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Lafnoune A, Chbel A, Darkaoui B, Wahnou H, Nait Irahal I. Invertebrate venoms: A treasure trove of bioactive compounds with anticancer potential. Arch Toxicol 2025:10.1007/s00204-025-04032-0. [PMID: 40316781 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-025-04032-0] [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: 01/04/2025] [Accepted: 03/19/2025] [Indexed: 05/04/2025]
Abstract
Invertebrate venoms, despite their inherent toxicity, represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with significant anticancer properties. Historically, traditional medicines in Asia, Africa, and other regions have utilized these venoms to treat a variety of diseases, particularly those derived from scorpions, bees, wasps, and cone snails. Contemporary research has illuminated their therapeutic potential, especially in oncology. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that specific toxins from these venoms can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and restrict metastasis. The anticancer efficacy of invertebrate venoms is primarily attributed to their capacity to selectively target malignant cells while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues. In addition, bioactive compounds extracted from certain invertebrate venoms exhibit selective cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines and can inhibit enzymes critical to tumor progression, thereby impeding the invasion and dissemination of cancerous cells. The increasing interest in the application of invertebrate venoms in cancer therapy has spurred further investigations into their therapeutic potential. This review critically evaluates recent scientific advancements concerning the anticancer properties of bioactive molecules derived from invertebrate venoms, elucidating their mechanisms of action and efficacy across different cancer types. We emphasize their potential as viable alternatives or adjuncts to conventional therapies, which are often constrained by their associated toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoub Lafnoune
- Laboratoire Santé, Environnement et biotechnologie, Faculté Des Sciences Ain Chock, Université Hassan II de Casablanca, BP5366 Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - Asmaa Chbel
- Laboratoire Santé, Environnement et biotechnologie, Faculté Des Sciences Ain Chock, Université Hassan II de Casablanca, BP5366 Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Bouchra Darkaoui
- Laboratoire Santé, Environnement et biotechnologie, Faculté Des Sciences Ain Chock, Université Hassan II de Casablanca, BP5366 Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hicham Wahnou
- Laboratoire Immunologie et Biodiversité, Faculté Des Sciences Ain Chock, Université Hassan II de Casablanca, BP5366 Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Imane Nait Irahal
- Laboratoire Santé, Environnement et biotechnologie, Faculté Des Sciences Ain Chock, Université Hassan II de Casablanca, BP5366 Maarif, Casablanca, Morocco
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Naidu P, Holford M. Microscopic marvels: Decoding the role of micropeptides in innate immunity. Immunology 2024; 173:605-621. [PMID: 39188052 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13850] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response is under selection pressures from changing environments and pathogens. While sequence evolution can be studied by comparing rates of amino acid mutations within and between species, how a gene's birth and death contribute to the evolution of immunity is less known. Short open reading frames, once regarded as untranslated or transcriptional noise, can often produce micropeptides of <100 amino acids with a wide array of biological functions. Some micropeptide sequences are well conserved, whereas others have no evolutionary conservation, potentially representing new functional compounds that arise from species-specific adaptations. To date, few reports have described the discovery of novel micropeptides of the innate immune system. The diversity of immune-related micropeptides is a blind spot for gene and functional annotation. Immune-related micropeptides represent a potential reservoir of untapped compounds for understanding and treating disease. This review consolidates what is currently known about the evolution and function of innate immune-related micropeptides to facilitate their investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveena Naidu
- Graduate Center, Programs in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City University of New York, Hunter College, Belfer Research Building, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mandë Holford
- Graduate Center, Programs in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City University of New York, Hunter College, Belfer Research Building, New York, New York, USA
- American Museum of Natural History, Invertebrate Zoology, Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, New York, New York, USA
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Turillazzi S, Meriggi N, Cavalieri D. Mutualistic Relationships between Microorganisms and Eusocial Wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae). Microorganisms 2023; 11:1340. [PMID: 37317314 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Eusocial wasps are represented in the Vespidae by the subfamilies Stenogastrinae, Vespinae and Polistinae. These wasps present colonies that are sometimes composed of thousands of individuals which live in nests built with paper materials. The high density of the adult and larval population, as well as the stable micro environment of the nests, make very favourable conditions for the flourishing of various types of microorganisms. These microorganisms, which may be pathogens, are beneficial and certainly contribute to model the sociality of these insects. The mutualistic relationships that we observe in some species, especially in Actinomycete bacteria and yeasts, could have important fallouts for the development of new medicines and for the use of these insects in agricultural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Turillazzi
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, Via M. del Piano 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Joint Laboratory LABREMMA, University of Firenze, Via M. del Piano 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Insect Pharma Entomotherapy s.r.l., Via M. del Piano 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Niccolò Meriggi
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, Via M. del Piano 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Joint Laboratory LABREMMA, University of Firenze, Via M. del Piano 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Duccio Cavalieri
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, Via M. del Piano 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Joint Laboratory LABREMMA, University of Firenze, Via M. del Piano 6, 50019 Firenze, Italy
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Ye X, Liu X, Luo X, Sun F, Qin C, Ding L, Zhu W, Zhang H, Zhou H, Chen Z. Characterization of the Molecular Diversity and Degranulation Activity of Mastoparan Family Peptides from Wasp Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050331. [PMID: 37235365 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Wasp stings have become an increasingly serious public health problem because of their high incidence and mortality rates in various countries and regions. Mastoparan family peptides are the most abundant natural peptides in hornet venoms and solitary wasp venom. However, there is a lack of systematic and comprehensive studies on mastoparan family peptides from wasp venoms. In our study, for the first time, we evaluated the molecular diversity of 55 wasp mastoparan family peptides from wasp venoms and divided them into four major subfamilies. Then, we established a wasp peptide library containing all 55 known mastoparan family peptides by chemical synthesis and C-terminal amidation modification, and we systematically evaluated their degranulation activities in two mast cell lines, namely the RBL-2H3 and P815 cell lines. The results showed that among the 55 mastoparans, 35 mastoparans could significantly induce mast cell degranulation, 7 mastoparans had modest mast cell degranulation activity, and 13 mastoparans had little mast cell degranulation activity, suggesting functional variation in mastoparan family peptides from wasp venoms. Structure-function relationship studies found that the composition of amino acids in the hydrophobic face and amidation in the C-terminal region are critical for the degranulation activity of mastoparan family peptides from wasp venoms. Our research will lay a theoretical foundation for studying the mechanism underlying the degranulation activity of wasp mastoparans and provide new evidence to support the molecular design and molecular optimization of natural mastoparan peptides from wasp venoms in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Chenhu Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Huajun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Haimei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
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Guido-Patiño JC, Plisson F. Profiling hymenopteran venom toxins: Protein families, structural landscape, biological activities, and pharmacological benefits. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100119. [PMID: 35372826 PMCID: PMC8971319 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hymenopterans are an untapped source of venom secretions. Their recent proteo-transcriptomic studies have revealed an extraordinary pool of toxins that participate in various biological processes, including pain, paralysis, allergic reactions, and antimicrobial activities. Comprehensive and clade-specific campaigns to collect hymenopteran venoms are therefore needed. We consider that data-driven bioprospecting may help prioritise sampling and alleviate associated costs. This work established the current protein landscape from hymenopteran venoms to evaluate possible sample bias by studying their origins, sequence diversity, known structures, and biological functions. We collected all 282 reported hymenopteran toxins (peptides and proteins) from the UniProt database that we clustered into 21 protein families from the three studied clades - wasps, bees, and ants. We identified 119 biological targets of hymenopteran toxins ranging from pathogen membranes to eukaryotic proteases, ion channels and protein receptors. Our systematic study further extended to hymenopteran toxins' therapeutic and biotechnological values, where we revealed promising applications in crop pests, human infections, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The hymenopteran toxin diversity includes 21 protein families from 81 species. Some toxins are shared across wasps, bees and ants, others are clade-specific. Their venoms contain membrane-active peptides, neurotoxins, allergens and enzymes. Hymenopteran toxins have been tested against a total of 119 biological targets. Hymenopteran toxins were predominantly evaluated as anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Guido-Patiño
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del IPN (CINVESTAV), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para La Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
| | - Fabien Plisson
- CONACYT, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del IPN (CINVESTAV), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para La Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
- Corresponding author.
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de Melo-Braga MN, Moreira RDS, Gervásio JHDB, Felicori LF. Overview of protein posttranslational modifications in Arthropoda venoms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210047. [PMID: 35519418 PMCID: PMC9036706 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidents with venomous animals are a public health issue worldwide. Among the species involved in these accidents are scorpions, spiders, bees, wasps, and other members of the phylum Arthropoda. The knowledge of the function of proteins present in these venoms is important to guide diagnosis, therapeutics, besides being a source of a large variety of biotechnological active molecules. Although our understanding about the characteristics and function of arthropod venoms has been evolving in the last decades, a major aspect crucial for the function of these proteins remains poorly studied, the posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Comprehension of such modifications can contribute to better understanding the basis of envenomation, leading to improvements in the specificities of potential therapeutic toxins. Therefore, in this review, we bring to light protein/toxin PTMs in arthropod venoms by accessing the information present in the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database, including experimental and putative inferences. Then, we concentrate our discussion on the current knowledge on protein phosphorylation and glycosylation, highlighting the potential functionality of these modifications in arthropod venom. We also briefly describe general approaches to study "PTM-functional-venomics", herein referred to the integration of PTM-venomics with a functional investigation of PTM impact on venom biology. Furthermore, we discuss the bottlenecks in toxinology studies covering PTM investigation. In conclusion, through the mining of PTMs in arthropod venoms, we observed a large gap in this field that limits our understanding on the biology of these venoms, affecting the diagnosis and therapeutics development. Hence, we encourage community efforts to draw attention to a better understanding of PTM in arthropod venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Nunes de Melo-Braga
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Raniele da Silva Moreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Diniz Brandão Gervásio
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Liza Figueiredo Felicori
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Wasp Venom Biochemical Components and Their Potential in Biological Applications and Nanotechnological Interventions. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13030206. [PMID: 33809401 PMCID: PMC8000949 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, are distributed in different parts of the world, including Brazil, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Argentina. The lifestyles of the wasps are solitary and social. Social wasps use venom as a defensive measure to protect their colonies, whereas solitary wasps use their venom to capture prey. Chemically, wasp venom possesses a wide variety of enzymes, proteins, peptides, volatile compounds, and bioactive constituents, which include phospholipase A2, antigen 5, mastoparan, and decoralin. The bioactive constituents have anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the limited quantities of wasp venom and the scarcity of advanced strategies for the synthesis of wasp venom’s bioactive compounds remain a challenge facing the effective usage of wasp venom. Solid-phase peptide synthesis is currently used to prepare wasp venom peptides and their analogs such as mastoparan, anoplin, decoralin, polybia-CP, and polydim-I. The goal of the current review is to highlight the medicinal value of the wasp venom compounds, as well as limitations and possibilities. Wasp venom could be a potential and novel natural source to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and new agents for drug discovery.
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Tan J, Wang W, Wu F, Li Y, Fan Q. Transcriptome profiling of venom gland from wasp species: de novo assembly, functional annotation, and discovery of molecular markers. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:427. [PMID: 32580761 PMCID: PMC7315503 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06851-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vespa velutina, one of the most aggressive and fearful wasps in China, can cause grievous allergies and toxic reactions, leading to organ failure and even death. However, there is little evidence on molecular data regarding wasps. Therefore, we aimed to provide an insight into the transcripts expressed in the venom gland of wasps. Results In our study, high-throughput RNA sequencing was performed using the venom glands of four wasp species. First, the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase submit I (COI) barcoding and the neighbor joining (NJ) tree were used to validate the unique identity and lineage of each individual species. After sequencing, a total of 127,630 contigs were generated and 98,716 coding domain sequences (CDS) were predicted from the four species. The Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of unigenes revealed their functional role in important biological processes (BP), molecular functions (MF) and cellular components (CC). In addition, c-type, p1 type, p2 type and p3 type were the most commonly found simple sequence repeat (SSR) types in the four species of wasp transcriptome. There were differences in the distribution of SSRs and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among the four wasp species. Conclusions The transcriptome data generated in this study will improve our understanding on bioactive proteins and venom-related genes in wasp venom gland and provide a basis for pests control and other applications. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the identification of large-scale genomic data and the discovery of microsatellite markers from V. tropica ducalis and V. analis fabricius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Tan
- General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, 610021, China.,CDC of Western Theater Command, PLA, Chengdu, 610021, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- CDC of Western Theater Command, PLA, Chengdu, 610021, China
| | - Fan Wu
- General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, 610021, China
| | - Yunming Li
- General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, 610021, China
| | - Quanshui Fan
- CDC of Western Theater Command, PLA, Chengdu, 610021, China.
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dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Perez-Riverol A, Lasa AM, Palma MS. Diversity of peptidic and proteinaceous toxins from social Hymenoptera venoms. Toxicon 2018; 148:172-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Jiménez-Vargas JM, Possani LD, Luna-Ramírez K. Arthropod toxins acting on neuronal potassium channels. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:139-160. [PMID: 28941737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are a rich mixture of biologically active compounds exerting different physiological actions across diverse phyla and affecting multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. Venom compounds can inhibit or activate ion channels, receptors and transporters with high specificity and affinity providing essential insights into ion channel function. In this review, we focus on arthropod toxins (scorpions, spiders, bees and centipedes) acting on neuronal potassium channels. A brief description of the K+ channels classification and structure is included and a compendium of neuronal K+ channels and the arthropod toxins that modify them have been listed. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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Perez-Riverol A, Dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Lasa AM, Palma MS, Brochetto-Braga MR. Wasp venomic: Unravelling the toxins arsenal of Polybia paulista venom and its potential pharmaceutical applications. J Proteomics 2017; 161:88-103. [PMID: 28435107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Polybia paulista (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is a neotropical social wasp from southeast Brazil. As most social Hymenoptera, venom from P. paulista comprises a complex mixture of bioactive toxins ranging from low molecular weight compounds to peptides and proteins. Several efforts have been made to elucidate the molecular composition of the P. paulista venom. Data derived from proteomic, peptidomic and allergomic analyses has enhanced our understanding of the whole envenoming process caused by the insect sting. The combined use of bioinformatics, -omics- and molecular biology tools have allowed the identification, characterization, in vitro synthesis and recombinant expression of several wasp venom toxins. Some of these P. paulista - derived bioactive compounds have been evaluated for the rational design of antivenoms and the improvement of allergy specific diagnosis and immunotherapy. Molecular characterization of crude venom extract has enabled the description and isolation of novel toxins with potential biotechnological applications. Here, we review the different approaches that have been used to unravel the venom composition of P. paulista. We also describe the main groups of P. paulista - venom toxins currently identified and analyze their potential in the development of component-resolved diagnosis of allergy, and in the rational design of antivenoms and novel bioactive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilcar Perez-Riverol
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, n° 1515, CEP 13506-900, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Alexis Musacchio Lasa
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Division, System Biology Department, Ave. 31, e/158 and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Cubanacan, Playa, Havana 10600, Cuba.
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, n° 1515, CEP 13506-900, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Márcia Regina Brochetto-Braga
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Artrópodes-LBMA-IBRC-UNESP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Av. 24-A, n° 1515, CEP 13506-900, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil; Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos-CEVAP (Univ Estadual Paulista), Rua José Barbosa de Barros, 1780, Fazenda Experimental Lageado, Botucatu 18610-307, SP, Brazil.
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12
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In vitro antihistamine-releasing activity of a peptide derived from wasp venom of Vespa orientalis. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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13
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Dias NB, de Souza BM, Gomes PC, Palma MS. Peptide diversity in the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista (Hymenoptera): a comparison of the intra- and inter-colony compositions. Peptides 2014; 51:122-30. [PMID: 24239857 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of the social wasps evolved to be used as defensive tools to protect the colonies of these insects against the attacks of predators. Previous studies estimated the presence of a dozen peptide components in the venoms of each species of these insects, which altogether comprise up to 70% of the weight of freeze-dried venoms. In the present study, an optimized experimental protocol is reported that utilizes liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the detection of peptides in the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista; peptide profiles for both intra- and inter-colonial comparisons were obtained using this protocol. The results of our study revealed a surprisingly high level of intra- and inter-colonial variability for the same wasp species. We detected 78-108 different peptides in the venom of different colonies of P. paulista in the molar mass range from 400 to 3000Da; among those, only 36 and 44 common peptides were observed in the inter- and intra-colony comparisons, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Baptista Dias
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Center of Studies of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Bibiana Monson de Souza
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Center of Studies of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Gomes
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Center of Studies of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- UNESP - São Paulo State University, Center of Studies of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, Rio Claro, Brazil.
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Gomes PC, de Souza BM, Dias NB, Brigatte P, Mourelle D, Arcuri HA, dos Santos Cabrera MP, Stabeli RG, Neto JR, Palma MS. Structure-function relationships of the peptide Paulistine: a novel toxin from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1840:170-83. [PMID: 24007897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The peptide Paulistine was isolated from the venom of wasp Polybia paulista. This peptide exists under a natural equilibrium between the forms: oxidised - with an intra-molecular disulphide bridge; and reduced - in which the thiol groups of the cysteine residues do not form the disulphide bridge. The biological activities of both forms of the peptide are unknown up to now. METHODS Both forms of Paulistine were synthesised and the thiol groups of the reduced form were protected with the acetamidemethyl group [Acm-Paulistine] to prevent re-oxidation. The structure/activity relationships of the two forms were investigated, taking into account the importance of the disulphide bridge. RESULTS Paulistine has a more compact structure, while Acm-Paulistine has a more expanded conformation. Bioassays reported that Paulistine caused hyperalgesia by interacting with the receptors of lipid mediators involved in the cyclooxygenase type II pathway, while Acm-Paullistine also caused hyperalgesia, but mediated by receptors involved in the participation of prostanoids in the cyclooxygenase type II pathway. CONCLUSION The acetamidemethylation of the thiol groups of cysteine residues caused small structural changes, which in turn may have affected some physicochemical properties of the Paulistine. Thus, the dissociation of the hyperalgesy from the edematogenic effect when the actions of Paulistine and Acm-Paulistine are compared to each other may be resulting from the influence of the introduction of Acm-group in the structure of Paulistine. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The peptides Paulistine and Acm-Paulistine may be used as interesting tools to investigate the mechanisms of pain and inflammation in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Cesar Gomes
- Department of Biology/CEIS/LSBZ, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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Hoshina MM, Santos LD, Palma MS, Marin-Morales MA. Cytotoxic, genotoxic/antigenotoxic and mutagenic/antimutagenic effects of the venom of the wasp Polybia paulista. Toxicon 2013; 72:64-70. [PMID: 23796727 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hymenoptera venoms are constituted by a complex mixture of chemically or pharmacologically bioactive agents, such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases and mastoparans. Venoms can also contain substances that are able to inhibit and/or diminish the genotoxic or mutagenic action of other compounds that are capable of promoting damages in the genetic material. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the effect of the venom of Polybia paulista, a neotropical wasp, by assays with HepG2 cells maintained in culture. The cytotoxic potential of the wasp venom, assessed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay (MTT assay), was tested for the concentrations of 10 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL and 1 μg/mL. As these concentrations were not cytotoxic, they were used to evaluate the genotoxic (comet assay) and mutagenic potential (micronucleus test) of the venom. In this study, it was verified that these concentrations induced damages in the DNA of the exposed cells, and it was necessary to test lower concentrations until it was found those that were not considered genotoxic and mutagenic. The concentrations of 1 ng/mL, 100 pg/mL and 10 pg/mL, which did not induce genotoxicity and mutagenicity, were used in four different treatments (post-treatment, pre-treatment, simultaneous treatment with and without incubation), in order to evaluate if these concentrations were able to inhibit or decrease the genotoxic and mutagenic action of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). None of the concentrations was able to inhibit and/or decrease the MMS activity. The genotoxic and mutagenic activity of the venom of P. paulista could be caused by the action of phospholipase, mastoparan and hyaluronidase, which are able to disrupt the cell membrane and thereby interact with the genetic material of the cells or even facilitate the entrance of other compounds of the venom that can act on the DNA. Another possible explanation for the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of the venom can be the presence of substances able to trigger inflammatory process and, consequently, generate oxygen reactive species that can interact with the DNA of the exposed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia M Hoshina
- UNESP, Avenida 24 A, 1515, CP 199, 13506-900 Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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Sukprasert S, Rungsa P, Uawonggul N, Incamnoi P, Thammasirirak S, Daduang J, Daduang S. Purification and structural characterisation of phospholipase A1 (Vespapase, Ves a 1) from Thai banded tiger wasp (Vespa affinis) venom. Toxicon 2012; 61:151-64. [PMID: 23159790 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The Thai banded tiger wasp (Vespa affinis) is one of the most dangerous vespid species in Southeast Asia, and stinging accidents involving this species still cause fatalities. In the present study, four forms of V. affinis phospholipase A(1) were identified through a proteomics approach. Two of these enzymes were purified by reverse-phase chromatography, and their biochemical properties were characterised. These enzymes, designated Ves a 1s, are not glycoproteins and exist as 33441.5 and 33474.4 Da proteins, which corresponded with the 34-kDa band observed via SDS-PAGE. The thermal stabilities of these enzymes were stronger than snake venom. Using an in vivo assay, no difference was found in the toxicities of the different isoforms. Furthermore, the toxicity of these enzymes does not appear to be correlated with their PLA(1) activity. The cDNAs of the full-length version of Ves a 1s revealed that the Ves a 1 gene consists of a 1005-bp ORF, which encodes 334 amino acid residues, and 67- and 227-bp 5' and 3' UTRs, respectively. The two isoforms are different by three nucleotide substitutions, resulting in the replacement of two amino acids. Through sequence alignment, these enzymes were classified as members of the pancreatic lipase family. The structural modelling of Ves a 1 used the rat pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (1bu8A) as a template because it has PLA(1) activity, which demonstrated that this enzyme belongs to the α/β hydrolase fold family. The Ves a 1 structure, which is composed of seven α-helixes and eleven β-strands, contains the β-strand/ɛSer/α-helix structural motif, which contains the Gly-X-Ser-X-Gly consensus sequence. The typical surface structures that play important roles in substrate selectivity (the lid domain and the β9 loop) were shortened in the Ves a 1 structure, which suggests that this enzyme may only exhibit phospholipase activity. Moreover, the observed insertion of proline into the lid domain of the Ves a 1 structure is rare. We therefore propose that this proline residue might be involved in the stability and activity of Ves a 1s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophida Sukprasert
- Protein and Proteomics Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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de Souza BM, da Silva AVR, Resende VMF, Arcuri HA, Dos Santos Cabrera MP, Ruggiero Neto J, Palma MS. Characterization of two novel polyfunctional mastoparan peptides from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. Peptides 2009; 30:1387-95. [PMID: 19463874 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Revised: 05/07/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hymenoptera venoms are complex mixtures of biochemically and pharmacologically active components such as biogenic amines, peptides and proteins. Polycationic peptides generally constitute the largest group of Hymenoptera venom toxins, and the mastoparans constitute the most abundant and important class of peptides in the venom of social wasps. These toxins are responsible for histamine release from mast cells, serotonin from platelets, and catecholamines and adenylic acids from adrenal chromafin cells. The present work reports the structural and functional characterization of two novel mastoparan peptides identified from the venom of the neotropical social wasp Polybia paulista. The mastoparans Polybia-MP-II and -III were purified, sequenced and synthesized on solid phase using Fmoc chemistry and the synthetic peptides used for structural and functional characterizations. Polybia-MP-II and -III are tetradecapeptides, amidated at their C-termini, and form amphipathic alpha-helical conformations under membrane-mimetic conditions. Both peptides were polyfunctional, causing pronounced cell lysis of rat mast cells and erythrocytes, in addition to having antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Monson de Souza
- CEIS/Dept. Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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Souza BM, Mendes MA, Santos LD, Marques MR, César LMM, Almeida RNA, Pagnocca FC, Konno K, Palma MS. Structural and functional characterization of two novel peptide toxins isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. Peptides 2005; 26:2157-64. [PMID: 16129513 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2005] [Revised: 04/19/2005] [Accepted: 04/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Two novel inflammatory peptides were isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista. They had their molecular masses determined by ESI-MS and their primary sequences were elucidated by Edman degradation chemistry as: Polybia-MPI: I D W K K L L D A A K Q I L-NH2 (1654.09 Da), Polybia-CP: I L G T I L G L L K S L-NH2 (1239.73 Da). Both peptides were functionally characterized by using Wistar rat cells. Polybia-MPI is a mast cell lytic peptide, which causes no hemolysis to rat erythrocytes and presents chemotaxis for polymorphonucleated leukocytes (PMNL) and with potent antimicrobial action both against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Polybia-CP was characterized as a chemotactic peptide for PMNL cells, presenting antimicrobial action against Gram-positive bacteria, but causing no hemolysis to rat erythrocytes and no mast cell degranulation activity at physiological concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana M Souza
- CEIS, Department of Biology/IBRC-UNESP (CAT-CEPID/FAPESP), Institute of Immunological Investigations (Millennium Institute-MCT/CNPq), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
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Pimenta AMC, De Lima ME. Small peptides, big world: biotechnological potential in neglected bioactive peptides from arthropod venoms. J Pept Sci 2005; 11:670-6. [PMID: 16103988 DOI: 10.1002/psc.701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Until recently, a toxinologist's tasks involved the search for highly toxic or lethal toxins in animal venoms that could explain the harmful effects in clinically observed symptoms. Most of these toxins were put on evidence using a function to structure approach, in which a biological phenomena observation usually guided the isolation and characterization of the causative molecule. Paving this way, many toxins were promptly purified because of their readily observed effect. Nevertheless, small molecules with micro-effects that are not easily visualized can be relatively neglected or poorly studied. This situation has changed now with the advent of the sensitivity, resolution and accuracy of techniques such as mass spectrometry and proteomic approaches used in toxinology. Taking advantage of these methodologies, small peptides with 'newly exploited' biological activities such as vasoactive, hormone-like, antimicrobial and others have been recently given much more attention, enlarging the known repertoire of bioactive molecules found in animal venoms. This article aims to review current knowledge on small biologically active peptides (<3 kDa) found in arthropod venoms and discuss their potentialities as new drug candidates or therapeutic lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano M C Pimenta
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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