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Nishiduka ES, Abreu TF, Abukawa FM, Oliveira UC, Tardivo CEO, Nascimento SM, Meissner GO, Chaim OM, Juliano MA, Kitano ES, Zelanis A, Serrano SMT, da Silva PI, Junqueira-de-Azevedo IL, Nishiyama-Jr MY, Tashima AK. Multiomics Profiling of Toxins in the Venom of the Amazonian Spider Acanthoscurria juruenicola. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:2783-2797. [PMID: 36260604 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acanthoscurria juruenicola is an Amazonian spider described for the first time almost a century ago. However, little is known about their venom composition. Here, we present a multiomics characterization of A. juruenicola venom by a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, and peptidomics approaches. Transcriptomics of female venom glands resulted in 93,979 unique assembled mRNA transcript encoding proteins. A total of 92 proteins were identified in the venom by mass spectrometry, including 14 mature cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs). Quantitative analysis showed that CRPs, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, metalloproteases, carbonic anhydrases, and hyaluronidase comprise >90% of the venom proteome. Relative quantification of venom toxins was performed by DIA and DDA, revealing converging profiles of female and male specimens by both methods. Biochemical assays confirmed the presence of active hyaluronidases, phospholipases, and proteases in the venom. Moreover, the venom promoted in vivo paralytic activities in crickets, consistent with the high concentration of CRPs. Overall, we report a comprehensive analysis of the arsenal of toxins of A. juruenicola and highlight their potential biotechnological and pharmacological applications. Mass spectrometry data were deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE repository with the dataset identifier PXD013149 and via the MassIVE repository with the dataset identifier MSV000087777.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika S Nishiduka
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Midori Abukawa
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Ursula C Oliveira
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Caio E O Tardivo
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
| | - Soraia M Nascimento
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel O Meissner
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, Puerto Rico, Brazil
| | - Olga M Chaim
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81531-980, Puerto Rico, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Maria A Juliano
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil
| | - Eduardo S Kitano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - André Zelanis
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo, (ICT-UNIFESP), São José dos Campos 12231-280, Brazil
| | - Solange M T Serrano
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro I da Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Inácio L Junqueira-de-Azevedo
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Milton Y Nishiyama-Jr
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signalig, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre K Tashima
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-901, Brazil
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, da Justa HC, Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Baldissera AB, Schluga PHDC, Leite IDO, Boia-Ferreira M, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Brown spider venom toxins: what are the functions of astacins, serine proteases, hyaluronidases, allergens, TCTP, serpins and knottins? J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200188. [PMID: 34377142 PMCID: PMC8314928 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidents caused by the bites of brown spiders (Loxosceles) generate a clinical condition that often includes a threatening necrotic skin lesion near the bite site along with a remarkable inflammatory response. Systemic disorders such as hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure may occur, but are much less frequent than the local damage. It is already known that phospholipases D, highly expressed toxins in Loxosceles venom, can induce most of these injuries. However, this spider venom has a great range of toxins that probably act synergistically to enhance toxicity. The other protein classes remain poorly explored due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient amounts of them for a thorough investigation. They include astacins (metalloproteases), serine proteases, knottins, translationally controlled tumor proteins (TCTP), hyaluronidases, allergens and serpins. It has already been shown that some of them, according to their characteristics, may participate to some extent in the development of loxoscelism. In addition, all of these toxins present potential application in several areas. The present review article summarizes information regarding some functional aspects of the protein classes listed above, discusses the directions that could be taken to materialize a comprehensive investigation on each of these toxins as well as highlights the importance of exploring the full venom repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Analysis of High Molecular Mass Compounds from the Spider Pamphobeteus verdolaga Venom Gland. A Transcriptomic and MS ID Approach. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070453. [PMID: 34209760 PMCID: PMC8309857 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, spider venom research focuses on the neurotoxic activity of small peptides. In this study, we investigated high-molecular-mass compounds that have either enzymatic activity or housekeeping functions present in either the venom gland or venom of Pamphobeteus verdolaga. We used proteomic and transcriptomic-assisted approaches to recognize the proteins sequences related to high-molecular-mass compounds present in either venom gland or venom. We report the amino acid sequences (partial or complete) of 45 high-molecular-mass compounds detected by transcriptomics showing similarity to other proteins with either enzymatic activity (i.e., phospholipases A2, kunitz-type, hyaluronidases, and sphingomyelinase D) or housekeeping functions involved in the signaling process, glucanotransferase function, and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. MS/MS analysis showed fragments exhibiting a resemblance similarity with different sequences detected by transcriptomics corresponding to sphingomyelinase D, hyaluronidase, lycotoxins, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, and kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors, among others. Additionally, we report a probably new protein sequence corresponding to the lycotoxin family detected by transcriptomics. The phylogeny analysis suggested that P. verdolaga includes a basal protein that underwent a duplication event that gave origin to the lycotoxin proteins reported for Lycosa sp. This approach allows proposing an evolutionary relationship of high-molecular-mass proteins among P. verdolaga and other spider species.
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, Polli NLC, Antunes BC, Schluga PHDC, da Justa HC, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Prospective Use of Brown Spider Venom Toxins as Therapeutic and Biotechnological Inputs. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:706704. [PMID: 34222343 PMCID: PMC8247472 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.706704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spider (genus Loxosceles) venoms are mainly composed of protein toxins used for predation and defense. Bites of these spiders most commonly produce a local dermonecrotic lesion with gravitational spread, edema and hemorrhage, which together are defined as cutaneous loxoscelism. Systemic loxoscelism, such as hematological abnormalities and renal injury, are less frequent but more lethal. Some Loxosceles venom toxins have already been isolated and extensively studied, such as phospholipases D (PLDs), which have been recombinantly expressed and were proven to reproduce toxic activities associated to the whole venom. PLDs have a notable potential to be engineered and converted in non-toxic antigens to produce a new generation of antivenoms or vaccines. PLDs also can serve as tools to discover inhibitors to be used as therapeutic agents. Other Loxosceles toxins have been identified and functionally characterized, such as hyaluronidases, allergen factor, serpin, TCTP and knottins (ICK peptides). All these toxins were produced as recombinant molecules and are biologically active molecules that can be used as tools for the potential development of chemical candidates to tackle many medical and biological threats, acting, for instance, as antitumoral, insecticides, analgesic, antigens for allergy tests and biochemical reagents for cell studies. In addition, these recombinant toxins may be useful to develop a rational therapy for loxoscelism. This review summarizes the main candidates for the development of drugs and biotechnological inputs that have been described in Brown spider venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
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De-Bona E, Chaves-Moreira D, Batista TBD, Justa HCD, Rossi GR, Antunes BC, Matsubara FH, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Veiga SS, Senff-Ribeiro A, Gremski LH. Production of a novel recombinant brown spider hyaluronidase in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Enzyme Microb Technol 2021; 146:109759. [PMID: 33812558 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2021.109759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronidases are low expressed toxins of brown spider venoms, but, as highly active molecules, they present an important role as spreading factors. By degrading extracellular matrix components, these enzymes favor the diffusion of toxins in the affected tissue and at systemic level. Here, a novel isoform of hyaluronidase of Loxosceles intermedia Mello-Leitão (1934) venom was cloned, expressed in a baculovirus-insect cell expression system and fully active purified. This recombinant enzyme, named LiHyal2 (Loxosceles intermedia Hyaluronidase isoform 2), shares high identity with hyaluronidases of other spiders and scorpions. The catalytic and sugar binding amino acid residues are conserved in LiHyal2, human, and honeybee venom hyaluronidases and the molecular model of LiHyal2 shares major similarities with their crystal structures, including the active site. LiHyal2 was expressed as a 45 kDa protein and degraded hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulphate as demonstrated by HA zymography and agarose gel electrophoresis. Lectin blot analysis revealed that LiHyal2 is post-translationally modified by the addition of high mannose N-linked carbohydrates. In vivo experiments showed that LiHyal2 potentialize dermonecrosis and edema induced by a recombinant phospholipase-D (PLD) of L. intermedia venom, as well as enhance the increase in capillary permeability triggered by this PLD, indicating that these toxins act synergistically during envenomation. Altogether, these results introduce a novel approach to express spider recombinant toxins, contribute to the elucidation of brown spider venom mechanisms and add to the development of a more specific treatment of envenomation victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elidiana De-Bona
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Daniele Chaves-Moreira
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Rodrigues Rossi
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products (CPPI), State Department of Health, Piraquara, 83302-200, PR, Brazil
| | | | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products (CPPI), State Department of Health, Piraquara, 83302-200, PR, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, 84030-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, 81530-900, PR, Brazil.
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Clement H, Corzo G, Neri-Castro E, Arenas I, Hajos S, de Roodt AR, Villegas E. cDNA cloning, heterologous expression, protein folding and immunogenic properties of a phospholipase A 2 from Bothrops ammodytoides venom. Protein Expr Purif 2018; 154:33-43. [PMID: 30205154 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A mRNA transcript that codes for a phospholipase (PLA2) was isolated from a single venom gland of the Bothrops ammodytoides viper. The PLA2 transcript was cloned onto a pCR®2.1-TOPO vector and subsequently expressed heterologously in the E. coli strain M15, using the pQE30 vector. The recombinant phospholipase was named rBamPLA2_1, and is composed of an N-terminal fusion protein of 16 residues, along with 122 residues from the mature protein that includes 14 cysteines that form 7 disulfide bonds. Following bacterial expression, rBamPLA2_1 was obtained from inclusion bodies and extracted using a chaotropic agent. rBamPLA2_1 had an experimental molecular mass of 15,692.5 Da that concurred with its theoretical molecular mass. rBamPLA2_1 was refolded in in vitro conditions and after refolding, three main protein fractions with similar molecular masses, were identified. Although, the three fractions were considered to represent different oxidized cystine isoforms, their secondary structures were comparable. All three recombinant isoforms were active on egg-yolk phospholipid and recognized similar cell membrane phospholipids to be native PLA2s, isolated from B. ammodytoides venom. A mixture of the three rBamPLA2_1 cystine isoforms was used to immunize a horse in order to produce serum antibodies (anti-rBamPLA2_1), which partially inhibited the indirect hemolytic activity of B. ammodytoides venom. Although, anti-rBamPLA2_1 antibodies were not able to recognize crotoxin, a PLA2 from the venom of a related but different viper genus, Crotalus durissus terrificus, they recognized PLA2s in other venoms from regional species of Bothrops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herlinda Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca Mor, 62210, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Mor, 62209, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca Mor, 62210, Mexico
| | - Edgar Neri-Castro
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca Mor, 62210, Mexico
| | - Ivan Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca Mor, 62210, Mexico
| | - Silvia Hajos
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica- IDEHU. UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adolfo R de Roodt
- Laboratorio de Toxinopatología, Centro de Patología Experimental y Aplicada, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos, A.N.L.I.S. "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elba Villegas
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca Mor, 62209, Mexico.
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Barth T, Mandacaru SC, Charneau S, Souza MVD, Ricart CAO, Noronha EF, Souza AA, Freitas SMD, Roepstorff P, Fontes W, Castro MS, Pires Júnior OR. Biochemical and structural characterization of a protein complex containing a hyaluronidase and a CRISP-like protein isolated from the venom of the spider Acanthoscurria natalensis. J Proteomics 2018; 192:102-113. [PMID: 30165259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Spider venoms are composed of a complex mixture of bioactive molecules. The structural and functional characterization of these molecules in the venom of the Brazilian spider Acanthoscurria natalensis, has been little explored. The venom was fractionated using reversed-phase liquid chromatography. The fraction with hyaluronidase activity was named AnHyal. The partial sequencing of AnHyal revealed the presence of a CRISP-like protein, in addition to hyaluronidase, comprising 67% coverage for hyaluronidase from Brachypelma vagans and 82% for CRISP-like protein from Grammostola rosea. 1D BN-PAGE zymogram assays of AnHyal confirmed the presence of enzymatically active 53 kDa monomer and 124 and 178 kDa oligomers. The decomposition of the complexes by 2D BN/SDS-PAGE zymogram assays showed two subunits, 53 (AnHyalH) and 44 kDa (AnHyalC), with sequence similarity to hyaluronidase and CRISP proteins, respectively. The secondary structure of AnHyal is composed by 36% of α-helix. AnHyal presented maximum activity at pH between 4.0 and 6.0 and 30 and 60 °C, showed specificity to hyaluronic acid substrate and presented a KM of 617.9 μg/mL. Our results showed that hyaluronidase and CRISP proteins can form a complex and the CRISP protein may contribute to the enzymatic activity of AnHyalH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Barth
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Animal Histology, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus-Bahia 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Samuel Coelho Mandacaru
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Charneau
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Valle de Souza
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Carlos André Ornelas Ricart
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Eliane Ferreira Noronha
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Department of Cellular Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Araújo Souza
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria de Freitas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cellular Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Peter Roepstorff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF, Brazil.
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasilia, Brasilia-DF 70910-900, Brazil.
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Amorim FG, Boldrini-França J, de Castro Figueiredo Bordon K, Cardoso IA, De Pauw E, Quinton L, Kashima S, Arantes EC. Heterologous expression of rTsHyal-1: the first recombinant hyaluronidase of scorpion venom produced in Pichia pastoris system. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:3145-3158. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Rodríguez-Rios L, Díaz-Peña LF, Lazcano-Pérez F, Arreguín-Espinosa R, Rojas-Molina A, García-Arredondo A. Hyaluronidase-like enzymes are a frequent component of venoms from theraphosid spiders. Toxicon 2017; 136:34-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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10
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Walter A, Bechsgaard J, Scavenius C, Dyrlund TS, Sanggaard KW, Enghild JJ, Bilde T. Characterisation of protein families in spider digestive fluids and their role in extra-oral digestion. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:600. [PMID: 28797246 PMCID: PMC5553785 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3987-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spiders are predaceous arthropods that are capable of subduing and consuming relatively large prey items compared to their own body size. For this purpose, spiders have evolved potent venoms to immobilise prey and digestive fluids that break down nutrients inside the prey's body by means of extra-oral digestion (EOD). Both secretions contain an array of active proteins, and an overlap of some components has been anecdotally reported, but not quantified. We systematically investigated the extent of such protein overlap. As venom injection and EOD succeed each other, we further infer functional explanations, and, by comparing two spider species belonging to different clades, assess its adaptive significance for spider EOD in general. RESULTS We describe the protein composition of the digestive fluids of the mygalomorph Acanthoscurria geniculata and the araneomorph Stegodyphus mimosarum, in comparison with previously published data on a third spider species. We found a number of similar hydrolases being highly abundant in all three species. Among them, members of the family of astacin-like metalloproteases were particularly abundant. While the importance of these proteases in spider venom and digestive fluid was previously noted, we now highlight their widespread use across different spider taxa. Finally, we found species specific differences in the protein overlap between venom and digestive fluid, with the difference being significantly greater in S. mimosarum compared to A. geniculata. CONCLUSIONS The injection of venom precedes the injection with digestive fluid, and the overlap of proteins between venom and digestive fluid suggests an early involvement in EOD. Species specific differences in the overlap may reflect differences in ecology between our two study species. The protein composition of the digestive fluid of all the three species we compared is highly similar, suggesting that the cocktail of enzymes is highly conserved and adapted to spider EOD.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Walter
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | | | - Carsten Scavenius
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas S Dyrlund
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kristian W Sanggaard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan J Enghild
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Trine Bilde
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Biner O, Trachsel C, Moser A, Kopp L, Langenegger N, Kämpfer U, von Ballmoos C, Nentwig W, Schürch S, Schaller J, Kuhn-Nentwig L. Isolation, N-glycosylations and Function of a Hyaluronidase-Like Enzyme from the Venom of the Spider Cupiennius salei. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143963. [PMID: 26630650 PMCID: PMC4667920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Structure of Cupiennius salei venom hyaluronidase Hyaluronidases are important venom components acting as spreading factor of toxic compounds. In several studies this spreading effect was tested on vertebrate tissue. However, data about the spreading activity on invertebrates, the main prey organisms of spiders, are lacking. Here, a hyaluronidase-like enzyme was isolated from the venom of the spider Cupiennius salei. The amino acid sequence of the enzyme was determined by cDNA analysis of the venom gland transcriptome and confirmed by protein analysis. Two complex N-linked glycans akin to honey bee hyaluronidase glycosylations, were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. A C-terminal EGF-like domain was identified in spider hyaluronidase using InterPro. The spider hyaluronidase-like enzyme showed maximal activity at acidic pH, between 40–60°C, and 0.2 M KCl. Divalent ions did not enhance HA degradation activity, indicating that they are not recruited for catalysis. Function of venom hyaluronidases Besides hyaluronan, the enzyme degrades chondroitin sulfate A, whereas heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate are not affected. The end products of hyaluronan degradation are tetramers, whereas chondroitin sulfate A is mainly degraded to hexamers. Identification of terminal N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine at the reducing end of the oligomers identified the enzyme as an endo-β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase hydrolase. The spreading effect of the hyaluronidase-like enzyme on invertebrate tissue was studied by coinjection of the enzyme with the Cupiennius salei main neurotoxin CsTx-1 into Drosophila flies. The enzyme significantly enhances the neurotoxic activity of CsTx-1. Comparative substrate degradation tests with hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate A, dermatan sulfate, and heparan sulfate with venoms from 39 spider species from 21 families identified some spider families (Atypidae, Eresidae, Araneidae and Nephilidae) without activity of hyaluronidase-like enzymes. This is interpreted as a loss of this enzyme and fits quite well the current phylogenetic idea on a more isolated position of these families and can perhaps be explained by specialized prey catching techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Biner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Trachsel
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, University of Zürich/ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Aline Moser
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Kopp
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Langenegger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Urs Kämpfer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Wolfgang Nentwig
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schürch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Johann Schaller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Kuhn-Nentwig
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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12
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Bordon KCF, Wiezel GA, Amorim FG, Arantes EC. Arthropod venom Hyaluronidases: biochemical properties and potential applications in medicine and biotechnology. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:43. [PMID: 26500679 PMCID: PMC4619011 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0042-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronidases are enzymes that mainly degrade hyaluronan, the major glycosaminoglycan of the interstitial matrix. They are involved in several pathological and physiological activities including fertilization, wound healing, embryogenesis, angiogenesis, diffusion of toxins and drugs, metastasis, pneumonia, sepsis, bacteremia, meningitis, inflammation and allergy, among others. Hyaluronidases are widely distributed in nature and the enzymes from mammalian spermatozoa, lysosomes and animal venoms belong to the subclass EC 3.2.1.35. To date, only five three-dimensional structures for arthropod venom hyaluronidases (Apis mellifera and Vespula vulgaris) were determined. Additionally, there are four molecular models for hyaluronidases from Mesobuthus martensii, Polybia paulista and Tityus serrulatus venoms. These enzymes are employed as adjuvants to increase the absorption and dispersion of other drugs and have been used in various off-label clinical conditions to reduce tissue edema. Moreover, a PEGylated form of a recombinant human hyaluronidase is currently under clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. This review focuses on the arthropod venom hyaluronidases and provides an overview of their biochemical properties, role in the envenoming, structure/activity relationship, and potential medical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla C F Bordon
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Gisele A. Wiezel
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernanda G. Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
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13
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García-Arredondo A, Rodríguez-Rios L, Díaz-Peña LF, Vega-Ángeles R. Pharmacological characterization of venoms from three theraphosid spiders: Poecilotheria regalis, Ceratogyrus darlingi and Brachypelma epicureanum. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:15. [PMID: 26085827 PMCID: PMC4470046 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tarantulas (Theraphosidae) represent an important source of novel biologically active compounds that target a variety of ion channels and cell receptors in both insects and mammals. In this study, we evaluate and compare the pharmacological activity of venoms from three taxonomically different theraphosid spiders bred in captivity: Poecilotheria regalis, an aggressive arboreal tarantula from southeastern India; Ceratogyrus darlingi, an aggressive tarantula from southern Africa; and Brachypelma epicureanum, a docile tarantula from the Yucatan dry forest of Mexico. Prior to this study, no research had been conducted with regard to the composition and pharmacological activity of these venoms. METHODS The pharmacological characterization of the venoms was described for the first time by the assessment of their toxicity in crickets (LD50) along with their nociceptive (by using the formalin test), hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, edematogenic and caseinolytic activity. RESULTS P. regalis and B. epicureanum venoms induced a similar lethal effect on crickets (LD50 = 5.23 ± 3.1 and 14.4 ± 5.0 μg protein/g 48 h post-injection, respectively), whereas C. darlingi venom (119.4 ± 29.5 μg protein/g 48 h post-injection) was significantly less lethal than the other two venoms. All three venoms induced similar edematogenic activity on rats but did not induce nociceptive behavior. The assessment of enzymatic activity indicated that P. regalis venom induces significantly higher hyaluronidase activity (27.6 ± 0.9 TRU/mg) than both C. darlingi (99.7 ± 1.9 TRU/mg) and B. epicureanum (99.6 ± 1.6 TRU/mg); these latter venoms did not display phospholipase A2 or caseinolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that these theraphosid spiders of different habitats produce venoms with different activities. P. regalis venom displays a high level of hyaluronidase activity, which may be associated with its potentially medically significant bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro García-Arredondo
- Laboratory of Chemical and Pharmacological Natural Product Research, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro Mexico
| | - Luis Rodríguez-Rios
- Laboratory of Chemical and Pharmacological Natural Product Research, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro Mexico
| | - Luis Fernando Díaz-Peña
- Laboratory of Chemical and Pharmacological Natural Product Research, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro Mexico
| | - Ricardo Vega-Ángeles
- Laboratory of Chemical and Pharmacological Natural Product Research, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro Mexico
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14
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Sanggaard KW, Bechsgaard JS, Fang X, Duan J, Dyrlund TF, Gupta V, Jiang X, Cheng L, Fan D, Feng Y, Han L, Huang Z, Wu Z, Liao L, Settepani V, Thøgersen IB, Vanthournout B, Wang T, Zhu Y, Funch P, Enghild JJ, Schauser L, Andersen SU, Villesen P, Schierup MH, Bilde T, Wang J. Spider genomes provide insight into composition and evolution of venom and silk. Nat Commun 2014; 5:3765. [PMID: 24801114 PMCID: PMC4273655 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders are ecologically important predators with complex venom and extraordinarily tough
silk that enables capture of large prey. Here we present the assembled genome of the social
velvet spider and a draft assembly of the tarantula genome that represent two major
taxonomic groups of spiders. The spider genomes are large with short exons and long introns,
reminiscent of mammalian genomes. Phylogenetic analyses place spiders and ticks as sister
groups supporting polyphyly of the Acari. Complex sets of venom and silk genes/proteins are
identified. We find that venom genes evolved by sequential duplication, and that the toxic
effect of venom is most likely activated by proteases present in the venom. The set of silk
genes reveals a highly dynamic gene evolution, new types of silk genes and proteins, and a
novel use of aciniform silk. These insights create new opportunities for pharmacological
applications of venom and biomaterial applications of silk. Spiders use self-produced venom and silk for their daily survival. Here, the
authors report the assembled genome of the social velvet spider and a draft assembly of the
tarantula genome and, together with proteomic data, provide insights into the evolution of
genes that affect venom and silk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian W Sanggaard
- 1] Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [2] Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [3]
| | | | - Xiaodong Fang
- 1] BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China [2] Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark [3]
| | - Jinjie Duan
- Bioinformatics Research Center (BiRC), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thomas F Dyrlund
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Vikas Gupta
- 1] Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [2] Bioinformatics Research Center (BiRC), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Ling Cheng
- BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | | | - Yue Feng
- BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Lijuan Han
- BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | | | - Zongze Wu
- BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Li Liao
- BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | | | - Ida B Thøgersen
- 1] Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [2] Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Yabing Zhu
- BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Peter Funch
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jan J Enghild
- 1] Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [2] Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Stig U Andersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Palle Villesen
- 1] Bioinformatics Research Center (BiRC), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [2] Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mikkel H Schierup
- 1] Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark [2] Bioinformatics Research Center (BiRC), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Trine Bilde
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jun Wang
- 1] BGI-Tech, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China [2] Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark [3] King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21441, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Vergara I, Pedraza-Escalona M, Paniagua D, Restano-Cassulini R, Zamudio F, Batista CVF, Possani LD, Alagón A. Eastern coral snake Micrurus fulvius venom toxicity in mice is mainly determined by neurotoxic phospholipases A2. J Proteomics 2014; 105:295-306. [PMID: 24613619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Here we show for the first time that the venom from an elapid (Micrurus fulvius) contains three finger toxin (3FTxs) peptides with low toxicity but high content of lethal phospholipases A2 (PLA2). The intravenous venom LD50 in mice was 0.3μg/g. Fractionation on a C18 column yielded 22 fractions; in terms of abundance, 58.3% of them were components of 13-14kDa and 24.9% were molecules of 6-7kDa. Two fractions with PLA2 activity represented 33.4% of the whole venom and were the most lethal fractions. Fractions with low molecular mass (<7000Da) partially and reversibly blocked the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), with the exception of one that blocked it completely. The fraction that blocked 100% contained two protein species whose dose-response was determined; the IC50s were 13±1 and 9.5±0.3nM. Despite the apparent effect on nAChR none of the low molecular mass fractions were lethal in mice, at concentrations of 1μg/g. From 2D-PAGE and LC-MS/MS, we identified fourteen species of PLA2, four protein species of C-type lectin, three zinc metalloproteinases, one phosphodiesterase and one 3FTx. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of fractions with biological interest was obtained. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE In contrast with coral snake venoms from South America, M. fulvius has minor amounts of low molecular mass components, but high content of PLA2, which is responsible for the venom lethality of this species. The results reported here contribute to better understanding of envenomation development and to improve antivenom design and production. These findings break from the paradigm that neurotoxicity caused by Micrurus venoms is mainly attributable to 3FTx neurotoxins and encourage future studies on Micrurus evolution and venom specialization. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Non-model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Vergara
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Martha Pedraza-Escalona
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Dayanira Paniagua
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Rita Restano-Cassulini
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Cesar V F Batista
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Alejandro Alagón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México.
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Horta CCR, Magalhães BDF, Oliveira-Mendes BBR, do Carmo AO, Duarte CG, Felicori LF, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Molecular, immunological, and biological characterization of Tityus serrulatus venom hyaluronidase: new insights into its role in envenomation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2693. [PMID: 24551256 PMCID: PMC3923731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scorpionism is a public health problem in Brazil, and Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is primarily responsible for severe accidents. The main toxic components of Ts venom are low-molecular-weight neurotoxins; however, the venom also contains poorly characterized high-molecular-weight enzymes. Hyaluronidase is one such enzyme that has been poorly characterized. Methods and principal findings We examined clones from a cDNA library of the Ts venom gland and described two novel isoforms of hyaluronidase, TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2. The isoforms are 83% identical, and alignment of their predicted amino acid sequences with other hyaluronidases showed conserved residues between evolutionarily distant organisms. We performed gel filtration followed by reversed-phase chromatography to purify native hyaluronidase from Ts venom. Purified native Ts hyaluronidase was used to produce anti-hyaluronidase serum in rabbits. As little as 0.94 µl of anti-hyaluronidase serum neutralized 1 LD50 (13.2 µg) of Ts venom hyaluronidase activity in vitro. In vivo neutralization assays showed that 121.6 µl of anti-hyaluronidase serum inhibited mouse death 100%, whereas 60.8 µl and 15.2 µl of serum delayed mouse death. Inhibition of death was also achieved by using the hyaluronidase pharmacological inhibitor aristolochic acid. Addition of native Ts hyaluronidase (0.418 µg) to pre-neutralized Ts venom (13.2 µg venom+0.94 µl anti-hyaluronidase serum) reversed mouse survival. We used the SPOT method to map TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2 epitopes. More peptides were recognized by anti-hyaluronidase serum in TsHyal-1 than in TsHyal-2. Epitopes common to both isoforms included active site residues. Conclusions Hyaluronidase inhibition and immunoneutralization reduced the toxic effects of Ts venom. Our results have implications in scorpionism therapy and challenge the notion that only neurotoxins are important to the envenoming process. In Brazil, accidents with scorpion stings have been a serious public health problem, and Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is primarily responsible for severe accidents. Therefore, efforts have been made to understand the characteristics of the molecules present in scorpion venoms. These venoms are complex mixtures, in which neurotoxins are the main toxic components. Ts venom also contains enzymes, such as hyaluronidase, that have not been well characterized. In this study, we described for the first time two sequences of Ts hyaluronidase isoforms: TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2. We purified native hyaluronidase from Ts venom and produced anti-hyaluronidase serum in rabbits. This serum neutralized hyaluronidase activity present in Ts venom. In vivo neutralization assays showed that anti-hyaluronidase serum inhibited and delayed mouse death after injection of a lethal dose (50% lethal dose, LD50) of Ts venom. This work confirms the influence of hyaluronidase in Ts venom lethality and paves the way for the development of new strategies for scorpionism therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Campolina Rebello Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bárbara de Freitas Magalhães
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson Oliveira do Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra Duarte
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Liza Figueiredo Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado-de-Ávila
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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