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Wubulikasimu A, He Z, Long Y, Yuan F, Hou W, Liao Q, Chen H, Rong M. Molecular mechanism of HNTX-I activates the intermediate-conductance Ca 2+-activated K + (IK) channels. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125197. [PMID: 37285887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125197] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The IK channel, a potassium ion channel regulated by calcium ions and voltages in a bidirectional manner, has been implicated in a range of diseases. However, there are currently few compounds available that can target the IK channel with high potency and specificity. Hainantoxin-I (HNTX-I) is the first peptide activator of IK channel discovered so far, but its activity is not ideal, and the underlying mechanism interaction between HNTX-I toxin and IK channel remains unclear. Thus, our study aimed to enhance the potency of IK channel activating peptides derived from HNTX-I and elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction between HNTX-I and the IK channel. By employing virtual alanine scanning mutagenesis, we generated 11 HNTX-I mutants using site-directed mutagenesis to pinpoint specific residues crucial for the HNTX-I and IK channel interaction. Subsequently, we identified key residues on the IK channel that are involved in the interaction with HNTX-I. Additionally, molecular docking was employed to guide the molecular engineering process and clarify the binding interface between HNTX-I and the IK channel. Our results demonstrate that HNTX-I primarily acts on the IK channel via the N-terminal amino acid, and its interaction with the IK channel is mediated by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, specifically the amino acid residues at positions 1, 3, 5, and 7 on HNTX-I. This study provides valuable insights into the peptide toxins that may serve as potential templates for the development of activators with enhanced potency and selectivity for the IK channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atikan Wubulikasimu
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyan He
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Long
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuchu Yuan
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqian Hou
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Liao
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mingqiang Rong
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, People's Republic of China.
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Xun C, Wang L, Yang H, Xiao Z, Deng M, Xu R, Zhou X, Chen P, Liu Z. Origin and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Present in the Spider Venom of Ornithoctonus hainana. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080579. [PMID: 34437450 PMCID: PMC8402349 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are membranous vesicles released from nearly all cellular types. They contain various bioactive molecules, and their molecular composition varies depending on their cellular origin. As research into venomous animals has progressed, EVs have been discovered in the venom of snakes and parasitic wasps. Although vesicle secretion in spider venom glands has been observed, these secretory vesicles’ origin and biological properties are unknown. In this study, the origin of the EVs from Ornithoctonus hainana venom was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Ornithoctonus hainana venom extracellular vesicles (HN-EVs) were isolated and purified by density gradient centrifugation. HN-EVs possess classic membranous vesicles with a size distribution ranging from 50 to 150 nm and express the arthropod EV marker Tsp29Fb. The LC-MS/MS analysis identified a total of 150 proteins, which were divided into three groups according to their potential function: conservative vesicle transport-related proteins, virulence-related proteins, and other proteins of unknown function. Functionally, HN-EVs have hyaluronidase activity and inhibit the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by affecting the cytoskeleton and cell cycle. Overall, this study investigates the biological characteristics of HN-EVs for the first time and sheds new light on the envenomation process of spider venom.
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Wu T, Wang M, Wu W, Luo Q, Jiang L, Tao H, Deng M. Spider venom peptides as potential drug candidates due to their anticancer and antinociceptive activities. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e146318. [PMID: 31210759 PMCID: PMC6551028 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-14-63-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider venoms are known to contain proteins and polypeptides that perform various
functions including antimicrobial, neurotoxic, analgesic, cytotoxic, necrotic,
and hemagglutinic activities. Currently, several classes of natural molecules
from spider venoms are potential sources of chemotherapeutics against tumor
cells. Some of the spider peptide toxins produce lethal effects on tumor cells
by regulating the cell cycle, activating caspase pathway or inactivating
mitochondria. Some of them also target the various types of ion channels
(including voltage-gated calcium channels, voltage-gated sodium channels, and
acid-sensing ion channels) among other pain-related targets. Herein we review
the structure and pharmacology of spider-venom peptides that are being used as
leads for the development of therapeutics against the pathophysiological
conditions including cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenfang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Qianxuan Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Huai Tao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Meichun Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
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4
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Gonçalves TC, Benoit E, Kurz M, Lucarain L, Fouconnier S, Combemale S, Jaquillard L, Schombert B, Chambard JM, Boukaiba R, Hessler G, Bohme A, Bialy L, Hourcade S, Béroud R, De Waard M, Servent D, Partiseti M. From identification to functional characterization of cyriotoxin-1a, an antinociceptive toxin from the spider Cyriopagopus schioedtei. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:1298-1314. [PMID: 30784059 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The NaV 1.7 channel is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglia of the sensory nervous system and plays a central role in the pain signalling process. We investigated a library prepared from original venoms of 117 different animals to identify new selective inhibitors of this target. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used high throughput screening of a large venom collection using automated patch-clamp experiments on human voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes and then in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological experiments to characterize the active peptides that have been purified, sequenced, and chemically synthesized. Analgesic effects were evaluated in vivo in mice models. KEY RESULTS We identified cyriotoxin-1a (CyrTx-1a), a novel peptide isolated from Cyriopagopus schioedtei spider venom, as a candidate for further characterization. This 33 amino acids toxin belongs to the inhibitor cystine knot structural family and inhibits hNaV 1.1-1.3 and 1.6-1.7 channels in the low nanomolar range, compared to the micromolar range for hNaV 1.4-1.5 and 1.8 channels. CyrTx-1a was 920 times more efficient at inhibiting tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive than TTX-resistant sodium currents recorded from adult mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons and in vivo electrophysiological experiments showed that CyrTx-1a was approximately 170 times less efficient than huwentoxin-IV at altering mouse skeletal neuromuscular excitability properties. CyrTx-1a exhibited an analgesic effect in mice by increasing reaction time in the hot-plate assay. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The pharmacological profile of CyrTx-1a paves the way for further molecular engineering aimed to optimize the potential antinociceptive properties of this peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia C Gonçalves
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France.,Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Evelyne Benoit
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.,Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay (Neuro-PSI), UMR CNRS/Université Paris-Sud 9197, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michael Kurz
- Integrated Drug Discovery-Synthetic Molecular Design, Sanofi R&D, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Laetitia Lucarain
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Sophie Fouconnier
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | | | | | - Brigitte Schombert
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Jean-Marie Chambard
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Rachid Boukaiba
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Gerhard Hessler
- Integrated Drug Discovery-Synthetic Molecular Design, Sanofi R&D, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andrees Bohme
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Laurent Bialy
- Integrated Drug Discovery-Synthetic Molecular Design, Sanofi R&D, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stéphane Hourcade
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Neurodegeneration Research, Sanofi R&D, Chilly-Mazarin, France
| | | | - Michel De Waard
- Smartox Biotechnology, Saint-Egrève, France.,Institut du Thorax, Inserm UMR 1087/CNRS UMR 6291, LabEx "Ion Channels, Science and Therapeutics", Nantes, France
| | - Denis Servent
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michel Partiseti
- Integrated Drug Discovery-High Content Biology, Sanofi R&D, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
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5
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Bajaj S, Han J. Venom-Derived Peptide Modulators of Cation-Selective Channels: Friend, Foe or Frenemy. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:58. [PMID: 30863305 PMCID: PMC6399158 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00058] [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: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels play a key role in our body to regulate homeostasis and conduct electrical signals. With the help of advances in structural biology, as well as the discovery of numerous channel modulators derived from animal toxins, we are moving toward a better understanding of the function and mode of action of ion channels. Their ubiquitous tissue distribution and the physiological relevancies of their opening and closing suggest that cation channels are particularly attractive drug targets, and years of research has revealed a variety of natural toxins that bind to these channels and alter their function. In this review, we provide an introductory overview of the major cation ion channels: potassium channels, sodium channels and calcium channels, describe their venom-derived peptide modulators, and how these peptides provide great research and therapeutic value to both basic and translational medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Bajaj
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jingyao Han
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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6
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Cardoso FC, Lewis RJ. Sodium channels and pain: from toxins to therapies. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2138-2157. [PMID: 28749537 PMCID: PMC5980290 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV channels) are essential for the initiation and propagation of action potentials that critically influence our ability to respond to a diverse range of stimuli. Physiological and pharmacological studies have linked abnormal function of NaV channels to many human disorders, including chronic neuropathic pain. These findings, along with the description of the functional properties and expression pattern of NaV channel subtypes, are helping to uncover subtype specific roles in acute and chronic pain and revealing potential opportunities to target these with selective inhibitors. High-throughput screens and automated electrophysiology platforms have identified natural toxins as a promising group of molecules for the development of target-specific analgesics. In this review, the role of toxins in defining the contribution of NaV channels in acute and chronic pain states and their potential to be used as analgesic therapies are discussed. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Department of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Department of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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7
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Hamad MK, He K, Abdulrazeq HF, Mustafa AM, Luceri R, Kamal N, Ali M, Nakhla J, Herzallah MM, Mammis A. Potential Uses of Isolated Toxin Peptides in Neuropathic Pain Relief: A Literature Review. World Neurosurg 2018; 113:333-347.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.01.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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8
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Wu Y, Ma H, Zhang F, Zhang C, Zou X, Cao Z. Selective Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Peptide Toxins from Animal Venom: Pharmacological Probes and Analgesic Drug Development. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:187-197. [PMID: 29161016 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) play critical roles in action potential generation and propagation. Nav channelopathy as well as pathological sensitization contribute to allodynia and hyperalgesia. Recent evidence has demonstrated the significant roles of Nav subtypes (Nav1.3, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9) in nociceptive transduction, and therefore these Navs may represent attractive targets for analgesic drug discovery. Animal toxins are structurally diverse peptides that are highly potent yet selective on ion channel subtypes and therefore represent valuable probes to elucidate the structures, gating properties, and cellular functions of ion channels. In this review, we summarize recent advances on peptide toxins from animal venom that selectively target Nav1.3, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9, along with their potential in analgesic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaohan Zou
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhengyu Cao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for TCM Evaluation
and Translational Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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9
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Israel MR, Tay B, Deuis JR, Vetter I. Sodium Channels and Venom Peptide Pharmacology. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2017; 79:67-116. [PMID: 28528674 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Venomous animals including cone snails, spiders, scorpions, anemones, and snakes have evolved a myriad of components in their venoms that target the opening and/or closing of voltage-gated sodium channels to cause devastating effects on the neuromuscular systems of predators and prey. These venom peptides, through design and serendipity, have not only contributed significantly to our understanding of sodium channel pharmacology and structure, but they also represent some of the most phyla- and isoform-selective molecules that are useful as valuable tool compounds and drug leads. Here, we review our understanding of the basic function of mammalian voltage-gated sodium channel isoforms as well as the pharmacology of venom peptides that act at these key transmembrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde R Israel
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bryan Tay
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Irina Vetter
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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10
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Cai T, Luo J, Meng E, Ding J, Liang S, Wang S, Liu Z. Mapping the interaction site for the tarantula toxin hainantoxin-IV (β-TRTX-Hn2a) in the voltage sensor module of domain II of voltage-gated sodium channels. Peptides 2015; 68:148-56. [PMID: 25218973 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Peptide toxins often have pharmacological applications and are powerful tools for investigating the structure-function relationships of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). Although a group of potential VGSC inhibitors have been reported from tarantula venoms, little is known about the mechanism of their interaction with VGSCs. In this study, we showed that hainantoxin-IV (β-TRTX-Hn2a, HNTX-IV in brief), a 35-residue peptide from Ornithoctonus hainana venom, preferentially inhibited rNav1.2, rNav1.3 and hNav1.7 compared with rNav1.4 and hNav1.5. hNav1.7 was the most sensitive to HNTX-IV (IC50∼21nM). In contrast to many other tarantula toxins that affect VGSCs, HNTX-IV at subsaturating concentrations did not alter activation and inactivation kinetics in the physiological range of voltages, while very large depolarization above +70mV could partially activate toxin-bound hNav1.7 channel, indicating that HNTX-IV acts as a gating modifier rather than a pore blocker. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that the toxin bound to site 4, which was located on the extracellular S3-S4 linker of hNav1.7 domain II. Mutants E753Q, D816N and E818Q of hNav1.7 decreased toxin affinity for hNav1.7 by 2.0-, 3.3- and 130-fold, respectively. In silico docking indicated that a three-toed claw substructure formed by residues with close contacts in the interface between HNTX-IV and hNav1.7 domain II stabilized the toxin-channel complex, impeding movement of the domain II voltage sensor and inhibiting hNav1.7 activation. Our data provide structural details for structure-based drug design and a useful template for the design of highly selective inhibitors of a specific subtype of VGSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfu Cai
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081 Hunan, China
| | - Ji Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081 Hunan, China
| | - Er Meng
- Research Center of Biological Information, College of Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073 Hunan, China
| | - Jiuping Ding
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Songping Liang
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081 Hunan, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China.
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081 Hunan, China.
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11
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de Lera Ruiz M, Kraus RL. Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels: Structure, Function, Pharmacology, and Clinical Indications. J Med Chem 2015; 58:7093-118. [PMID: 25927480 DOI: 10.1021/jm501981g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tremendous therapeutic potential of voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(v)s) has been the subject of many studies in the past and is of intense interest today. Na(v)1.7 channels in particular have received much attention recently because of strong genetic validation of their involvement in nociception. Here we summarize the current status of research in the Na(v) field and present the most relevant recent developments with respect to the molecular structure, general physiology, and pharmacology of distinct Na(v) channel subtypes. We discuss Na(v) channel ligands such as small molecules, toxins isolated from animal venoms, and the recently identified Na(v)1.7-selective antibody. Furthermore, we review eight characterized ligand binding sites on the Na(v) channel α subunit. Finally, we examine possible therapeutic applications of Na(v) ligands and provide an update on current clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel de Lera Ruiz
- Merck Research Laboratories , 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Richard L Kraus
- Merck Research Laboratories , 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
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12
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An efficient strategy for heterologous expression and purification of active peptide hainantoxin-IV. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117099. [PMID: 25647561 PMCID: PMC4315428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hainantoxin-IV (HNTX-IV) from the venom of the spider Selenocosmia hainana is a potent antagonist that specifically inhibits the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium channels. The toxin peptide consists of 35 amino acids and adopts a typical inhibitory cystine knot (ICK) motif. To obtain adequate HNTX-IV peptides for further insight into the structure-activity relationships of the toxin, a novel strategy including cloning, expression and purification was developed in an E. coli expression system. For this purpose, a seamless restriction-free (RF) cloning method was employed for the construction of an expression vector to avoid introducing unwanted sequences into the target gene. Furthermore, the solubility of recombinant HNTX-IV could be promoted efficiently by the combination of a glutathione S-transferase (GST) tag and a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) tag. Finally, an affinity-chromatography-free purification strategy was developed by cut-off dialysis tubing combined with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) extraction. Further HPLC purification yielded recombinant, tag-free HNTX-IV with high yield and purity. The molecular weight of recombinant HNTX-IV (rHNTX-IV) is identical to its theoretical value according to Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption / Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis. The recombinant toxin has similar activity (IC50 value of 120 nM) on the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium channels in adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to native toxins. In the report, an efficient and cost-effective strategy for producing rHNTX-IV was developed, which paved the way for the further study of structure-activity relationships of rHNTX-IV and its pharmaceutical applications.
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13
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Zhong Y, Song B, Mo G, Yuan M, Li H, Wang P, Yuan M, Lu Q. A novel neurotoxin from venom of the spider, Brachypelma albopilosum. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110221. [PMID: 25329070 PMCID: PMC4203764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders have evolved highly selective toxins for insects. There are many insecticidal neurotoxins in spider venoms. Although a large amount of work has been done to focus on neurotoxicity of spider components, little information, which is related with effects of spider toxins on tumor cell proliferation and cytotoxicity, is available for Brachypelma albopilosum venom. In this work, a novel spider neurotoxin (brachyin) was identified and characterized from venoms of the spider, Brachypelma albopilosum. Brachyin is composed of 41 amino acid residues with the sequence of CLGENVPCDKDRPNCCSRYECLEPTGYGWWYASYYCYKKRS. There are six cysteines in this sequence, which form three disulfided bridges. The serine residue at the C-terminus is amidated. Brachyin showed strong lethal effects on American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and Tenebrio molitor (common mealbeetle). This neurotoxin also showed significant analgesic effects in mice models including abdominal writhing induced by acetic acid and formalin-induced paw licking tests. It was interesting that brachyin exerted marked inhibition on tumor cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Zhong
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Cadres Treatment Section & Thoracic Surgery Department, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Bo Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Guoxiang Mo
- College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingwei Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Biopolymer Functional Materials of Yunnan, Yunnan University of Nationalities, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Engineering Research Center of Biopolymer Functional Materials of Yunnan, Yunnan University of Nationalities, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Cadres Treatment Section & Thoracic Surgery Department, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- * E-mail: (MLY); (PW); (QL)
| | - Minglong Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Biopolymer Functional Materials of Yunnan, Yunnan University of Nationalities, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- * E-mail: (MLY); (PW); (QL)
| | - Qiumin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- * E-mail: (MLY); (PW); (QL)
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14
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Huang P, Zhang Y, Chen X, Zhu L, Yin D, Zeng X, Liang S. The activation effect of hainantoxin-I, a peptide toxin from the Chinese spider, Ornithoctonus hainana, on intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:2568-79. [PMID: 25153257 PMCID: PMC4147597 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6082568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (IK) channels are calcium/calmodulin-regulated voltage-independent K+ channels. Activation of IK currents is important in vessel and respiratory tissues, rendering the channels potential drug targets. A variety of small organic molecules have been synthesized and found to be potent activators of IK channels. However, the poor selectivity of these molecules limits their therapeutic value. Venom-derived peptides usually block their targets with high specificity. Therefore, we searched for novel peptide activators of IK channels by testing a series of toxins from spiders. Using electrophysiological experiments, we identified hainantoxin-I (HNTX-I) as an IK-channel activator. HNTX-I has little effect on voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels from rat dorsal root ganglion neurons and on the heterologous expression of voltage-gated rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ channels (human ether-à-go-go-related gene; human ERG) in HEK293T cells. Only 35.2% ± 0.4% of the currents were activated in SK channels, and there was no effect on BK channels. We demonstrated that HNTX-I was not a phrenic nerve conduction blocker or acutely toxic. This is believed to be the first report of a peptide activator effect on IK channels. Our study suggests that the activity and selectivity of HNTX-I on IK channels make HNTX-I a promising template for designing new drugs for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Yiya Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Dazhong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Xiongzhi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Songping Liang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
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15
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Liu Y, Tang J, Zhang Y, Xun X, Tang D, Peng D, Yi J, Liu Z, Shi X. Synthesis and analgesic effects of μ-TRTX-Hhn1b on models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:2363-78. [PMID: 25123556 PMCID: PMC4147587 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6082363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
μ-TRTX-Hhn1b (HNTX-IV) is a 35-amino acid peptide isolated from the venom of the spider, Ornithoctonus hainana. It inhibits voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7, which has been considered as a therapeutic target for pain. The goal of the present study is to elucidate the analgesic effects of synthetic μ-TRTX-Hhn1b on animal models of pain. The peptide was first synthesized and then successfully refolded/oxidized. The synthetic peptide had the same inhibitory effect on human Nav1.7 current transiently expressed in HEK 293 cells as the native toxin. Furthermore, the analgesic potentials of the synthetic peptide were examined on models of inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. μ-TRTX-Hhn1b produced an efficient reversal of acute nociceptive pain in the abdominal constriction model, and significantly reduced the pain scores over the 40-min period in the formalin model. The efficiency of μ-TRTX-Hhn1b on both models was equivalent to that of morphine. In the spinal nerve model, the reversal effect of μ-TRTX-Hhn1b on allodynia was longer and higher than mexiletine. These results demonstrated that μ-TRTX-Hhn1b efficiently alleviated acute inflammatory pain and chronic neuropathic pain in animals and provided an attractive template for further clinical analgesic drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang 414006, Hunan, China.
| | - Jianguang Tang
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Yunxiao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Xiaohong Xun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang 414006, Hunan, China.
| | - Dongfang Tang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang 414006, Hunan, China.
| | - Dezheng Peng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang 414006, Hunan, China.
| | - Jianming Yi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology, Yueyang 414006, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, Hunan, China.
| | - Xiaoliu Shi
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.
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16
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17
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Goldschen-Ohm MP, Chanda B. Probing gating mechanisms of sodium channels using pore blockers. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2014; 221:183-201. [PMID: 24737237 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-41588-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several classes of small molecules and peptides bind at the central pore of voltage-gated sodium channels either from the extracellular or intracellular side of the membrane and block ion conduction through the pore. Biophysical studies that shed light on the chemical nature, accessibility, and kinetics of binding of these naturally occurring and synthetic compounds reveal a wealth of information about how these channels gate. Here, we discuss insights into the structural underpinnings of gating of the channel pore and its coupling to the voltage sensors obtained from pore blockers including site 1 neurotoxins and local anesthetics.
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18
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Synthesis and biological characterization of synthetic analogs of Huwentoxin-IV (Mu-theraphotoxin-Hh2a), a neuronal tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channel inhibitor. Toxicon 2013; 71:57-65. [PMID: 23726857 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Huwentoxin-IV (HWTX-IV, also named Mu-theraphotoxin-Hh2a) is a typical inhibitor cystine knot peptide isolated from the venom of Chinese tarantula Ornithoctonus huwena and is found to inhibit tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium channels from mammalian sensory neurons. This peptide binds to neurotoxin receptor site 4 located at the extracellular S3-S4 linker of domain II in neuronal sodium channels. However, the molecular surface of HWTX-IV interaction with sodium channels remains unknown. In this study, we synthesized HWTX-IV and three mutants (T28D, R29A and Q34D) and characterized their functions on TTX-S sodium channels from adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Analysis of liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and circular dichroism spectrum indicated that all four synthetic peptides are properly folded. Synthetic HWTX-IV exhibited the same activity as native HWTX-IV, while three mutations reduced toxin binding affinities by 10-200 fold, indicating that the basic or vicinal polar residues Thr²⁸, Arg²⁹, and Gln³⁴ in C-terminus might play critical roles in the interaction of HWTX-IV with TTX-S sodium channels.
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19
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Liu Z, Cai T, Zhu Q, Deng M, Li J, Zhou X, Zhang F, Li D, Li J, Liu Y, Hu W, Liang S. Structure and function of hainantoxin-III, a selective antagonist of neuronal tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channels isolated from the Chinese bird spider Ornithoctonus hainana. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:20392-403. [PMID: 23703613 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.426627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the structure and function of hainantoxin-III (HNTX-III), a 33-residue polypeptide from the venom of the spider Ornithoctonus hainana. It is a selective antagonist of neuronal tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channels. HNTX-III suppressed Nav1.7 current amplitude without significantly altering the activation, inactivation, and repriming kinetics. Short extreme depolarizations partially activated the toxin-bound channel, indicating voltage-dependent inhibition of HNTX-III. HNTX-III increased the deactivation of the Nav1.7 current after extreme depolarizations. The HNTX-III·Nav1.7 complex was gradually dissociated upon prolonged strong depolarizations in a voltage-dependent manner, and the unbound toxin rebound to Nav1.7 after a long repolarization. Moreover, analysis of chimeric channels showed that the DIIS3-S4 linker was critical for HNTX-III binding to Nav1.7. These data are consistent with HNTX-III interacting with Nav1.7 site 4 and trapping the domain II voltage sensor in the closed state. The solution structure of HNTX-III was determined by two-dimensional NMR and shown to possess an inhibitor cystine knot motif. Structural analysis indicated that certain basic, hydrophobic, and aromatic residues mainly localized in the C terminus may constitute an amphiphilic surface potentially involved in HNTX-III binding to Nav1.7. Taken together, our results show that HNTX-III is distinct from β-scorpion toxins and other β-spider toxins in its mechanism of action and binding specificity and affinity. The present findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanism of toxin-sodium channel interaction and provide a useful tool for the investigation of the structure and function of sodium channel isoforms and for the development of analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410081, China.
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20
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Nardi A, Damann N, Hertrampf T, Kless A. Advances in targeting voltage-gated sodium channels with small molecules. ChemMedChem 2012; 7:1712-40. [PMID: 22945552 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201200298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) has been used successfully in the clinic to enable control of pathological firing patterns that occur in conditions as diverse as chronic pain, epilepsy, and arrhythmias. Herein we review the state of the art in marketed sodium channel inhibitors, including a brief compendium of their binding sites and of the cellular and molecular biology of sodium channels. Despite the preferential action of this drug class toward over-excited cells, which significantly limits potential undesired side effects on other cells, the need to develop a second generation of sodium channel inhibitors to overcome their critical clinical shortcomings is apparent. Current approaches in drug discovery to deliver novel and truly innovative sodium channel inhibitors is next presented by surveying the most recent medicinal chemistry breakthroughs in the field of small molecules and developments in automated patch-clamp platforms. Various strategies aimed at identifying small molecules that target either particular isoforms of sodium channels involved in specific diseases or anomalous sodium channel currents, irrespective of the isoform by which they have been generated, are critically discussed and revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Nardi
- Global Drug Discovery, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Grünenthal, Zieglerstrasse 6, 52078 Aachen, Germany.
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21
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Klint JK, Senff S, Rupasinghe DB, Er SY, Herzig V, Nicholson GM, King GF. Spider-venom peptides that target voltage-gated sodium channels: Pharmacological tools and potential therapeutic leads. Toxicon 2012; 60:478-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.04.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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22
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Liu Y, Li D, Wu Z, Li J, Nie D, Xiang Y, Liu Z. A positively charged surface patch is important for hainantoxin-IV binding to voltage-gated sodium channels. J Pept Sci 2012; 18:643-9. [PMID: 22927181 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hainantoxin-IV (HNTX-IV), isolated from the venom of the spider Ornithoctonus hainana, is a specific antagonist of tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) voltage-gated sodium channels in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. It adopts an inhibitor cystine knot motif, and structural analysis revealed a positively charged patch consisting of Arg26, Lys27, His28, Arg29 and Lys32 distributed on its molecular surface. Our previous study demonstrated that Lys27 and Arg29 but not Arg26 were critical residues for HNTX-IV binding to TTX-S sodium channels. In the present study, we examined the roles of His28 and Lys32 in the interaction of HNTX-IV with its target. Two mutants, HNTX-IV-H28D and HNTX-IV-K32A, were generated by solid-phase chemical synthesis and purified by reverse-phase HPLC after refolding and oxidation, yielding two compounds of high purity with monoisotopic masses of 3962.66 and 3927.70 Da, respectively, as determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. This indicated the presence of six cysteine residues forming three disulfide bonds. Moreover, circular dichroism spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the substitution of His28 or Lys32 did not affect the overall structure of HNTX-IV. The inhibitory activity of HNTX-IV-H28D and HNTX-IV-K32A against TTX-S sodium channels in rat DRG cells was analyzed by whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The IC(50) values for the mutants were 0.57 and 5.80 μM (17-fold and 170-fold lower than the activity of the native toxin), indicating that His28 and Lys32 may be important for the inhibitory activity of HNTX-IV. Taken together, our results suggest that the positively charged patch might be the binding site for the interaction of HNTX-IV with TTX-S sodium channels. These findings might contribute to the elucidation of the structure and function relationship of HNTX-IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
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23
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Wang M, Rong M, Xiao Y, Liang S. The effects of huwentoxin-I on the voltage-gated sodium channels of rat hippocampal and cockroach dorsal unpaired median neurons. Peptides 2012; 34:19-25. [PMID: 22094230 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Huwentoxin-I (HWTX-I) is a 33-residue peptide isolated from the venom of Ornithoctonus huwena and could inhibit TTX-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channels and N-type calcium channels in mammalian dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. However, the effects of HWTX-I on mammalian central neuronal and insect sodium channel subtypes remain unknown. In this study, we found that HWTX-I potently inhibited sodium channels in rat hippocampal and cockroach dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons with the IC(50) values of 66.1±5.2 and 4.80±0.58nM, respectively. Taken together with our previous work on DRG neurons (IC(50)≈55nM), the order of sodium channel sensitivity to HWTX-I inhibition was insect central DUM≫mammalian peripheral>mammalian central neurons. HWTX-I exhibited no effect on the steady-state activation and inactivation of sodium channels in rat hippocampal and cockroach DUM neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichi Wang
- The College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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24
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Li P, Zhu S. Molecular design of new sodium channel blockers. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 414:321-5. [PMID: 21945935 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Animal toxins targeting voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) have been considered as valuable tools for studying pharmacological functions of VGSCs. Recently we have reported that Drosotoxin (DrTx), an evolution-guided chimeric peptide, exhibits highly selective blocking activity to tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) Na(+) channels in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In this study, we constructed five new analogues of DrTx designed by altering amino-terminal sequences of DrTx, two of which have significant inhibitory effects on both TTX-R and tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) Na(+) channels. Structure-activity relationship studies allow us to recognize key functional roles of a positive charge at site seven and a negative charge at site eight in evolving new blocking activity to TTX-S sodium channels. This work will enhance our understanding of the molecular determinants of toxins affecting VGSCs and aid the rational design of subtype-specific blockers of the channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Group of Animal Innate Immunity, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
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25
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Characterization of voltage-dependent calcium channel blocking peptides from the venom of the tarantula Grammostola rosea. Toxicon 2011; 58:265-76. [PMID: 21740921 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-dependent calcium channel blocking peptides were purified and sequenced from the venom of the tarantula, Grammostola rosea. cDNAs encoding the peptide sequences were cloned from the venom gland cDNA library. The electrophysiological effects of the peptides on several types of voltage-dependent calcium channels were evaluated using a Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system. A peptide contained in one of the HPLC peak fractions inhibited P/Q type voltage-dependent calcium channels (Ca(v)2.1). The amino acid sequence of this peptide is identical to that of ω-grammotoxin SIA. A peptide from another discrete peak, which is identical to GsAFII except for one tryptophan residue in the C-terminus, inhibited L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (Ca(v)1.2). A novel peptide, named GTx1-15 (Accession number, AB201016), shows 76.5% sequence homology with the sodium channel blocker phrixotoxin 3, however, GTx1-15 preferentially inhibited T-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (Ca(v)3.1). In silico secondary and tertiary structure prediction revealed that GTx1-15 and sodium channel blockers such as hainantoxin-IV, phrixotoxin 3, and ceratotoxin 2 show very similar β-strand composition, distribution of Optimal Docking Areas (continuous surface patches likely to be involved in protein-protein interactions), and surface electrostatic potential. These findings suggest that these peptide toxins evolved from common ancestors by gene duplication to maintain surface atmospheres appropriate for interaction with low-voltage-dependent ion channels.
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26
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Zhao H, Kong Y, Wang H, Yan T, Feng F, Bian J, Yang Y, Yu H. A defensin-like antimicrobial peptide from the venoms of spider, Ornithoctonus hainana. J Pept Sci 2011; 17:540-4. [PMID: 21538709 DOI: 10.1002/psc.1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The defensin-like antimicrobial peptides have been characterized from various other arthropods including insects, scorpions, and ticks. But no natural spider defensin-like antimicrobial peptides have ever been isolated from spiders, except couple of cDNA and DNA sequences of five spider species revealed by previous genomic study. In this work, a defensin-like antimicrobial peptide named Oh-defensin was purified and characterized from the venoms of the spider, Ornithoctonus hainana. Oh-defensin is composed of 52 amino acid (aa) residues including six Cys residues that possibly form three disulfide bridges. Its aa sequence is MLCKLSMFGAVLGV PACAIDCLPMGKTGGSCEGGVCGCRKLTFKILWDKKFG. By BLAST search, Oh-defensin showed significant sequence similarity to other arthropod antimicrobial peptides of the defensin family. Oh-defensin exerted potent antimicrobial activities against tested microorganisms including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. The cDNA encoding Oh-defensin precursor was also cloned from the cDNA library of O. hainana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Zhao
- Department of Kidney, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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27
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Zhu S, Gao B, Deng M, Yuan Y, Luo L, Peigneur S, Xiao Y, Liang S, Tytgat J. Drosotoxin, a selective inhibitor of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 80:1296-302. [PMID: 20637738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The design of animal toxins with high target selectivity has long been a goal in protein engineering. Based on evolutionary relationship between the Drosophila antifungal defensin (drosomycin) and scorpion depressant Na(+) channel toxins, we exploited a strategy to create a novel chimeric molecule (named drosotoxin) with high selectivity for channel subtypes, which was achieved by using drosomycin to substitute the structural core of BmKITc, a depressant toxin acting on both insect and mammalian Na(+) channels. Recombinant drosotoxin selectively inhibited tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) Na(+) channels in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 2.6+/-0.5muM. This chimeric peptide showed no activity on K(+), Ca(2+) and TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) Na(+) channels in rat DRG neurons and Drosophila para/tipE channels at micromolar concentrations. Drosotoxin represents the first chimeric toxin and example of a non-toxic core scaffold with high selectivity on mammalian TTX-R Na(+) channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Animal Innate Immunity, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
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28
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Billen B, Vassilevski A, Nikolsky A, Tytgat J, Grishin E. Two novel sodium channel inhibitors from Heriaeus melloteei spider venom differentially interacting with mammalian channel's isoforms. Toxicon 2008; 52:309-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 05/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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29
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Escoubas P. Molecular diversification in spider venoms: a web of combinatorial peptide libraries. Mol Divers 2006; 10:545-54. [PMID: 17096075 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-006-9050-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2004] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Spider venoms are a rich source of novel pharmacologically and agrochemically interesting compounds that have received increased attention from pharmacologists and biochemists in recent years. The application of technologies derived from genomics and proteomics have led to the discovery of the enormous molecular diversity of those venoms, which consist mainly of peptides and proteins. The molecular diversity of spider peptides has been revealed by mass spectrometry and appears to be based on a limited set of structural scaffolds. Genetic analysis has led to a further understanding of the molecular evolution mechanisms presiding over the generation of these combinatorial peptide libraries. Gene duplication and focal hypermutation, which has been described in cone snails, appear to be common mechanisms to venomous mollusks and spiders. Post-translational modifications, fine structural variations and new molecular scaffolds are other potential mechanisms of toxin diversification, leading to the pharmacologically complex cocktails used for predation and defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Escoubas
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC) CNRS UMR 6097, 660 Route des Lucioles, Valbonne, France.
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30
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Priest BT, Blumenthal KM, Smith JJ, Warren VA, Smith MM. ProTx-I and ProTx-II: gating modifiers of voltage-gated sodium channels. Toxicon 2006; 49:194-201. [PMID: 17087985 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The tarantula venom peptides ProTx-I and ProTx-II inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels by shifting their voltage dependence of activation to a more positive potential, thus acting by a mechanism similar to that of potassium channel gating modifiers such as hanatoxin and VSTX1. ProTx-I and ProTx-II inhibit all sodium channel (Nav1) subtypes tested with similar potency and represent the first potent peptidyl inhibitors of TTX-resistant sodium channels. Like gating modifiers of potassium channels, ProTx-I and ProTx-II conform to the inhibitory cystine knot motif, and ProTx-II was demonstrated to bind to sodium channels in the closed state. Both toxins have been synthesized chemically, and ProTx-II, produced by recombinant means, has been used to map the interaction surface of the peptide with the Nav1.5 channel. In comparison, beta-scorpion toxins activate sodium channels by shifting the voltage dependence of activation to more negative potentials, and together these peptides represent valuable tools for exploring the gating mechanism of sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit T Priest
- Merck Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 2000, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
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31
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Liu Z, Dai J, Dai L, Deng M, Hu Z, Hu W, Liang S. Function and Solution Structure of Huwentoxin-X, a Specific Blocker of N-type Calcium Channels, from the Chinese Bird Spider Ornithoctonus huwena. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:8628-35. [PMID: 16439354 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m513542200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Huwentoxin-X (HWTX-X) is a novel peptide toxin, purified from the venom of the spider Ornithoctonus huwena. It comprises 28 amino acid residues including six cysteine residues as disulfide bridges linked in the pattern of I-IV, II-V, and III-VI. Its cDNA, determined by rapid amplification of 3' and 5' cDNA ends, encodes a 65-residue prepropeptide. HWTX-X shares low sequence homology with omega-conotoxins GVIA and MVIIA, two well known blockers of N-type Ca2+ channels. Nevertheless, whole cell studies indicate that it can block N-type Ca2+ channels in rat dorsal root ganglion cells (IC50 40 nm) and the blockage by HWTX-X is completely reversible. The rank order of specificity for N-type Ca2+ channels is GVIA approximately HWTX-X > MVIIA. In contrast to GVIA and MVIIA, HWTX-X had no detectable effect on the twitch response of rat vas deferens to low frequency electrical stimulation, indicating that HWTX-X has different selectivity for isoforms of N-type Ca2+ channels, compared with GVIA or MVIIA. A comparison of the structures of HWTX-X and GVIA reveals that they not only adopt a common structural motif (inhibitor cystine knot), but also have a similar functional motif, a binding surface formed by the critical residue Tyr, and several basic residues. However, the dissimilarities of their binding surfaces provide some insights into their different selectivities for isoforms of N-type Ca2+ channels.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Motifs
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Calcium Channel Blockers/administration & dosage
- Calcium Channel Blockers/toxicity
- Cells, Cultured
- Cockroaches
- Conserved Sequence
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Ganglia, Spinal/cytology
- Ganglia, Spinal/drug effects
- Inhibitory Concentration 50
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neurons/drug effects
- Protein Folding
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Solutions
- Spider Venoms/chemistry
- Spider Venoms/metabolism
- Spider Venoms/toxicity
- Spiders/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100087, China
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32
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Kozlov S, Grishin E. Classification of spider neurotoxins using structural motifs by primary structure features. Single residue distribution analysis and pattern analysis techniques. Toxicon 2005; 46:672-86. [PMID: 16169031 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2005.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2005] [Revised: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 07/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years the data on the novel structures of spider toxins have been greatly increasing. The sequence data should be classified. We introduced two primary structure analysis techniques-single residue distribution analysis (SRDA) and pattern analysis for classifying spider polypeptide toxins with molecular weight less than 10kDa. For multiple sequence alignment, we also introduced three novel sequence representation formats named as a simple record, motif record and a pattern record, which can be useful for large-scale analysis of structures. About 300 sequences of spider toxins were analyzed and nine primary structure motifs were identified. New classification of spider toxins was proposed on the basis of previously described principal structural motif (PSM) and extra structural motif (ESM) [Kozlov, S.A., Malyavka, A.A., McCutchen, B., Lu, A., Schepers, E., Herrmann, R., Grishin, E.V., 2005. A novel strategy for the identification of toxin-like structures in spider venom. Proteins 59 (1), 131-140]. Five main structural classes were revealed, and for putative ion channel inhibitors from the most numerous classes 1, 2, and 3, five-digital personal ID numbers were introduced. A reference table with simple, motif and pattern representation sequence formats was created for all analyzed structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Kozlov
- Neuroreceptors and Neuroregulators Department, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
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33
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Kozlov S, Malyavka A, McCutchen B, Lu A, Schepers E, Herrmann R, Grishin E. A novel strategy for the identification of toxinlike structures in spider venom. Proteins 2005; 59:131-40. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.20390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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34
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Li D, Xiao Y, Xu X, Xiong X, Lu S, Liu Z, Zhu Q, Wang M, Gu X, Liang S. Structure-Activity Relationships of Hainantoxin-IV and Structure Determination of Active and Inactive Sodium Channel Blockers. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:37734-40. [PMID: 15201273 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m405765200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hainantoxin-IV (HNTX-IV) can specifically inhibit the neuronal tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels and defines a new class of depressant spider toxin. The sequence of native HNTX-IV is ECLGFGKGCNPSNDQCCKSSNLVCSRKHRWCKYEI-NH(2). In the present study, to obtain further insight into the primary and tertiary structural requirements of neuronal sodium channel blockers, we determined the solution structure of HNTX-IV as a typical inhibitor cystine knot motif and synthesized four mutants designed based on the predicted sites followed by structural elucidation of two inactive mutants. Pharmacological studies indicated that the S12A and R26A mutants had activities near that of native HNTX-IV, while K27A and R29A demonstrated activities reduced by 2 orders of magnitude. (1)H MR analysis showed the similar molecular conformations for native HNTX-IV and four synthetic mutants. Furthermore, in the determined structures of K27A and R29A, the side chains of residues 27 and 29 were located in the identical spatial position to those of native HNTX-IV. These results suggested that residues Ser(12), Arg(26), Lys(27), and Arg(29) were not responsible for stabilizing the distinct conformation of HNTX-IV, but Lys(27) and Arg(29) were critical for the bioactivities. The potency reductions produced by Ala substitutions were primarily due to the direct interaction of the essential residues Lys(27) and Arg(29) with sodium channels rather than to a conformational change. After comparison of these structures and activities with correlated toxins, we hypothesized that residues Lys(27), Arg(29), His(28), Lys(32), Phe(5), and Trp(30) clustered on one face of HNTX-IV were responsible for ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Li
- College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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35
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Abstract
Tarantula venoms represent a cornucopia of novel ligands for a variety of cell receptors and ion channels. The diversity of peptide toxin pharmacology has been barely explored as indicated by pharmacological, toxicological and mass spectrometry investigations on more than 55 tarantula venoms. MALDI-TOF MS analysis reveals that the pharmacological diversity is based on relatively small size peptides, which seem to fall into a limited number of structural patterns. Properties and biological activities of the 33 known peptide toxins from tarantula venoms are described. Most known toxins conform to the Inhibitory Cystine Knot (ICK) motif, with differences in the length of intercysteine loops. Recently described peptides show that tarantula toxins can fold according to an elaboration of the Disulfide-Directed beta-Hairpin (DDH) motif which is also the canonical motif for the ICK fold. The ICK fold itself offers many variations leading to differing toxin properties. Examination of pharmacological data gives insights on the possible conserved site of action of toxins acting on voltage-gated ion channels and other toxins acting by a pore-blocking mechanism. Structure-activity data shows the versatility of the toxin scaffolds and the importance of surface features in the selectivity and specificity of these toxins. Tarantulas appear to be a good model for the discovery of novel compounds with important therapeutic potential, and for the study of the molecular evolution of peptide toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Escoubas
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire-CNRS, 660 Route des Lucioles, Valbonne 06560, France.
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36
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Li D, Xiao Y, Hu W, Xie J, Bosmans F, Tytgat J, Liang S. Function and solution structure of hainantoxin-I, a novel insect sodium channel inhibitor from the Chinese bird spider Selenocosmia hainana. FEBS Lett 2004; 555:616-22. [PMID: 14675784 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)01303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hainantoxin-I is a novel peptide toxin, purified from the venom of the Chinese bird spider Selenocosmia hainana (=Ornithoctonus hainana). It includes 33 amino acid residues with a disulfide linkage of I-IV, II-V and III-VI, assigned by partial reduction and sequence analysis. Under two-electrode voltage-clamp conditions, hainantoxin-I can block rNa(v)1.2/beta(1) and the insect sodium channel para/tipE expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with IC(50) values of 68+/-6 microM and 4.3+/-0.3 microM respectively. The three-dimensional solution structure of hainantoxin-I belongs to the inhibitor cystine knot structural family determined by two-dimensional (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Structural comparison of hainantoxin-I with those of other toxins suggests that the combination of the charged residues and a vicinal hydrophobic patch should be responsible for ligand binding. This is the first report of an insect sodium channel blocker from spider venom and it provides useful information for the structure-function relationship studies of insect sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Li
- College of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, PR China
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