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Ferreira I, Oliveira I, Bordon K, Reis M, Wiezel G, Sanchez C, Santos L, Santos-Filho N, Pucca M, Antunes L, Lopes D, Arantes E. Beyond Angiogenesis: The Multitasking Approach of the First PEGylated Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ( CdtVEGF) from Brazilian Rattlesnake Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:483. [PMID: 37624240 PMCID: PMC10467076 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A pioneering study regarding the isolation, biochemical evaluation, functional assays and first PEGylation report of a novel vascular endothelial growth factor from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (CdtVEGF and PEG-CdtVEGF). CdtVEGF was isolated from crude venom using two different chromatographic steps, representing 2% of soluble venom proteins. Its primary sequence was determined using mass spectrometry analysis, and the molecule demonstrated no affinity to heparin. The Brazilian crotalid antivenom recognized CdtVEGF. Both native and PEGylated CdtVEGF were able to induce new vessel formation and migration, and to increase the metabolic activity of human umbilical endothelial vascular cells (HUVEC), resulting in better wound closure (~50% within 12 h) using the native form. CdtVEGF induced leukocyte recruitment to the peritoneal cavity in mice, with a predominance of neutrophil influx followed by lymphocytes, demonstrating the ability to activate the immune system. The molecule also induced a dose-dependent increase in vascular permeability, and PEG-CdtVEGF showed less in vivo inflammatory activity than CdtVEGF. By unraveling the intricate properties of minor components of snake venom like svVEGF, this study illuminates the indispensable significance of exploring these molecular tools to unveil physiological and pathological processes, elucidates the mechanisms of snakebite envenomings, and could possibly be used to design a therapeutic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Karla Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Mouzarllem Reis
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisele Wiezel
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline Sanchez
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Luísa Santos
- Institute Multidisciplinary in Health, Federal University of Bahia, Vitoria da Conquista 40110-909, BA, Brazil
| | - Norival Santos-Filho
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Chemistry Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Manuela Pucca
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Araraquara 14800-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Lusânia Antunes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Daiana Lopes
- Institute Multidisciplinary in Health, Federal University of Bahia, Vitoria da Conquista 40110-909, BA, Brazil
| | - Eliane Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
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Cavalcante JS, Borges da Silva WRG, de Oliveira LA, Brito IMC, Muller KS, J Vidal IS, Dos Santos LD, Jorge RJB, Almeida C, de Lima Bicho C. Blood plasma proteome alteration after local tissue damage induced by Bothrops erythromelas snake venom in mice. J Proteomics 2022; 269:104742. [PMID: 36174952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Snakes of the genus Bothrops are responsible the most snakebites in the Brazil, causing a diverse and complex pathophysiological condition. Bothrops erythromelas is the main specie of medical relevance found in the Caatinga from the Brazilian Northeast region. The pathophysiological effects involving B. erythromelas snakebite as well as the organism reaction in response to this envenomation are not so explored. Thus, edema was induced in mice paws using 2.5 μg or 5.0 μg of B. erythromelas venom, and the percentage of edema was measured. Plasma was collected 30 minutes after the envenomation-induced in mice and analyzed by mass spectrometry. It was identified a total of 112 common plasma proteins differentially abundant among experimental groups, which are involved with the complement system and coagulation cascades, oxidative stress, neutrophil degranulation, platelets degranulation and inflammatory response. Apolipoprotein A1 (Apoa), serum amyloid protein A-4 (Saa4), adiponectin (Adipoq) showed up-regulated in mice plasma after injection of venom, while fibulin (Fbln1), factor XII (F12) and vitamin K-dependent protein Z (Proz) showed down-regulated. The results indicate a protein pattern of thrombo-inflammation to the B. erythromelas snakebite, evidencing potential biomarkers for monitoring this snakebite, new therapeutic targets and its correlations with the degree of envenomation once showed modulations in the abundance among the different groups according to the amount of venom injected into the mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeliton S Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Weslley Ruan G Borges da Silva
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University (UEPB), Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Laudicéia Alves de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Mayara C Brito
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kevin S Muller
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivynna Suellen J Vidal
- Graduate Program in Translational Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lucilene Delazari Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil; Biotechnology Institute (IBTEC), São Paulo University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberta Jeane Bezerra Jorge
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cayo Almeida
- Center of Mathematics, Computing Sciences and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla de Lima Bicho
- Department of Biology, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Paraíba State University (UEPB), Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
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Angiogenesis in Chronic Inflammatory Skin Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112035. [PMID: 34769465 PMCID: PMC8584589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from preexisting vessels, is associated with inflammation in various pathological conditions. Well-known angiogenetic factors include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, and basic fibroblast growth factor. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) have recently been added to an important angiogenic factor. Accumulating evidence indicates associations between angiogenesis and chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Angiogenesis is deeply involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. VEGF, angiopoietins, tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-8, and interleukin-17 are unregulated in psoriasis and induce angiogenesis. Angiogenesis may be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, and in particular, mast cells are a major source of VEGF expression. Angiogenesis is an essential process in rosacea, which is induced by LL-37 from a signal cascade by microorganisms, VEGF, and MMP-3 from mast cells. In addition, angiogenesis by increased VEGF has been reported in chronic urticaria and hidradenitis suppurativa. The finding that VEGF is expressed in inflammatory skin lesions indicates that inhibition of angiogenesis is a useful strategy for treatment of chronic, inflammatory skin disorders.
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Snake venom vascular endothelial growth factors (svVEGFs): Unravelling their molecular structure, functions, and research potential. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 60:133-143. [PMID: 34090786 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis, a physiological process characterized by the formation of new vessels from a preexisting endothelium. VEGF has also been implicated in pathologic states, such as neoplasias, intraocular neovascular disorders, among other conditions. VEGFs are distributed in seven different families: VEGF-A, B, C, D, and PIGF (placental growth factor), which are identified in mammals; VEGF-E, which are encountered in viruses; and VEGF-F or svVEGF (snake venom VEGF) described in snake venoms. This is the pioneer review of svVEGF family, exploring its distribution among the snake venoms, molecular structure, main functions, and potential applications.
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Albuquerque PLMM, Paiva JHHGL, Martins AMC, Meneses GC, da Silva GB, Buckley N, Daher EDF. Clinical assessment and pathophysiology of Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury: a scoping review. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20190076. [PMID: 32704246 PMCID: PMC7359628 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2019-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bothrops are one of the most common medically important snakes found in Latin America. Its venom is predominantly hemotoxic and proteolytic, which means that local lesion (edema and redness) and hemorrhagic symptoms are recurrent in envenoming by this snake. Although hemorrhage is usually the major cause of death, snakebite-related acute kidney injury is another potentially fatal clinical complication that may lead to chronic kidney disease. The present review highlights the main studies on Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury, including observational, cross-sectional, case-control and cohort human studies available up to December 2019. The following descriptors were used according to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): on Medline/Pubmed and Google Scholar "acute kidney injury" or "kidney disease" and "Bothrops"; on Lilacs and SciELO "kidney disease" or "acute kidney injury" and "Bothrops". Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to appraise the quality of the cross-sectional and cohort studies included. The selection of more severe patients who looked for health care units and tertiary centers is a risk of bias. Due to the methodological heterogeneity of the studies, a critical analysis of the results was performed based on the hypothesis that the design of the included studies influences the incidence of acute kidney injury. Fifteen human studies (total participants 4624) were included according to stablished criteria. The coagulation abnormalities (hemorrhagic symptoms, abnormal fibrinogen and activated partial thromboplastin time) were associated with acute kidney injury in the most recent studies reported. The findings observed in this review provide up-to-date evidence about the acute kidney injury pathogenesis following Bothrops syndrome. Studies pointed out that coagulation abnormalities comprise the major pathway for acute kidney injury development. This review may improve patient management by primary healthcare providers, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment of Bothrops venom-related acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polianna Lemos Moura Moreira Albuquerque
- University of Fortaleza (Unifor), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Toxicological Information and Assistance Center, Instituto Doutor Jose Frota Hospital, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Geraldo Bezerra da Silva
- Public Health and Medical Sciences Graduate Programs, School of Medicine, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Ballmer-Hofer K. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, from Basic Research to Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123750. [PMID: 30486258 PMCID: PMC6320928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Judah Folkman's landmark discovery in the 1970s showing that tumors, growing beyond a few millimeters in diameter, depend on de novo vascularization triggered by specific growth factors released by tumor cells encountering hypoxia [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Ballmer-Hofer
- Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.
- Biocenter of the University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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Faisal T, Tan KY, Sim SM, Quraishi N, Tan NH, Tan CH. Proteomics, functional characterization and antivenom neutralization of the venom of Pakistani Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) from the wild. J Proteomics 2018; 183:1-13. [PMID: 29729992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The venom proteome of wild Pakistani Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) was investigated through nano-ESI-LCMS/MS of the reverse-phase HPLC fractions. A total of 54 venom proteins were identified and clustered into 11 protein families. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2, 63.8%) and Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (KSPI, 16.0%) were most abundant, followed by snake venom serine protease (SVSP, 5.5%, mainly Factor V activating enzyme), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 4.3%), snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP, 2.5%, mainly Factor X activating enzyme) and phosphodiesterase (PDE, 2.5%). Other minor proteins include cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), snake venom C-type lectin/lectin-like protein (snaclec), nerve growth factor, L-amino acid oxidase and 5'-nucleotidase. PLA2, KSPI, SVSP, snaclec and SVMP are hemotoxic proteins in the venom. The study indicated substantial venom variation in D. russelii venoms of different locales, including 3 Pakistani specimens kept in the USA. The venom exhibited potent procoagulant activity on human plasma (minimum clotting dose = 14.5 ng/ml) and high lethality (rodent LD50 = 0.19 μg/g) but lacked hemorrhagic effect locally. The Indian VINS Polyvalent Antivenom bound the venom immunologically in a concentration-dependent manner. It moderately neutralized the venom procoagulant and lethal effects (normalized potency against lethality = 2.7 mg venom neutralized per g antivenom). BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE Comprehensive venom proteomes of D. russelii from different locales will facilitate better understanding of the geographical variability of the venom in both qualitative and quantitative terms. This is essential to provide scientific basis for the interpretation of differences in the clinical presentation of Russell's viper envenomation. The study revealed a unique venom proteome of the Pakistani D. russelii from the wild (Indus Delta), in which PLA2 predominated (~60% of total venom proteins). The finding unveiled remarkable differences in the venom compositions between the wild (present study) and the captive specimens reported previously. The integration of toxicity tests enabled the correlation of the venom proteome with the envenoming pathophysiology, where the venom showed potent lethality mediated through coagulopathic activity. The Indian VINS Polyvalent Antivenom (VPAV) showed binding activity toward the venom protein antigens; however the immunorecognition of small proteins and PLA2-dominating fractions was low to moderate. Consistently, the antivenom neutralized the toxicity of the wild Pakistani Russell's viper venom at moderate efficacies. Our results suggest that it may be possible to enhance the Indian antivenom potency against the Pakistani viper venom by the inclusion of venoms from a wider geographical range including that from Pakistan into the immunogen formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim Faisal
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kae Yi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Si Mui Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Naeem Quraishi
- ASV/ARV Serology Laboratory, Peoples Medical University, Nawabshah, Pakistan
| | - Nget Hong Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choo Hock Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Nicolau CA, Prorock A, Bao Y, Neves-Ferreira AGDC, Valente RH, Fox JW. Revisiting the Therapeutic Potential of Bothrops jararaca Venom: Screening for Novel Activities Using Connectivity Mapping. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10020069. [PMID: 29415440 PMCID: PMC5848170 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venoms are sources of molecules with proven and potential therapeutic applications. However, most activities assayed in venoms (or their components) are of hemorrhagic, hypotensive, edematogenic, neurotoxic or myotoxic natures. Thus, other relevant activities might remain unknown. Using functional genomics coupled to the connectivity map (C-map) approach, we undertook a wide range indirect search for biological activities within the venom of the South American pit viper Bothrops jararaca. For that effect, venom was incubated with human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7) followed by RNA extraction and gene expression analysis. A list of 90 differentially expressed genes was submitted to biosimilar drug discovery based on pattern recognition. Among the 100 highest-ranked positively correlated drugs, only the antihypertensive, antimicrobial (both antibiotic and antiparasitic), and antitumor classes had been previously reported for B. jararaca venom. The majority of drug classes identified were related to (1) antimicrobial activity; (2) treatment of neuropsychiatric illnesses (Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, depression, and epilepsy); (3) treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and (4) anti-inflammatory action. The C-map results also indicated that B. jararaca venom may have components that target G-protein-coupled receptors (muscarinic, serotonergic, histaminergic, dopaminergic, GABA, and adrenergic) and ion channels. Although validation experiments are still necessary, the C-map correlation to drugs with activities previously linked to snake venoms supports the efficacy of this strategy as a broad-spectrum approach for biological activity screening, and rekindles the snake venom-based search for new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Alves Nicolau
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Alyson Prorock
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Yongde Bao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Ana Gisele da Costa Neves-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
| | - Richard Hemmi Valente
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Toxins (INCTTOX), CNPq, Brasília, DF 71605-170, Brazil.
| | - Jay William Fox
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Nery NM, Luna KP, Fernandes CFC, Zuliani JP. An overview of Bothrops erythromelas venom. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 49:680-686. [PMID: 28001213 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0195-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This review discusses studies on the venom of Bothrops erythromelas published over the past 36 years. During this period, many contributions have been made to understand the venomous snake, its venom, and its experimental and clinical effects better. The following chronological overview is based on 29 articles that were published between 1979 and 2015, with emphasis on diverse areas. The complexity of this task demands an integration of multidisciplinary research tools to study toxinology. This science is in need of renewed conceptual and experimental platforms aimed at obtaining a profound understanding of the highly complex pathophysiology of snakebite envenoming and toxins isolated from snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neriane Monteiro Nery
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - Karla Patrícia Luna
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Carla Freire Celedônio Fernandes
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Juliana Pavan Zuliani
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular Aplicada à Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil.,Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
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Venomics and antivenomics of Bothrops erythromelas from five geographic populations within the Caatinga ecoregion of northeastern Brazil. J Proteomics 2014; 114:93-114. [PMID: 25462430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The Caatinga lancehead, Bothrops erythromelas, is a medically relevant species, responsible for most of the snakebite accidents in most parts of its distribution range in northeastern Brazil. The spectrum and geographic variability of its venom toxins were investigated applying a venomics approach to venom pools from five geographic areas within the Caatinga ecoregion. Despite its wide habitat, populations of B. erythromelas from Ceará, Pernambuco, Juazeiro, Paraiba, and Ilha de Itaparica exhibit highly conserved venom proteomes. Mirroring their compositional conservation, the five geographic venom pools also showed qualitatively and quantitatively overlapping antivenomic profiles against antivenoms generated in Vital Brazil (BR) and Clodomiro Picado (CR) Institutes, using different venoms in the immunization mixtures. The paraspecificity exhibited by the Brazilian SAB and the Costa Rican BCL antivenoms against venom toxins from B. erythromelas indicates large immunoreactive epitope conservation across genus Bothrops during the last ~14 million years, thus offering promise for the possibility of generating a broad-spectrum bothropic antivenom. Biological Significance Accidental snakebite envenomings represent an important public health hazard in Brazil. Ninety per cent of the yearly estimated 20-30,000 snakebite accidents are caused by species of the Bothrops genus. Bothrops erythromelas, a small, moderately stocky terrestrial venomous snake, is responsible for most of the snakebite accidents in its broad distribution range in the Caatinga, a large ecoregion in northeastern Brazil. To gain a deeper insight into the spectrum of medically important toxins present in the venom of the Caatinga lancehead, we applied a venomics approach to define the proteome and geographic variability of adult B. erythromelas venoms from five geographic regions. Although intraspecific compositional variation between venoms among specimens from different geographic regions has long been appreciated by herpetologists and toxinologists as a general feature of highly adaptable and widely distributed snake species, the five B. erythromelas populations investigated exhibit highly conserved venom proteomes. The overall toxin profile of the Caatinga lancehead's venom explains the local and systemic effects observed in envenomations by B. erythromelas. The five geographic venom pools sampled also showed qualitatively and quantitatively overlapping antivenomic profiles against antivenoms generated using different bothropic venoms in the immunization mixtures. The large immunoreactive epitope conservation across genus Bothrops offers promise for the generation of a broad-spectrum bothropic antivenom.
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11
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Nakamura H, Murakami T, Imamura T, Toriba M, Chijiwa T, Ohno M, Oda-Ueda N. Discovery of a novel vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with no affinity to heparin in Gloydius tsushimaensis venom. Toxicon 2014; 86:107-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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12
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Tokunaga Y, Yamazaki Y, Morita T. Localization of heparin- and neuropilin-1-recognition sites of viral VEGFs. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 348:957-62. [PMID: 16899214 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.07.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 07/21/2006] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
VEGF-A165 plays a central role in neovascularization. The biological activities of VEGF-A165 are largely mediated through KDR. VEGF-A165 also binds to cellular coreceptors, neuropilin-1 (NP-1), and heparin, via its C-terminal domain, resulting in functional modulation. Parapoxvirus-encoded VEGFs (PV-VEGFs), which recognize KDR, possess basic amino acid clusters in their C-terminal regions. Some PV-VEGFs may interact with NP-1; however, the NP-1- and heparin-binding properties have not been fully characterized. Here, we demonstrate that the heparin- and NP-1-binding region of PV-VEGFs is located in its C-terminal tail. Furthermore, the two arginine residues adjacent to the C-terminus greatly contribute to both interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Tokunaga
- Department of Biochemistry, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1, Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
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13
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Pieren M, Prota AE, Ruch C, Kostrewa D, Wagner A, Biedermann K, Winkler FK, Ballmer-Hofer K. Crystal Structure of the Orf Virus NZ2 Variant of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-E. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:19578-87. [PMID: 16672228 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m601842200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian vascular endothelial growth factors constitute a family of polypeptides, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, -B, -C, -D and placenta growth factor (PlGF), that regulate blood and lymphatic vessel development. VEGFs bind to three types of receptor tyrosine kinases, VEGF receptors 1, 2, and 3, that are predominantly expressed on endothelial and some hematopoietic cells. Pox viruses of the Orf family encode highly related proteins called VEGF-E that show only 25-35% amino acid identity with VEGF-A but bind with comparable affinity to VEGFR-2. The crystal structure of VEGF-E NZ2 described here reveals high similarity to the known structural homologs VEGF-A, PlGF, and the snake venoms Vammin and VR-1, which are all homodimers and contain the characteristic cysteine knot motif. Distinct conformational differences are observed in loop L1 and particularly in L3, which contains a highly flexible GS-rich motif that differs from all other structural homologs. Based on our structure, we created chimeric proteins by exchanging selected segments in L1 and L3 with the corresponding sequences from PlGF. Single loop mutants did not bind to either receptor, whereas a VEGF-E mutant in which both L1 and L3 were replaced gained affinity for VEGFR-1, illustrating the possibility to engineer receptor-specific chimeric VEGF molecules. In addition, changing arginine 46 to isoleucine in L1 significantly increased the affinity of VEGF-E for both VEGF receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Pieren
- Molecular Cell Biology, Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland
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14
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Ramos OHP, Selistre-de-Araujo HS. Snake venom metalloproteases--structure and function of catalytic and disintegrin domains. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2006; 142:328-346. [PMID: 16434235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2005.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2005] [Revised: 11/09/2005] [Accepted: 11/11/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Snake venoms are relevant sources of toxins that have evolved towards the engineering of highly active compounds. In the last years, research efforts have produced great advance in their understanding and uses. Metalloproteases with disintegrin domains are among the most abundant toxins in many Viperidae snake venoms. This review will focus on the structure, function and possible applications of the metalloprotease and disintegrin domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- O H P Ramos
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil
| | - H S Selistre-de-Araujo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, São Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brazil.
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15
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Cébe-Suarez S, Zehnder-Fjällman A, Ballmer-Hofer K. The role of VEGF receptors in angiogenesis; complex partnerships. Cell Mol Life Sci 2006; 63:601-15. [PMID: 16465447 PMCID: PMC2773843 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-005-5426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) regulate blood and lymphatic vessel development and homeostasis but also have profound effects on neural cells. VEGFs are predominantly produced by endothelial, hematopoietic and stromal cells in response to hypoxia and upon stimulation with growth factors such as transforming growth factors, interleukins or platelet-derived growth factor. VEGFs bind to three variants of type III receptor tyrosine kinases, VEGF receptor 1, 2 and 3. Each VEGF isoform binds to a particular subset of these receptors giving rise to the formation of receptor homo- and heterodimers that activate discrete signaling pathways. Signal specificity of VEGF receptors is further modulated upon recruitment of coreceptors, such as neuropilins, heparan sulfate, integrins or cadherins. Here we summarize the knowledge accumulated since the discovery of these proteins more than 20 years ago with the emphasis on the signaling pathways activated by VEGF receptors in endothelial cells during cell migration, growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Cébe-Suarez
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - A. Zehnder-Fjällman
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - K. Ballmer-Hofer
- Biomolecular Research, Molecular Cell Biology, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
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