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Borges A, Lomonte B. Proteomic analysis and lethality of the venom of Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus, a scorpion of medical significance in the Middle East. Acta Trop 2024; 255:107230. [PMID: 38714240 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107230] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
The scorpion Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus inhabits areas in Turkey and the Levant region of the Middle East where severe/lethal envenomings have been reported. Previous research indicated its extreme venom lethality to vertebrates and distinct envenomation syndrome. We report on the composition of A. nigrocinctus venom from Lebanese specimens using nESI-MS/MS, MALDI-TOF MS, SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Venom lethality in mice was also assessed (LD50 = 1.05 (0.19-1.91) mg/kg, i.p), confirming A. nigrocinctus venom toxicity from Levantine populations. Forty-seven peaks were resolved using RP-HPLC, 25 of which eluted between 20 and 40 % acetonitrile. In reducing SDS-PAGE, most predominant components were <10 kDa, with minor components at higher molecular masses of 19.6, 26.1, 46.3 and 57.7 kDa. MALDI-TOF venom fingerprinting detected 20 components within the 1,000-12,000 m/z range. Whole venom 'shotgun' bottom-up nLC-MS/MS approach, combined with in-gel tryptic digestion of SDS-PAGE bands, identified at least 67 different components belonging to 15 venom families, with ion channel-active components (K+ toxins (23); Na+ toxins (20); Cl- toxins (2)) being predominant. The sequence of a peptide (named α-KTx9.13) ortholog to Leiurus hebraeus putative α-KTx9.3 toxin was fully determined, which exhibited 81-96 % identity to other members of the α-KTx9 subfamily targeting Kv1.x and Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Chlorotoxin-like peptides were also identified. Our study underscores the medical significance of A. nigrocinctus in the region and reveals the potential value of its venom components as lead templates for biomedical applications. Future work should address whether available antivenoms in the Middle East are effective against A. nigrocinctus envenoming in the Levant area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Borges
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Manduvirá 635, Asunción, 1255, Paraguay; Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, 50587, Venezuela.
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
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2
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Oliveira IS, Ferreira IG, Alexandre-Silva GM, Cerni FA, Cremonez CM, Arantes EC, Zottich U, Pucca MB. Scorpion toxins targeting Kv1.3 channels: insights into immunosuppression. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e148118. [PMID: 31131004 PMCID: PMC6483409 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1481-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are natural sources of molecules that have, in addition to their
toxic function, potential therapeutic applications. In this source the
neurotoxins can be found especially those that act on potassium channels.
Potassium channels are responsible for maintaining the membrane potential in the
excitable cells, especially the voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv),
including Kv1.3 channels. These channels (Kv1.3) are expressed by various types
of tissues and cells, being part of several physiological processes. However,
the major studies of Kv1.3 are performed on T cells due its importance on
autoimmune diseases. Scorpion toxins capable of acting on potassium channels
(KTx), mainly on Kv1.3 channels, have gained a prominent role for their possible
ability to control inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Some of these toxins have
already left bench trials and are being evaluated in clinical trials, presenting
great therapeutic potential. Thus, scorpion toxins are important natural
molecules that should not be overlooked in the treatment of autoimmune and other
diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora S Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe A Cerni
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline M Cremonez
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Umberto Zottich
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
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3
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Somay Doğan T, Iğci N, Biber A, Gerekçi S, Hüsnügil HH, Izbirak A, Özen C. Peptidomic characterization and bioactivity of Protoiurus kraepelini (Scorpiones: Iuridae) venom. Turk J Biol 2018; 42:490-497. [PMID: 30983865 PMCID: PMC6451847 DOI: 10.3906/biy-1804-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protoiurus kraepelini is a scorpion species found in parts of Turkey and Greece. In this study, the peptide profile of its venom was determined for the first time. The electrophoretic profile of the crude venom showed a protein distribution from 2 to 130 kDa. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the venom peptide fraction yielded 27 peptides between 1059 and 4623 Da in mass. Several ion channelblocking and antimicrobial peptides were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting analysis. Cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of the venom were also demonstrated on Jurkat cells and Escherichia coli, respectively. As the first peptidomic characterization study on P. kraepelini venom, this report lays the foundation for detailed future studies that may lead to the discovery of novel bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Somay Doğan
- Central Laboratory, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Naşit Iğci
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University , Nevşehir , Turkey.,Science and Technology Research and Application Center, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University , Nevşehir , Turkey
| | - Ayşenur Biber
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Selin Gerekçi
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Hepşen Hazal Hüsnügil
- Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Afife Izbirak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Can Özen
- Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey.,Central Laboratory, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey.,Graduate Program of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
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4
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Ward MJ, Ellsworth SA, Nystrom GS. A global accounting of medically significant scorpions: Epidemiology, major toxins, and comparative resources in harmless counterparts. Toxicon 2018; 151:137-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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5
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Rungsa P, Peigneur S, Daduang S, Tytgat J. Purification and biochemical characterization of VesT1s, a novel phospholipase A1 isoform isolated from the venom of the greater banded wasp Vespa tropica. Toxicon 2018; 148:74-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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6
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Jiménez-Vargas JM, Possani LD, Luna-Ramírez K. Arthropod toxins acting on neuronal potassium channels. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:139-160. [PMID: 28941737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are a rich mixture of biologically active compounds exerting different physiological actions across diverse phyla and affecting multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. Venom compounds can inhibit or activate ion channels, receptors and transporters with high specificity and affinity providing essential insights into ion channel function. In this review, we focus on arthropod toxins (scorpions, spiders, bees and centipedes) acting on neuronal potassium channels. A brief description of the K+ channels classification and structure is included and a compendium of neuronal K+ channels and the arthropod toxins that modify them have been listed. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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7
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Zhang XY, Zhang PY. Scorpion venoms in gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:3683-3686. [PMID: 27900054 PMCID: PMC5104148 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Venom secretions from snakes, scorpions, spiders and bees, have been widely applied in traditional medicine and current biopharmaceutical research. Possession of anticancer potential is another novel discovery for animal venoms and toxins. An increasing number of studies have shown the anticancer effects of venoms and toxins of snakes, and scorpions in vitro and in vivo, which were achieved mainly through the inhibition of cancer growth, arrest of cell cycle, induction of apoptosis and suppression of cancer metastasis. However, more evidence is needed to support this concept and the mechanisms of anticancer actions are not clearly understood. The present review is focused on the recant updates on anticancer venom research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ying Zhang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Information Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Ying Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221009, P.R. China
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Kuzmenkov AI, Grishin EV, Vassilevski AA. Diversity of Potassium Channel Ligands: Focus on Scorpion Toxins. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 80:1764-99. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915130118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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9
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Santibáñez-López CE, Possani LD. Overview of the Knottin scorpion toxin-like peptides in scorpion venoms: Insights on their classification and evolution. Toxicon 2015; 107:317-26. [PMID: 26187850 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms include several compounds with different pharmacological activities. Within these compounds, toxins affecting ion channels are among the most studied. They are all peptides that have been classified based on their 3D structure, chain size and function. Usually, they show a spatial arrangement characterized by the presence of a cysteine-stabilized alpha beta motif; most of them affect Na(+) and K(+) ion-channels. These features have been revised in several occasions before, but a complete phylogenetic analysis of the disulfide containing peptides is not been done. In the present contribution, two databases (Pfam and InterPro) including more than 800 toxins from different scorpions were analyzed. Pfam database included toxins from several organisms other than scorpions such as insects and plants, while InterPro included only scorpion toxins. Our results suggest that Na(+) toxins have evolved independently from those of K(+) toxins no matter the length of the peptidic chains. These preliminary results suggest that current classification needs a more detailed revision, in order to have better characterized toxin families, so the new peptides obtained from transcriptomic analyses would be properly classified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Santibáñez-López
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico.
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico
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10
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Trancriptomic approach reveals the molecular diversity of Hottentotta conspersus (Buthidae) venom. Toxicon 2015; 99:73-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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11
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Kuzmenkov AI, Vassilevski AA, Kudryashova KS, Nekrasova OV, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Feofanov AV, Kirpichnikov MP, Grishin EV. Variability of Potassium Channel Blockers in Mesobuthus eupeus Scorpion Venom with Focus on Kv1.1: AN INTEGRATED TRANSCRIPTOMIC AND PROTEOMIC STUDY. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:12195-209. [PMID: 25792741 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.637611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The lesser Asian scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus (Buthidae) is one of the most widely spread and dispersed species of the Mesobuthus genus, and its venom is actively studied. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of active compounds is still under-investigated due to the high complexity of this venom. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of putative potassium channel toxins (KTxs) from the cDNA library of M. eupeus venom glands, and we compare the deduced KTx structures with peptides purified from the venom. For the transcriptome analysis, we used conventional tools as well as a search for structural motifs characteristic of scorpion venom components in the form of regular expressions. We found 59 candidate KTxs distributed in 30 subfamilies and presenting the cysteine-stabilized α/β and inhibitor cystine knot types of fold. M. eupeus venom was then separated to individual components by multistage chromatography. A facile fluorescent system based on the expression of the KcsA-Kv1.1 hybrid channels in Escherichia coli and utilization of a labeled scorpion toxin was elaborated and applied to follow Kv1.1 pore binding activity during venom separation. As a result, eight high affinity Kv1.1 channel blockers were identified, including five novel peptides, which extend the panel of potential pharmacologically important Kv1 ligands. Activity of the new peptides against rat Kv1.1 channel was confirmed (IC50 in the range of 1-780 nm) by the two-electrode voltage clamp technique using a standard Xenopus oocyte system. Our integrated approach is of general utility and efficiency to mine natural venoms for KTxs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia,
| | - Kseniya S Kudryashova
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia, the Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia, and
| | - Oksana V Nekrasova
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Steve Peigneur
- the Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- the Laboratory of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Alexey V Feofanov
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia, the Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia, and
| | - Mikhail P Kirpichnikov
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia, the Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119992, Russia, and
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- From the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
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12
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Erdeş E, Doğan TS, Coşar I, Danışman T, Kunt KB, Seker T, Yücel M, Ozen C. Characterization of Leiurus abdullahbayrami (Scorpiones: Buthidae) venom: peptide profile, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2014; 20:48. [PMID: 25414725 PMCID: PMC4237746 DOI: 10.1186/1678-9199-20-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scorpion venoms are rich bioactive peptide libraries that offer promising molecules that may lead to the discovery and development of new drugs. Leiurus abdullahbayrami produces one of the most potent venoms among Turkish scorpions that provokes severe symptoms in envenomated victims. METHODS In the present study, the peptide profile of the venom was investigated by electrophoretic methods, size-exclusion and reversed-phase chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects were evaluated on a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and various bacterial and fungal species. RESULTS Proteins make up approximately half of the dry weight of L. abdullahbayrami crude venom. Microfluidic capillary electrophoresis indicated the presence of 6 to 7 kDa peptides and proved to be a highly practical peptidomics tool with better resolution when compared to conventional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Mass spectroscopy analysis helped us to identify 45 unique peptide masses between 1 to 7 kDa with a bimodal mass distribution peaking between molecular weights of 1 to 2 kDa (29%) and 3 to 4 kDa (31%). L. abdullahbayrami crude venom had a proliferative effect on MCF-7 cells, which may be explained by the high concentration of polyamines as well as potassium and calcium ions in the arachnid venoms. Antimicrobial effect was stronger on gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSIONS This work represents the first peptidomic characterization of L. abdullahbayrami venom. Considering the molecular weight-function relationship of previously identified venom peptides, future bioactivity studies may lead to the discovery of novel potassium and chloride ion channel inhibitors as well as new antimicrobial peptides from L. abdullahbayrami venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efe Erdeş
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, METU, Ankara, 06800 Turkey ; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research and Development Center, Central Laboratory, METU, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Somay Doğan
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research and Development Center, Central Laboratory, METU, Ankara, Turkey ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hecettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ilhan Coşar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey
| | - Tarık Danışman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey
| | - Kadir Boğaç Kunt
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Tamay Seker
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research and Development Center, Central Laboratory, METU, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Meral Yücel
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research and Development Center, Central Laboratory, METU, Ankara, Turkey ; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, METU, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Ozen
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, METU, Ankara, 06800 Turkey ; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research and Development Center, Central Laboratory, METU, Ankara, Turkey ; Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, METU, Ankara, Turkey
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13
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Mille BG, Peigneur S, Diego-García E, Predel R, Tytgat J. Partial transcriptomic profiling of toxins from the venom gland of the scorpion Parabuthus stridulus. Toxicon 2014; 83:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Diego-García E, Caliskan F, Tytgat J. The Mediterranean scorpion Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones, Buthidae): transcriptome analysis and organization of the genome encoding chlorotoxin-like peptides. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:295. [PMID: 24746279 PMCID: PMC4234519 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcrof toxin genes of scorpion species have been published. Up to this moment, no information on the gene characterization of M. gibbosus is available. Results This study provides the first insight into gene expression in venom glands from M. gibbosus scorpion. A cDNA library was generated from the venom glands and subsequently analyzed (301 clones). Sequences from 177 high-quality ESTs were grouped as 48 Mgib sequences, of those 48 sequences, 40 (29 “singletons” and 11 “contigs”) correspond with one or more ESTs. We identified putative precursor sequences and were grouped them in different categories (39 unique transcripts, one with alternative reading frames), resulting in the identification of 12 new toxin-like and 5 antimicrobial precursors (transcripts). The analysis of the gene families revealed several new components categorized among various toxin families with effect on ion channels. Sequence analysis of a new KTx precursor provides evidence to validate a new KTx subfamily (α-KTx 27.x). A second part of this work involves the genomic organization of three Meg-chlorotoxin-like genes (ClTxs). Genomic DNA sequence reveals close similarities (presence of one same-phase intron) with the sole genomic organization of chlorotoxins ever reported (from M. martensii). Conclusions Transcriptome analysis is a powerful strategy that provides complete information of the gene expression and molecular diversity of the venom glands (telson). In this work, we generated the first catalogue of the gene expression and genomic organization of toxins from M. gibbosus. Our result represents a relevant contribution to the knowledge of toxin transcripts and complementary information related with other cell function proteins and venom peptide transcripts. The genomic organization of the chlorotoxin genes may help to understand the diversity of this gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O& N2,PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Tian C, Zhu R, Zhu L, Qiu T, Cao Z, Kang T. Potassium Channels: Structures, Diseases, and Modulators. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 83:1-26. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Tian
- School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University; Shanghai 200092 China
- School of Pharmacy; Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Dalian Liaoning 116600 China
| | - Ruixin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University; Shanghai 200092 China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics; Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Center; The State University of New York at Buffalo; Buffalo NY 14226 USA
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University; Shanghai 200092 China
| | - Zhiwei Cao
- School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University; Shanghai 200092 China
| | - Tingguo Kang
- School of Pharmacy; Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Dalian Liaoning 116600 China
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16
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Quintero-Hernández V, Jiménez-Vargas J, Gurrola G, Valdivia H, Possani L. Scorpion venom components that affect ion-channels function. Toxicon 2013; 76:328-42. [PMID: 23891887 PMCID: PMC4089097 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The number and types of venom components that affect ion-channel function are reviewed. These are the most important venom components responsible for human intoxication, deserving medical attention, often requiring the use of specific anti-venoms. Special emphasis is given to peptides that recognize Na(+)-, K(+)- and Ca(++)-channels of excitable cells. Knowledge generated by direct isolation of peptides from venom and components deduced from cloned genes, whose amino acid sequences are deposited into databanks are nowadays in the order of 1.5 thousands, out of an estimate biodiversity closed to 300,000. Here the diversity of components is briefly reviewed with mention to specific references. Structural characteristic are discussed with examples taken from published work. The principal mechanisms of action of the three different types of peptides are also reviewed. Na(+)-channel specific venom components usually are modifier of the open and closing kinetic mechanisms of the ion-channels, whereas peptides affecting K(+)-channels are normally pore blocking agents. The Ryanodine Ca(++)-channel specific peptides are known for causing sub-conducting stages of the channels conductance and some were shown to be able to internalize penetrating inside the muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Quintero-Hernández
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - J.M. Jiménez-Vargas
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - G.B. Gurrola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
- Cardiovascular Center 2139, Michigan University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5644, U.S.A
| | - H.H.F. Valdivia
- Cardiovascular Center 2139, Michigan University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5644, U.S.A
| | - L.D. Possani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
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Characterization of the first K+ channel blockers from the venom of the Moroccan scorpion Buthus occitanus Paris. Toxicon 2013; 75:168-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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