in which the formation of thrombi dictates the patient's prognosis, envenomation by Bothrops lanceolatus should be emphasized, as it can evolve to stroke, myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. Despite their life-threatening potential, the immunopathological events and toxins involved in these reactions remain poorly explored. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the immunopathological events triggered by a PLA2 purified from B. lanceolatus venom, using an ex vivo human blood model of inflammation. Our results showed that the purified PLA2 from the venom of B. lanceolatus damages human erythrocytes in a dose dependent way. The cell injury was associated with a decrease in the levels of CD55 and CD59 complement regulators on the cell surface. Moreover, the generation of anaphylatoxins (C3a and C5a) and the soluble terminal complement complex (sTCC) indicates that human blood exposure to the toxin activates the complement system. Increased production of TNF-α, CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL5 followed complement activation. The venom PLA2 also triggered the generation of lipid mediators, as evidenced by the detected high levels of LTB4, PGE2 and TXB2. The scenario here observed of red blood cell damage, dysfunctions of the complement regulatory proteins, accompanied by an inflammatory mediator storm, suggests that B. lanceolatus venom PLA2 contributes to the thrombotic disorders present in the envenomed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel J M Gabrili
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Giselle Pidde
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Marques-Porto
- Development and Innovation Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Denise V Tambourgi
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
- Prevor Laboratory, 95760 Valmondois, France
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10
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Lomonte B. Lys49 myotoxins, secreted phospholipase A 2-like proteins of viperid venoms: A comprehensive review. Toxicon 2023; 224:107024. [PMID: 36632869 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Muscle necrosis is a potential clinical complication of snakebite envenomings, which in severe cases can lead to functional or physical sequelae such as disability or amputation. Snake venom proteins with the ability to directly damage skeletal muscle fibers are collectively referred to as myotoxins, and include three main types: cytolysins of the "three-finger toxin" protein family expressed in many elapid venoms, the so-called "small" myotoxins found in a number of rattlesnake venoms, and the widespread secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) molecules. Among the latter, protein variants that conserve the sPLA2 structure, but lack such enzymatic activity, have been increasingly found in the venoms of many viperid species. Intriguingly, these sPLA2-like proteins are able to induce muscle necrosis by a mechanism independent of phospholipid hydrolysis. They are commonly referred to as "Lys49 myotoxins" since they most often present, among other substitutions, the replacement of the otherwise invariant residue Asp49 of sPLA2s by Lys. This work comprehensively reviews the historical developments and current knowledge towards deciphering the mechanism of action of Lys49 sPLA2-like myotoxins, and points out main gaps to be filled for a better understanding of these multifaceted snake venom proteins, to hopefully lead to improved treatments for snakebites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica.
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11
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Venomics of the Scorpion Tityus ocelote (Scorpiones, Buthidae): Understanding Venom Evolution in the Subgenus Archaeotityus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10476-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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12
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Laustsen A, Gless BH, Jenkins TP, Meyhoff-Madsen M, Bjärtun J, Munk AS, Oscoz S, Fernández J, Gutiérrez JM, Lomonte B, Lohse B. In Vivo Neutralization of Myotoxin II, a Phospholipase A 2 Homologue from Bothrops asper Venom, Using Peptides Discovered via Phage Display Technology. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:15561-15569. [PMID: 35571794 PMCID: PMC9096979 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many snake venom toxins cause local tissue damage in prey and victims, which constitutes an important pathology that is challenging to treat with existing antivenoms. One of the notorious toxins that causes such effects is myotoxin II present in the venom of the Central and Northern South American viper, Bothrops asper. This Lys49 PLA2 homologue is devoid of enzymatic activity and causes myotoxicity by disrupting the cell membranes of muscle tissue. To improve envenoming therapy, novel approaches are needed, warranting the discovery and development of inhibitors that target key toxins that are currently difficult to neutralize. Here, we report the identification of a new peptide (JB006), discovered using phage display technology, that is capable of binding to and neutralizing the toxic effects of myotoxin II in vitro and in vivo. Through computational modeling, we further identify hypothetical binding interactions between the toxin and the peptide to enable further development of inhibitors that can neutralize myotoxin II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas
H. Laustsen
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Bengt H. Gless
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Maria Meyhoff-Madsen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Johanna Bjärtun
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Andreas S. Munk
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Saioa Oscoz
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical
University of Denmark, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto
Clodomiro Picado, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San
José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto
Clodomiro Picado, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San
José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto
Clodomiro Picado, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San
José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Brian Lohse
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
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13
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Martos-Esteban A, Macleod OJS, Maudlin I, Kalogeropoulos K, Jürgensen JA, Carrington M, Laustsen AH. Black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) phospholipases A 2 may cause Trypanosoma brucei death by blocking endocytosis through the flagellar pocket. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6394. [PMID: 35430620 PMCID: PMC9013370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomes, such as Trypanosoma brucei, are flagellated protozoa which proliferate in mammals and cause a variety of diseases in people and animals. In a mammalian host, the external face of the African trypanosome plasma membrane is covered by a densely packed coat formed of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), which counteracts the host's adaptive immune response by antigenic variation. The VSG is attached to the external face of the plasma membrane by covalent attachment of the C-terminus to glycosylphosphatidylinositol. As the trypanosome grows, newly synthesised VSG is added to the plasma membrane by vesicle fusion to the flagellar pocket, the sole location of exo- and endocytosis. Snake venoms contain dozens of components, including proteases and phospholipases A2. Here, we investigated the effect of Naja nigricollis venom on T. brucei with the aim of describing the response of the trypanosome to hydrolytic attack on the VSG. We found no evidence for VSG hydrolysis, however, N. nigricollis venom caused: (i) an enlargement of the flagellar pocket, (ii) the Rab11 positive endosomal compartments to adopt an abnormal dispersed localisation, and (iii) cell cycle arrest prior to cytokinesis. Our results indicate that a single protein family, the phospholipases A2 present in N. nigricollis venom, may be necessary and sufficient for the effects. This study provides new molecular insight into T. brucei biology and possibly describes mechanisms that could be exploited for T. brucei targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivia J S Macleod
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Isabella Maudlin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | | | - Jonas A Jürgensen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Andreas H Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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14
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Siniavin A, Grinkina S, Osipov A, Starkov V, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. Anti-HIV Activity of Snake Venom Phospholipase A2s: Updates for New Enzymes and Different Virus Strains. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031610. [PMID: 35163532 PMCID: PMC8835987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, lasting more than 30 years, the main goal of scientists was to develop effective methods for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection. Modern medicines have reduced the death rate from AIDS by 80%. However, they still have side effects and are very expensive, dictating the need to search for new drugs. Earlier, it was shown that phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) from bee and snake venoms block HIV replication, the effect being independent on catalytic PLA2 activity. However, the antiviral activity of human PLA2s against Lentiviruses depended on catalytic function and was mediated through the destruction of the viral membrane. To clarify the role of phospholipolytic activity in antiviral effects, we analyzed the anti-HIV activity of several snake PLA2s and found that the mechanisms of their antiviral activity were similar to that of mammalian PLA2. Our results indicate that snake PLA2s are capable of inhibiting syncytium formation between chronically HIV-infected cells and healthy CD4-positive cells and block HIV binding to cells. However, only dimeric PLA2s had pronounced virucidal and anti-HIV activity, which depended on their catalytic activity. The ability of snake PLA2s to inactivate the virus may provide an additional barrier to HIV infection. Thus, snake PLA2s might be considered as candidates for lead molecules in anti-HIV drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Siniavin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.); (V.S.); (V.T.)
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Svetlana Grinkina
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey Osipov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.); (V.S.); (V.T.)
| | - Vladislav Starkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.); (V.S.); (V.T.)
| | - Victor Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.); (V.S.); (V.T.)
| | - Yuri Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.); (V.S.); (V.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
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15
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Saravia-Otten P, Hernández R, Marroquín N, Pereañez JA, Preciado LM, Vásquez A, García G, Nave F, Rochac L, Genovez V, Mérida M, Cruz SM, Orozco N, Cáceres A, Gutiérrez JM. Inhibition of enzymatic activities of Bothrops asper snake venom and docking analysis of compounds from plants used in Central America to treat snakebite envenoming. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 283:114710. [PMID: 34626780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Snakebite envenoming is a public health problem of high impact in Central America. Bothrops asper, known as barba amarilla, terciopelo, and equis, is the snake species responsible for most snakebites in Central America. In this region, there is a long-standing tradition on the use of plants in the management of snakebites, especially in indigenous communities. Ethnomedical use of Eryngium foetidum L., Neurolaena lobata (L.) Cass. and Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. to treat snakebite envenoming has been reported in Belice, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Extracts of the leaves of these plants have shown anti-venom activities in in vitro assays in previous studies. AIM OF THE STUDY To assess the ability of organic fractions from these three plants to inhibit enzymatic activities associated with toxicity of the venom of B. asper, and to study, by docking analysis, the interaction of metalloproteinase and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) from B. asper venom with secondary metabolites previously described in these plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Organic fractions were obtained from these three plant species and their ability to neutralize proteolytic, PLA2 and in vitro coagulant activities of B. asper venom was assessed. A phytochemical analysis was carried out in these fractions. The interaction of secondary metabolites previously described in these plants with three toxins from B. asper venom (a metalloproteinase, a PLA2 and a PLA2 homologue) was investigated by docking analysis. RESULTS The inhibitory activity of plants was mainly concentrated in their polar fractions. Acetonic fraction from P. dioica was the most active against PLA2 activity, while the acetonic fraction of E. foetidum completely inhibited the proteolytic activity of the venom. Coagulant activity was partially inhibited only by the acetone and ethyl acetate fractions of P. dioica. Phytochemical analysis of the most bioactive fractions identified flavonoids, saponins, essential oils, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins and sesquiterpene lactones. Docking analysis revealed high affinity interactions of several secondary metabolites of these plants with residues in the vicinity of the catalytic site of these enzymes and, in the case of PLA2 homologue myotoxin II, in the hydrophobic channel. CONCLUSIONS Various fractions from these plants have inhibitory activity against enzymatic actions of B. asper venom which are directly associated with toxicological effects. Docking analysis showed structural evidence of the interaction of secondary metabolites with three toxins. These observations provide support to the potential of these plants to inhibit relevant toxic components of this snake venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Saravia-Otten
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala.
| | - Rosario Hernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Nereida Marroquín
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Productos Naturales (Lipronat), Escuela de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Jaime A Pereañez
- Toxinología, Alternativas Terapeúticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lina M Preciado
- Toxinología, Alternativas Terapeúticas y Alimentarias, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Allan Vásquez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala
| | - Gabriela García
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Federico Nave
- Dirección General de Investigaciones (DIGI), Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Lorena Rochac
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Productos Naturales (Lipronat), Escuela de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Vicente Genovez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Max Mérida
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Productos Naturales (Lipronat), Escuela de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Sully M Cruz
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Productos Naturales (Lipronat), Escuela de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Nohemí Orozco
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Armando Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Productos Naturales (Lipronat), Escuela de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala; Laboratorios de Productos Naturales Farmaya, Guatemala
| | - José M Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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16
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Soares BS, Rocha SLG, Bastos VA, Lima DB, Carvalho PC, Gozzo FC, Demeler B, Williams TL, Arnold J, Henrickson A, Jørgensen TJD, Souza TACB, Perales J, Valente RH, Lomonte B, Gomes-Neto F, Neves-Ferreira AGC. Molecular Architecture of the Antiophidic Protein DM64 and its Binding Specificity to Myotoxin II From Bothrops asper Venom. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:787368. [PMID: 35155563 PMCID: PMC8830425 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.787368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DM64 is a toxin-neutralizing serum glycoprotein isolated from Didelphis aurita, an ophiophagous marsupial naturally resistant to snake envenomation. This 64 kDa antitoxin targets myotoxic phospholipases A2, which account for most local tissue damage of viperid snakebites. We investigated the noncovalent complex formed between native DM64 and myotoxin II, a myotoxic phospholipase-like protein from Bothrops asper venom. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and size exclusion chromatography indicated that DM64 is monomeric in solution and binds equimolar amounts of the toxin. Attempts to crystallize native DM64 for X-ray diffraction were unsuccessful. Obtaining recombinant protein to pursue structural studies was also challenging. Classical molecular modeling techniques were impaired by the lack of templates with more than 25% sequence identity with DM64. An integrative structural biology approach was then applied to generate a three-dimensional model of the inhibitor bound to myotoxin II. I-TASSER individually modeled the five immunoglobulin-like domains of DM64. Distance constraints generated by cross-linking mass spectrometry of the complex guided the docking of DM64 domains to the crystal structure of myotoxin II, using Rosetta. AUC, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the DM64-myotoxin II complex is structured, shows flexibility, and has an anisotropic shape. Inter-protein cross-links and limited hydrolysis analyses shed light on the inhibitor's regions involved with toxin interaction, revealing the critical participation of the first, third, and fifth domains of DM64. Our data showed that the fifth domain of DM64 binds to myotoxin II amino-terminal and beta-wing regions. The third domain of the inhibitor acts in a complementary way to the fifth domain. Their binding to these toxin regions presumably precludes dimerization, thus interfering with toxicity, which is related to the quaternary structure of the toxin. The first domain of DM64 interacts with the functional site of the toxin putatively associated with membrane anchorage. We propose that both mechanisms concur to inhibit myotoxin II toxicity by DM64 binding. The present topological characterization of this toxin-antitoxin complex constitutes an essential step toward the rational design of novel peptide-based antivenom therapies targeting snake venom myotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara S. Soares
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Viviane A. Bastos
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diogo B. Lima
- Department of Chemical Biology, Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Paulo C. Carvalho
- Laboratory for Structural and Computational Proteomics, Carlos Chagas Institute, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Fabio C. Gozzo
- Dalton Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Tayler L. Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Janelle Arnold
- Department of Environmental Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Amy Henrickson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Thomas J. D. Jørgensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tatiana A. C. B. Souza
- Laboratory for Structural and Computational Proteomics, Carlos Chagas Institute, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Jonas Perales
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Richard H. Valente
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Clodomiro Picado Institute, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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17
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BthTX-II from Bothrops jararacussu venom has variants with different oligomeric assemblies: An example of snake venom phospholipases A 2 versatility. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 191:255-266. [PMID: 34547312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are found in almost every venomous snake family. In snakebites, some PLA2s can quickly cause local myonecrosis, which may lead to permanent sequelae if antivenom is administered belatedly. They hydrolyse phospholipids in membranes through a catalytic calcium ions-dependent mechanism. BthTX-II is a basic PLA2 and the second major component in the venom of Bothrops jararacussu. Herein, using the software SEQUENCE SLIDER, which integrates crystallographic, mass spectrometry and genetic data, we characterized the primary, tertiary and quaternary structure of two BthTX-II variants (called a and b), which diverge in 7 residues. Crystallographic structure BthTX-IIa is in a Tense-state with its distorted calcium binding loop buried in the dimer interface, contrarily, the novel BthTX-IIb structure is a monomer in a Relax-state with a fatty acid in the hydrophobic channel. Structural data in solution reveals that both variants are monomeric in neutral physiological conditions and mostly dimeric in an acidic environment, being catalytic active in both situations. Therefore, we propose two myotoxic mechanisms for BthTX-II, a catalytic one associated with the monomeric assembly, whereas the other has a calcium independent activity related to its C-terminal region, adopting a dimeric conformation similar to PLA2-like proteins.
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18
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Salvador GHM, Borges RJ, Lomonte B, Lewin MR, Fontes MRM. The synthetic varespladib molecule is a multi-functional inhibitor for PLA 2 and PLA 2-like ophidic toxins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129913. [PMID: 33865953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment for snakebites is early administration of antivenom, which can be highly effective in inhibiting the systemic effects of snake venoms, but is less effective in the treatment of extra-circulatory and local effects. To complement standard-of-care treatments such as antibody-based antivenoms, natural and synthetic small molecules have been proposed for the inhibition of key venom components such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and PLA2-like toxins. Varespladib (compound LY315920) is a synthetic molecule developed and clinically tested aiming to block inflammatory cascades of several diseases associated with high PLA2s. Recent studies have demonstrated this molecule is able to potently inhibit snake venom catalytic PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins. METHODS In vivo and in vitro techniques were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of varespladib against MjTX-I. X-ray crystallography was used to reveal details of the interaction between these molecules. A new methodology that combines crystallography, mass spectroscopy and phylogenetic data was used to review its primary sequence. RESULTS Varespladib was able to inhibit the myotoxic and cytotoxic effects of MjTX-I. Structural analysis revealed a particular inhibitory mechanism of MjTX-I when compared to other PLA2-like myotoxin, presenting an oligomeric-independent function. CONCLUSION Results suggest the effectiveness of varespladib for the inhibition of MjTX-I, in similarity with other PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Varespladib appears to be a promissory molecule in the treatment of local effects led by PLA2 and PLA2-like toxins (oligomeric dependent and independent), indicating that this is a multifunctional or broadly specific inhibitor for different toxins within this superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme H M Salvador
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael J Borges
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Matthew R Lewin
- Center for Exploration and Travel Health, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Marcos R M Fontes
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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19
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Snake Venom Components: Tools and Cures to Target Cardiovascular Diseases. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082223. [PMID: 33921462 PMCID: PMC8070158 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered as a major cause of death worldwide. Therefore, identifying and developing therapeutic strategies to treat and reduce the prevalence of CVDs is a major medical challenge. Several drugs used for the treatment of CVDs, such as captopril, emerged from natural products, namely snake venoms. These venoms are complex mixtures of bioactive molecules, which, among other physiological networks, target the cardiovascular system, leading to them being considered in the development and design of new drugs. In this review, we describe some snake venom molecules targeting the cardiovascular system such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2), natriuretic peptides (NPs), bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), disintegrins, fibrinolytic enzymes, and three-finger toxins (3FTXs). In addition, their molecular targets, and mechanisms of action—vasorelaxation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, cardioprotective activities—are discussed. The dissection of their biological effects at the molecular scale give insights for the development of future snake venom-derived drugs.
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20
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Senji Laxme RR, Attarde S, Khochare S, Suranse V, Martin G, Casewell NR, Whitaker R, Sunagar K. Biogeographical venom variation in the Indian spectacled cobra (Naja naja) underscores the pressing need for pan-India efficacious snakebite therapy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009150. [PMID: 33600405 PMCID: PMC7924803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Snake venom composition is dictated by various ecological and environmental factors, and can exhibit dramatic variation across geographically disparate populations of the same species. This molecular diversity can undermine the efficacy of snakebite treatments, as antivenoms produced against venom from one population may fail to neutralise others. India is the world’s snakebite hotspot, with 58,000 fatalities and 140,000 morbidities occurring annually. Spectacled cobra (Naja naja) and Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) are known to cause the majority of these envenomations, in part due to their near country-wide distributions. However, the impact of differing ecologies and environment on their venom compositions has not been comprehensively studied. Methods Here, we used a multi-disciplinary approach consisting of venom proteomics, biochemical and pharmacological analyses, and in vivo research to comparatively analyse N. naja venoms across a broad region (>6000 km; seven populations) covering India’s six distinct biogeographical zones. Findings By generating the most comprehensive pan-Indian proteomic and toxicity profiles to date, we unveil considerable differences in the composition, pharmacological effects and potencies of geographically-distinct venoms from this species and, through the use of immunological assays and preclinical experiments, demonstrate alarming repercussions on antivenom therapy. We find that commercially-available antivenom fails to effectively neutralise envenomations by the pan-Indian populations of N. naja, including a complete lack of neutralisation against the desert Naja population. Conclusion Our findings highlight the significant influence of ecology and environment on snake venom composition and potency, and stress the pressing need to innovate pan-India effective antivenoms to safeguard the lives, limbs and livelihoods of the country’s 200,000 annual snakebite victims. Annually, India is burdened by the highest number of snake envenomations across the globe, with over 58,000 fatalities and three times the number of morbidities, predominantly affecting the rural agrarian communities. The spectacled cobra (Naja naja) and Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) are responsible for the vast majority of envenomations in the country, in part, due to their near country-wide distributions. In this study, we unveil the astounding differences in venom composition of N. naja from six different biogeographical zones across the country (>6000 km). We provide a comprehensive account of their disparate venom proteomic profiles, biochemical and pharmacological effects, and the associated potencies. Our study uncovers alarming differences in the efficacy of the marketed polyvalent antivenoms in neutralising these venoms, thereby, emphasising the pressing need to develop dose-efficacious and pan-India effective antivenoms for the treatment of snakebites in the country. This study also highlights the significant influence of ecology and diverse environments on the venom variability, insinuating the necessity for innovating cost-effective and pan-India efficacious solutions to safeguard the lives, limbs and livelihoods of India’s two hundred thousand annual snakebite victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. R. Senji Laxme
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Saurabh Attarde
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Suyog Khochare
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Suranse
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gerard Martin
- The Liana Trust, Survey #1418/1419 Rathnapuri, Hunsur, Karnataka, India
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Romulus Whitaker
- Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/Centre for Herpetology, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- Evolutionary Venomics Lab. Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- * E-mail:
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Escalante T, Saravia-Otten P, Gastaldello S, Hernández R, Marín A, García G, García L, Estrada E, Rucavado A, Gutiérrez JM. Changes in basement membrane components in an experimental model of skeletal muscle degeneration and regeneration induced by snake venom and myotoxic phospholipase A 2. Toxicon 2021; 192:46-56. [PMID: 33460638 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle regeneration is impaired after myonecrosis induced by viperid snake venoms, but the mechanisms behind such poor regenerative outcome are not fully understood. This study compared the changes in basement membrane (BM) components in mouse skeletal muscle in two different scenarios of muscle injury: (a) injection of Bothrops asper venom, as a model of poor regeneration, and (b) injection of a myotoxic fraction (Mtx) isolated from this venom, as a model of successful regeneration. The degradation and reposition of laminin, type IV collagen and fibronectin were assessed over time by a combination of immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real time polymerase chain reaction. Both treatments induced degradation of laminin and type IV collagen in areas of muscle necrosis since day one, however, there were differences in the pattern of degradation and reposition of these proteins along time. Overall, Mtx induced a higher synthesis of fibronectin and higher degradation of laminin at intermediate time points, together with higher levels of transcripts for the chains of the three proteins. Instead, venom induced a higher degradation of laminin and type IV collagen at early time intervals, followed by a reduced recovery of type IV collagen by 15 days. These differences in extracellular matrix degradation and remodeling between the two models could be associated to the poor muscle regeneration after myonecrosis induced by B. asper venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Escalante
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Patricia Saravia-Otten
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Stefano Gastaldello
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Precision Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Laishan District, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong Province, 264003, China
| | - Rosario Hernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Alexa Marín
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Gabriela García
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Lourdes García
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Erick Estrada
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Alexandra Rucavado
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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22
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Rodríguez JP, Leiguez E, Guijas C, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Teixeira C, Balboa MA, Balsinde J. A Lipidomic Perspective of the Action of Group IIA Secreted Phospholipase A 2 on Human Monocytes: Lipid Droplet Biogenesis and Activation of Cytosolic Phospholipase A 2α. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060891. [PMID: 32532115 PMCID: PMC7355433 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase A2s constitute a wide group of lipid-modifying enzymes which display a variety of functions in innate immune responses. In this work, we utilized mass spectrometry-based lipidomic approaches to investigate the action of Asp-49 Ca2+-dependent secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) (MT-III) and Lys-49 sPLA2 (MT-II), two group IIA phospholipase A2s isolated from the venom of the snake Bothrops asper, on human peripheral blood monocytes. MT-III is catalytically active, whereas MT-II lacks enzyme activity. A large decrease in the fatty acid content of membrane phospholipids was detected in MT III-treated monocytes. The significant diminution of the cellular content of phospholipid-bound arachidonic acid seemed to be mediated, in part, by the activation of the endogenous group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A2α. MT-III triggered the formation of triacylglycerol and cholesterol enriched in palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids, but not arachidonic acid, along with an increase in lipid droplet synthesis. Additionally, it was shown that the increased availability of arachidonic acid arising from phospholipid hydrolysis promoted abundant eicosanoid synthesis. The inactive form, MT-II, failed to produce any of the effects described above. These studies provide a complete lipidomic characterization of the monocyte response to snake venom group IIA phospholipase A2, and reveal significant connections among lipid droplet biogenesis, cell signaling and biochemical pathways that contribute to initiating the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Rodríguez
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (J.P.R.); (E.L.); (C.G.); (M.A.B.)
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de la Facultad de Medicina (LIBIM), Instituto de Química Básica y Aplicada del Nordeste Argentino (IQUIBA-NEA), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNNE-CONICET), Corrientes 3400, Argentina
| | - Elbio Leiguez
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (J.P.R.); (E.L.); (C.G.); (M.A.B.)
- Laboratorio de Farmacologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo 01000, Brazil;
| | - Carlos Guijas
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (J.P.R.); (E.L.); (C.G.); (M.A.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501–2060, Costa Rica; (B.L.); (J.M.G.)
| | - José M. Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501–2060, Costa Rica; (B.L.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Catarina Teixeira
- Laboratorio de Farmacologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo 01000, Brazil;
| | - María A. Balboa
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (J.P.R.); (E.L.); (C.G.); (M.A.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Balsinde
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; (J.P.R.); (E.L.); (C.G.); (M.A.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-983-423-062
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23
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Lomonte B, Díaz C, Chaves F, Fernández J, Ruiz M, Salas M, Zavaleta A, Calvete JJ, Sasa M. Comparative characterization of Viperidae snake venoms from Perú reveals two compositional patterns of phospholipase A 2 expression. Toxicon X 2020; 7:100044. [PMID: 32550596 PMCID: PMC7285926 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake species within the Bothrops complex (sensu lato) are of medical relevance in Latin America, but knowledge on their venom characteristics is limited, or even unavailable, for some taxa. Perú harbors 17 species of pit vipers, within the genera Bothrops, Bothriechis, Bothrocophias, Porthidium, Crotalus, and Lachesis. This study compared the venoms of twelve species, through chromatographic and electrophoretic profiles, as well as proteolytic and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities. Also, proteomic profiles were analyzed for nine of the venoms using a shotgun approach. Results unveiled conspicuous differences in the expression of venom PLA2s among species, six of them presenting scarce levels as judged by RP-HPLC profiles. Since most species within the bothropoid lineage possess venoms with high to intermediate abundances of this protein family, our findings suggest the existence of a phenotypic duality in the expression of venom PLA2s within the Bothrops (sensu lato) complex. Bothrops barnetti and Bothrocophias andianus venoms, very scarce in PLA2s, were shown to lack significant myotoxic activity, highlighting that the observed variability in PLA2 expression bears toxicological correlations with effects attributed to these proteins. Finally, an attempt to identify phylogenetic relationships of bothropoid species from Perú presenting low- or high-PLA2 venom phenotypes showed an interspersed pattern, thus precluding a simple phylogenetic interpretation of this venom compositional dichotomy. Venoms from 12 viperids of Perú were compared. Conspicuous differences in the expression of PLA2 were found. Venoms presenting scarce levels of PLA2 lack myotoxicity. A new phenotypic dichotomy in venom PLA2 expression is described within Bothrops (sensu lato).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Cecilia Díaz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fernando Chaves
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marco Ruiz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María Salas
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias Celulares y Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Alfonso Zavaleta
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias Celulares y Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Evolutiva y Traslacional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.,Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Brenes H, Loría GD, Lomonte B. Potent virucidal activity against Flaviviridae of a group IIA phospholipase A 2 isolated from the venom of Bothrops asper. Biologicals 2019; 63:48-52. [PMID: 31839332 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) molecules are small, calcium-dependent enzymes involved in many biological processes. Viperid venoms possess gIIA sPLA2s and sPLA2-like proteins, both having homology to human gIIA sPLA2, an innate immunity enzyme. We evaluated the antiviral action of Mt-I (catalytically-active sPLA2) and Mt-II (catalytically-inactive variant) isolated from the venom of Bothrops asper, against a diverse group of viruses. Yellow Fever and Dengue (enveloped) viruses were highly susceptible to inactivation by the snake proteins, in contrast to Sabin (non-enveloped; Polio vaccine strain), and Influenza A, Herpes simplex 1 and 2, and Vesicular Stomatitis (enveloped) viruses. Titration of the antiviral effect against Dengue virus revealed Mt-I to be highly potent (IC50 0.5-2 ng/mL), whereas Mt-II was 1000-fold weaker. This large difference suggested a requirement for PLA2 activity, which was confirmed by chemical inactivation of Mt-I. A synthetic peptide representing the membrane-disrupting region of Mt-II, previously shown to have bactericidal effect, lacked antiviral action, suggesting that the weak virucidal effect observed for Mt-II is likely caused by contamination with traces of Mt-I. On the other hand, Mt-I was demonstrated to act by a direct virucidal mechanism prior to infection, and not by an independent effect on host cells, either pretreated, or exposed to Mt-I after virus infection. Interestingly, DENV2 propagated in mosquito cells was much more sensitive to the action of Mt-I, compared to human cell-propagated virus. Therefore, differences in envelope membrane composition may be crucially involved in the observed virucidal action of PLA2 enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebleen Brenes
- Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud (INCIENSA), Tres Ríos, Cartago, Costa Rica.
| | - Gilbert D Loría
- Sección de Virología, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), and Centro de Investigaciones en Hematología y Trastornos Afines (CIHATA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Moreira V, Gutiérrez JM, Lomonte B, Vinolo MAR, Curi R, Lambeau G, Teixeira C. 12-HETE is a regulator of PGE 2 production via COX-2 expression induced by a snake venom group IIA phospholipase A 2 in isolated peritoneal macrophages. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 317:108903. [PMID: 31811862 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The snake venom miotoxin (MT)-III is a group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) with pro-inflammatory activities. Previous studies have demonstrated that MT-III has the ability to stimulate macrophages to release inflammatory lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid metabolism. Among them, we highlight prostaglandin (PG)E2 produced by the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 pathway, through activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. However, the mechanisms coordinating this process are not fully understood. This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms exerted by other groups of bioactive eicosanoids derived from 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO), in particular 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (12-HETE), on group IIA sPLA2-induced (i) PGE2 release, (ii) COX-2 expression, and (iii) activation of signaling pathways p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases(p38MAPK), protein C kinase (PKC), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and NF-κB. Stimulation of macrophages with group IIA sPLA2 resulted in release of 12-HETE without modification of 12-LO protein levels. Pre-treatment of these cells with baicalein, a 12-LO inhibitor, decreased the sPLA2-induced PGE2 production, significantly reduced COX-2 expression, and inhibited sPLA2-induced ERK; however, it did not affect p38MAPK or PKC phosphorylation. In turn, sPLA2-induced PGE2 release and COX-2 expression, but not NF-κB activation, was attenuated by pre-treating macrophages with PD98059 an inhibitor of ERK1/2. These results suggest that, in macrophages, group IIA sPLA2-induced PGE2 release and COX-2 protein expression are distinctly mediated through 12-HETE followed by ERK1/2 pathway activation, independently of NF-κB activation. These findings highlight an as yet undescribed mechanism by which 12-HETE regulates one of the distinct signaling pathways for snake venom group IIA sPLA2-induced PGE2 release and COX-2 expression in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Moreira
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marco Aurélio Ramirez Vinolo
- Departamento de Genética, Evolução e Bioagentes, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rui Curi
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gérard Lambeau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Catarina Teixeira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Bustillo S, Fernández J, Chaves-Araya S, Angulo Y, Leiva LC, Lomonte B. Isolation of two basic phospholipases A2 from Bothrops diporus snake venom: Comparative characterization and synergism between Asp49 and Lys49 variants. Toxicon 2019; 168:113-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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A Secreted Phospholipase A 2 Induces Formation of Smooth Muscle Foam Cells Which Transdifferentiate to Macrophage-Like State. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24183244. [PMID: 31489892 PMCID: PMC6766822 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24183244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) loaded with lipid droplets (LDs) are markers of atherosclerosis. In this disease, inflammatory Group IIA-secreted phospholipase A2s (GIIA sPLA2s) are highly expressed in VSMCs, but their actions in these cells are unknown. Here, we investigated the ability of myotoxin III (MT-III), an ophidian GIIA sPLA2 sharing structural and functional features with mammalian GIIA sPLA2s, to induce LD formation and lipid metabolism factors involved in this effect. Modulation of VSMC phenotypes by this sPLA2 was also evaluated. Incubation of VSMCs with MT-III significantly increased the number of LDs. MT-III upregulated scavenger receptor type 1 (SR-A1) and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) protein expression and enhanced acetylated-low density lipoprotein (acLDL) uptake by VSMCs, revealing the ability of a GIIA PLA2 to modulate scavenger receptor activities. MT-III induced translocation and protein expression of PPAR-γ and -β/δ. Inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT) and acyl-CoA:cholesterolacyltransferase (ACAT) enzymes abrogated MT-III-induced LD formation. Moreover, in response to MT-III, VSMCs acquired phagocytic activity and expressed macrophage markers CD68 and MAC-2. In conclusion, MT-III is able to stimulate VSMCs and recruit factors involved in lipid uptake and metabolism, leading to the formation of VSMC-derived foam cells with acquisition of macrophage-like markers and functions.
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Méndez R, Bonilla F, Sasa M, Dwyer Q, Fernández J, Lomonte B. Proteomic profiling, functional characterization, and immunoneutralization of the venom of Porthidium porrasi, a pitviper endemic to Costa Rica. Acta Trop 2019; 193:113-123. [PMID: 30831113 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The genus Porthidium includes nine pitviper species inhabiting Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Porthidium porrasi is a species endemic to the Southwest of Costa Rica, for which no information on its venom was available. In this study, the proteomic composition and functional activities of P. porrasi venom are described. The most abundant venom proteins were identified as metalloproteinases (36.5%). In descending order of abundance, proteins belonging to the disintegrin, phospholipase A2, serine proteinase, C-type lectin/lectin-like, vascular endothelial growth factor, Cysteine-rich secretory protein, L-amino acid oxidase, phospholipase B, and phosphodiesterase families were also identified. P. porrasi venom showed a weak lethal potency in mice (10 μg/g body weight by intraperitoneal route), induced marked hemorrhage and edema, and weak myotoxic effect. These in vivo activities, as well as those assayed in vitro (proteolytic and phospholipase A2 activities) correlated with compositional data. A comparison of P. porrasi venom with those of three other Porthidium species studied to date reveals a generally conserved compositional and functional pattern in this pitviper genus. Importantly, the lethal effect of P. porrasi venom in mice was adequately cross-neutralized by a heterospecific polyvalent antivenom, supporting its use in the treatment of eventual envenomings by this species.
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Rojas-Azofeifa D, Sasa M, Lomonte B, Diego-García E, Ortiz N, Bonilla F, Murillo R, Tytgat J, Díaz C. Biochemical characterization of the venom of Central American scorpion Didymocentrus krausi Francke, 1978 (Diplocentridae) and its toxic effects in vivo and in vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 217:54-67. [PMID: 30517877 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Venoms of medically important scorpions from Buthidae family have been intensively studied, in contrast to non-buthid venoms, for which knowledge is scarce. In this work, we characterized the venom of a Diplocentridae species, Didymocentrus krausi, a small fossorial scorpion that inhabits the Tropical Dry Forest of Central America. D. krausi venom soluble fraction contains proteases with enzymatic activity on gelatin and casein. Mass spectrometry and venomic analysis confirmed the presence of elastase-like, cathepsin-O-like proteases and a neprilysin-like metalloproteinase. We did not detect phospholipase A2, C or D, nor hyaluronidase activity in the venom. By homology-based venom gland transcriptomic analysis, NDBPs, a β-KTx-like peptide, and other putative toxin transcripts were found, which, together with a p-benzoquinone compound present in the venom, could potentially explain its direct hemolytic and cytotoxic effects in several mammalian cell lines. Cytotoxicity of D. krausi venom was higher than the effect of venoms from two buthid scorpion species distributed in Costa Rica, Centruroides edwardsii and Tityus pachyurus. Even though D. krausi venom was not lethal to mice or crickets, when injected in mouse gastrocnemius muscle at high doses it induced pathological effects at 24 h, which include myonecrosis, weak hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltration. We observed an apparent thrombotic effect in the skin blood vessels, but no in vitro fibrinogenolytic activity was detected. In crickets, D. krausi venom induced toxicity and paralysis in short periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rojas-Azofeifa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Elia Diego-García
- Cátedras CONACYT-El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalia Ortiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Renato Murillo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cecilia Díaz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Neutralizing properties of LY315920 toward snake venom group I and II myotoxic phospholipases A2. Toxicon 2019; 157:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Vindas J, Carrera Y, Lomonte B, Gutiérrez JM, Calvete JJ, Sanz L, Fernández J. A novel pentameric phospholipase A2 myotoxin (PophPLA2) from the venom of the pit viper Porthidium ophryomegas. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 118:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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A myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A2-homologue is the major component of the venom of Bothrops cotiara from Misiones, Argentina. Toxicon 2018; 148:143-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Charoenpitakchai M, Wiwatwarayos K, Jaisupa N, Rusmili MRA, Mangmool S, Hodgson WC, Ruangpratheep C, Chanhome L, Chaisakul J. Non-neurotoxic activity of Malayan krait ( Bungarus candidus) venom from Thailand. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:9. [PMID: 29556251 PMCID: PMC5845229 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0146-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Envenoming by kraits (genus Bungarus) is a medically significant issue in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) venom is known to contain highly potent neurotoxins. In recent years, there have been reports on the non-neurotoxic activities of krait venom that include myotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. However, research on such non-neurotoxicity activities of Malayan krait venom is extremely limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the myotoxic, cytotoxic and nephrotoxic activities of B. candidus venoms from northeastern (BC-NE) and southern (BC-S) Thailand in experimentally envenomed rats. Methods Rats were administered Malayan krait (BC-NE or BC-S) venom (50 μg/kg, i.m.) or 0.9% NaCl solution (50 μL, i.m.) into the right hind limb. The animals were sacrificed 3, 6 and 24 h after venom administration. The right gastrocnemius muscle and both kidneys were collected for histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also taken for determination of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293) was used in a cell proliferation assay to determine cytotoxic activity. Results Administration of BC-NE or BC-S venom (50 μg/kg, i.m.) caused time-dependent myotoxicity, characterized by an elevation of CK and LDH levels. Histopathological examination of skeletal muscle displayed marked muscle necrosis and myofiber disintegration 24 h following venom administration. Both Malayan krait venoms also induced extensive renal tubular injury with glomerular and interstitial congestion in rats. BC-NE and BC-S venoms (100–0.2 μg/mL) caused concentration-dependent cytotoxicity on the HEK-293 cell line. However, BC-NE venom (IC50 = 8 ± 1 μg/mL; at 24 h incubation; n = 4) was found to be significantly more cytotoxic than BC-S venom (IC50 = 15 ± 2 μg/mL; at 24 h incubation; n = 4). In addition, the PLA2 activity of BC-NE venom was significantly higher than that of BC-S venom. Conclusions This study found that Malayan krait venoms from both populations possess myotoxic, cytotoxic and nephrotoxic activities. These findings may aid in clinical diagnosis and treatment of envenomed patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kulachet Wiwatwarayos
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Army Institute of Pathology, Royal Thai Army Medical Department, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Nattapon Jaisupa
- 3Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad Rusmili
- 4Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan Campus, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur Malaysia
| | - Supachoke Mangmool
- 5Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Wayne C Hodgson
- 6Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Chetana Ruangpratheep
- 1Department of Pathology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Lawan Chanhome
- 7Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Janeyuth Chaisakul
- 3Department of Pharmacology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
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Krishnan NM, Panda B. Comparative analyses of putative toxin gene homologs from an Old World viper, Daboia russelii. PeerJ 2017; 5:e4104. [PMID: 29230357 PMCID: PMC5721910 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4104] [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: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Availability of snake genome sequences has opened up exciting areas of research on comparative genomics and gene diversity. One of the challenges in studying snake genomes is the acquisition of biological material from live animals, especially from the venomous ones, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming. Here, we report comparative sequence analyses of putative toxin gene homologs from Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) using whole-genome sequencing data obtained from shed skin. When compared with the major venom proteins in Russell’s viper studied previously, we found 45–100% sequence similarity between the venom proteins and their putative homologs in the skin. Additionally, comparative analyses of 20 putative toxin gene family homologs provided evidence of unique sequence motifs in nerve growth factor (NGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), Kunitz/Bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz BPTI), cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, andpathogenesis-related1 proteins (CAP) and cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP). In those derived proteins, we identified V11 and T35 in the NGF domain; F23 and A29 in the PDGF domain; N69, K2 and A5 in the CAP domain; and Q17 in the CRISP domain to be responsible for differences in the largest pockets across the protein domain structures in crotalines, viperines and elapids from the in silico structure-based analysis. Similarly, residues F10, Y11 and E20 appear to play an important role in the protein structures across the kunitz protein domain of viperids and elapids. Our study highlights the usefulness of shed skin in obtaining good quality high-molecular weight DNA for comparative genomic studies, and provides evidence towards the unique features and evolution of putative venom gene homologs in vipers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraja M Krishnan
- Ganit Labs, Bio-IT Centre, Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India
| | - Binay Panda
- Ganit Labs, Bio-IT Centre, Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore, India
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Fernández ML, Quartino PY, Arce-Bejarano R, Fernández J, Camacho LF, Gutiérrez JM, Kuemmel D, Fidelio G, Lomonte B. Intravascular hemolysis induced by phospholipases A 2 from the venom of the Eastern coral snake, Micrurus fulvius: Functional profiles of hemolytic and non-hemolytic isoforms. Toxicol Lett 2017; 286:39-47. [PMID: 29197624 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A unique feature of the venom of Micrurus fulvius (Eastern coral snake) is its ability to induce severe intravascular hemolysis in particular species, such as dogs or mice. This effect was previously shown to be induced by distinct phospholipase A2 (PLA2) isoforms which cause direct hemolysis in vitro, an uncommon finding for such enzymes. The functional profiles of PLA2-17, a direct hemolytic enzyme, and PLA2-12, a co-existing venom isoform lacking such effect, were compared. The enzymes differed not only in their ability to cause intravascular hemolysis: PLA2-17 additionally displayed lethal, myotoxic, and anticoagulant actions, whereas PLA2-12 lacked these effects. PLA2-12 was much more active in hydrolyzing a monodisperse synthetic substrate than PLA2-17, but the catalytic activity of latter was notably higher on a micellar substrate, or towards pure phospholipid artificial monolayers under controlled lateral pressures. Interestingly, PLA2-17 could hydrolyze substrate at a pressure of 20 mN m-1, in contrast to PLA2-12 or the non-toxic pancreatic PLA2. This suggests important differences in the monolayer penetrating power, which could be related to differences in toxicity. Comparative examination of primary structures and predicted three-dimensional folding of PLA2-12 and PLA2-17, revealed that differences concentrate in their N-terminal and central regions, leading to variations of the surface properties at the membrane interacting interface. PLA2-17 presents a less basic interfacial surface than PLA2-12, but more bulky aromatic residues, which could be associated to its higher membrane-penetrating strength. Altogether, these structural and functional comparative observations suggest that the ability of PLA2s to penetrate substrate interfaces could be a major determinant of toxicity, perhaps more important than protein surface charge.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Pablo Yunes Quartino
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ruth Arce-Bejarano
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Luis F Camacho
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica San José 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Daniel Kuemmel
- Biology and Chemistry Department, University of Osnabrueck, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Gerardo Fidelio
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica San José 11501, Costa Rica.
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Deka A, Sharma M, Sharma M, Mukhopadhyay R, Doley R. Purification and partial characterization of an anticoagulant PLA 2 from the venom of Indian Daboia russelii that induces inflammation through upregulation of proinflammatory mediators. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2017; 31. [PMID: 28608598 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study describes the purification and partial characterization of a basic anticoagulant PLA2 enzyme named as Rv(i) PLA2 from the venom of Indian Daboia russelii. The molecular mass of the protein was found to be 13,659.65 Da, and peptide mass fingerprinting revealed that it belongs to group II PLA2 family. The peptide sequence showed similarity to uncharacterized basic PLA2 enzyme having an accession no. of P86368 reported from Sri Lankan D. russelii. Rv(i) PLA2 exhibited strong phospholipase A2 and anticoagulant activity. It also induced expression of COX-2 and TNF-α mRNA in a dose-dependent manner in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate differentiated THP-1 cells, which play a crucial role during inflammation. Chemical modification of His residue in Rv(i) PLA2 with p-bromophenacyl bromide abolished the enzymatic, anticoagulant, and inflammatory activities. The result indicates that the catalytic site of Rv(i) PLA2 might play a vital role in inducing inflammation at the bite site during D. russelii envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Deka
- Molecular Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Maitreyee Sharma
- Molecular Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Manoj Sharma
- Cellular, Molecular and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Rupak Mukhopadhyay
- Cellular, Molecular and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
| | - Robin Doley
- Molecular Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur, India
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Sáenz A, Ortiz N, Lomonte B, Rucavado A, Díaz C. Comparison of biochemical and cytotoxic activities of extracts obtained from dorsal spines and caudal fin of adult and juvenile non-native Caribbean lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles). Toxicon 2017; 137:158-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Crystal structure of a phospholipase A 2 from Bothrops asper venom: Insights into a new putative "myotoxic cluster". Biochimie 2016; 133:95-102. [PMID: 28034717 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms from the Viperidae and Elapidae families often have several phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), which may display different functions despite having a similar structural scaffold. These proteins are considered an important target for the development of drugs against local myotoxic damage because they are not efficiently neutralized by conventional serum therapy. PLA2s from these venoms are generally divided into two classes: (i) catalytic PLA2s (or Asp49-PLA2s) and (ii) non-catalytic PLA2-like toxins (or Lys49-PLA2s). In many Viperidae venoms, a subset of the basic Asp49-PLA2s displays some functional and structural characteristics of PLA2-like proteins and group within the same phylogenetic clade, but their myotoxic mechanism is still largely unknown. In the present study, we have crystallized and solved the structure of myotoxin I (MT-I), a basic myotoxic Asp49-PLA2 isolated from Bothrops asper venom. The structure presents a dimeric conformation that is compatible with that of previous dimers found for basic myotoxic Asp49-PLA2s and Lys49-PLA2s and has been confirmed by other biophysical and bioinformatics techniques. This arrangement suggests a possible cooperative action between both monomers to exert myotoxicity via two different sites forming a putative membrane-docking site (MDoS) and a putative membrane disruption site (MDiS). This mechanism would resemble that proposed for Lys49-PLA2s, but the sites involved appear to be situated in a different region. Thus, as both sites are close to one another, they form a "myotoxic cluster", which is also found in two other basic myotoxic Asp49-PLA2s from Viperidae venoms. Such arrangement may represent a novel structural strategy for the mechanism of muscle damage exerted by the group of basic, Asp49-PLA2s found in viperid snake venoms.
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Divergent functional profiles of acidic and basic phospholipases A2 in the venom of the snake Porthidium lansbergii lansbergii. Toxicon 2016; 119:289-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Casais-E-Silva LL, Teixeira CFP, Lebrun I, Lomonte B, Alape-Girón A, Gutiérrez JM. Lemnitoxin, the major component of Micrurus lemniscatus coral snake venom, is a myotoxic and pro-inflammatory phospholipase A2. Toxicol Lett 2016; 257:60-71. [PMID: 27282409 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The venom of Micrurus lemniscatus, a coral snake of wide geographical distribution in South America, was fractionated by reverse-phase HPLC and the fractions screened for phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. The major component of the venom, a PLA2, here referred to as 'Lemnitoxin', was isolated and characterized biochemically and toxicologically. It induces myotoxicity upon intramuscular or intravenous injection into mice. The amino acid residues Arg15, Ala100, Asn108, and a hydrophobic residue at position 109, which are characteristic of myotoxic class I phospholipases A2, are present in Lemnitoxin. This PLA2 is antigenically related to M. nigrocinctus nigroxin, Notechis scutatus notexin, Pseudechis australis mulgotoxin, and Pseudonaja textilis textilotoxin, as demonstrated with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Lemnitoxin is highly selective in its targeting of cells, being cytotoxic for differentiated myotubes in vitro and muscle fibers in vivo, but not for undifferentiated myoblasts or endothelial cells. Lemnitoxin is not lethal after intravenous injection at doses up to 2μg/g in mice, evidencing its lack of significant neurotoxicity. Lemnitoxin displays anticoagulant effect on human plasma and proinflammatory activity also, as it induces paw edema and mast cell degranulation. Thus, the results of this work demonstrate that Lemnitoxin is a potent myotoxic and proinflammatory class I PLA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana L Casais-E-Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunoendocrinology and Toxinology, Department of Bioregulation, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | | | - Ivo Lebrun
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alberto Alape-Girón
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Prinholato da Silva C, Costa TR, Paiva RMA, Cintra ACO, Menaldo DL, Antunes LMG, Sampaio SV. Antitumor potential of the myotoxin BthTX-I from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom: evaluation of cell cycle alterations and death mechanisms induced in tumor cell lines. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:44. [PMID: 26539212 PMCID: PMC4632473 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are abundant components of snake venoms that have been extensively studied due to their pharmacological and pathophysiological effects on living organisms. This study aimed to assess the antitumor potential of BthTX-I, a basic myotoxic PLA2 isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom, by evaluating in vitro processes of cytotoxicity, modulation of the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis in human (HL-60 and HepG2) and murine (PC-12 and B16F10) tumor cell lines. Methods The cytotoxic effects of BthTX-I were evaluated on the tumor cell lines HL-60 (promyelocytic leukemia), HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), PC-12 (murine pheochromocytoma) and B16F10 (murine melanoma) using the MTT method. Flow cytometry technique was used for the analysis of cell cycle alterations and death mechanisms (apoptosis and/or necrosis) induced in tumor cells after treatment with BthTX-I. Results It was observed that BthTX-I was cytotoxic to all evaluated tumor cell lines, reducing their viability in 40 to 50 %. The myotoxin showed modulating effects on the cell cycle of PC-12 and B16F10 cells, promoting delay in the G0/G1 phase. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis indicated cell death mainly by apoptosis. B16F10 was more susceptible to the effects of BthTX-I, with ~40 % of the cells analyzed in apoptosis, followed by HepG2 (~35 %), PC-12 (~25 %) and HL-60 (~4 %). Conclusions These results suggest that BthTX-I presents antitumor properties that may be useful for developing new therapeutic strategies against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cássio Prinholato da Silva
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903 Brazil
| | - Tássia R Costa
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903 Brazil
| | - Raquel M Alves Paiva
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903 Brazil
| | - Adélia C O Cintra
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903 Brazil
| | - Danilo L Menaldo
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903 Brazil
| | - Lusânia M Greggi Antunes
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903 Brazil
| | - Suely V Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-903 Brazil
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A constant area monolayer method to assess optimal lipid packing for lipolysis tested with several secreted phospholipase A2. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1848:2216-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Fernández J, Vargas-Vargas N, Pla D, Sasa M, Rey-Suárez P, Sanz L, Gutiérrez JM, Calvete JJ, Lomonte B. Snake venomics of Micrurus alleni and Micrurus mosquitensis from the Caribbean region of Costa Rica reveals two divergent compositional patterns in New World elapids. Toxicon 2015; 107:217-33. [PMID: 26325292 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Protein composition, toxicity, and neutralization of the venoms of Micrurus alleni and Micrurus mosquitensis, two sympatric monadal coral snakes found in humid environments of the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, were studied. Proteomic profiling revealed that these venoms display highly divergent compositions: the former dominated by three-finger toxins (3FTx) and the latter by phospholipases A2 (PLA2). Protein family abundances correlated with enzymatic and toxic characteristics of the venoms. Selective inhibition experiments showed that PLA2s play only a marginal role in the lethal effect of M. alleni venom, but have a major role in M. mosquitensis venom. Proteomic data gathered from other Micrurus species evidenced that the two divergent venom phenotypes are recurrent, and may constitute a general trend across New World elapids. Further, M. mosquitensis, but not M. alleni, venom contains PLA2-like/Kunitz-type inhibitor complex(es) that resemble the ASIC1a/2-activating MitTx heterodimeric toxin isolated from Micrurus tener venom. The evolutionary origin and adaptive relevance of the puzzling phenotypic variability of Micrurus venoms remain to be understood. An antivenom against the PLA2-predominant Micrurus nigrocinctus venom strongly cross-recognized and neutralized M. mosquitensis venom, but only weakly M. alleni venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Nancy Vargas-Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Davinia Pla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Paola Rey-Suárez
- Programa de Ofidismo y Escorpionismo, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Libia Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, CSIC, Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Mora-Obando D, Fernández J, Montecucco C, Gutiérrez JM, Lomonte B. Synergism between basic Asp49 and Lys49 phospholipase A2 myotoxins of viperid snake venom in vitro and in vivo. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109846. [PMID: 25290688 PMCID: PMC4188610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two subtypes of phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) with the ability to induce myonecrosis, ‘Asp49’ and ‘Lys49’ myotoxins, often coexist in viperid snake venoms. Since the latter lack catalytic activity, two different mechanisms are involved in their myotoxicity. A synergism between Asp49 and Lys49 myotoxins from Bothrops asper was previously observed in vitro, enhancing Ca2+ entry and cell death when acting together upon C2C12 myotubes. These observations are extended for the first time in vivo, by demonstrating a clear enhancement of myonecrosis by the combined action of these two toxins in mice. In addition, novel aspects of their synergism were revealed using myotubes. Proportions of Asp49 myotoxin as low as 0.1% of the Lys49 myotoxin are sufficient to enhance cytotoxicity of the latter, but not the opposite. Sublytic amounts of Asp49 myotoxin also enhanced cytotoxicity of a synthetic peptide encompassing the toxic region of Lys49 myotoxin. Asp49 myotoxin rendered myotubes more susceptible to osmotic lysis, whereas Lys49 myotoxin did not. In contrast to myotoxic Asp49 PLA2, an acidic non-toxic PLA2 from the same venom did not markedly synergize with Lys49 myotoxin, revealing a functional difference between basic and acidic PLA2 enzymes. It is suggested that Asp49 myotoxins synergize with Lys49 myotoxins by virtue of their PLA2 activity. In addition to the membrane-destabilizing effect of this activity, Asp49 myotoxins may generate anionic patches of hydrolytic reaction products, facilitating electrostatic interactions with Lys49 myotoxins. These data provide new evidence for the evolutionary adaptive value of the two subtypes of PLA2 myotoxins acting synergistically in viperid venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Mora-Obando
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Julián Fernández
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Cesare Montecucco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- * E-mail:
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