1
|
Beraldo-Neto E, Vigerelli H, Coelho GR, da Silva DL, Nencioni ALA, Pimenta DC. Unraveling and profiling Tityus bahiensis venom: Biochemical analyses of the major toxins. J Proteomics 2023; 274:104824. [PMID: 36646272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Among the scorpions found in Brazil, Tityus bahiensis is one of the species that causes most of the reported human accidents. In spite of this important constatation, the venom composition description is not available in the literature. Thus, this venom remains not properly studied, segregating this particular species into an abandoned, forgotten condition. In the present study, chromatographic separation (RP-HPLC-C18) and proteomic analyses were employed to unravel the diversity, complexity, and proportional distribution of the main peptides and proteins found in the scorpion venom. Moreover, sequence analyses and the presence of new isoforms and toxins are discussed based on a database comparison with other Tityus toxins. Our results show the presence of a wide diversity of potassium and sodium channel toxins and enzymes, such as metallopeptidases and hyaluronidases, as previously described for other species. However, the current work also describes for the first time, at the protein level, phospholipase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, cysteine-rich proteins, serine peptidase inhibitors peptides, and antimicrobial peptides. Finally, thorough data analyses allowed the description of the venom toxins distribution regarding their diversity and relative quantity. SIGNIFICANCE: The work presents the first Tityus bahiensis proteome. We have focused on describing the neurotoxin variability in terms of their isoforms/amino acid substitutions. Understanding the natural variations in the toxins' sequences is essential, once the affinity of these peptides to their respective receptors/ionic channels will vary depending on the specific peptide sequences. Moreover, the current study describes some proteins present in the venom, including enzymes being described for the first time in scorpion venoms, such as PLA2 and ACE. Moreover, we describe the individual relative quantity distribution for the different protein classes identified, as well as their variability in the T.bahiensis venom. Finally, this study also reports the development of a simple straightforward chromatographic method for scorpion venom fractionation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Vigerelli
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daiane Laise da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kalapothakis Y, Miranda K, Pereira AH, Witt ASA, Marani C, Martins AP, Leal HG, Campos-Júnior E, Pimenta AMC, Borges A, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Novel components of Tityus serrulatus venom: A transcriptomic approach. Toxicon 2020; 189:91-104. [PMID: 33181162 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Several research groups have studied the components produced by the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus, which has one of the most lethal venoms in the world. Various methodologies have been employed to clarify the complex mechanisms of action of these components, especially neurotoxins and enzymes. Transcriptomes and proteomes have provided important information for pharmacological, biochemical, and immunological research. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has allowed the description of new transcripts and completion of partial sequence descriptions for peptides, especially those with low expression levels. In the present work, after NGS sequencing, we searched for new putative venom components. We present a total of nine new transcripts with neurotoxic potential (Ts33-41) and describe the sequences of one hyaluronidase (TsHyal_4); three enzymes involved in amidation (peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase A, peptidyl-alpha-hydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase, and peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase), which increases the lethal potential of neurotoxins; and also the enzyme Ts_Chitinase1, which may be involved in the venom's digestive action. In addition, we determined the level of transcription of five groups: toxins, metalloproteases, hyaluronidases, chitinases and amidation enzymes, including new components found in this study. Toxins are the predominant group with an expression level of 91.945%, followed by metalloproteases with only 7.790% and other groups representing 0.265%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Kelton Miranda
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Adriana Heloísa Pereira
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Amanda S A Witt
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Camila Marani
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Martins
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Hortênsia Gomes Leal
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Edimar Campos-Júnior
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Adriano M C Pimenta
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica (CEDIC), Manduvirá 635 c/15 de Agosto, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tb1, a Neurotoxin from Tityus bahiensis Scorpion Venom, Induces Epileptic Seizures by Increasing Glutamate Release. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12020065. [PMID: 31973132 PMCID: PMC7076872 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the neurotoxic effects aroused by the intracerebral injection (in rats) of Tb1, which is a neurotoxin isolated from Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom. Biochemical analyses have demonstrated that this toxin is similar to the gamma toxin from T. serrulatus, which is a β-scorpion toxin that acts on sodium channels, causing the activation process to occur at more hyperpolarized membrane voltages. Male Wistar rats were stereotaxically implanted with intrahippocampal electrodes and cannulas for electroencephalographic recording and the evaluation of amino acid neurotransmitters levels. Treated animals displayed behavioral and electroencephalographic alterations similar to epileptiform activities, such as myoclonus, wet dog shakes, convulsion, strong discharges, neuronal loss, and increased intracerebral levels of glutamate. Scorpion toxins are important pharmacological tools that are widely employed in ion channel dysregulation studies. The current work contributes to the understanding of channelopathies, particularly epilepsy, which may originate, among other events, from dysfunctional sodium channels, which are the main target of the Tb1 toxin.
Collapse
|
4
|
de Oliveira UC, Nishiyama MY, dos Santos MBV, Santos-da-Silva ADP, Chalkidis HDM, Souza-Imberg A, Candido DM, Yamanouye N, Dorce VAC, Junqueira-de-Azevedo IDLM. Proteomic endorsed transcriptomic profiles of venom glands from Tityus obscurus and T. serrulatus scorpions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193739. [PMID: 29561852 PMCID: PMC5862453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Except for the northern region, where the Amazonian black scorpion, T. obscurus, represents the predominant and most medically relevant scorpion species, Tityus serrulatus, the Brazilian yellow scorpion, is widely distributed throughout Brazil, causing most envenoming and fatalities due to scorpion sting. In order to evaluate and compare the diversity of venom components of Tityus obscurus and T. serrulatus, we performed a transcriptomic investigation of the telsons (venom glands) corroborated by a shotgun proteomic analysis of the venom from the two species. Results The putative venom components represented 11.4% and 16.7% of the total gene expression for T. obscurus and T. serrulatus, respectively. Transcriptome and proteome data revealed high abundance of metalloproteinases sequences followed by sodium and potassium channel toxins, making the toxin core of the venom. The phylogenetic analysis of metalloproteinases from T. obscurus and T. serrulatus suggested an intraspecific gene expansion, as we previously observed for T. bahiensis, indicating that this enzyme may be under evolutionary pressure for diversification. We also identified several putative venom components such as anionic peptides, antimicrobial peptides, bradykinin-potentiating peptide, cysteine rich protein, serine proteinases, cathepsins, angiotensin-converting enzyme, endothelin-converting enzyme and chymotrypsin like protein, proteinases inhibitors, phospholipases and hyaluronidases. Conclusion The present work shows that the venom composition of these two allopatric species of Tityus are considerably similar in terms of the major classes of proteins produced and secreted, although their individual toxin sequences are considerably divergent. These differences at amino acid level may reflect in different epitopes for the same protein classes in each species, explaining the basis for the poor recognition of T. obscurus venom by the antiserum raised against other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Castro de Oliveira
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Milton Yutaka Nishiyama
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Norma Yamanouye
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Cordeiro FA, Peigneur S, Cunha TM, Tytgat J, Arantes EC. Ts8 scorpion toxin inhibits the Kv4.2 channel and produces nociception in vivo. Toxicon 2016; 119:244-52. [PMID: 27346450 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The venom from the scorpion Tityus serrulatus (Ts) has been extensively studied mainly because of its rich cocktail of neurotoxins. Neurotoxins are the major and the most known components based on their modulation of voltage-gated ion channels. Until now, electrophysiological studies demonstrated that the Ts venom comprises toxins that affect Nav and Kv channels. However, although many studies have been conducted in this field, many peptides from Ts venom await further studies, including Ts8 toxin. Here we report the isolation and electrophysiological study of Ts8. The toxin Ts19 Frag-II was used as negative control. Ts8 demonstrates, among 20 tested channels, to be a selective modulator of Kv4.2 channels. Based on studies investigating the involvement of Kv4.2 on controlling nociception, we further investigated the modulation of pain by Ts8. Using intraplantar injections, Ts8 induced overt nociception (licking and lifting behaviors) and decreased the mechanical nociceptive threshold (hyperalgesia). Furthermore, the hyperalgesia was prolonged when intrathecal injections were performed. Independent of the severity, most of the victims stung by Ts scorpions report an intense and persistent pain as the major manifestation. The new role of Ts8 on nociception could explain, at least partially, this phenomenon. Additionally, our study also stresses the involvement of toxins specific to Nav channels and inflammatory mediators on the Ts painful sting. This work provides useful insights for a better understanding of the prolonged and intense pain associated with Ts envenoming for the development of specific therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Berto Pucca
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Augusto Cerni
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Francielle Almeida Cordeiro
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thiago Mattar Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cordeiro FA, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Arantes EC. Arachnids of medical importance in Brazil: main active compounds present in scorpion and spider venoms and tick saliva. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:24. [PMID: 26273285 PMCID: PMC4535291 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arachnida is the largest class among the arthropods, constituting over 60,000 described species (spiders, mites, ticks, scorpions, palpigrades, pseudoscorpions, solpugids and harvestmen). Many accidents are caused by arachnids, especially spiders and scorpions, while some diseases can be transmitted by mites and ticks. These animals are widely dispersed in urban centers due to the large availability of shelter and food, increasing the incidence of accidents. Several protein and non-protein compounds present in the venom and saliva of these animals are responsible for symptoms observed in envenoming, exhibiting neurotoxic, dermonecrotic and hemorrhagic activities. The phylogenomic analysis from the complementary DNA of single-copy nuclear protein-coding genes shows that these animals share some common protein families known as neurotoxins, defensins, hyaluronidase, antimicrobial peptides, phospholipases and proteinases. This indicates that the venoms from these animals may present components with functional and structural similarities. Therefore, we described in this review the main components present in spider and scorpion venom as well as in tick saliva, since they have similar components. These three arachnids are responsible for many accidents of medical relevance in Brazil. Additionally, this study shows potential biotechnological applications of some components with important biological activities, which may motivate the conducting of further research studies on their action mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francielle A Cordeiro
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernanda G Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Fernando A P Anjolette
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14.040-903 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The transcriptome recipe for the venom cocktail of Tityus bahiensis scorpion. Toxicon 2015; 95:52-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
8
|
Carmo A, Oliveira-Mendes B, Horta C, Magalhães B, Dantas A, Chaves L, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Molecular and functional characterization of metalloserrulases, new metalloproteases from the Tityus serrulatus venom gland. Toxicon 2014; 90:45-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
9
|
Horta CCR, Magalhães BDF, Oliveira-Mendes BBR, do Carmo AO, Duarte CG, Felicori LF, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E. Molecular, immunological, and biological characterization of Tityus serrulatus venom hyaluronidase: new insights into its role in envenomation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2693. [PMID: 24551256 PMCID: PMC3923731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scorpionism is a public health problem in Brazil, and Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is primarily responsible for severe accidents. The main toxic components of Ts venom are low-molecular-weight neurotoxins; however, the venom also contains poorly characterized high-molecular-weight enzymes. Hyaluronidase is one such enzyme that has been poorly characterized. Methods and principal findings We examined clones from a cDNA library of the Ts venom gland and described two novel isoforms of hyaluronidase, TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2. The isoforms are 83% identical, and alignment of their predicted amino acid sequences with other hyaluronidases showed conserved residues between evolutionarily distant organisms. We performed gel filtration followed by reversed-phase chromatography to purify native hyaluronidase from Ts venom. Purified native Ts hyaluronidase was used to produce anti-hyaluronidase serum in rabbits. As little as 0.94 µl of anti-hyaluronidase serum neutralized 1 LD50 (13.2 µg) of Ts venom hyaluronidase activity in vitro. In vivo neutralization assays showed that 121.6 µl of anti-hyaluronidase serum inhibited mouse death 100%, whereas 60.8 µl and 15.2 µl of serum delayed mouse death. Inhibition of death was also achieved by using the hyaluronidase pharmacological inhibitor aristolochic acid. Addition of native Ts hyaluronidase (0.418 µg) to pre-neutralized Ts venom (13.2 µg venom+0.94 µl anti-hyaluronidase serum) reversed mouse survival. We used the SPOT method to map TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2 epitopes. More peptides were recognized by anti-hyaluronidase serum in TsHyal-1 than in TsHyal-2. Epitopes common to both isoforms included active site residues. Conclusions Hyaluronidase inhibition and immunoneutralization reduced the toxic effects of Ts venom. Our results have implications in scorpionism therapy and challenge the notion that only neurotoxins are important to the envenoming process. In Brazil, accidents with scorpion stings have been a serious public health problem, and Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is primarily responsible for severe accidents. Therefore, efforts have been made to understand the characteristics of the molecules present in scorpion venoms. These venoms are complex mixtures, in which neurotoxins are the main toxic components. Ts venom also contains enzymes, such as hyaluronidase, that have not been well characterized. In this study, we described for the first time two sequences of Ts hyaluronidase isoforms: TsHyal-1 and TsHyal-2. We purified native hyaluronidase from Ts venom and produced anti-hyaluronidase serum in rabbits. This serum neutralized hyaluronidase activity present in Ts venom. In vivo neutralization assays showed that anti-hyaluronidase serum inhibited and delayed mouse death after injection of a lethal dose (50% lethal dose, LD50) of Ts venom. This work confirms the influence of hyaluronidase in Ts venom lethality and paves the way for the development of new strategies for scorpionism therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Campolina Rebello Horta
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bárbara de Freitas Magalhães
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson Oliveira do Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Guerra Duarte
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Liza Figueiredo Felicori
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado-de-Ávila
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Tityus pachyurus and Tityus obscurus novel putative Na+-channel scorpion toxins. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30478. [PMID: 22355312 PMCID: PMC3280238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colombia and Brazil are affected by severe cases of scorpionism. In Colombia the most dangerous accidents are caused by Tityus pachyurus that is widely distributed around this country. In the Brazilian Amazonian region scorpion stings are a common event caused by Tityus obscurus. The main objective of this work was to perform the molecular cloning of the putative Na+-channel scorpion toxins (NaScTxs) from T. pachyurus and T. obscurus venom glands and to analyze their phylogenetic relationship with other known NaScTxs from Tityus species. Methodology/Principal Findings cDNA libraries from venom glands of these two species were constructed and five nucleotide sequences from T. pachyurus were identified as putative modulators of Na+-channels, and were named Tpa4, Tpa5, Tpa6, Tpa7 and Tpa8; the latter being the first anti-insect excitatory β-class NaScTx in Tityus scorpion venom to be described. Fifteen sequences from T. obscurus were identified as putative NaScTxs, among which three had been previously described, and the others were named To4 to To15. The peptides Tpa4, Tpa5, Tpa6, To6, To7, To9, To10 and To14 are closely related to the α-class NaScTxs, whereas Tpa7, Tpa8, To4, To8, To12 and To15 sequences are more related to the β-class NaScTxs. To5 is possibly an arthropod specific toxin. To11 and To13 share sequence similarities with both α and β NaScTxs. By means of phylogenetic analysis using the Maximum Parsimony method and the known NaScTxs from Tityus species, these toxins were clustered into 14 distinct groups. Conclusions/Significance This communication describes new putative NaScTxs from T. pachyurus and T. obscurus and their phylogenetic analysis. The results indicate clear geographic separation between scorpions of Tityus genus inhabiting the Amazonian and Mountain Andes regions and those distributed over the Southern of the Amazonian rainforest. Based on the consensus sequences for the different clusters, a new nomenclature for the NaScTxs is proposed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Alvarenga ER, Mendes TM, Magalhaes BF, Siqueira FF, Dantas AE, Barroca TM, Horta CC, Kalapothakis E. Transcriptome analysis of the <i>Tityus serrulatus</i> scorpion venom gland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/ojgen.2012.24027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
12
|
Kalapothakis E, Chatzaki M, Gonçalves-Dornelas H, de Castro CS, Silvestre FG, Laborne FV, de Moura JF, Veiga SS, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Granier C, Barbaro KC. The Loxtox protein family in Loxosceles intermedia (Mello-Leitão) venom. Toxicon 2007; 50:938-46. [PMID: 17825864 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2007] [Revised: 07/02/2007] [Accepted: 07/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We isolated cDNA sequences coding for dermonecrotic/sphingomyelinases factor proteins from the brown spider Loxosceles intermedia, here named Loxtox proteins. The amino acid sequences based on cloned cDNA of several Loxtox proteins revealed at least six distinct groups of proteins expressed in the venom gland. The level of similarity among the toxins varied from 99% to 55%. The finding of several isoforms of Loxtox in the venom of this spider may reflect an evolutionary adaptation for different prey types and reinforces the idea of an efficient mutational mechanism in the venom gland of spiders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral Instituto de Ciências Biológicas; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, CEP 31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Borges A, García CC, Lugo E, Alfonzo MJ, Jowers MJ, Op den Camp HJM. Diversity of long-chain toxins in Tityus zulianus and Tityus discrepans venoms (Scorpiones, Buthidae): molecular, immunological, and mass spectral analyses. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2006; 142:240-252. [PMID: 16356783 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2005.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2005] [Revised: 10/11/2005] [Accepted: 10/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In Venezuela, stings by Tityus zulianus scorpions produce cardiorespiratory arrest, whereas envenoming by Tityus discrepans involves gastrointestinal/pancreatic complications, suggesting structural and/or functional differences. We sought to compare their toxin repertoires through immunological, molecular, and mass spectral analyses. First, in vivo tests showed that neutralization of T. zulianus venom toxicity by the anti-T. discrepans antivenom was not complete. To compare T. discrepans and T. zulianus long-chain (sodium channel-active) toxins, their most toxic Sephadex G-50 fractions, TdII and TzII, were subjected to acid-urea PAGE, which showed differences in composition. Amplification of toxin-encoding mRNAs using a leader peptide-based oligonucleotide rendered cDNAs representing twelve T. discrepans and two T. zulianus distinct toxin transcripts, including only one shared component, indicating divergence between T. zulianus and T. discrepans 5' region-encoded, toxin signal peptides. A 3'-UTR polymorphism was also noticed among the transcripts encoding shared components Tz1 and Td4. MALDI-TOF MS profiling of TdII and TzII produced species-specific spectra, with seven of the individual masses matching those predicted by cDNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the unique T. zulianus transcript-encoded sequence, Tz2, is structurally related to Tityus serrulatus and Centruroides toxins. Together with previous reports, this work indicates that T. zulianus and T. discrepans toxin repertoires differ structurally and functionally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Borges
- Sección de Biomembranas, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1051, Venezuela.
| | - Carmen C García
- Sección de Biomembranas, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1051, Venezuela
| | - Elizabeth Lugo
- Sección de Biomembranas, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1051, Venezuela
| | - Marcelo J Alfonzo
- Sección de Biomembranas, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1051, Venezuela
| | - Michael J Jowers
- Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G11 6NU, United Kingdom
| | - Huub J M Op den Camp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Tooernooiveld 1, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Goes TS, Goes VS, Kalapothakis E, Leite MF, Goes AM. Identification of immunogenic proteins from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antigenic fractions F0, FII and FIII. Immunol Lett 2005; 101:24-31. [PMID: 15904973 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2005.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes a chronic granulomatous mycosis prevalent in South America, and cell-mediated immunity is the principal mode of protection against this fungal infection. In this context, one of the strategies to discover proteins that are target of an effective immune response against P. brasiliensis is the partial sequencing of cDNA from an expression library previously screened with immunoglobulins (Ig) to generate antigen sequence tags (AST). In the present work, a P. brasiliensis yeast cDNA expression library was screened with affinity chromatography-purified IgG from rabbit sera immunized with P. brasiliensis antigenic fractions (F0, FII or FIII) or from paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) patient sera by indirect ELISA. From 119 clones selected by the immunoscreening procedure, 40% were recognized by IgG from PCM patients, 25% were recognized by anti-F0, 8% were selected by anti-FII and 11% recognized by FIII specific antibodies. The remaining clones presented cross-reaction to all anti-sera tested. The AST homologies with previously reported sequences in the nonredundant GenBank at NCBI revealed high significant homology to fungal proteins of known function. One of them matched calcineurin B of Neurospora crassa with 35% identity and 55% similarity in amino acid sequence. We also identified an AST homologous to a Kinesin like protein from Ustilagus maydis and other fungi with 86% identity and 91% similarity. On the other hand, the vast majority of selected cDNA clones are new genes and represent 60% of the total. Prediction of transmembrane regions with the prediction transmembrane protein topology with a hidden markov model (TMHMM) revealed consensus sequences representing structural membrane segments in 28 encoded proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T S Goes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 486, CEP 31 270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li S, Wang J, Zhang X, Ren Y, Wang N, Zhao K, Chen X, Zhao C, Li X, Shao J, Yin J, West M, Xu N, Liu S. Proteomic characterization of two snake venoms: Naja naja atra and Agkistrodon halys. Biochem J 2005; 384:119-27. [PMID: 15285721 PMCID: PMC1134095 DOI: 10.1042/bj20040354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Snake venom is a complex mixture of proteins and peptides, and a number of studies have described the biological properties of several venomous proteins. Nevertheless, a complete proteomic profile of venom from any of the many species of snake is not available. Proteomics now makes it possible to globally identify proteins from a complex mixture. To assess the venom proteomic profiles from Naja naja atra and Agkistrodon halys, snakes common to southern China, we used a combination strategy, which included the following four different approaches: (i) shotgun digestion plus HPLC with ion-trap tandem MS, (ii) one-dimensional SDS/PAGE plus HPLC with tandem MS, (iii) gel filtration plus HPLC with tandem MS and (iv) gel filtration and 2DE (two-dimensional gel electrophoresis) plus MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight) MS. In the present paper, we report the novel identification of 124 and 74 proteins and peptides in cobra and viper venom respectively. Functional analysis based upon toxin categories reveals that, as expected, cobra venom has a high abundance of cardio- and neurotoxins, whereas viper venom contains a significant amount of haemotoxins and metalloproteinases. Although approx. 80% of gel spots from 2DE displayed high-quality MALDI-TOF-MS spectra, only 50% of these spots were confirmed to be venom proteins, which is more than likely to be a result of incomplete protein databases. Interestingly, these data suggest that post-translational modification may be a significant characteristic of venomous proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Li
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Jingqiang Wang
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Xumin Zhang
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Yan Ren
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Ning Wang
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Kang Zhao
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Xishu Chen
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Caifeng Zhao
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Jianmin Shao
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Jianning Yin
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Matthew B. West
- ‡The Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, U.S.A
| | - Ningzhi Xu
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- *Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), Chinese Academy of Sciences, I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- †Beijing Proteomics Institute (BPI), I-Zone, Shunyi, Beijing 101300, China
- ‡The Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, U.S.A
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vieira ALG, Moura MB, Babá EH, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Kalapothakis E, Castro IM. Molecular cloning of toxins expressed by the venom gland of Lasiodora sp. Toxicon 2004; 44:949-52. [PMID: 15530979 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2004.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2004] [Revised: 08/18/2004] [Accepted: 08/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present work describes the identification of toxins expressed by the venom gland of the spider Lasiodora sp. The toxins LTx1, LTx2 and LTx3 were identified by the screening of a cDNA library. These toxins showed significant similarity at the amino acid level with spider toxins from Lasiodora parahybana, Eurypelma californicum, Brachypelma smithii, Selenocosmia huwena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L G Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus do Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG 35.400-00, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kalapothakis E, Araujo SC, de Castro CS, Mendes TM, Gomez MV, Mangili OC, Gubert IC, Chávez-Olórtegui C. Molecular cloning, expression and immunological properties of LiD1, a protein from the dermonecrotic family of Loxosceles intermedia spider venom. Toxicon 2002; 40:1691-9. [PMID: 12457881 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(02)00201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present report describes the identification and molecular characterization of LiD1, a protein expressed in the venom gland of the brown spider Loxosceles intermedia. LiD1 belongs to a family of proteins with dermonecrotic activity and members of this family have been found in spiders from the genus Loxosceles. The necrotic lesions caused by this group of proteins may lead to serious socio-economic problems such as surgical tissue reconstitution and even patient death. LiD1 was cloned using a cDNA library constructed from the venom gland of L. intermedia and antibodies against proteins with dermonecrotic activity isolated from the crude venom of this spider. The amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA revealed a mature protein of approximately 31 kDa, with a pI of 7.37. The cDNA also revealed the existence of a signal peptide, a propeptide and also an untranslated 3' region with 218 nucleotides. LiD1 was expressed as a protein fused with beta-galactoside protein using the vector pBK-CMV, resulting in the recombinant protein recLiD1 with important immunological properties. recLiD1 was strongly recognised by anti-dermonecrotic antibodies and was also able to generate reactive antibodies against native dermonecrotic proteins isolated from the venom of L. intermedia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Divisao de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, Cep 31270901, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|