1
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Kam A, Loo S, Qiu Y, Liu CF, Tam JP. Ultrafast Biomimetic Oxidative Folding of Cysteine-rich Peptides and Microproteins in Organic Solvents. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317789. [PMID: 38342764 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Disulfides in peptides and proteins are essential for maintaining a properly folded structure. Their oxidative folding is invariably performed in an aqueous-buffered solution. However, this process is often slow and can lead to misfolded products. Here, we report a novel concept and strategy that is bio-inspired to mimic protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) by accelerating disulfide exchange rates many thousand-fold. The proposed strategy termed organic oxidative folding is performed under organic solvents to yield correctly folded cysteine-rich microproteins instantaneously without observable misfolded or dead-end products. Compared to conventional aqueous oxidative folding strategies, enormously large rate accelerations up to 113,200-fold were observed. The feasibility and generality of the organic oxidative folding strategy was successfully demonstrated on 15 cysteine-rich microproteins of different hydrophobicity, lengths (14 to 58 residues), and numbers of disulfides (2 to 5 disulfides), producing the native products in a second and in high yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Kam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Wuzhong No.111, Renai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Shining Loo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- Wisedom Lake Academy of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Wuzhong No. 111, Renai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Qiu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Chuan-Fa Liu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - James P Tam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
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2
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Nguyen LTT, Craik DJ, Kaas Q. Bibliometric Review of the Literature on Cone Snail Peptide Toxins from 2000 to 2022. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030154. [PMID: 36976203 PMCID: PMC10058278 DOI: 10.3390/md21030154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The venom of marine cone snails is mainly composed of peptide toxins called conopeptides, among which conotoxins represent those that are disulfide-rich. Publications on conopeptides frequently state that conopeptides attract considerable interest for their potent and selective activity, but there has been no analysis yet that formally quantifies the popularity of the field. We fill this gap here by providing a bibliometric analysis of the literature on cone snail toxins from 2000 to 2022. Our analysis of 3028 research articles and 393 reviews revealed that research in the conopeptide field is indeed prolific, with an average of 130 research articles per year. The data show that the research is typically carried out collaboratively and worldwide, and that discoveries are truly a community-based effort. An analysis of the keywords provided with each article revealed research trends, their evolution over the studied period, and important milestones. The most employed keywords are related to pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. In 2004, the trend in keywords changed, with the pivotal event of that year being the approval by the FDA of the first peptide toxin drug, ziconotide, a conopeptide, for the treatment of intractable pain. The corresponding research article is among the top ten most cited articles in the conopeptide literature. From the time of that article, medicinal chemistry aiming at engineering conopeptides to treat neuropathic pain ramped up, as seen by an increased focus on topological modifications (e.g., cyclization), electrophysiology, and structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh T. T. Nguyen
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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3
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Ruelas-Callejas A, Aguilar MB, Arteaga-Tlecuitl R, Gomora JC, López-Vera E. The T-1 conotoxin μ-SrVA from the worm hunting marine snail Conus spurius preferentially blocks the human Na V1.5 channel. Peptides 2022; 156:170859. [PMID: 35940316 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Conotoxin sr5a had previously been identified in the vermivorous cone snail Conus spurius. This conotoxin is a highly hydrophobic peptide, with the sequence IINWCCLIFYQCC, which has a cysteine pattern "CC-CC" belonging to the T-1 superfamily. It is well known that this superfamily binds to molecular targets such as calcium channels, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and exerts an effect mainly in the central nervous system. However, its effects on other molecular targets are not yet defined, suggesting the potential of newly relevant molecular interactions. To find and demonstrate a potential molecular target for conotoxin sr5a electrophysiological assays were performed on three subtypes of voltage-activated sodium channels (NaV1.5, NaV1.6, and NaV1.7) expressed in HEK-293 cells with three different concentrations of sr5a(200, 400, and 600 nM). 200 nM sr5a blocked currents mediated by NaV1.5 by 33%, NaV1.6 by 14%, and NaV1.7 by 7%. The current-voltage (I-V) relationships revealed that conotoxin sr5a exhibits a preferential activity on the NaV1.5 subtype; the activation of NaV1.5 conductance was not modified by the blocking effect of sr5a, but sr5a affected the voltage-dependence of inactivation of channels. Since peptide sr5a showed a specific activity for a sodium channel subtype, we can assign a pharmacological family and rename it as conotoxin µ-SrVA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Ruelas-Callejas
- Laboratorio de Toxinología Marina, Unidad Académica de Ecología y Biodiversidad Acuática, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Manuel B Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Rogelio Arteaga-Tlecuitl
- Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 0410, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Gomora
- Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 0410, Mexico
| | - Estuardo López-Vera
- Laboratorio de Toxinología Marina, Unidad Académica de Ecología y Biodiversidad Acuática, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
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Coelho GR, da Silva DL, Beraldo-Neto E, Vigerelli H, de Oliveira LA, Sciani JM, Pimenta DC. Neglected Venomous Animals and Toxins: Underrated Biotechnological Tools in Drug Development. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120851. [PMID: 34941689 PMCID: PMC8708286 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the vast repertoire of animal toxins and venoms selected by nature and evolution, mankind opted to devote its scientific attention—during the last century—to a restricted group of animals, leaving a myriad of toxic creatures aside. There are several underlying and justifiable reasons for this, which include dealing with the public health problems caused by envenoming by such animals. However, these studies became saturated and gave rise to a whole group of animals that become neglected regarding their venoms and secretions. This repertoire of unexplored toxins and venoms bears biotechnological potential, including the development of new technologies, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools and must, therefore, be assessed. In this review, we will approach such topics through an interconnected historical and scientific perspective that will bring up the major discoveries and innovations in toxinology, achieved by researchers from the Butantan Institute and others, and describe some of the major research outcomes from the study of these neglected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Rabelo Coelho
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Daiane Laise da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Laudiceia Alves de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Moléstias Infecciosas—Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil;
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar em Pesquisa, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista 12916-900, Brazil;
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (G.R.C.); (D.L.d.S.); (E.B.-N.)
- Correspondence:
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Tang R, Song Y, Shi M, Jiang Z, Zhang L, Xiao Y, Tian Y, Zhou S. Rational Design of a Dual-Targeting Natural Toxin-Like Bicyclic Peptide for Selective Bioenergetic Blockage in Cancer Cells. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:2173-2183. [PMID: 34606715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Stapled α-helical peptides emerge as one of the attractive peptidomimetics which can efficiently penetrate the cell membrane to access intracellular targets. However, the incorporation of a highly lipophilic cross-link may lead to nonspecific membrane toxicity in certain cases. Here, we report a new class of thioether-tethered bicyclic α-helical peptide to mimic the highly constrained loop-helix structure of natural toxins with the dual-targeting ability for both cell-surface receptors and intracellular targets. The thioether cross-links are introduced to replace the redox-sensitive disulfide bonds in natural toxins via a photoinduced thiol-yne reaction followed by macrolactamization. As a proof of concept, αVβ3 integrin targeting ligand was grafted into one of the macrocycles in the bicyclic scaffold, while a mitochondria-targeting proapoptotic motif was introduced into the other macrocycle stabilized by an i, i + 7 alkyl thioether cross-link to recapitulate its α-helical conformation. The obtained dual-targeting bicyclic α-helical BIRK peptides showed highly stable α-helical conformation in the presence of denaturants or under high temperature. Notably, BIRK peptides could induce selective cell death in αVβ3 integrin-positive B16F10 cells by interfering with the bioenergetic functions of mitochondria. This work provides a new avenue to design and stabilize α-helical peptides in a highly constrained bicyclic loop-helix scaffold with dual functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Yue Song
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Mengzhen Shi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Zherui Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Tian
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, P. R. China
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6
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Lindley D. Short-Term Outcomes of a High-Volume, Low-Concentration Bolus Starting Dose Technique With Ziconotide: A Case Series. Neuromodulation 2021; 24:1209-1214. [PMID: 34252245 PMCID: PMC8596839 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives There have been numerous recommendations for a starting dose of intrathecal ziconotide. The therapy remains underutilized partially due to reports of inefficacy and/or intolerance. This study describes short‐term outcomes of a high‐volume, low‐concentration bolus (HVLC‐B) ziconotide starting dose technique for patients with chronic spine pain. Intrathecal pumps are available with a Patient Therapy Manager (PTM), or patient‐controlled intrathecal bolus device. Commonly published recommendations for a bolus dose has been 10% of the daily dose. This article describes an inversion of the traditional 10% rule‐of‐thumb. This article describes using the basal rate at a lowest programmable dose and utilizing the bolus for the majority of the medication delivery. Such an inversion may be considered a high volume bolus. The lowest commercially available concentration of ziconotide from the manufacturer is 25 mcg/mL. Pope and Deer (Neuromodulation, 18, 414–420 [2015]) described use of a dilution down to 5 mcg/mL. For purposes of this article, such dilutions to one‐fifth of the commercially available solution are considered sufficiently dilute to qualify for the term “low concentration.” Furthermore, the patients in this analysis received dilutions down to one‐fiftieth of the lowest commercially available solution. Materials and Methods A case series of patients with chronic spine pain with or without radicular pain received a starting dose intrathecal ziconotide regimen based on a specific HVLC‐B technique. Efficacy, tolerability, and pump settings are reported and analyzed. Results In total, 17 patients were identified who started ziconotide with the specified HVLC‐B starting regimen. One of the 17 patients reported side effects that led to discontinuation of the therapy, although the side effect was not typical of ziconotide but rather likely attributable to other medications the patient was taking. Fifteen of the 17 reported improved pain control with intrathecal ziconotide. Sixteen of the 17 patients remained on intrathecal ziconotide throughout the 4.7‐month average follow‐up period. One patient who failed to obtain pain relief chose to remain on the therapy because of reported resolution of lower limb numbness. Conclusions The HVLC‐B starting regimen was effective and well tolerated in this short‐term study of patients with chronic spine pain. More studies are needed to better elucidate long‐term outcomes in larger patient populations.
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7
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Armstrong DA, Jin AH, Braga Emidio N, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF, Rosengren KJ. Chemical Synthesis and NMR Solution Structure of Conotoxin GXIA from Conus geographus. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19020060. [PMID: 33530397 PMCID: PMC7912261 DOI: 10.3390/md19020060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins are disulfide-rich peptides found in the venom of cone snails. Due to their exquisite potency and high selectivity for a wide range of voltage and ligand gated ion channels they are attractive drug leads in neuropharmacology. Recently, cone snails were found to have the capability to rapidly switch between venom types with different proteome profiles in response to predatory or defensive stimuli. A novel conotoxin, GXIA (original name G117), belonging to the I3-subfamily was identified as the major component of the predatory venom of piscivorous Conus geographus. Using 2D solution NMR spectroscopy techniques, we resolved the 3D structure for GXIA, the first structure reported for the I3-subfamily and framework XI family. The 32 amino acid peptide is comprised of eight cysteine residues with the resultant disulfide connectivity forming an ICK+1 motif. With a triple stranded β-sheet, the GXIA backbone shows striking similarity to several tarantula toxins targeting the voltage sensor of voltage gated potassium and sodium channels. Supported by an amphipathic surface, the structural evidence suggests that GXIA is able to embed in the membrane and bind to the voltage sensor domain of a putative ion channel target.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Armstrong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.-H.J.); (N.B.E.); (R.J.L.); (P.F.A.)
| | - Nayara Braga Emidio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.-H.J.); (N.B.E.); (R.J.L.); (P.F.A.)
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.-H.J.); (N.B.E.); (R.J.L.); (P.F.A.)
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.-H.J.); (N.B.E.); (R.J.L.); (P.F.A.)
| | - K. Johan Rosengren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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Padilla A, Dovell S, Chesnokov O, Hoggard M, Oleinikov AV, Marí F. Conus venom fractions inhibit the adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 domains to the host vascular receptors. J Proteomics 2020; 234:104083. [PMID: 33373718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.104083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Using high-throughput BioPlex assays, we determined that six fractions from the venom of Conus nux inhibit the adhesion of various recombinant PfEMP-1 protein domains (PF08_0106 CIDR1α3.1, PF11_0521 DBL2β3, and PFL0030c DBL3X and DBL5e) to their corresponding receptors (CD36, ICAM-1, and CSA, respectively). The protein domain-receptor interactions permit P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) to evade elimination in the spleen by adhering to the microvasculature in various organs including the placenta. The sequences for the main components of the fractions, determined by tandem mass spectrometry, yielded four T-superfamily conotoxins, one (CC-Loop-CC) with I-IV, II-III connectivity and three (CC-Loop-CXaaC) with a I-III, II-IV connectivity. The 3D structure for one of the latter, NuxVA = GCCPAPLTCHCVIY, revealed a novel scaffold defined by double turns forming a hairpin-like structure stabilized by the two disulfide bonds. Two other main fraction components were a miniM conotoxin, and a O2-superfamily conotoxin with cysteine framework VI/VII. This study is the first one of its kind suggesting the use of conotoxins for developing pharmacological tools for anti-adhesion adjunct therapy against malaria. Similarly, mitigation of emerging diseases like AIDS and COVID-19, can also benefit from conotoxins as inhibitors of protein-protein interactions as treatment. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Among the 850+ species of cone snail species there are hundreds of thousands of diverse venom exopeptides that have been selected throughout several million years of evolution to capture prey and deter predators. They do so by targeting several surface proteins present in target excitable cells. This immense biomolecular library of conopeptides can be explored for potential use as therapeutic leads against persistent and emerging diseases affecting non-excitable systems. We aim to expand the pharmacological reach of conotoxins/conopeptides by revealing their in vitro capacity to disrupt protein-protein and protein-polysaccharide interactions that directly contribute to pathology of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This is significant for severe forms of malaria, which might be deadly even after treated with current parasite-killing drugs because of persistent cytoadhesion of P. falciparum infected erythrocytes even when parasites within red blood cells are dead. Anti-adhesion adjunct drugs would de-sequester or prevent additional sequestration of infected erythrocytes and may significantly improve survival of malaria patients. These results provide a lead for further investigations into conotoxins and other venom peptides as potential candidates for anti-adhesion or blockade-therapies. This study is the first of its kind and it suggests that conotoxins can be developed as pharmacological tools for anti-adhesion adjunct therapy against malaria. Similarly, mitigation of emerging diseases like AIDS and COVID-19, can also benefit from conotoxins as potential inhibitors of protein-protein interactions as treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Padilla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Sanaz Dovell
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Olga Chesnokov
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Mickelene Hoggard
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Andrew V Oleinikov
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
| | - Frank Marí
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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Bao N, Lecaer JP, Nghia ND, Vinh PTK. Isolation and structural identification of a new T1-conotoxin with unique disulfide connectivities derived from Conus bandanus. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20190095. [PMID: 32425993 PMCID: PMC7216822 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2019-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Conopeptides are neuropharmacological peptides derived from the venomous
salivary glands of cone snails. Among 29 superfamilies based on conserved
signal sequences, T-superfamily conotoxins, which belong to the smallest
group, include four different frameworks that contain four cysteines
denominated I, V, X and XVI. In this work, the primary structure and the
cysteine connectivity of novel conotoxin of Conus bandanus
were determined by tandem mass spectrometry using collision-induced
dissociation. Methods: The venom glands of C. bandanus snails were dissected,
pooled, and extracted with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in three steps and
lyophilized. The venom was fractionated and purified in an HPLC system with
an analytical reversed-phase C18 column. The primary peptide
structure was analyzed by MALDI TOF MS/MS using collision-induced
dissociation and confirmed by Edman's degradation. The peptide’s cysteine
connectivity was determined by rapid partial reduction-alkylation
technique. Results: The novel conotoxin,
NGC1C2(I/L)VREC3C4, was
firstly derived from de novo sequencing by MS/MS. The
presence of isoleucine residues in this conotoxin was confirmed by the Edman
degradation method. The conotoxin, denominated Bn5a, belongs to the
T1-subfamily of conotoxins. However, the disulfide bonds
(C1-C4/C2-C3) of Bn5a were
not the same as found in other T1-subfamily conopeptides but shared common
connectivities with T2-subfamily conotoxins. The T1-conotoxin of C.
bandanus proved the complexity of the disulfide bond pattern of
conopeptides. The homological analysis revealed that the novel conotoxin
could serve as a valuable probe compound for the human-nervous-system
norepinephrine transporter. Conclusion: We identified the first T1-conotoxin, denominated Bn5a, isolated from
C. bandanus venom. However, Bn5a conotoxin exhibited
unique C1-C4/C2-C3 disulfide
connectivity, unlike other T1-conotoxins
(C1-C3/C2-C4). The
structural and homological analyses herein have evidenced novel conotoxin
Bn5a that may require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Bao
- Faculty of Food Technology, Nha Trang University, 02 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
| | - Jean-Pière Lecaer
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, Centre de Recherche de Gif, FRC3115, UPR 2301, F-91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Ngo Dang Nghia
- Institute of Biotechnology and Environment, Nha Trang University, 02 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
| | - Phan Thi Khanh Vinh
- Faculty of Food Technology, Nha Trang University, 02 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
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Das S, Patel B. Marine resources and animals in modern biotechnology. Anim Biotechnol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-811710-1.00027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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The α 1-adrenoceptor inhibitor ρ-TIA facilitates net hunting in piscivorous Conus tulipa. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17841. [PMID: 31780714 PMCID: PMC6882899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails use separately evolved venoms for prey capture and defence. While most use a harpoon for prey capture, the Gastridium clade that includes the well-studied Conus geographus and Conus tulipa, have developed a net hunting strategy to catch fish. This unique feeding behaviour requires secretion of "nirvana cabal" peptides to dampen the escape response of targeted fish allowing for their capture directly by mouth. However, the active components of the nirvana cabal remain poorly defined. In this study, we evaluated the behavioural effects of likely nirvana cabal peptides on the teleost model, Danio rerio (zebrafish). Surprisingly, the conantokins (NMDA receptor antagonists) and/or conopressins (vasopressin receptor agonists and antagonists) found in C. geographus and C. tulipa venom failed to produce a nirvana cabal-like effect in zebrafish. In contrast, low concentrations of the non-competitive adrenoceptor antagonist ρ-TIA found in C. tulipa venom (EC50 = 190 nM) dramatically reduced the escape response of zebrafish larvae when added directly to aquarium water. ρ-TIA inhibited the zebrafish α1-adrenoceptor, confirming ρ-TIA has the potential to reverse the known stimulating effects of norepinephrine on fish behaviour. ρ-TIA may act alone and not as part of a cabal, since it did not synergise with conopressins and/or conantokins. This study highlights the importance of using ecologically relevant animal behaviour models to decipher the complex neurobiology underlying the prey capture and defensive strategies of cone snails.
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Dutt M, Dutertre S, Jin AH, Lavergne V, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ. Venomics Reveals Venom Complexity of the Piscivorous Cone Snail, Conus tulipa. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17010071. [PMID: 30669642 PMCID: PMC6356538 DOI: 10.3390/md17010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The piscivorous cone snail Conus tulipa has evolved a net-hunting strategy, akin to the deadly Conus geographus, and is considered the second most dangerous cone snail to humans. Here, we present the first venomics study of C. tulipa venom using integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Parallel transcriptomic analysis of two C. tulipa specimens revealed striking differences in conopeptide expression levels (2.5-fold) between individuals, identifying 522 and 328 conotoxin precursors from 18 known gene superfamilies. Despite broad overlap at the superfamily level, only 86 precursors (11%) were common to both specimens. Conantokins (NMDA antagonists) from the superfamily B1 dominated the transcriptome and proteome of C. tulipa venom, along with superfamilies B2, A, O1, O3, con-ikot-ikot and conopressins, plus novel putative conotoxins precursors T1.3, T6.2, T6.3, T6.4 and T8.1. Thus, C. tulipa venom comprised both paralytic (putative ion channel modulating α-, ω-, μ-, δ-) and non-paralytic (conantokins, con-ikot-ikots, conopressins) conotoxins. This venomic study confirms the potential for non-paralytic conotoxins to contribute to the net-hunting strategy of C. tulipa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mriga Dutt
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4068, Australia.
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolecules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université Montpellier-CNRS, 34093 Montpellier, France.
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4068, Australia.
| | | | - Paul Francis Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4068, Australia.
| | - Richard James Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4068, Australia.
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Using Drosophila behavioral assays to characterize terebrid venom-peptide bioactivity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15276. [PMID: 30323294 PMCID: PMC6189199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33215-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of newly discovered peptides from the transcriptomes and proteomes of animal venom arsenals is rapidly increasing, resulting in an abundance of uncharacterized peptides. There is a pressing need for a systematic, cost effective, and scalable approach to identify physiological effects of venom peptides. To address this discovery-to-function gap, we developed a sequence driven:activity-based hybrid approach for screening venom peptides that is amenable to large-venom peptide libraries with minimal amounts of peptide. Using this approach, we characterized the physiological and behavioral phenotypes of two peptides from the venom of predatory terebrid marine snails, teretoxins Tv1 from Terebra variegata and Tsu1.1 from Terebra subulata. Our results indicate that Tv1 and Tsu1.1 have distinct bioactivity. Tv1 (100 µM) had an antinociceptive effect in adult Drosophila using a thermal nociception assay to measure heat avoidance. Alternatively, Tsu1.1 (100 µM) increased food intake. These findings describe the first functional bioactivity of terebrid venom peptides in relation to pain and diet and indicate that Tv1 and Tsu1.1 may, respectively, act as antinociceptive and orexigenic agents. Tv1 and Tsu1.1 are distinct from previously identified venom peptides, expanding the toolkit of peptides that can potentially be used to investigate the physiological mechanisms of pain and diet.
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14
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Prashanth JR, Dutertre S, Lewis RJ. Pharmacology of predatory and defensive venom peptides in cone snails. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 13:2453-2465. [PMID: 29090697 DOI: 10.1039/c7mb00511c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cone snails are predatory gastropods whose neurotoxic venom peptides (conotoxins) have been extensively studied for pharmacological probes, venom evolution mechanisms and potential therapeutics. Conotoxins have a wide range of structural and functional classes that continue to undergo accelerated evolution that underlies the rapid expansion of the genus over their short evolutionary history. A number of pharmacological classes, driven by separately evolved defensive and predatory venoms, have been hypothesised to facilitate shifts in prey that exemplify the adaptability of cone snails. Here we provide an overview of these pharmacological families and discuss their ecological roles and evolutionary impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutty Rajan Prashanth
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, 4072, Australia.
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15
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Giribaldi J, Wilson D, Nicke A, El Hamdaoui Y, Laconde G, Faucherre A, Moha Ou Maati H, Daly NL, Enjalbal C, Dutertre S. Synthesis, Structure and Biological Activity of CIA and CIB, Two α-Conotoxins from the Predation-Evoked Venom of Conus catus. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10060222. [PMID: 29857567 PMCID: PMC6024821 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10060222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails produce a fast-acting and often paralyzing venom that is usually injected into their prey or predator through a hypodermic needle-like modified radula tooth. Many diverse compounds are found in their venom including small molecules, peptides and enzymes. However, peptidic toxins called conotoxins (10⁻40 residues and 2⁻4 disulfide bonds) largely dominate these cocktails. These disulfide rich toxins are very valuable pharmacological tools for investigating the function of ions channels, G-protein coupled receptors, transporters and enzymes. Here, we report on the synthesis, structure determination and biological activities of two α-conotoxins, CIA and CIB, found in the predatory venom of the piscivorous species Conus catus. CIA is a typical 3/5 α-conotoxin that blocks the rat muscle type nAChR with an IC50 of 5.7 nM. Interestingly, CIA also inhibits the neuronal rat nAChR subtype α3β2 with an IC50 of 2.06 μM. CIB is a 4/7 α-conotoxin that blocks rat neuronal nAChR subtypes, including α3β2 (IC50 = 128.9 nM) and α7 (IC50 = 1.51 μM). High resolution NMR structures revealed typical α-conotoxin folds for both peptides. We also investigated the in vivo effects of these toxins on fish, since both peptides were identified in the predatory venom of C. catus. Consistent with their pharmacology, CIA was highly paralytic to zebrafish (ED50 = 110 μg/kg), whereas CIB did not affect the mobility of the fish. In conclusion, CIA likely participates in prey capture through muscle paralysis, while the putative ecological role of CIB remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - David Wilson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Annette Nicke
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Yamina El Hamdaoui
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Nußbaumstraße 26, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Guillaume Laconde
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Adèle Faucherre
- Département de Physiologie, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS/INSERM UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Hamid Moha Ou Maati
- Département de Physiologie, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS/INSERM UMR 5203, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
| | - Christine Enjalbal
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France.
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier-CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France.
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16
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Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Neglected Predatory Marine Gastropods. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16040118. [PMID: 29621159 PMCID: PMC5923405 DOI: 10.3390/md16040118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse range of predatory marine gastropods produce toxins, yet most of these molecules remain uncharacterized. Conus species have received the most attention from researchers, leading to several conopeptides reaching clinical trials. This review aims to summarize what is known about bioactive compounds isolated from species of neglected marine gastropods, especially in the Turridae, Terebridae, Babyloniidae, Muricidae, Buccinidae, Colubrariidae, Nassariidae, Cassidae, and Ranellidae families. Multiple species have been reported to contain bioactive compounds with potential toxic activity, but most of these compounds have not been characterized or even clearly identified. The bioactive properties and potential applications of echotoxins and related porins from the Ranellidae family are discussed in more detail. Finally, the review concludes with a call for research on understudied species.
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17
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Accelerated proteomic visualization of individual predatory venoms of Conus purpurascens reveals separately evolved predation-evoked venom cabals. Sci Rep 2018; 8:330. [PMID: 29321522 PMCID: PMC5762640 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snail venoms have separately evolved for predation and defense. Despite remarkable inter- and intra-species variability, defined sets of synergistic venom peptides (cabals) are considered essential for prey capture by cone snails. To better understand the role of predatory cabals in cone snails, we used a high-throughput proteomic data mining and visualisation approach. Using this approach, the relationship between the predatory venom peptides from nine C. purpurascens was systematically analysed. Surprisingly, potentially synergistic levels of κ-PVIIA and δ-PVIA were only identified in five of nine specimens. In contrast, the remaining four specimens lacked significant levels of these known excitotoxins and instead contained high levels of the muscle nAChR blockers ψ-PIIIE and αA-PIVA. Interestingly, one of nine specimens expressed both cabals, suggesting that these sub-groups might represent inter-breeding sub-species of C. purpurascens. High throughput cluster analysis also revealed these two cabals clustered with distinct groups of venom peptides that are presently uncharacterised. This is the first report showing that the cone snails of the same species can deploy two separate and distinct predatory cabals for prey capture and shows that the cabals deployed by this species can be more complex than presently realized. Our semi-automated proteomic analysis facilitates the deconvolution of complex venoms to identify co-evolved families of peptides and help unravel their evolutionary relationships in complex venoms.
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18
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α-Conotoxins to explore the molecular, physiological and pathophysiological functions of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Neurosci Lett 2017; 679:24-34. [PMID: 29199094 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The vast diversity of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine subunits expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in non-neuronal tissues, constitutes a formidable challenge for researchers and clinicians to decipher the role of particular subtypes, including complex subunit associations, in physiological and pathophysiological functions. Many natural products target the nAChRs, but there is no richer source of nicotinic ligands than the venom of predatory gastropods known as cone snails. Indeed, every single species of cone snail was shown to produce at least one type of such α-conotoxins. These tiny peptides (10-25 amino acids), constrained by disulfide bridges, proved to be unvaluable tools to investigate the structure and function of nAChRs, some of them having also therapeutic potential. In this review, we provide a recent update on the pharmacology and subtype specificity of several major α-conotoxins.
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19
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Tosti E, Boni R, Gallo A. µ-Conotoxins Modulating Sodium Currents in Pain Perception and Transmission: A Therapeutic Potential. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:E295. [PMID: 28937587 PMCID: PMC5666403 DOI: 10.3390/md15100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Conus genus includes around 500 species of marine mollusks with a peculiar production of venomous peptides known as conotoxins (CTX). Each species is able to produce up to 200 different biological active peptides. Common structure of CTX is the low number of amino acids stabilized by disulfide bridges and post-translational modifications that give rise to different isoforms. µ and µO-CTX are two isoforms that specifically target voltage-gated sodium channels. These, by inducing the entrance of sodium ions in the cell, modulate the neuronal excitability by depolarizing plasma membrane and propagating the action potential. Hyperexcitability and mutations of sodium channels are responsible for perception and transmission of inflammatory and neuropathic pain states. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of µ-CTX interacting with the different sodium channels subtypes, the mechanism of action and their potential therapeutic use as analgesic compounds in the clinical management of pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 75100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.
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20
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Huang Y, Peng C, Yi Y, Gao B, Shi Q. A Transcriptomic Survey of Ion Channel-Based Conotoxins in the Chinese Tubular Cone Snail (Conus betulinus). Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15070228. [PMID: 28718820 PMCID: PMC5532670 DOI: 10.3390/md15070228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins in the venom of cone snails (Conus spp.) are a mixture of active peptides that work as blockers, agonists, antagonists, or inactivators of various ion channels. Recently we reported a high-throughput method to identify 215 conotoxin transcripts from the Chinese tubular cone snail, C. betulinus. Here, based on the previous datasets of four transcriptomes from three venom ducts and one venom bulb, we explored ion channel-based conotoxins and predicted their related ion channel receptors. Homologous analysis was also performed for the most abundant ion channel protein, voltage-gated potassium (Kv; with Kv1.1 as the representative), and the most studied ion channel receptor, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR; with α2-nAChR as the representative), in different animals. Our transcriptomic survey demonstrated that ion channel-based conotoxins and related ion channel proteins/receptors transcribe differentially between the venom duct and the venom bulb. In addition, we observed that putative κ-conotoxins were the most common conotoxins with the highest transcription levels in the examined C. betulinus. Furthermore, Kv1.1 and α2-nAChR were conserved in their functional domains of deduced protein sequences, suggesting similar effects of conotoxins via the ion channels in various species, including human beings. In a word, our present work suggests a high-throughput way to develop conotoxins as potential drugs for treatment of ion channel-associated human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Chao Peng
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Yunhai Yi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Tropical Medicinal Plants, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
| | - Qiong Shi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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21
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Pizzo AB, Beleboni RO, Gomes Carolino RO, de Oliveira L, Miranda A, Coutinho-Netto J, Fontana ACK, Dos Santos WF. Isolation and chemical characterization of agelaiatoxin8 (AvTx8) from Agelaia vicina wasp venom and its biological effects on GABA neurotransmission. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28621878 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are sources of molecules that may be useful tools to investigate molecular mechanisms of putative new medicines and laboratory drugs. Here we show the effects of the compound agelaiatoxin-8 (AVTx8), isolated from Agelaia vicina venom, on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in rat brain synaptosomes. Analysis reveals that AvTx8 is composed by 14 amino acid residues with a molecular weight (MW) of 1567 Da. AvTx8 increased GABA release and inhibited GABA uptake in synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex. AvTx8 inhibited GABA uptake and increased GABA release in the presence of Ca+ , Na+ , and K+ channel blockers, suggesting that it acts directly on GABA transporters. In addition, AvTx8 significantly decreases GABA binding in synaptic membranes from rat brain cortex, suggesting that it also modulates the activity of GABA receptors. Moreover, AvTx8 decreased GAT-1- and GAT-3-mediated GABA uptake in transfected COS-7 cells. Accordingly, we suggest that AvTx8 modulates GABA neurotransmission and might provide a novel entry point for identifying a new class of GABA-modulating neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea B Pizzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renê O Beleboni
- Biotecnology Department, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ruither O Gomes Carolino
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology,Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciana de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Coutinho-Netto
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology,Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Andréia C K Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wagner Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Using the SMOTE technique and hybrid features to predict the types of ion channel-targeted conotoxins. J Theor Biol 2016; 403:75-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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23
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Wu X, Huang Y, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Cyclisation of Disulfide‐Rich Conotoxins in Drug Design Applications. European J Org Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201600402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosa Wu
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland306 Carmody Road (Building 80)4072BrisbaneAustralia
| | - Yen‐Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland306 Carmody Road (Building 80)4072BrisbaneAustralia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland306 Carmody Road (Building 80)4072BrisbaneAustralia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of Queensland306 Carmody Road (Building 80)4072BrisbaneAustralia
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Abdel-Wahab M, Miyashita M, Kitanaka A, Juichi H, Sarhan M, Fouda M, Abdel-Rahman M, Saber S, Nakagawa Y. Characterization of the venom of the vermivorous cone snail Conus fulgetrum. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2016; 80:1879-82. [PMID: 27095279 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2016.1176519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Over 200 components with molecular mass ranging mainly from 400 to 4000 Da were characterized from the venom of the vermivorous cone snail Conus fulgetrum that inhabit Egyptian Red Sea. One major component having a molecular mass of 2946 Da was purified by HPLC, and its primary structure was determined by a combination of Edman degradation and MS/MS analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Abdel-Wahab
- a Zoology Department , Al Azhar University , Assuit , Egypt.,b Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Kitanaka
- b Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Hironori Juichi
- b Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto , Japan
| | | | - Maged Fouda
- a Zoology Department , Al Azhar University , Assuit , Egypt
| | | | - Samy Saber
- d Zoology Department , Al Azhar University , Cairo , Egypt
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25
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Peng C, Yao G, Gao BM, Fan CX, Bian C, Wang J, Cao Y, Wen B, Zhu Y, Ruan Z, Zhao X, You X, Bai J, Li J, Lin Z, Zou S, Zhang X, Qiu Y, Chen J, Coon SL, Yang J, Chen JS, Shi Q. High-throughput identification of novel conotoxins from the Chinese tubular cone snail (Conus betulinus) by multi-transcriptome sequencing. Gigascience 2016; 5:17. [PMID: 27087938 PMCID: PMC4832519 DOI: 10.1186/s13742-016-0122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The venom of predatory marine cone snails mainly contains a diverse array of unique bioactive peptides commonly referred to as conopeptides or conotoxins. These peptides have proven to be valuable pharmacological probes and potential drugs because of their high specificity and affinity to important ion channels, receptors and transporters of the nervous system. Most previous studies have focused specifically on the conopeptides from piscivorous and molluscivorous cone snails, but little attention has been devoted to the dominant vermivorous species. Results The vermivorous Chinese tubular cone snail, Conus betulinus, is the dominant Conus species inhabiting the South China Sea. The transcriptomes of venom ducts and venom bulbs from a variety of specimens of this species were sequenced using both next-generation sequencing and traditional Sanger sequencing technologies, resulting in the identification of a total of 215 distinct conopeptides. Among these, 183 were novel conopeptides, including nine new superfamilies. It appeared that most of the identified conopeptides were synthesized in the venom duct, while a handful of conopeptides were identified only in the venom bulb and at very low levels. Conclusions We identified 215 unique putative conopeptide transcripts from the combination of five transcriptomes and one EST sequencing dataset. Variation in conopeptides from different specimens of C. betulinus was observed, which suggested the presence of intraspecific variability in toxin production at the genetic level. These novel conopeptides provide a potentially fertile resource for the development of new pharmaceuticals, and a pathway for the discovery of new conotoxins. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13742-016-0122-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Peng
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Ge Yao
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing, 102205 China
| | - Bing-Miao Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199 China
| | - Chong-Xu Fan
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing, 102205 China
| | - Chao Bian
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | | | - Ying Cao
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing, 102205 China
| | - Bo Wen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | | | - Zhiqiang Ruan
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | | | - Xinxin You
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Jie Bai
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Jia Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | | | | | - Xinhui Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Ying Qiu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Jieming Chen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China
| | - Steven L Coon
- Molecular Genomics Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Jiaan Yang
- Micro Pharmatech Ltd, Wuhan, 430075 China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Beijing, 102205 China
| | - Qiong Shi
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083 China ; BGI-Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, Zhenjiang, 212000 China
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26
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Bernáldez J, Jiménez S, González LJ, Ferro JN, Soto E, Salceda E, Chávez D, Aguilar MB, Licea-Navarro A. A New Member of Gamma-Conotoxin Family Isolated from Conus princeps Displays a Novel Molecular Target. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:39. [PMID: 26861393 PMCID: PMC4773792 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8020039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel conotoxin, named as PiVIIA, was isolated from the venom of Conus princeps, a marine predatory cone snail collected in the Pacific Southern Coast of Mexico. Chymotryptic digest of the S-alkylated peptide in combination with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, were used to define the sequencing of this peptide. Eleven N-terminal amino acids were verified by automated Edman degradation. PiVIIA is a 25-mer peptide (CDAOTHYCTNYWγCCSGYCγHSHCW) with six cysteine residues forming three disulphide bonds, a hydroxyproline (O) and two gamma carboxyglutamic acid (γ) residues. Based on the arrangement of six Cys residues (C-C-CC-C-C), this conotoxin might belong to the O2-superfamily. Moreover, PiVIIA has a conserved motif (-γCCS-) that characterizes γ-conotoxins from molluscivorous Conus. Peptide PiVIIA has 45% sequence identity with γ-PnVIIA—the prototype of this family. Biological activity of PiVIIA was assessed by voltage-clamp recording in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Perfusion of PiVIIA in the µM range produces a significant increase in the Ca2+ currents, without significantly modifying the Na+, K+ or proton-gated acid sensing ionic currents. These results indicate that PiVIIA is a new conotoxin whose activity deserves further studies to define its potential use as a positive modulator of neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Bernáldez
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, Baja California, C.P. 22860, Mexico.
| | - Samanta Jiménez
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, Baja California, C.P. 22860, Mexico.
| | - Luis Javier González
- Laboratorio de Espectrometría de Masas, Departamento de Proteómica, Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología, Avenida 31 e/158 y 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162. C.P. 10600, La Habana, Cuba.
| | - Jesús Noda Ferro
- Laboratorio de Espectrometría de Masas, Departamento de Proteómica, Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología, Avenida 31 e/158 y 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162. C.P. 10600, La Habana, Cuba.
| | - Enrique Soto
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemerita Universidad de Puebla, 14 sur 6301, CU, San Manuel, Puebla, Pue, C.P. 72570, Mexico.
| | - Emilio Salceda
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemerita Universidad de Puebla, 14 sur 6301, CU, San Manuel, Puebla, Pue, C.P. 72570, Mexico.
| | - Daniela Chávez
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, Baja California, C.P. 22860, Mexico.
| | - Manuel B Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Marina, Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, UNAM, Juriquilla, Queretaro, C.P. 76230, Mexico.
| | - Alexei Licea-Navarro
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada, Baja California, C.P. 22860, Mexico.
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27
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Prashanth JR, Dutertre S, Jin AH, Lavergne V, Hamilton B, Cardoso FC, Griffin J, Venter DJ, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ. The role of defensive ecological interactions in the evolution of conotoxins. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:598-615. [PMID: 26614983 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Venoms comprise of complex mixtures of peptides evolved for predation and defensive purposes. Remarkably, some carnivorous cone snails can inject two distinct venoms in response to predatory or defensive stimuli, providing a unique opportunity to study separately how different ecological pressures contribute to toxin diversification. Here, we report the extraordinary defensive strategy of the Rhizoconus subgenus of cone snails. The defensive venom from this worm-hunting subgenus is unusually simple, almost exclusively composed of αD-conotoxins instead of the ubiquitous αA-conotoxins found in the more complex defensive venom of mollusc- and fish-hunting cone snails. A similarly compartmentalized venom gland as those observed in the other dietary groups facilitates the deployment of this defensive venom. Transcriptomic analysis of a Conus vexillum venom gland revealed the αD-conotoxins as the major transcripts, with lower amounts of 15 known and four new conotoxin superfamilies also detected with likely roles in prey capture. Our phylogenetic and molecular evolution analysis of the αD-conotoxins from five subgenera of cone snails suggests they evolved episodically as part of a defensive strategy in the Rhizoconus subgenus. Thus, our results demonstrate an important role for defence in the evolution of conotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Prashanth
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - S Dutertre
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia.,Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université Montpellier-CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - A H Jin
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - V Lavergne
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - B Hamilton
- Pathology, Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Qld, 4101, Australia.,Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - F C Cardoso
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - J Griffin
- ACRF Microscopy Facility, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - D J Venter
- Pathology, Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Qld, 4101, Australia.,Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - P F Alewood
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - R J Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
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28
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Eisapoor SS, Jamili S, Shahbazzadeh D, Ghavam Mostafavi P, Pooshang Bagheri K. A New, High Yield, Rapid, and Cost-Effective Protocol to Deprotection of Cysteine-Rich Conopeptide, Omega-Conotoxin MVIIA. Chem Biol Drug Des 2016; 87:687-93. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Sahand Eisapoor
- Department of Marine Biology; Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technologies, Science and Research Branch; Islamic Azad University; Tehran Iran
| | - Shahla Jamili
- Department of Marine Biology; Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technologies, Science and Research Branch; Islamic Azad University; Tehran Iran
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center; Medical Biotechnology Department; Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - Pargol Ghavam Mostafavi
- Department of Marine Biology; Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technologies, Science and Research Branch; Islamic Azad University; Tehran Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Biotechnology Research Center; Medical Biotechnology Department; Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
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29
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Abstract
Natural products have traditionally been a major source of leads in the drug discovery process. However, the development of high-throughput screening led to an increased interest in synthetic methods that enabled the rapid construction of large libraries of molecules. This resulted in the termination or downscaling of many natural product research programs, but the chemical libraries did not necessarily produce a larger amount of drug leads. On one hand, this chapter explores the current state of natural product research within the drug discovery process. On the other hand it evaluates the efforts made to increase the amount of leads generated from chemical libraries and considers what role natural products could play here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric F van Herwerden
- Institute of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 124, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roderich D Süssmuth
- Institute of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 124, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
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30
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Bioactive Mimetics of Conotoxins and other Venom Peptides. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:4175-98. [PMID: 26501323 PMCID: PMC4626728 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7104175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ziconotide (Prialt®), a synthetic version of the peptide ω-conotoxin MVIIA found in the venom of a fish-hunting marine cone snail Conus magnus, is one of very few drugs effective in the treatment of intractable chronic pain. However, its intrathecal mode of delivery and narrow therapeutic window cause complications for patients. This review will summarize progress in the development of small molecule, non-peptidic mimics of Conotoxins and a small number of other venom peptides. This will include a description of how some of the initially designed mimics have been modified to improve their drug-like properties.
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31
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Olivera BM, Seger J, Horvath MP, Fedosov AE. Prey-Capture Strategies of Fish-Hunting Cone Snails: Behavior, Neurobiology and Evolution. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2015; 86:58-74. [PMID: 26397110 DOI: 10.1159/000438449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The venomous fish-hunting cone snails (Conus) comprise eight distinct lineages evolved from ancestors that preyed on worms. In this article, we attempt to reconstruct events resulting in this shift in food resource by closely examining patterns of behavior, biochemical agents (toxins) that facilitate prey capture and the combinations of toxins present in extant species. The first sections introduce three different hunting behaviors associated with piscivory: 'taser-and-tether', 'net-engulfment' and 'strike-and-stalk'. The first two fish-hunting behaviors are clearly associated with distinct groups of venom components, called cabals, which act in concert to modify the behavior of prey in a specific manner. Derived fish-hunting behavior clearly also correlates with physical features of the radular tooth, the device that injects these biochemical components. Mapping behavior, biochemical components and radular tooth features onto phylogenetic trees shows that fish-hunting behavior emerged at least twice during evolution. The system presented here may be one of the best examples where diversity in structure, physiology and molecular features were initially driven by particular pathways selected through behavior.
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32
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Himaya SWA, Jin AH, Dutertre S, Giacomotto J, Mohialdeen H, Vetter I, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ. Comparative Venomics Reveals the Complex Prey Capture Strategy of the Piscivorous Cone Snail Conus catus. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:4372-81. [PMID: 26322961 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Venomous marine cone snails produce a unique and remarkably diverse range of venom peptides (conotoxins and conopeptides) that have proven to be invaluable as pharmacological probes and leads to new therapies. Conus catus is a hook-and-line fish hunter from clade I, with ∼20 conotoxins identified, including the analgesic ω-conotoxin CVID (AM336). The current study unravels the venom composition of C. catus with tandem mass spectrometry and 454 sequencing data. From the venom gland transcriptome, 104 precursors were recovered from 11 superfamilies, with superfamily A (especially κA-) conotoxins dominating (77%) their venom. Proteomic analysis confirmed that κA-conotoxins dominated the predation-evoked milked venom of each of six C. catus analyzed and revealed remarkable intraspecific variation in both the intensity and type of conotoxins. High-throughput FLIPR assays revealed that the predation-evoked venom contained a range of conotoxins targeting the nAChR, Cav, and Nav ion channels, consistent with α- and ω-conotoxins being used for predation by C. catus. However, the κA-conotoxins did not act at these targets but induced potent and rapid immobilization followed by bursts of activity and finally paralysis when injected intramuscularly in zebrafish. Our venomics approach revealed the complexity of the envenomation strategy used by C. catus, which contains a mix of both excitatory and inhibitory venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W A Himaya
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia.,Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université Montpellier-CNRS , Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier Cedex 5 34095, France
| | - Jean Giacomotto
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Hoshyar Mohialdeen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
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33
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Abstract
Peptide neurotoxins from cone snails called conotoxins are renowned for their therapeutic potential to treat pain and several neurodegenerative diseases. Inefficient assay-guided discovery methods have been replaced by high-throughput bioassays integrated with advanced MS and next-generation sequencing, ushering in the era of 'venomics'. In this review, we focus on the impact of venomics on the understanding of cone snail biology as well as the application of venomics to accelerate the discovery of new conotoxins. We also discuss the continued importance of medicinal chemistry approaches to optimize conotoxins for clinical use, with a descriptive case study of MrIA featured.
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34
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Kumar PS, Kumar DS, Umamaheswari S. A perspective on toxicology of Conus venom peptides. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2015; 8:337-51. [PMID: 26003592 DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(14)60342-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily unique and ecologically diverse family Conidae presents fundamental opportunities for marine pharmacology research and drug discovery. The focus of this investigation is to summarize the worldwide distribution of Conus and their species diversity with special reference to the Indian coast. In addition, this study will contribute to understanding the structural properties of conotoxin and therapeutic application of Conus venom peptides. Cone snails can inject a mix of various conotoxins and these venoms are their major weapon for prey capture, and may also have other biological purposes, and some of these conotoxins fatal to humans. Conus venoms contain a remarkable diversity of pharmacologically active small peptides; their targets are an iron channel and receptors in the neuromuscular system. Interspecific divergence is pronounced in venom peptide genes, which is generally attributed to their species specific biotic interactions. There is a notable interspecific divergence observed in venom peptide genes, which can be justified as of biotic interactions that stipulate species peculiar habitat and ecology of cone snails. There are several conopeptides used in clinical trials and one peptide (Ziconotide) has received FDA approval for treatment of pain. This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution of cone shells and focus on the molecular approach in documenting their taxonomy and diversity with special reference to geographic distribution of Indian cone snails, structure and properties of conopeptide and their pharmacological targets and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhanabalan Senthil Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Kandaswami Kandar College, Paramathi Velur-638 182, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sundaresan Umamaheswari
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchurapalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India
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35
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Korkosh VS, Zhorov BS, Tikhonov DB. Folding similarity of the outer pore region in prokaryotic and eukaryotic sodium channels revealed by docking of conotoxins GIIIA, PIIIA, and KIIIA in a NavAb-based model of Nav1.4. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 144:231-44. [PMID: 25156117 PMCID: PMC4144674 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201411226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Analyses of toxin binding to a homology model of Nav1.4 indicate similar folding of the outer pore region in eukaryotic and prokaryotic sodium channels. Voltage-gated sodium channels are targets for many drugs and toxins. However, the rational design of medically relevant channel modulators is hampered by the lack of x-ray structures of eukaryotic channels. Here, we used a homology model based on the x-ray structure of the NavAb prokaryotic sodium channel together with published experimental data to analyze interactions of the μ-conotoxins GIIIA, PIIIA, and KIIIA with the Nav1.4 eukaryotic channel. Using Monte Carlo energy minimizations and published experimentally defined pairwise contacts as distance constraints, we developed a model in which specific contacts between GIIIA and Nav1.4 were readily reproduced without deformation of the channel or toxin backbones. Computed energies of specific interactions between individual residues of GIIIA and the channel correlated with experimental estimates. The predicted complexes of PIIIA and KIIIA with Nav1.4 are consistent with a large body of experimental data. In particular, a model of Nav1.4 interactions with KIIIA and tetrodotoxin (TTX) indicated that TTX can pass between Nav1.4 and channel-bound KIIIA to reach its binding site at the selectivity filter. Our models also allowed us to explain experimental data that currently lack structural interpretations. For instance, consistent with the incomplete block observed with KIIIA and some GIIIA and PIIIA mutants, our computations predict an uninterrupted pathway for sodium ions between the extracellular space and the selectivity filter if at least one of the four outer carboxylates is not bound to the toxin. We found a good correlation between computational and experimental data on complete and incomplete channel block by native and mutant toxins. Thus, our study suggests similar folding of the outer pore region in eukaryotic and prokaryotic sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viacheslav S Korkosh
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Boris S Zhorov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Denis B Tikhonov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194223, Russia
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36
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Wang L, Tang W, Wang X, Chen Y, Wu Y, Qiang Y, Feng Y, Ren Z, Chen S, Xu A. PPIase is associated with the diversity of conotoxins from cone snail venom glands. Biochimie 2015; 112:129-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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37
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Kaiser M, Libersat F. The role of the cerebral ganglia in the venom-induced behavioral manipulation of cockroaches stung by the parasitoid jewel wasp. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:1022-7. [PMID: 25687435 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.116491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The jewel wasp stings cockroaches and injects venom into their cerebral ganglia, namely the subesophageal ganglion (SOG) and supraesophageal ganglion (SupOG). The venom induces a long-term hypokinetic state, during which the stung cockroach shows little or no spontaneous walking. It was shown that venom injection to the SOG reduces neuronal activity, thereby suggesting a similar effect of venom injection in the SupOG. Paradoxically, SupOG-ablated cockroaches show increased spontaneous walking in comparison with control. Yet most of the venom in the SupOG of cockroaches is primarily concentrated in and around the central complex (CX). Thus the venom could chiefly decrease activity in the CX to contribute to the hypokinetic state. Our first aim was to resolve this discrepancy by using a combination of behavioral and neuropharmacological tools. Our results show that the CX is necessary for the initiation of spontaneous walking, and that focal injection of procaine to the CX is sufficient to induce the decrease in spontaneous walking. Furthermore, it was shown that artificial venom injection to the SOG decreases walking. Hence our second aim was to test the interactions between the SupOG and SOG in the venom-induced behavioral manipulation. We show that, in the absence of the inhibitory control of the SupOG on walking initiation, injection of venom in the SOG alone by the wasp is sufficient to induce the hypokinetic state. To summarize, we show that venom injection to either the SOG or the CX of the SupOG is, by itself, sufficient to decrease walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Kaiser
- Department of Life Sciences and the Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Frederic Libersat
- Department of Life Sciences and the Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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38
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Synthesis of Biologically Active Hydrophobic Peptide by Using Novel Polymer Support: Improved Fmoc Solid Phase Methodology. Int J Pept Res Ther 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-014-9431-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Yang Y, Ma Y, Li H, Wang S, Zhuang Z. Preparation and identification of monoclonal antibodies against ω-conotoxin MVIIA. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2014; 33:254-60. [PMID: 25171005 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2014.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ω-Conotoxins MVIIA (ω-CTX MVIIA) is a peptide with 25 amino acid residues. It is a selective and reversible N-type voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, which could be used as an analgesic for pain. To date, there are no monoclonal antibodies (MAb) for immunoassay against ω-conotoxin MVIIA. In this study, an MAb against ω-conotoxin MVIIA was prepared. The conotoxin-coding DNA sequence was chemically synthesized and cloned into expression vector pGEX-6p-1 and pET32a (+), respectively. The fusion protein GST-CTX was expressed and purified, and was used to immunize BALB/c mice for preparing the anti-CTX antibody. The spleen cells were fused with SP2/0 myeloma cells after the titer of antiserum was detected and qualified. After being screened by indirect ELISA and cloned by limiting dilution, a hybridoma named 4A12, which produces monoclonal antibody specifically against ω-CTX MVIIA, was successfully obtained. It was found that there are 102 chromosomes in the 4A12 cell, and the subclass for the MAb is IgM. The MAb affinity against ω-CTX MVIIA was 7.33×10(9) L/mol, and the cross-reaction test showed that the MAb specifically bound ω-CTX MVIIA. The MAb could be used as a specific antagonist for ω-CTX MVIIA in the physiological study on the CaV channels in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
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40
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Xu S, Shao X, Yan M, Chi C, Lu A, Wang C. Identification of Two Novel O2-Conotoxins from Conus generalis. Int J Pept Res Ther 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-014-9426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Haney RA, Ayoub NA, Clarke TH, Hayashi CY, Garb JE. Dramatic expansion of the black widow toxin arsenal uncovered by multi-tissue transcriptomics and venom proteomics. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:366. [PMID: 24916504 PMCID: PMC4058007 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animal venoms attract enormous interest given their potential for pharmacological discovery and understanding the evolution of natural chemistries. Next-generation transcriptomics and proteomics provide unparalleled, but underexploited, capabilities for venom characterization. We combined multi-tissue RNA-Seq with mass spectrometry and bioinformatic analyses to determine venom gland specific transcripts and venom proteins from the Western black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) and investigated their evolution. Results We estimated expression of 97,217 L. hesperus transcripts in venom glands relative to silk and cephalothorax tissues. We identified 695 venom gland specific transcripts (VSTs), many of which BLAST and GO term analyses indicate may function as toxins or their delivery agents. ~38% of VSTs had BLAST hits, including latrotoxins, inhibitor cystine knot toxins, CRISPs, hyaluronidases, chitinase, and proteases, and 59% of VSTs had predicted protein domains. Latrotoxins are venom toxins that cause massive neurotransmitter release from vertebrate or invertebrate neurons. We discovered ≥ 20 divergent latrotoxin paralogs expressed in L. hesperus venom glands, significantly increasing this biomedically important family. Mass spectrometry of L. hesperus venom identified 49 proteins from VSTs, 24 of which BLAST to toxins. Phylogenetic analyses showed venom gland specific gene family expansions and shifts in tissue expression. Conclusions Quantitative expression analyses comparing multiple tissues are necessary to identify venom gland specific transcripts. We present a black widow venom specific exome that uncovers a trove of diverse toxins and associated proteins, suggesting a dynamic evolutionary history. This justifies a reevaluation of the functional activities of black widow venom in light of its emerging complexity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-366) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica E Garb
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
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Dutertre S, Jin AH, Vetter I, Hamilton B, Sunagar K, Lavergne V, Dutertre V, Fry BG, Antunes A, Venter DJ, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ. Evolution of separate predation- and defence-evoked venoms in carnivorous cone snails. Nat Commun 2014; 5:3521. [PMID: 24662800 PMCID: PMC3973120 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals are thought to inject the same combination of toxins for both predation and defence, presumably exploiting conserved target pharmacology across prey and predators. Remarkably, cone snails can rapidly switch between distinct venoms in response to predatory or defensive stimuli. Here, we show that the defence-evoked venom of Conus geographus contains high levels of paralytic toxins that potently block neuromuscular receptors, consistent with its lethal effects on humans. In contrast, C. geographus predation-evoked venom contains prey-specific toxins mostly inactive at human targets. Predation- and defence-evoked venoms originate from the distal and proximal regions of the venom duct, respectively, explaining how different stimuli can generate two distinct venoms. A specialized defensive envenomation strategy is widely evolved across worm, mollusk and fish-hunting cone snails. We propose that defensive toxins, originally evolved in ancestral worm-hunting cone snails to protect against cephalopod and fish predation, have been repurposed in predatory venoms to facilitate diversification to fish and mollusk diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Dutertre
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université Montpellier 2—CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier Cedex 5 34095, France
| | - Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett Hamilton
- Pathology Department, and Mater Research Institute, Mater Health Services, South Brisbane, 4101 Queensland, Australia
| | - Kartik Sunagar
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 177, Porto 4050-123, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Vincent Lavergne
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Valentin Dutertre
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Bryan G. Fry
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 177, Porto 4050-123, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Deon J. Venter
- Pathology Department, and Mater Research Institute, Mater Health Services, South Brisbane, 4101 Queensland, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072 Queensland, Australia
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43
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Das S. Biotechnological Exploitation of Marine Animals. Anim Biotechnol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416002-6.00029-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Olivera BM, Showers Corneli P, Watkins M, Fedosov A. Biodiversity of cone snails and other venomous marine gastropods: evolutionary success through neuropharmacology. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2013; 2:487-513. [PMID: 25384153 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022513-114124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Venomous marine snails (superfamily Conoidea) are a remarkably biodiverse marine invertebrate lineage (featuring more than 10,000 species). Conoideans use complex venoms (up to 100 different components for each species) to capture prey and for other biotic interactions. Molecular phylogeny and venom peptide characterization provide an unusual multidisciplinary view of conoidean biodiversity at several taxonomic levels. Venom peptides diverge between species at an unprecedented rate through hypermutation within gene families. Clade divergence within a genus occurs without recruiting new gene families when a saltatory event, such as colonization of new prey types (e.g., fish), leads to a new radiation. Divergence between genera in the same family involves substantial divergence in gene families. In the superfamily Conoidea, the family groups recruited distinct sets of different venom gene superfamilies. The associated morphological, behavioral, and prey-preference changes that accompany these molecular changes are unknown for most conoidean lineages, except for one genus, Conus, for which many associated phenotypic changes have been documented.
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45
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Góngora-Benítez M, Tulla-Puche J, Albericio F. Multifaceted Roles of Disulfide Bonds. Peptides as Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2013; 114:901-26. [DOI: 10.1021/cr400031z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 388] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Góngora-Benítez
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, 08028 Spain
- CIBER-BBN, Barcelona Science
Park, Barcelona, 08028 Spain
| | - Judit Tulla-Puche
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, 08028 Spain
- CIBER-BBN, Barcelona Science
Park, Barcelona, 08028 Spain
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Institute
for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, 08028 Spain
- CIBER-BBN, Barcelona Science
Park, Barcelona, 08028 Spain
- Department
of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028 Spain
- School of Chemistry & Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 4001 Durban, South Africa
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Lavergne V, Dutertre S, Jin AH, Lewis RJ, Taft RJ, Alewood PF. Systematic interrogation of the Conus marmoreus venom duct transcriptome with ConoSorter reveals 158 novel conotoxins and 13 new gene superfamilies. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:708. [PMID: 24131469 PMCID: PMC3853152 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conopeptides, often generically referred to as conotoxins, are small neurotoxins found in the venom of predatory marine cone snails. These molecules are highly stable and are able to efficiently and selectively interact with a wide variety of heterologous receptors and channels, making them valuable pharmacological probes and potential drug leads. Recent advances in next-generation RNA sequencing and high-throughput proteomics have led to the generation of large data sets that require purpose-built and dedicated bioinformatics tools for efficient data mining. RESULTS Here we describe ConoSorter, an algorithm that categorizes cDNA or protein sequences into conopeptide superfamilies and classes based on their signal, pro- and mature region sequence composition. ConoSorter also catalogues key sequence characteristics (including relative sequence frequency, length, number of cysteines, N-terminal hydrophobicity, sequence similarity score) and automatically searches the ConoServer database for known precursor sequences, facilitating identification of known and novel conopeptides. When applied to ConoServer and UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot databases, ConoSorter is able to recognize 100% of known conotoxin superfamilies and classes with a minimum species specificity of 99%. As a proof of concept, we performed a reanalysis of Conus marmoreus venom duct transcriptome and (i) correctly classified all sequences previously annotated, (ii) identified 158 novel precursor conopeptide transcripts, 106 of which were confirmed by protein mass spectrometry, and (iii) identified another 13 novel conotoxin gene superfamilies. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings indicate that ConoSorter is not only capable of robust classification of known conopeptides from large RNA data sets, but can also facilitate de novo identification of conopeptides which may have pharmaceutical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ryan J Taft
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia.
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Fedosov AÉ, Moshkovskiĭ SA, Kuznetsova KG, Olivera BM. [Conotoxins: from the biodiversity of gastropods to new drugs]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2013; 59:267-94. [PMID: 23987066 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20135903267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A review describes general trends in research of conotoxins that are peptide toxins isolated from sea gastropods of the Conus genus, since the toxins were discovered in 1970th. There are disclosed a conotoxin classification, their structure diversity and different ways of action to their molecular targets, mainly, ion channels. In the applied aspect of conotoxin research, drug discovery and development is discussed, the drugs being based on conotoxin structure. A first exemplary drug is a ziconotide, which is an analgesic of new generation.
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Sonti R, Gowd KH, Rao KNS, Ragothama S, Rodriguez A, Perez JJ, Balaram P. Conformational Diversity in Contryphans fromConusVenom:cis-transIsomerisation and Aromatic/Proline Interactions in the 23-Membered Ring of a 7-Residue Peptide Disulfide Loop. Chemistry 2013; 19:15175-89. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201301722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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49
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A novel ICK peptide from the Loxosceles intermedia (brown spider) venom gland: Cloning, heterologous expression and immunological cross-reactivity approaches. Toxicon 2013; 71:147-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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50
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Strategies for the development of conotoxins as new therapeutic leads. Mar Drugs 2013; 11:2293-313. [PMID: 23812174 PMCID: PMC3736424 DOI: 10.3390/md11072293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins typically bind to their target ion channels or receptors with high potency and selectivity, making them attractive leads for therapeutic development. In some cases the native peptide as it is found in the venom from which it originates can be used directly, but in many instances it is desirable to truncate and/or stabilize the peptide to improve its therapeutic properties. A complementary strategy is to display the key residues that make up the pharmacophore of the peptide toxin on a non-peptidic scaffold, thereby creating a peptidomimetic. This review exemplifies these approaches with peptide toxins from marine organisms, with a particular focus on conotoxins.
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