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Dynamic genetic differentiation drives the widespread structural and functional convergent evolution of snake venom proteinaceous toxins. BMC Biol 2022; 20:4. [PMID: 34996434 PMCID: PMC8742412 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01208-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The explosive radiation and diversification of the advanced snakes (superfamily Colubroidea) was associated with changes in all aspects of the shared venom system. Morphological changes included the partitioning of the mixed ancestral glands into two discrete glands devoted for production of venom or mucous respectively, as well as changes in the location, size and structural elements of the venom-delivering teeth. Evidence also exists for homology among venom gland toxins expressed across the advanced snakes. However, despite the evolutionary novelty of snake venoms, in-depth toxin molecular evolutionary history reconstructions have been mostly limited to those types present in only two front-fanged snake families, Elapidae and Viperidae. To have a broader understanding of toxins shared among extant snakes, here we first sequenced the transcriptomes of eight taxonomically diverse rear-fanged species and four key viperid species and analysed major toxin types shared across the advanced snakes. Results Transcriptomes were constructed for the following families and species: Colubridae - Helicops leopardinus, Heterodon nasicus, Rhabdophis subminiatus; Homalopsidae – Homalopsis buccata; Lamprophiidae - Malpolon monspessulanus, Psammophis schokari, Psammophis subtaeniatus, Rhamphiophis oxyrhynchus; and Viperidae – Bitis atropos, Pseudocerastes urarachnoides, Tropidolaeumus subannulatus, Vipera transcaucasiana. These sequences were combined with those from available databases of other species in order to facilitate a robust reconstruction of the molecular evolutionary history of the key toxin classes present in the venom of the last common ancestor of the advanced snakes, and thus present across the full diversity of colubroid snake venoms. In addition to differential rates of evolution in toxin classes between the snake lineages, these analyses revealed multiple instances of previously unknown instances of structural and functional convergences. Structural convergences included: the evolution of new cysteines to form heteromeric complexes, such as within kunitz peptides (the beta-bungarotoxin trait evolving on at least two occasions) and within SVMP enzymes (the P-IIId trait evolving on at least three occasions); and the C-terminal tail evolving on two separate occasions within the C-type natriuretic peptides, to create structural and functional analogues of the ANP/BNP tailed condition. Also shown was that the de novo evolution of new post-translationally liberated toxin families within the natriuretic peptide gene propeptide region occurred on at least five occasions, with novel functions ranging from induction of hypotension to post-synaptic neurotoxicity. Functional convergences included the following: multiple occasions of SVMP neofunctionalised in procoagulant venoms into activators of the clotting factors prothrombin and Factor X; multiple instances in procoagulant venoms where kunitz peptides were neofunctionalised into inhibitors of the clot destroying enzyme plasmin, thereby prolonging the half-life of the clots formed by the clotting activating enzymatic toxins; and multiple occasions of kunitz peptides neofunctionalised into neurotoxins acting on presynaptic targets, including twice just within Bungarus venoms. Conclusions We found novel convergences in both structural and functional evolution of snake toxins. These results provide a detailed roadmap for future work to elucidate predator–prey evolutionary arms races, ascertain differential clinical pathologies, as well as documenting rich biodiscovery resources for lead compounds in the drug design and discovery pipeline. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01208-9.
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Coelho GR, da Silva DL, Beraldo-Neto E, Vigerelli H, de Oliveira LA, Sciani JM, Pimenta DC. Neglected Venomous Animals and Toxins: Underrated Biotechnological Tools in Drug Development. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120851. [PMID: 34941689 PMCID: PMC8708286 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the vast repertoire of animal toxins and venoms selected by nature and evolution, mankind opted to devote its scientific attention—during the last century—to a restricted group of animals, leaving a myriad of toxic creatures aside. There are several underlying and justifiable reasons for this, which include dealing with the public health problems caused by envenoming by such animals. However, these studies became saturated and gave rise to a whole group of animals that become neglected regarding their venoms and secretions. This repertoire of unexplored toxins and venoms bears biotechnological potential, including the development of new technologies, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools and must, therefore, be assessed. In this review, we will approach such topics through an interconnected historical and scientific perspective that will bring up the major discoveries and innovations in toxinology, achieved by researchers from the Butantan Institute and others, and describe some of the major research outcomes from the study of these neglected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Rabelo Coelho
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Daiane Laise da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Laudiceia Alves de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Moléstias Infecciosas—Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil;
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar em Pesquisa, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista 12916-900, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
- Correspondence:
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Mariano DO, Sciani JM, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Conceição K, Pimenta DC. Quantity - but not diversity - of secreted peptides and proteins increases with age in the tree frog Pithecopus nordestinus. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200105. [PMID: 33868394 PMCID: PMC8020714 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0105] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Amphibians inhabit the terrestrial environment, a conquest achieved after several evolutionary steps, which were still insufficient to make them completely independent of the aquatic environment. These processes gave rise to many morphological and physiological changes, making their skin (and cutaneous secretion) rich in bioactive molecules. Among the tree frogs, the secretion is composed mainly of peptides; but alkaloids, proteins and steroids can also be found depending on the species. The most known class of biologically active molecules is the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that act against bacteria, fungi and protozoans. Although these molecules are well-studied among the hylids, AMPs ontogeny remains unknown. Therefore, we performed peptidomic and proteomic analyses of Pithecopus nordestinus (formerly Phyllomedusa nordestina) in order to evaluate the peptide content in post-metamorphosed juveniles and adult individuals. Methods: Cutaneous secretion of both life stages of individuals was obtained and analyzed by LC-MS/MS after reduction and alkylation of disulfide bonds or reduction, alkylation and hydrolysis by trypsin. Results: Differences in the TIC profile of juveniles and adults in both treatments were observed. Moreover, the proteomic data revealed known proteins and peptides, with slight differences in the composition, according to the life stage and the treatment. AMPs were identified, and bradykinin-potentiating peptides were observed in trypsin-treated samples, which suggests a protein source of such peptide (cryptide). Conclusion: In general, skin secretion contents were similar between juveniles and adults, varying in quantity, indicating that the different stages of life are reflected in the number of molecules and not on their diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas O Mariano
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana M Sciani
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Jared
- São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Katia Conceição
- Laboratory of Peptide Biochemistry, Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Ahmed LA, Abdou FY, El Fiky AA, Shaaban EA, Ain-Shoka AA. Bradykinin-Potentiating Activity of a Gamma-Irradiated Bioactive Fraction Isolated from Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) Venom in Rats with Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity: Favorable Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory, Fibrogenic and Apoptotic Pathways. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2021; 21:127-141. [PMID: 32860604 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-020-09602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although doxorubicin (Dox) is a backbone of chemotherapy, the search for an effective and safe therapy to revoke Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity remains a critical matter in cardiology and oncology. The current study was the first to explore the probable protective effects of native and gamma-irradiated fractions with bradykinin-potentiating activity (BPA) isolated from scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) venom against Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats. Native or irradiated fractions (1 μg/g) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice per week for 3 weeks, and Dox (15 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on day 21 at 1 h after the last native or irradiated fraction treatment. Electrocardiographic (ECG) aberrations were ameliorated in the Dox-treated rats pretreated with the native fraction, and the irradiated fraction provided greater amelioration of ECG changes than that of the native fraction. The group pretreated with native protein with BPA also exhibited significant improvements in the levels of oxidative stress-related, inflammatory, angiogenic, fibrogenic, and apoptotic markers compared with those of the Dox group. Notably, the irradiated fraction restored these biomarkers to their normal levels. Additionally, the irradiated fraction ameliorated Dox-induced histological changes and alleviated the severity of cardiac injury to a greater extent than that of the native fraction. In conclusion, the gamma-irradiated detoxified fraction of scorpion venom elicited a better cardioprotective effect than that of the native fraction against Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamiaa A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Fatma Y Abdou
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abir A El Fiky
- ANDI Center of Excellence in Antivenom Research, Vacsera, Egypt
| | - Esmat A Shaaban
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Afaf A Ain-Shoka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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Structural basis for the C-domain-selective angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition by bradykinin-potentiating peptide b (BPPb). Biochem J 2019; 476:1553-1570. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc metalloprotease best known for its role in blood pressure regulation. ACE consists of two homologous catalytic domains, the N- and C-domain, that display distinct but overlapping catalytic functions in vivo owing to subtle differences in substrate specificity. While current generation ACE inhibitors target both ACE domains, domain-selective ACE inhibitors may be clinically advantageous, either reducing side effects or having utility in new indications. Here, we used site-directed mutagenesis, an ACE chimera and X-ray crystallography to unveil the molecular basis for C-domain-selective ACE inhibition by the bradykinin-potentiating peptide b (BPPb), naturally present in Brazilian pit viper venom. We present the BPPb N-domain structure in comparison with the previously reported BPPb C-domain structure and highlight key differences in peptide interactions with the S4 to S9 subsites. This suggests the involvement of these subsites in conferring C-domain-selective BPPb binding, in agreement with the mutagenesis results where unique residues governing differences in active site exposure, lid structure and dynamics between the two domains were the major drivers for C-domain-selective BPPb binding. Mere disruption of BPPb interactions with unique S2 and S4 subsite residues, which synergistically assist in BPPb binding, was insufficient to abolish C-domain selectivity. The combination of unique S9–S4 and S2′ subsite C-domain residues was required for the favourable entry, orientation and thus, selective binding of the peptide. This emphasizes the need to consider factors other than direct protein–inhibitor interactions to guide the design of domain-selective ACE inhibitors, especially in the case of larger peptides.
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Mariano DOC, Di Giacomo Messias M, Prezotto-Neto JP, Spencer PJ, Pimenta DC. Biochemical Analyses of Proteins from Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Bufo melanostictus) Skin Secretion: Soluble Protein Retrieval from a Viscous Matrix by Ion-Exchange Batch Sample Preparation. Protein J 2018; 37:380-389. [DOI: 10.1007/s10930-018-9780-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Rocha-Resende C, Leão NM, de Lima ME, Santos RA, Pimenta AMDC, Verano-Braga T. Moving pieces in a cryptomic puzzle: Cryptide from Tityus serrulatus Ts3 Nav toxin as potential agonist of muscarinic receptors. Peptides 2017; 98:70-77. [PMID: 28041976 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cryptome is as a subset of a given proteome containing bioactive cryptides embedded in larger peptides or proteins. We pinpointed a striking sequence similarity between two peptides from the Tityus serrulatus venom: Ts10 (KKDGYPVEYDRAY) and the N-terminal of Ts3 (KKDGYPVEYDNCAY). Ts3 (former Tityustoxin or TsIV) is an α-neurotoxin acting on voltage-gated sodium channels while Ts10 (former Peptide T) is a bradykinin-potentiating peptide and was originally reported as inhibitor of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEi). Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate whether such peptide hidden in the N-terminal of Ts3 (Ts31-14[C12S]) was able to mimic known effects of Ts10 as well as to expand the current knowledge of the vascular effects and molecular targets of these peptides. Similar to Ts10, Ts31-14[C12S] was able to potentiate the hypotensive effect of bradykinin (BK). However, none of these peptides was able to induce a long-lasting BK-potentiating effect, suggesting that this effect may not be their main biological outcome. On the other hand, we report that Ts10 and mainly Ts31-14[C12S] induced a strong vasodilation effect depending on the presence of functional endothelium and nitric oxide (NO) production. Unlike previously reported, Ts10 was not able to inhibit ACE activity (similar result was observed for Ts31-14[C12S]). On the other hand, we report that Ts31-14[C12S] induces vasodilation via the activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) M2 and M3 while only the activation of mAChR M2 seems to be required for Ts10-induced vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cibele Rocha-Resende
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nádia Miricéia Leão
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Robson Augusto Santos
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriano Monteiro de Castro Pimenta
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Verano-Braga
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Sciani JM, Pimenta DC. The modular nature of bradykinin-potentiating peptides isolated from snake venoms. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:45. [PMID: 29090005 PMCID: PMC5657115 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) are molecules discovered by Sergio Ferreira – who found them in the venom of Bothrops jararaca in the 1960s – that literally potentiate the action of bradykinin in vivo by, allegedly, inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzymes. After administration, the global physiological effect of BPP is the decrease of the blood pressure. Due to this interesting effect, one of these peptides was used by David Cushman and Miguel Ondetti to develop a hypotensive drug, the widely known captopril, vastly employed on hypertension treatment. From that time on, many studies on BPPs have been conducted, basically describing new peptides and assaying their pharmacological effects, mostly in comparison to captopryl. After compiling most of these data, we are proposing that snake BPPs are ‘modular’ peptidic molecules, in which the combination of given amino acid ‘blocks’ results in the different existing peptides (BPPs), commonly found in snake venom. We have observed that there would be mandatory modules (present in all snake BPPs), such as the N-terminal pyroglutamic acid and C-terminal QIPP, and optional modules (amino acid blocks present in some of them), such as AP or WAQ. Scattered between these modules, there might be other amino acids that would ‘complete’ the peptide, without disrupting the signature of the classical BPP. This modular arrangement would represent an important evolutionary advantage in terms of biological diversity that might have its origins either at the genomic or at the post-translational modification levels. Regardless of the modules’ origin, the increase in the diversity of peptides has definitely been essential for snakes’ success on nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
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Fucase TM, Sciani JM, Cavalcante I, Viala VL, Chagas BB, Pimenta DC, Spencer PJ. Isolation and biochemical characterization of bradykinin-potentiating peptides from Bitis gabonica rhinoceros. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:33. [PMID: 28670326 PMCID: PMC5485657 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0124-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Venoms represent a still underexplored reservoir of bioactive components that might mitigate or cure diseases in conditions in which conventional therapy is ineffective. The bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) comprise a class of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The BPPs usually consist of oligopeptides with 5 to 13 residues with a high number of proline residues and the tripeptide Ile-Pro-Pro (IPP-tripeptide) in the C-terminus region and have a conserved N-terminal pyroglutamate residue. As a whole, the action of the BPPs on prey and snakebite victims results in the decrease of the blood pressure. The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize novel BPPs from the venom of Bitis gabonica rhinoceros. Methods The crude venom of B. g. rhinoceros was fractionated by size exclusion chromatography and the peptide fraction (<7 kDa) was separated by reverse phase chromatography (RP-HPLC) and analyzed by ESI-IT-TOF-MS/MS. One new BPP was identified, synthetized and assayed for ACE inhibition and, in vivo, for edema potentiation. Results Typical BPP signatures were identified in three RP-HPLC fractions. CID fragmentation presented the usual y-ion of the terminal P-P fragment as a predominant signal at m/z 213.1. De novo peptide sequencing identified one Bothrops-like BPP and one new BPP sequence. The new BPP was synthesized and showed poor inhibition over ACE, but displayed significant bradykinin-induced edema potentiation. Conclusions So far, few BPPs are described in Viperinae, and based on the sequenced peptides, two non-canonical sequences were detected. The possible clinical role of this new peptides remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara M Fucase
- Biotechnology Center, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN), Av. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-000 Brazil
| | - Juliana M Sciani
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Ingrid Cavalcante
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Vincent L Viala
- Biotechnology Center, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN), Av. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-000 Brazil
| | - Bruno B Chagas
- Biotechnology Center, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN), Av. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-000 Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Patrick J Spencer
- Biotechnology Center, Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN), Av. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-000 Brazil
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Venomics analyses of the skin secretion of Dermatonotus muelleri : Preliminary proteomic and metabolomic profiling. Toxicon 2017; 130:127-135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Arcanjo DDR, Mafud AC, Vasconcelos AG, da Silva-Filho JC, Amaral MPM, Brito LM, Bemquerer MP, Kückelhaus SAS, Plácido A, Delerue-Matos C, Vale N, Mascarenhas YP, Carvalho FAA, Oliveira AP, Leite JRSA. In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicological Assessment of BPP-BrachyNH2, A Vasoactive Proline-Rich Oligopeptide from Brachycephalus ephippium. Int J Pept Res Ther 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-016-9564-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Arcanjo DDR, Vasconcelos AG, Comerma-Steffensen SG, Jesus JR, Silva LP, Pires OR, Costa-Neto CM, Oliveira EB, Migliolo L, Franco OL, Restini CBA, Paulo M, Bendhack LM, Bemquerer MP, Oliveira AP, Simonsen U, Leite JRDSDA. A Novel Vasoactive Proline-Rich Oligopeptide from the Skin Secretion of the Frog Brachycephalus ephippium. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145071. [PMID: 26661890 PMCID: PMC4682775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Proline-rich oligopeptides (PROs) are a large family which comprises the bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs). They inhibit the activity of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and have a typical pyroglutamyl (Pyr)/proline-rich structure at the N- and C-terminus, respectively. Furthermore, PROs decrease blood pressure in animals. In the present study, the isolation and biological characterization of a novel vasoactive BPP isolated from the skin secretion of the frog Brachycephalus ephippium is described. This new PRO, termed BPP-Brachy, has the primary structure WPPPKVSP and the amidated form termed BPP-BrachyNH2 inhibits efficiently ACE in rat serum. In silico molecular modeling and docking studies suggest that BPP-BrachyNH2 is capable of forming a hydrogen bond network as well as multiple van der Waals interactions with the rat ACE, which blocks the access of the substrate to the C-domain active site. Moreover, in rat thoracic aorta BPP-BrachyNH2 induces potent endothelium-dependent vasodilatation with similar magnitude as captopril. In DAF-FM DA-loaded aortic cross sections examined by confocal microscopy, BPP-BrachyNH2 was found to increase the release of nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, BPP-BrachyNH2 was devoid of toxicity in endothelial and smooth muscle cell cultures. In conclusion, the peptide BPP-BrachyNH2 has a novel sequence being the first BPP isolated from the skin secretion of the Brachycephalidae family. This opens for exploring amphibians as a source of new biomolecules. The BPP-BrachyNH2 is devoid of cytotoxicity and elicits endothelium-dependent vasodilatation mediated by NO. These findings open for the possibility of potential application of these peptides in the treatment of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia–BIOTEC, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso–CMRV, Universidade Federal do Piauí –UFPI, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Cardiovascular–LFC, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Plantas Medicinais–NPPM, Universidade Federal do Piauí –UFPI, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Andreanne Gomes Vasconcelos
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia–BIOTEC, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso–CMRV, Universidade Federal do Piauí –UFPI, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | | | - Joilson Ramos Jesus
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia–BIOTEC, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso–CMRV, Universidade Federal do Piauí –UFPI, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
| | - Luciano Paulino Silva
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massa, EMBRAPA Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas–ICB, Universidade de Brasília–UnB, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Claudio Miguel Costa-Neto
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto–FMRP, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Brandt Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto–FMRP, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ludovico Migliolo
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas–CAPB, Universidade Católica de Brasília–UCB, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas–CAPB, Universidade Católica de Brasília–UCB, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Michele Paulo
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto–FCFRP, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lusiane Maria Bendhack
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto–FCFRP, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Porto Bemquerer
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massa, EMBRAPA Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Aldeidia Pereira Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Cardiovascular–LFC, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Plantas Medicinais–NPPM, Universidade Federal do Piauí –UFPI, Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Ulf Simonsen
- Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - José Roberto de Souza de Almeida Leite
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia–BIOTEC, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso–CMRV, Universidade Federal do Piauí –UFPI, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Cunha Neto RDS, Vigerelli H, Jared C, Antoniazzi MM, Chaves LB, da Silva ADCR, Melo RLD, Sciani JM, Pimenta DC. Synergic effects between ocellatin-F1 and bufotenine on the inhibition of BHK-21 cellular infection by the rabies virus. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:50. [PMID: 26635873 PMCID: PMC4668702 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rabies is an incurable neglected zoonosis with worldwide distribution characterized as a lethal progressive acute encephalitis caused by a lyssavirus. Animal venoms and secretions have long been studied as new bioactive molecular sources, presenting a wide spectrum of biological effects, including new antiviral agents. Bufotenine, for instance, is an alkaloid isolated from the skin secretion of the anuran Rhinella jimi that inhibits cellular penetration by the rabies virus. Antimicrobial peptides, such as ocellatin-P1 and ocellatin-F1, are present in the skin secretion of anurans from the genus Leptodactylus and provide chemical defense against predators and microorganisms. Methods Skin secretion from captive Leptodactylus labyrinthicus was collected by mechanical stimulation, analyzed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and assayed for antiviral and cytotoxic activities. Synthetic peptides were obtained using solid phase peptide synthesis, purified by liquid chromatography and structurally characterized by mass spectrometry, and assayed in the same models. Cytotoxicity assays based on changes in cellular morphology were performed using baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells. Fixed Rabies virus (Pasteur Virus – PV) strain was used for virological assays based on rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. Results Herein, we describe a synergic effect between ocellatin-F1 and bufotenine. This synergism was observed when screening the L. labyrinthicus skin secretion for antiviral activities. The active fraction major component was the antimicrobial peptide ocellatin-F1. Nevertheless, when the pure synthetic peptide was assayed, little antiviral activity was detectable. In-depth analyses of the active fraction revealed the presence of residual alkaloids together with ocellatin-F1. By adding sub-effective doses (e.g. < IC50) of pure bufotenine to synthetic ocellatin-F1, the antiviral effect was regained. Moreover, a tetrapetide derived from ocellatin-F1, based on alignment with the virus’s glycoprotein region inferred as a possible cell ligand, was able to maintain the synergic antiviral activity displayed by the full peptide. Conclusions This novel antiviral synergic effect between a peptide and an alkaloid may present an innovative lead for the study of new antiviral drugs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40409-015-0048-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Dos Santos Cunha Neto
- Butantan Institute, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil ; Pasteur Institute, Laboratory of Rabies Diagnostic, Serology, Avenida Paulista, 393, São Paulo, 01311-000 SP Brazil
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Butantan Institute, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Carlos Jared
- Butantan Institute, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Av Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, 05503-900 SP Brazil
| | - Marta Maria Antoniazzi
- Butantan Institute, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Av Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, 05503-900 SP Brazil
| | - Luciana Botelho Chaves
- Pasteur Institute, Laboratory of Rabies Diagnostic, Serology, Avenida Paulista, 393, São Paulo, 01311-000 SP Brazil
| | | | - Robson Lopes de Melo
- Butantan Institute, Special Laboratory of Toxinology, Av Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, 05503-900 SP Brazil
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Butantan Institute, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Butantan Institute, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900 Brazil
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Homology modeling, vasorelaxant and bradykinin-potentiating activities of a novel hypotensin found in the scorpion venom from Tityus stigmurus. Toxicon 2015; 101:11-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Xu X, Lai R. The chemistry and biological activities of peptides from amphibian skin secretions. Chem Rev 2015; 115:1760-846. [PMID: 25594509 DOI: 10.1021/cr4006704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology , Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
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16
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MS approaches to select peptides with post-translational modifications from amphibian defense secretions prior to full sequence elucidation. EUPA OPEN PROTEOMICS 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.euprot.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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17
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Shi D, Luo Y, Du Q, Wang L, Zhou M, Ma J, Li R, Chen T, Shaw C. A novel bradykinin-related dodecapeptide (RVALPPGFTPLR) from the skin secretion of the Fujian large-headed frog (Limnonectes fujianensis) exhibiting unusual structural and functional features. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:2886-98. [PMID: 25268979 PMCID: PMC4210874 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6102886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bradykinin-related peptides (BRPs) are significant components of the defensive skin secretions of many anuran amphibians, and these secretions represent the source of the most diverse spectrum of such peptides so far encountered in nature. Of the many families of bioactive peptides that have been identified from this source, the BRPs uniquely appear to represent homologues of counterparts that have specific distributions and receptor targets within discrete vertebrate taxa, ranging from fishes through mammals. Their broad spectra of actions, including pain and inflammation induction and smooth muscle effects, make these peptides ideal weapons in predator deterrence. Here, we describe a novel 12-mer BRP (RVALPPGFTPLR-RVAL-(L1, T6, L8)-bradykinin) from the skin secretion of the Fujian large-headed frog (Limnonectes fujianensis). The C-terminal 9 residues of this BRP (-LPPGFTPLR) exhibit three amino acid substitutions (L/R at Position 1, T/S at Position 6 and L/F at Position 8) when compared to canonical mammalian bradykinin (BK), but are identical to the kinin sequence present within the cloned kininogen-2 from the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) and differ from that encoded by kininogen-2 of the Tibetan ground tit (Pseudopodoces humilis) at just a single site (F/L at Position 8). These data would imply that the novel BRP is an amphibian defensive agent against predation by sympatric turtles and also that the primary structure of the avian BK, ornithokinin (RPPGFTPLR), is not invariant within this taxon. Synthetic RVAL-(L1, T6, L8)-bradykinin was found to be an antagonist of BK-induced rat tail artery smooth muscle relaxation acting via the B2-receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daning Shi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Qiang Du
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Jie Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Renjie Li
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Wang R, Lin Y, Chen T, zhou M, Wang L, Shaw C. Molecular Cloning of a Novel Tryptophyllin Peptide from the Skin of the Orange-Legged Monkey Frog,Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 83:731-40. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics; School of Pharmacy; Tianjin Medical University; Tianjin 300070 China
- School of Pharmacy; Medical Biology Centre; Queen's University; Belfast BT9 7BL UK
| | - Yangjun Lin
- School of Pharmacy; Medical Biology Centre; Queen's University; Belfast BT9 7BL UK
- Department of Pharmacy; Quanzhou Medical College; Quanzhou Fujian 362000 China
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy; Medical Biology Centre; Queen's University; Belfast BT9 7BL UK
| | - Mei zhou
- School of Pharmacy; Medical Biology Centre; Queen's University; Belfast BT9 7BL UK
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy; Medical Biology Centre; Queen's University; Belfast BT9 7BL UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- School of Pharmacy; Medical Biology Centre; Queen's University; Belfast BT9 7BL UK
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Siano A, Húmpola MV, de Oliveira E, Albericio F, Simonetta AC, Lajmanovich R, Tonarelli GG. Antimicrobial peptides from skin secretions of Hypsiboas pulchellus (Anura: Hylidae). JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2014; 77:831-841. [PMID: 24717080 DOI: 10.1021/np4009317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The skin of many amphibians produces a large repertoire of antimicrobial peptides that are crucial in the first line of defense against microbial invasion. Despite the immense richness of wild amphibians in Argentina, knowledge about peptides with antimicrobial properties is limited to a few species. Here we used LC-MS-MS to analyze samples of Hypsiboas pulchellus skin with the aim to identify antimicrobial peptides in the mass range of 1000 to 2000 Da. Twenty-three novel sequences were identified by MS, three of which were selected for chemical synthesis and further studies. The three synthetic peptides, named P1-Hp-1971, P2-Hp-1935, and P3-Hp-1891, inhibited the growth of two ATCC strains: Escherichia coli (MIC: 16, 33, and 17 μM, respectively) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 8, 66, and 17 μM, respectively). P1-Hp-1971 and P3-Hp-1891 were the most active peptides. P1-Hp-1971, which showed the highest therapeutic indices (40 for E. coli and 80 for S. aureus), is a proline-glycine-rich peptide with a highly unordered structure, while P3-Hp-1891 adopts an amphipathic α-helical structure in the presence of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and anionic liposomes. This is the first peptidomic study of Hypsiboas pulchellus skin secretions to allow the identification of antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Siano
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Cs. Biológicas (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) , Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Ranakinestatin-PPF from the skin secretion of the Fukien gold-striped pond frog, Pelophylax plancyi fukienensis: a prototype of a novel class of bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist peptide from ranid frogs. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:564839. [PMID: 25161395 PMCID: PMC4000668 DOI: 10.1155/2014/564839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The defensive skin secretions of many amphibians are a rich source of bradykinins and bradykinin-related peptides (BRPs). Members of this peptide group are also common components of reptile and arthropod venoms due to their multiple biological functions that include induction of pain, effects on many smooth muscle types, and lowering systemic blood pressure. While most BRPs are bradykinin receptor agonists, some have curiously been found to be exquisite antagonists, such as the maximakinin gene-related peptide, kinestatin—a specific bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist from the skin of the giant fire-bellied toad, Bombina maxima. Here, we describe the identification, structural and functional characterization of a heptadecapeptide (DYTIRTRLHQGLSRKIV), named ranakinestatin-PPF, from the skin of the Chinese ranid frog, Pelophylax plancyi fukienensis, representing a prototype of a novel class of bradykinin B2-receptor specific antagonist. Using a preconstricted preparation of rat tail arterial smooth muscle, a single dose of 10−6 M of the peptide effectively inhibited the dose-dependent relaxation effect of bradykinin between 10−11 M and 10−5 M and subsequently, this effect was pharmacologically-characterized using specific bradykinin B1- (desArg-HOE140) and B2-receptor (HOE140) antagonists; the data from which demonstrated that the antagonism of the novel peptide was mediated through B2-receptors. Ranakinestatin—PPF—thus represents a prototype of an amphibian skin peptide family that functions as a bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist herein demonstrated using mammalian vascular smooth muscle.
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Differences and similarities among parotoid macrogland secretions in South American toads: a preliminary biochemical delineation. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:937407. [PMID: 23737734 PMCID: PMC3659512 DOI: 10.1155/2013/937407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are known by cutaneous glands, spread over the skin, containing toxins (proteins, peptides, biogenic amines, steroidal bufadienolides, and alkaloids) used as chemical defense against predators and microbial infection. Toads are characterized by the presence of parotoid macroglands. The common toads have lately been divided into two genera: Bufo (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and Rhinella (South America). Basal Rhaebo genus is exclusively of Central America and Amazon region. Although Rhinella and Rhaebo are related, species may share differences due to the diversity of environments that they live in. In this work, we have performed a biochemical characterization of the components of the poison of eight Rhinella species and one Rhaebo by means of RP-HPLC with either UV or MS detection and by SDS-PAGE, in order to verify whether phylogenetic and biological differences, such as habitat, diet, and defensive strategies, between them may also be reflected in poison composition. Although some components were common among the secretions, we were able to identify exclusive molecules to some species. The fact that closely related animals living in different habitats secrete different molecules into the skin is an indication that biological features, and not only evolution, seem to directly influence the skin secretion composition.
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Sciani JM, de-Sá-Júnior PL, Ferreira AK, Pereira A, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Pimenta DC. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of crude amphibian skin secretions on breast tumor cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bionut.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gene expression analysis by ESTs sequencing of the Brazilian frog Phyllomedusa nordestina skin glands. Toxicon 2012; 61:139-50. [PMID: 23159791 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The subfamily Phyllomedusinae has attracted a great interest of many researchers mainly due to the high diversity of these frog species and plethora of pharmacological activities frequently observed for their skin secretions. Despite of this fact, mainly for new species, limited information is available regarding the molecular composition of these skin secretions and the cellular components involved in their production. Phyllomedusa nordestina is a recently described Brazilian frog species also popularly known as 'tree-frogs'. Aiming at contributing to the biological knowledge of this species, we show here the gene expression profile of this frog skin secretion using a global ESTs analysis of a cDNA library. The marked aspect of this analysis revealed a significant higher transcriptional level of the opioid peptide dermorphins in P. nordestina skin secretion than in Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis, which is its closest related species, belonging both to the same phylogenetic group. Precursors of bioactive peptides as dermaseptins, phylloseptins, tryptophyllins, and bradykinin-like peptideswere also found in this library. Transcripts encoding proteins related to ordinary cellular functions and pathways were also described. Some of them are chiefly involved in the production of the skin secretion. Taken together, the data reported here constitute a contribution to the characterization of the molecular diversity of gene-encoded polypeptides with potential possibility of pharmacological exploitation. The transcriptional composition of the skin secretion may also help to give the necessary support for the definition of P. nordestina as a new species, which actually relies basically on frog morphological characteristics and geographical distribution.
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Profiling the resting venom gland of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus through a transcriptomic survey. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:362. [PMID: 22853446 PMCID: PMC3444934 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scorpion Tityus stigmurus is widely distributed in Northeastern Brazil and known to cause severe human envenoming, inducing pain, hyposthesia, edema, erythema, paresthesia, headaches and vomiting. The present study uses a transcriptomic approach to characterize the gene expression profile from the non-stimulated venom gland of Tityus stigmurus scorpion. RESULTS A cDNA library was constructed and 540 clones were sequenced and grouped into 153 clusters, with one or more ESTs (expressed sequence tags). Forty-one percent of ESTs belong to recognized toxin-coding sequences, with transcripts encoding antimicrobial toxins (AMP-like) being the most abundant, followed by alfa KTx- like, beta KTx-like, beta NaTx-like and alfa NaTx-like. Our analysis indicated that 34% of the transcripts encode "other possible venom molecules", which correspond to anionic peptides, hypothetical secreted peptides, metalloproteinases, cystein-rich peptides and lectins. Fifteen percent of ESTs are similar to cellular transcripts. Sequences without good matches corresponded to 11%. CONCLUSIONS This investigation provides the first global view of gene expression of the venom gland from Tityus stigmurus under resting conditions. This approach enables characterization of a large number of venom gland component molecules, which belong either to known or non yet described types of venom peptides and proteins from the Buthidae family.
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Structure–function studies of Tityus serrulatus Hypotensin-I (TsHpt-I): A new agonist of B2 kinin receptor. Toxicon 2010; 56:1162-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2009] [Revised: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Rates B, Silva LP, Ireno IC, Leite FSF, Borges MH, Bloch C, De Lima ME, Pimenta AMC. Peptidomic dissection of the skin secretion of Phasmahyla jandaia (Bokermann and Sazima, 1978) (Anura, Hylidae, Phyllomedusinae). Toxicon 2010; 57:35-52. [PMID: 20932854 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The systematic investigation of the peptidic composition of the skin secretion of Phasmahyla jandaia, a phyllomedusine anuran endemic to the southern region of the Espinhaço range in Brazil, is herein reported. By means of de novo interpretation of tandem mass spectrometric data, Edman N-terminal sequencing and similarity searches, 57 peptides - including phylloseptins, dermaseptins stricto sensu, dermatoxins, hyposins, tryptophyllins, caerulein-related, bradykinin-related, bradykinin potentiating, tyrosine-rich, and opioid peptides - were sequenced. Moreover, five peptide families without significant similarity to other known molecules were verified. Differently from most Phyllomedusinae genera, the molecular diversity in the skin of representatives of Phasmahyla remained unprospected until now. Therefore, besides disclosing novel natural variants of number of bioactive peptides, the present study contributes to the understanding of the evolution of biochemical characters of the phyllomedusines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Rates
- Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
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Azevedo Calderon LD, Silva ADAE, Ciancaglini P, Stábeli RG. Antimicrobial peptides from Phyllomedusa frogs: from biomolecular diversity to potential nanotechnologic medical applications. Amino Acids 2010; 40:29-49. [PMID: 20526637 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0622-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Screening for new bioactive peptides in South American anurans has been pioneered in frogs of the genus Phyllomedusa. All frogs of this genus have venomous skin secretions, i.e., a complex mixture of bioactive peptides against potential predators and pathogens that presumably evolved in a scenario of predator-prey interaction and defense against microbial invasion. For every new anuran species studied new peptides are found, with homologies to hormones, neurotransmitters, antimicrobials, and several other peptides with unknown biological activity. From Vittorio Erspamer findings, this genus has been reported as a "treasure store" of bioactive peptides, and several groups focus their research on these species. From 1966 to 2009, more than 200 peptide sequences from different Phyllomedusa species were deposited in UniProt and other databases. During the last decade, the emergence of high-throughput molecular technologies involving de novo peptide sequencing via tandem mass spectrometry, cDNA cloning, pharmacological screening, and surface plasmon resonance applied to peptide discovery, led to fast structural data acquisition and the generation of peptide molecular libraries. Research groups on bioactive peptides in Brazil using these new technologies, accounted for the exponential increase of new molecules described in the last decade, much higher than in any previous decades. Recently, these secretions were also reported as a rich source of multiple antimicrobial peptides effective against multidrug resistant strains of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and virus, providing instructive lessons for the development of new and more efficient nanotechnological-based therapies for infectious diseases treatment. Therefore, novel drugs arising from the identification and analysis of bioactive peptides from South American anuran biodiversity have a promising future role on nanobiotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo de Azevedo Calderon
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas a Medicina "Professor Dr. José Roberto Giglio" (CEBio), Núcleo de Saúde (NUSAU), Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, 76800-000, Brazil
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Picolo G, Hisada M, Moura AB, Machado MF, Sciani JM, Conceição IM, Melo RL, Oliveira V, Lima-Landman MTR, Cury Y, Konno K, Hayashi MA. Bradykinin-related peptides in the venom of the solitary wasp Cyphononyx fulvognathus. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 79:478-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Revised: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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29
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The application of toxins and venoms to cardiovascular drug discovery. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2009; 9:173-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2008.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 11/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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30
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Nery AA, Trujillo CA, Lameu C, Konno K, Oliveira V, Camargo ACM, Ulrich H, Hayashi MAF. A novel physiological property of snake bradykinin-potentiating peptides-reversion of MK-801 inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Peptides 2008; 29:1708-15. [PMID: 18598727 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2008] [Revised: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The first naturally occurring angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors described are pyroglutamyl proline-rich oligopeptides, found in the venom of the viper Bothrops jararaca, and named as bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs). Biochemical and pharmacological properties of these peptides were essential for the development of Captopril, the first active site-directed inhibitor of ACE, currently used for the treatment of human hypertension. However, a number of data have suggested that the pharmacological activity of BPPs could not only be explained by their inhibitory action on enzymatic activity of somatic ACE. In fact, we showed recently that the strong and long-lasting anti-hypertensive effect of BPP-10c [<ENWPHPQIPP] is independent of somatic ACE inhibition. On the other hand, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in blood vessels have been related to blood pressure regulation. Therefore, we have studied the effects of BPP-10c on acetylcholine receptor function in the PC12 pheochromocytoma cell line, which following induction to neuronal differentiation expresses most of the nicotinic receptor subtypes. BPP-10c did not induce receptor-mediated ion flux, nor potentiated carbamoylcholine-provoked receptor activity as determined by whole-cell recording. This peptide, however, alleviated MK-801-induced inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activity. Although more data are needed for understanding the mechanism of the BPP-10c effect on nicotinic receptor activity and its relationship with the anti-hypertensive activity, this work reveals possible therapeutic applications for BPP-10c in establishing normal acetylcholine receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A Nery
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Menin L, Perchuć A, Favreau P, Perret F, Michalet S, Schöni R, Wilmer M, Stöcklin R. High throughput screening of bradykinin-potentiating peptides in Bothrops moojeni snake venom using precursor ion mass spectrometry. Toxicon 2008; 51:1288-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Revised: 02/22/2008] [Accepted: 02/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Tityus serrulatus Hypotensins: a new family of peptides from scorpion venom. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 371:515-20. [PMID: 18445483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.04.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Using a proteomic approach, a new structural family of peptides was put in evidence in the venom of the yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus. Tityus serrulatus Hypotensins (TsHpt) are random-coiled linear peptides and have a similar bradykinin-potentiating peptide (BPP) amino acid signature. TsHpt-I (2.7kDa), the first member of this family, was able to potentiate the hypotensive effects of bradykinin (BK) in normotensive rats. Using the C-terminal of this peptide as a template, a synthetic analog peptide (TsHpt-I([17-25])) was designed to held the BK-potentiating effect. A relevant hypotensive effect, independent on BK, was also observed on both TsHpt (native and synthetic). To better evaluate this hypotensive effect, we examined the vasorelaxation of aortic rings from male Wistar rats and the peptides were able to induce endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation dependent on NO release. Both TsHpt could not inhibit ACE activity. These peptides appear to exert their anti-hypertensive effect through NO-dependent and ACE-independent mechanisms.
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