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Züger S, Krings W, Gorb SN, Büscher TH, Sombke A. Material composition and mechanical properties of the venom-injecting forcipules in centipedes. Front Zool 2024; 21:21. [PMID: 39180121 PMCID: PMC11342574 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-024-00543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centipedes are terrestrial and predatory arthropods that possess an evolutionary transformed pair of appendages used for venom injection-the forcipules. Many arthropods incorporate reinforcing elements into the cuticle of their piercing or biting structures to enhance hardness, elasticity or resistance to wear and structural failure. Given their frequent exposure to high mechanical stress, we hypothesise that the cuticle of the centipede forcipule might be mechanically reinforced. With a combination of imaging, analytical techniques and mechanical testing, we explore the centipede forcipule in detail to shed light on its morphology and performance. Additionally, we compare these data to characteristics of the locomotory leg to infer evolutionary processes. RESULTS We examined sclerotization patterns using confocal laser-scanning microscopy based on autofluorescence properties of the cuticle (forcipule and leg) and elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in representative species from all five centipede lineages. These experiments revealed gradually increasing sclerotization towards the forcipular tarsungulum and a stronger sclerotization of joints in taxa with condensed podomeres. Depending on the species, calcium, zinc or chlorine are present with a higher concentration towards the distal tarsungulum. Interestingly, these characteristics are more or less mirrored in the locomotory leg's pretarsal claw in Epimorpha. To understand how incorporated elements affect mechanical properties, we tested resistance to structural failure, hardness (H) and Young's modulus (E) in two representative species, one with high zinc and one with high calcium content. Both species, however, exhibit similar properties and no differences in mechanical stress the forcipule can withstand. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals similarities in the material composition and properties of the forcipules in centipedes. The forcipules transformed from an elongated leg-like appearance into rigid piercing structures. Our data supports their serial homology to the locomotory leg and that the forcipule's tarsungulum is a fusion of tarsus and pretarsal claw. Calcium or zinc incorporation leads to comparable mechanical properties like in piercing structures of chelicerates and insects, but the elemental incorporation does not increase H and E in centipedes, suggesting that centipedes followed their own pathways in the evolutionary transformation of piercing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Züger
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Wencke Krings
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 12, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thies H Büscher
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andy Sombke
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Seldeslachts A, Maurstad MF, Øyen JP, Undheim EAB, Peigneur S, Tytgat J. Exploring oak processionary caterpillar induced lepidopterism (Part 1): unveiling molecular insights through transcriptomics and proteomics. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:311. [PMID: 39066932 PMCID: PMC11335235 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05330-z] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Lepidopterism, a skin inflammation condition caused by direct or airborne exposure to irritating hairs (setae) from processionary caterpillars, is becoming a significant public health concern. Recent outbreaks of the oak processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea processionea) have caused noteworthy health and economic consequences, with a rising frequency expected in the future, exacerbated by global warming promoting the survival of the caterpillar. Current medical treatments focus on symptom relief due to the lack of an effective therapy. While the source is known, understanding the precise causes of symptoms remain incomplete understood. In this study, we employed an advanced method to extract venom from the setae and identify the venom components through high-quality de novo transcriptomics, venom proteomics, and bioinformatic analysis. A total of 171 venom components were identified, including allergens, odorant binding proteins, small peptides, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, and chitin biosynthesis products, potentially responsible for inflammatory and allergic reactions. This work presents the first comprehensive proteotranscriptomic database of T. processionea, contributing to understanding the complexity of lepidopterism. Furthermore, these findings hold promise for advancing therapeutic approaches to mitigate the global health impact of T. processionea and related caterpillars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Seldeslachts
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven , Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
| | - Marius F Maurstad
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Philip Øyen
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of biotechnology and plant health & viruses, bacteria and nematodes in forestry, agriculture and horticulture, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven , Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven , Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
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Ellsworth SA, Rautsaw RM, Ward MJ, Holding ML, Rokyta DR. Selection Across the Three-Dimensional Structure of Venom Proteins from North American Scolopendromorph Centipedes. J Mol Evol 2024:10.1007/s00239-024-10191-y. [PMID: 39026042 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-024-10191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Gene duplication followed by nucleotide differentiation is one of the simplest mechanisms to develop new functions for genes. However, the evolutionary processes underlying the divergence of multigene families remain controversial. We used multigene families found within the diversity of toxic proteins in centipede venom to test two hypotheses related to venom evolution: the two-speed mode of venom evolution and the rapid accumulation of variation in exposed residues (RAVER) model. The two-speed mode of venom evolution proposes that different types of selection impact ancient and younger venomous lineages with negative selection being the predominant form in ancient lineages and positive selection being the dominant form in younger lineages. The RAVER hypothesis proposes that, instead of different types of selection acting on different ages of venomous lineages, the different types of selection will selectively contribute to amino acid variation based on whether the residue is exposed to the solvent where it can potentially interact directly with toxin targets. This hypothesis parallels the longstanding understanding of protein evolution that suggests that residues found within the structural or active regions of the protein will be under negative or purifying selection, and residues that do not form part of these areas will be more prone to positive selection. To test these two hypotheses, we compared the venom of 26 centipedes from the order Scolopendromorpha from six currently recognized species from across North America using both transcriptomics and proteomics. We first estimated their phylogenetic relationships and uncovered paraphyly among the genus Scolopendra and evidence for cryptic diversity among currently recognized species. Using our phylogeny, we then characterized the diverse venom components from across the identified clades using a combination of transcriptomics and proteomics. We conducted selection-based analyses in the context of predicted three-dimensional properties of the venom proteins and found support for both hypotheses. Consistent with the two-speed hypothesis, we found a prevalence of negative selection across all proteins. Consistent with the RAVER hypothesis, we found evidence of positive selection on solvent-exposed residues, with structural and less-exposed residues showing stronger signal for negative selection. Through the use of phylogenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and selection-based analyses, we were able to describe the evolution of venom from an ancient venomous lineage and support principles of protein evolution that directly relate to multigene family evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Schyler A Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Rhett M Rautsaw
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Matthew L Holding
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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Schendel V, Müller CHG, Kenning M, Maxwell M, Jenner RA, Undheim EAB, Sombke A. The venom and telopodal defence systems of the centipede Lithobius forficatus are functionally convergent serial homologues. BMC Biol 2024; 22:135. [PMID: 38867210 PMCID: PMC11170834 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01925-x] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolution of novelty is a central theme in evolutionary biology, yet studying the origins of traits with an apparently discontinuous origin remains a major challenge. Venom systems are a well-suited model for the study of this phenomenon because they capture several aspects of novelty across multiple levels of biological complexity. However, while there is some knowledge on the evolution of individual toxins, not much is known about the evolution of venom systems as a whole. One way of shedding light on the evolution of new traits is to investigate less specialised serial homologues, i.e. repeated traits in an organism that share a developmental origin. This approach can be particularly informative in animals with repetitive body segments, such as centipedes. RESULTS Here, we investigate morphological and biochemical aspects of the defensive telopodal glandular organs borne on the posterior legs of venomous stone centipedes (Lithobiomorpha), using a multimethod approach, including behavioural observations, comparative morphology, proteomics, comparative transcriptomics and molecular phylogenetics. We show that the anterior venom system and posterior telopodal defence system are functionally convergent serial homologues, where one (telopodal defence) represents a model for the putative early evolutionary state of the other (venom). Venom glands and telopodal glandular organs appear to have evolved from the same type of epidermal gland (four-cell recto-canal type) and while the telopodal defensive secretion shares a great degree of compositional overlap with centipede venoms in general, these similarities arose predominantly through convergent recruitment of distantly related toxin-like components. Both systems are composed of elements predisposed to functional innovation across levels of biological complexity that range from proteins to glands, demonstrating clear parallels between molecular and morphological traits in the properties that facilitate the evolution of novelty. CONCLUSIONS The evolution of the lithobiomorph telopodal defence system provides indirect empirical support for the plausibility of the hypothesised evolutionary origin of the centipede venom system, which occurred through functional innovation and gradual specialisation of existing epidermal glands. Our results thus exemplify how continuous transformation and functional innovation can drive the apparent discontinuous emergence of novelties on higher levels of biological complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Schendel
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Carsten H G Müller
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Strasse 26, Greifswald, 17489, Germany
| | - Matthes Kenning
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Strasse 26, Greifswald, 17489, Germany
| | - Michael Maxwell
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | | | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0316, Norway.
| | - Andy Sombke
- Centre for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, Vienna, 1090, Austria.
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Austria.
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Lecaudey LA, Netzer R, Wibberg D, Busche T, Bloecher N. Metatranscriptome analysis reveals the putative venom toxin repertoire of the biofouling hydroid Ectopleura larynx. Toxicon 2024; 237:107556. [PMID: 38072317 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Cnidarians thriving in biofouling communities on aquaculture net pens represent a significant health risk for farmed finfish due to their stinging cells. The toxins coming into contact with the fish, during net cleaning, can adversely affect their behavior, welfare, and survival, with a particularly serious health risk for the gills, causing direct tissue damage such as formation of thrombi and increasing risks of secondary infections. The hydroid Ectopleura larynx is one of the most common fouling organisms in Northern Europe. However, despite its significant economic, environmental, and operational impact on finfish aquaculture, biological information on this species is scarce and its venom composition has never been investigated. In this study, we generated a whole transcriptome of E. larynx, and identified its putative expressed venom toxin proteins (predicted toxin proteins, not functionally characterized) based on in silico transcriptome annotation mining and protein sequence analysis. The results uncovered a broad and diverse repertoire of putative toxin proteins for this hydroid species. Its toxic arsenal appears to include a wide and complex selection of toxin proteins, covering a large panel of potential biological functions that play important roles in envenomation. The putative toxins identified in this species, such as neurotoxins, GTPase toxins, metalloprotease toxins, ion channel impairing toxins, hemorrhagic toxins, serine protease toxins, phospholipase toxins, pore-forming toxins, and multifunction toxins may cause various major deleterious effects in prey, predators, and competitors. These results provide valuable new insights into the venom composition of cnidarians, and venomous marine organisms in general, and offer new opportunities for further research into novel and valuable bioactive molecules for medicine, agronomics and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roman Netzer
- SINTEF Ocean, Aquaculture Department, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Daniel Wibberg
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany; Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 1, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Nina Bloecher
- SINTEF Ocean, Aquaculture Department, Brattørkaia 17c, 7010, Trondheim, Norway
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Lane AN, Nash PD, Ellsworth SA, Nystrom GS, Rokyta DR. The arylsulfatase- and phospholipase-rich venom of the plutoniumid centipede Theatops posticus. Toxicon 2023; 233:107231. [PMID: 37517595 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Research on centipede venoms has led to the discovery of a diverse array of novel proteins and peptides, including those with homology to previously discovered toxin families (e.g., phospholipase A2s and pM12a metalloproteases) and novel toxin families not previously detected in venoms (e.g., β-pore forming toxins and scoloptoxins). Most of this research has focused on centipedes in the order Scolopendromorpha, particularly those in the families Scolopendridae, Cryptopidae, and Scolopocryptopidae. To generate the first high-throughput venom characterization for a centipede in the scolopendromorph family Plutoniumidae, we performed venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics on two Theatops posticus. We identified a total of 64 venom toxins, 60 of which were detected in both the venom-gland transcriptome and venom proteome and four of which were only detected transcriptomically. We detected a single highly abundant arylsulfatase B (ARSB) toxin, the first ARSB toxin identified from centipede venoms. As ARSBs have been detected in other venomous species (e.g., scorpions), ARSBs in T. posticus highlights a new case of convergent evolution across venoms. Theatops posticus venom also contained a much higher abundance and diversity of phospholipase A2 toxins compared to other characterized centipede venoms. Conversely, we detected other common centipedes toxins, such as CAPs and scoloptoxins, at relatively low abundances and diversities. Our observation of a diverse set of toxins from T. posticus venom, including those from novel toxin families, emphasizes the importance of studying unexplored centipede taxonomic groups and the continued potential of centipede venoms for novel toxin discovery and unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying trait evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaliyah N Lane
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Pauline D Nash
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Schyler A Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Gunnar S Nystrom
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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Braden LM, Michaud D, Groman D, Byrne P, Hori TS, Fast MD. Rejection of Lepeophtheirus salmonis driven in part by chitin sensing is not impacted by seawater acclimitization in Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Sci Rep 2023; 13:9685. [PMID: 37322246 PMCID: PMC10272145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36632-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There is tremendous variation in life-history strategies among anadromous salmonids. Species that enter the ocean environment at small sizes (< 20 g) are likely under more physiological pressure from pathogens; however, little data is available on responses at these early stages. With this in mind, we performed salmon louse challenges with Coho salmon either immediately after seawater entry (SW; ca. 10 g) or after 30 days in SW (ca. 20 g). Irrespective of size or time in SW, parasites were rapidly rejected by the host, with > 90% of all parasites lost by 16 days post-infection (dpi). Rejection was concomitant with host epithelial granulomatous infiltrations that initially targeted the embedded frontal filament (4 dpi) and the entire parasite by 10 dpi. Illumina sequencing, followed by functional enrichment analysis, revealed a concerted defense response in the fin within 1 dpi that included multiple innate and adaptive immunity components. Strikingly, early indications of an allergic-type inflammatory response were associated with chitin sensing pathways orchestrated by early overexpression of the IgE-receptor, fcer1g. Additionally, there was profound overexpression of several classes of c-type lectin receptors, including dectin-2, mincle, and dc-sign at 1 dpi onward. These profiles and upregulation of cellular effector markers were corroborated by histopathological evaluation, revealing the simultaneous presence of mast cell/eosinophilic granular cells, sacciform cells, macrophages/histiocytes, and granulocytes in fin. At 10 dpi and concurrent with parasite expulsion, there was evidence of immunoregulation in addition to tissue remodelling pathways. At 16 dpi, the response was effectively abrogated. Simultaneous profiling of the parasite transcriptome revealed early induction of chitin metabolism and immunomodulation, toxin production and ECM degradation; however, after 7 dpi, these were replaced with overexpression of stress and immune defense genes. These data present the first evidence for Coho salmon demonstrating chitin- and sugar moiety-sensing as key drivers of salmon louse rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Braden
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
- Department of Fish Health and Molecular Biology, AquaBounty Canada, Souris, PE, Canada
| | - Dylan Michaud
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - David Groman
- Aquatic Diagnostic Services, Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - Phil Byrne
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | | | - Mark D Fast
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
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Nystrom GS, Ellsworth SA, Rokyta DR. The remarkably enzyme-rich venom of the Big Bend Scorpion (Diplocentrus whitei). Toxicon 2023; 226:107080. [PMID: 36907567 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have long been studied for their peptide discovery potential, with modern high-throughput venom-characterization techniques paving the way for the discovery of thousands of novel putative toxins. Research into these toxins has provided insight into the pathology and treatment of human diseases, even resulting in the development of one compound with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Although most of this research has focused on the toxins of scorpion species considered medically significant to humans, the venom of harmless scorpion species possess toxins that are homologous to those from medically significant species, indicating that harmless scorpion venoms may also serve as valuable sources of novel peptide variants. Furthermore, as harmless scorpions represent a vast majority of scorpion species diversity, and therefore venom toxin diversity, venoms from these species likely contain entirely new toxin classes. We sequenced the venom-gland transcriptome and venom proteome of two male Big Bend scorpions (Diplocentrus whitei), providing the first high-throughput venom characterization for a member of this genus. We identified a total of 82 toxins in the venom of D. whitei, 25 of which were identified in both the transcriptome and proteome, and 57 of which were only identified in the transcriptome. Furthermore, we identified a unique, enzyme-rich venom dominated by serine proteases and the first arylsulfatase B toxins identified in scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar S Nystrom
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Schyler A Ellsworth
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
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9
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Nkoh PBT, Mbenoun Masse PS, Tonga C, Tsila HG, Kekeunou S, Makon SD, Soh WT, Tcheugoué R, Lehman LG, Akono PN. Diversity and spatio‐temporal distribution of the myriapodofauna in four habitat types along an urban‐rural gradient in Douala (Littoral, Cameroon). Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Calvin Tonga
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science University of Douala Douala Cameroon
| | - Henri Gabriel Tsila
- Biology and Applied Ecology Research Unit, Faculty of Science University of Dschang Dschang Cameroon
| | - Sevilor Kekeunou
- Laboratory of Zoology, Faculty of Science University of Yaoundé I Yaoundé Cameroon
| | - Samuel Didier Makon
- Laboratory of Zoology, Faculty of Science University of Yaoundé I Yaoundé Cameroon
| | - Willy Teukam Soh
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science University of Douala Douala Cameroon
| | - Roland Tcheugoué
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science University of Douala Douala Cameroon
| | | | - Patrick Ntonga Akono
- Laboratory of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science University of Douala Douala Cameroon
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10
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Han Y, Kamau PM, Lai R, Luo L. Bioactive Peptides and Proteins from Centipede Venoms. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144423. [PMID: 35889297 PMCID: PMC9325314 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are a complex cocktail of biologically active molecules, including peptides, proteins, polyamide, and enzymes widely produced by venomous organisms. Through long-term evolution, venomous animals have evolved highly specific and diversified peptides and proteins targeting key physiological elements, including the nervous, blood, and muscular systems. Centipedes are typical venomous arthropods that rely on their toxins primarily for predation and defense. Although centipede bites are frequently reported, the composition and effect of centipede venoms are far from known. With the development of molecular biology and structural biology, the research on centipede venoms, especially peptides and proteins, has been deepened. Therefore, we summarize partial progress on the exploration of the bioactive peptides and proteins in centipede venoms and their potential value in pharmacological research and new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (L.L.)
| | - Lei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650107, China; (Y.H.); (P.M.K.)
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (L.L.)
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Feng M, Swevers L, Sun J. Hemocyte Clusters Defined by scRNA-Seq in Bombyx mori: In Silico Analysis of Predicted Marker Genes and Implications for Potential Functional Roles. Front Immunol 2022; 13:852702. [PMID: 35281044 PMCID: PMC8914287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.852702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the hemolymph, insect hemocytes constitute a heterogeneous population of macrophage-like cells that play important roles in innate immunity, homeostasis and development. Classification of hemocytes in different subtypes by size, morphology and biochemical or immunological markers has been difficult and only in Drosophila extensive genetic analysis allowed the construction of a coherent picture of hemocyte differentiation from pro-hemocytes to granulocytes, crystal cells and plasmatocytes. However, the advent of high-throughput single cell technologies, such as single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), is bound to have a high impact on the study of hemocytes subtypes and their phenotypes in other insects for which a sophisticated genetic toolbox is not available. Instead of averaging gene expression across all cells as occurs in bulk-RNA-seq, scRNA-seq allows high-throughput and specific visualization of the differentiation status of individual cells. With scRNA-seq, interesting cell types can be identified in heterogeneous populations and direct analysis of rare cell types is possible. Next to its ability to profile the transcriptomes of individual cells in tissue samples, scRNA-seq can be used to propose marker genes that are characteristic of different hemocyte subtypes and predict their functions. In this perspective, the identities of the different marker genes that were identified by scRNA-seq analysis to define 13 distinct cell clusters of hemocytes in larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, are discussed in detail. The analysis confirms the broad division of hemocytes in granulocytes, plasmatocytes, oenocytoids and perhaps spherulocytes but also reveals considerable complexity at the molecular level and highly specialized functions. In addition, predicted hemocyte marker genes in Bombyx generally show only limited convergence with the genes that are considered characteristic for hemocyte subtypes in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Xiao B, Guo Q, Zhai Y, Gu Z. Transcriptomic Insights into the Diversity and Evolution of Myxozoa (Cnidaria, Endocnidozoa) Toxin-like Proteins. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:291. [PMID: 35621942 PMCID: PMC9144971 DOI: 10.3390/md20050291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Myxozoa is a speciose group of endoparasitic cnidarians that can cause severe ecological and economic effects. Their cnidarian affinity is affirmed by genetic relatedness and the presence of nematocysts, historically called "polar capsules". Previous studies have revealed the presence of toxin-like proteins in myxozoans; however, the diversity and evolution of venom in Myxozoa are not fully understood. Here, we performed a comparative analysis using the newly sequenced transcriptomes of five Myxobolidae species as well as some public datasets. Toxin mining revealed that myxozoans have lost most of their toxin families, while most species retained Kunitz, M12B, and CRISP, which may play a role in endoparasitism. The venom composition of Endocnidozoa (Myxozoa + Polypodium) differs from that of free-living cnidarians and may be influenced by ecological and environmental factors. Phylogenetic analyses showed that toxin families of myxozoans and free-living cnidarians were clustered into different clades. Selection analyses showed that purifying selection was the dominant evolutionary pressure in toxins, while they were still influenced by episodic adaptive selection. This suggests that the potency or specificity of a particular toxin or species might increase. Overall, our findings provide a more comprehensive framework for understanding the diversity and evolution of Myxozoa venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xiao
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (B.X.); (Q.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qingxiang Guo
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (B.X.); (Q.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yanhua Zhai
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (B.X.); (Q.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zemao Gu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (B.X.); (Q.G.); (Y.Z.)
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430070, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, China
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13
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Contrasting patterns of venom regeneration in a centipede (Scolopendra viridis) and a scorpion (Centruroides hentzi). Toxicon 2022; 210:132-140. [PMID: 35245607 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
As biochemical traits with clear fitness consequences, venoms serve a critical ecological role for the animals that produce them. Understanding how venoms are maintained and regenerated after use will, therefore, provide valuable insight into the ecology of venomous animals. Furthermore, most studies on venomous organisms often require removing animals from the wild and waiting extended periods of time between venom extractions. Uncovering the patterns of venom regeneration across different species will likely lead to the development of more efficient venom extraction protocols, reducing both experimental time and the number of animals required. Using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, we identified asynchronous regeneration of venom protein component abundances in the centipede Scolopendra viridis but found no evidence for asynchronous venom regeneration in the scorpion Centruroides hentzi. We also observed high levels of intraspecific venom variation in C. hentzi, emphasizing the importance of testing for intraspecific venom variation in studies evaluating the synchronicity of venom regeneration. Although the regeneration of relative venom protein component abundances is an asynchronous process in S. viridis, we provide evidence that the presence-absence of major venom components is not an asynchronous process and suggest that studies relying on just the presence/absence of individual proteins (e.g. bioprospecting, drug discovery) could use catch-and-release methods of venom extraction to reduce the number of animals removed from the wild.
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14
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Khamtorn P, Peigneur S, Amorim FG, Quinton L, Tytgat J, Daduang S. De Novo Transcriptome Analysis of the Venom of Latrodectus geometricus with the Discovery of an Insect-Selective Na Channel Modulator. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010047. [PMID: 35011282 PMCID: PMC8746590 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus, is a predator of a variety of agricultural insects and is also hazardous for humans. Its venom is a true pharmacopeia representing neurotoxic peptides targeting the ion channels and/or receptors of both vertebrates and invertebrates. The lack of transcriptomic information, however, limits our knowledge of the diversity of components present in its venom. The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) carry out a transcriptomic analysis of the venom, and (2) investigate the bioactivity of the venom using an electrophysiological bioassay. From 32,505 assembled transcripts, 8 toxin families were classified, and the ankyrin repeats (ANK), agatoxin, centipede toxin, ctenitoxin, lycotoxin, scorpion toxin-like, and SCP families were reported in the L. geometricus venom gland. The diversity of L. geometricus venom was also uncovered by the transcriptomics approach with the presence of defensins, chitinases, translationally controlled tumor proteins (TCTPs), leucine-rich proteins, serine proteases, and other important venom components. The venom was also chromatographically purified, and the activity contained in the fractions was investigated using an electrophysiological bioassay with the use of a voltage clamp on ion channels in order to find if the neurotoxic effects of the spider venom could be linked to a particular molecular target. The findings show that U24-ctenitoxin-Pn1a involves the inhibition of the insect sodium (Nav) channels, BgNav and DmNav. This study provides an overview of the molecular diversity of L. geometricus venom, which can be used as a reference for the venom of other spider species. The venom composition profile also increases our knowledge for the development of novel insecticides targeting voltage-gated sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornsawan Khamtorn
- Program in Research and Development in Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Campus Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (F.G.A.); (L.Q.)
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (F.G.A.); (L.Q.)
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Campus Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products (CDR-HHP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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15
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De Lucca Caetano LH, Nishiyama-Jr MY, de Carvalho Lins Fernandes Távora B, de Oliveira UC, de Loiola Meirelles Junqueira-de-Azevedo I, Faquim-Mauro EL, Magalhães GS. Recombinant Production and Characterization of a New Toxin from Cryptops iheringi Centipede Venom Revealed by Proteome and Transcriptome Analysis. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:858. [PMID: 34941696 PMCID: PMC8704451 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the Chilopoda class of centipede, the Cryptops genus is one of the most associated with envenomation in humans in the metropolitan region of the state of São Paulo. To date, there is no study in the literature about the toxins present in its venom. Thus, in this work, a transcriptomic characterization of the Cryptops iheringi venom gland, as well as a proteomic analysis of its venom, were performed to obtain a toxin profile of this species. These methods indicated that 57.9% of the sequences showed to be putative toxins unknown in public databases; among them, we pointed out a novel putative toxin named Cryptoxin-1. The recombinant form of this new toxin was able to promote edema in mice footpads with massive neutrophils infiltration, linking this toxin to envenomation symptoms observed in accidents with humans. Our findings may elucidate the role of this toxin in the venom, as well as the possibility to explore other proteins found in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lhiri Hanna De Lucca Caetano
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.H.D.L.C.); (B.d.C.L.F.T.); (E.L.F.-M.)
| | - Milton Yutaka Nishiyama-Jr
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (M.Y.N.-J.); (U.C.d.O.); (I.d.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | | | - Ursula Castro de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (M.Y.N.-J.); (U.C.d.O.); (I.d.L.M.J.-d.-A.)
| | | | - Eliana L. Faquim-Mauro
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.H.D.L.C.); (B.d.C.L.F.T.); (E.L.F.-M.)
| | - Geraldo Santana Magalhães
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (L.H.D.L.C.); (B.d.C.L.F.T.); (E.L.F.-M.)
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16
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Identification of Novel Toxin Genes from the Stinging Nettle Caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799): Insights into the Evolution of Lepidoptera Toxins. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050396. [PMID: 33946702 PMCID: PMC8145965 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Many caterpillar species can produce toxins that cause harmful reactions to humans, varying from mild irritation to death. Currently, there is very limited knowledge about caterpillar toxin diversity, because only a few species have been investigated. We used the transcriptome technique to identify candidate toxin genes from the nettle caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). It is a common pest of oil palm, coconut, and mango in South and South-East Asia, which can cause severe pain and allergic responses to those in contact with them. We reported 168 candidate toxin genes. Most of them are members of the toxin genes families commonly recruited in animal venoms such as serine protease and serine protease inhibitors. However, we identified 21 novel genes encoding knottin-like peptides expressed at a high level in the transcriptome. Their predicted 3D structures are similar to neurotoxins in scorpion and tarantula. Our study suggests that P. lepida venom contains diverse toxin proteins that potentially cause allergic reactions and pain. This study sheds light on the hidden diversity of toxin proteins in caterpillar lineage, which could be future fruitful new drug sources. Abstract Many animal species can produce venom for defense, predation, and competition. The venom usually contains diverse peptide and protein toxins, including neurotoxins, proteolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors, and allergens. Some drugs for cancer, neurological disorders, and analgesics were developed based on animal toxin structures and functions. Several caterpillar species possess venoms that cause varying effects on humans both locally and systemically. However, toxins from only a few species have been investigated, limiting the full understanding of the Lepidoptera toxin diversity and evolution. We used the RNA-seq technique to identify toxin genes from the stinging nettle caterpillar, Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). We constructed a transcriptome from caterpillar urticating hairs and reported 34,968 unique transcripts. Using our toxin gene annotation pipeline, we identified 168 candidate toxin genes, including protease inhibitors, proteolytic enzymes, and allergens. The 21 P. lepida novel Knottin-like peptides, which do not show sequence similarity to any known peptide, have predicted 3D structures similar to tarantula, scorpion, and cone snail neurotoxins. We highlighted the importance of convergent evolution in the Lepidoptera toxin evolution and the possible mechanisms. This study opens a new path to understanding the hidden diversity of Lepidoptera toxins, which could be a fruitful source for developing new drugs.
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17
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Production, composition, and mode of action of the painful defensive venom produced by a limacodid caterpillar, Doratifera vulnerans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2023815118. [PMID: 33893140 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023815118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms have evolved independently several times in Lepidoptera. Limacodidae is a family with worldwide distribution, many of which are venomous in the larval stage, but the composition and mode of action of their venom is unknown. Here, we use imaging technologies, transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional assays to provide a holistic picture of the venom system of a limacodid caterpillar, Doratifera vulnerans Contrary to dogma that defensive venoms are simple in composition, D. vulnerans produces a complex venom containing 151 proteinaceous toxins spanning 59 families, most of which are peptides <10 kDa. Three of the most abundant families of venom peptides (vulnericins) are 1) analogs of the adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related neuropeptide, some of which are picomolar agonists of the endogenous insect receptor; 2) linear cationic peptides derived from cecropin, an insect innate immune peptide that kills bacteria and parasites by disrupting cell membranes; and 3) disulfide-rich knottins similar to those that dominate spider venoms. Using venom fractionation and a suite of synthetic venom peptides, we demonstrate that the cecropin-like peptides are responsible for the dominant pain effect observed in mammalian in vitro and in vivo nociception assays and therefore are likely to cause pain after natural envenomations by D. vulnerans Our data reveal convergent molecular evolution between limacodids, hymenopterans, and arachnids and demonstrate that lepidopteran venoms are an untapped source of novel bioactive peptides.
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18
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Amreen Nisa S, Vinu D, Krupakar P, Govindaraju K, Sharma D, Vivek R. Jellyfish venom proteins and their pharmacological potentials: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 176:424-436. [PMID: 33581202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several research in the organisms of marine invertebrates to assess the medicinal ability of its bio-active molecules have yielded very positive results in recent times. Jellyfish secreted venoms are rich sources of toxins intended to catch prey or deter predators among invertebrate species, but they may also have harmful effects on humans. The nematocyst, a complex intracellular system that injects a venomous mixture into prey or predators that come into contact with the tentacles or other parts of the body of cnidarians, determines the venomous existence of cnidarians. Nematocyst venoms are mixtures of peptides, proteins and other components that in laboratory animals can induce cytotoxicity, blockade of ion channels, membrane pore formation, in vivo cardiovascular failure and lethal effects. There are also valuable pharmacological and biological aspects of jellyfish venoms. In the present review, overviews of the variety of possible toxin families in cnidarian venoms are addressed in this analysis and these potential toxins are surveyed with those from other cnidarians that offer insight into their potential functions such as anti-oxidant, anti-cancer activity and much more. This research review will provide awareness of the growing repertoire of jellyfish venom proteins and will help to further isolate and classify particular proteins to understand its structure and functional relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Amreen Nisa
- Centre for Ocean Research, MoES - Earth Science and Technology Cell (ESTC), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, India.
| | - D Vinu
- Centre for Ocean Research, MoES - Earth Science and Technology Cell (ESTC), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, India.
| | - P Krupakar
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Development, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, India.
| | - K Govindaraju
- Centre for Ocean Research, MoES - Earth Science and Technology Cell (ESTC), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, India.
| | - D Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, India.
| | - Rahul Vivek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-, Madison, WI, USA.
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19
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Phylogenetic analyses suggest centipede venom arsenals were repeatedly stocked by horizontal gene transfer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:818. [PMID: 33547293 PMCID: PMC7864903 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21093-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms have evolved over a hundred times in animals. Venom toxins are thought to evolve mostly by recruitment of endogenous proteins with physiological functions. Here we report phylogenetic analyses of venom proteome-annotated venom gland transcriptome data, assisted by genomic analyses, to show that centipede venoms have recruited at least five gene families from bacterial and fungal donors, involving at least eight horizontal gene transfer events. These results establish centipedes as currently the only known animals with venoms used in predation and defence that contain multiple gene families derived from horizontal gene transfer. The results also provide the first evidence for the implication of horizontal gene transfer in the evolutionary origin of venom in an animal lineage. Three of the bacterial gene families encode virulence factors, suggesting that horizontal gene transfer can provide a fast track channel for the evolution of novelty by the exaptation of bacterial weapons into animal venoms.
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20
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Li X, Yang H, Han Y, Yin S, Shen B, Wu Y, Li W, Cao Z. Tick peptides evoke itch by activating MrgprC11/MRGPRX1 to sensitize TRPV1 in pruriceptors. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 147:2236-2248.e16. [PMID: 33358893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.12.626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick bites severely threaten human health because they allow the transmission of many deadly pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Pruritus is a leading symptom of tick bites, but its molecular and neural bases remain elusive. OBJECTIVES This study sought to discover potent drugs and targets for the specific prevention and treatment of tick bite-induced pruritus and arthropod-related itch. METHODS We used live-cell calcium imaging, patch-clamp recordings, and genetic ablation and evaluated mouse behavior to investigate the molecular and neural bases of tick bite-induced pruritus. RESULTS We found that 2 tick salivary peptides, IP defensin 1 (IPDef1) and IR defensin 2 (IRDef2), induced itch in mice. IPDef1 was further revealed to have a stronger pruritogenic potential than IRDef2 and to induce pruritus in a histamine-independent manner. IPDef1 evoked itch by activating mouse MrgprC11 and human MRGPRX1 on dorsal root ganglion neurons. IPDef1-activated MrgprC11/X1 signaling sensitized downstream ion channel TRPV1 on dorsal root ganglion neurons. Moreover, IPDef1 also activated mouse MrgprB2 and its ortholog human MRGPRX2 selectively expressed on mast cells, inducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and driving acute inflammation in mice, although mast cell activation did not contribute to oxidated IPDef1-induced itch. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies tick salivary peptides as a new class of pruritogens that initiate itch through MrgprC11/X1-TRPV1 signaling in pruritoceptors. Our work will provide potential drug targets for the prevention and treatment of pruritus induced by the bites or stings of tick and maybe other arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shijin Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingzheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research, Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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21
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Walker AA, Robinson SD, Hamilton BF, Undheim EAB, King GF. Deadly Proteomes: A Practical Guide to Proteotranscriptomics of Animal Venoms. Proteomics 2020; 20:e1900324. [PMID: 32820606 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201900324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Animal venoms are renowned for their toxicity, biochemical complexity, and as a source of compounds with potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Polypeptides underlie much of the pharmacology of animal venoms, and elucidating these arsenals of polypeptide toxins-known as the venom proteome or venome-is an important step in venom research. Proteomics is used for the identification of venom toxins, determination of their primary structure including post-translational modifications, as well as investigations into the physiology underlying their production and delivery. Advances in proteomics and adjacent technologies has led to a recent upsurge in publications reporting venom proteomes. Improved mass spectrometers, better proteomic workflows, and the integration of next-generation sequencing of venom-gland transcriptomes and venomous animal genomes allow quicker and more accurate profiling of venom proteomes with greatly reduced starting material. Technologies such as imaging mass spectrometry are revealing additional insights into the mechanism, location, and kinetics of venom toxin production. However, these numerous new developments may be overwhelming for researchers designing venom proteome studies. Here, the field of venom proteomics is reviewed and some practical solutions for simplifying mass spectrometry workflows to study animal venoms are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Brett F Hamilton
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, NTNU, Trondheim, 7491, Norway.,Department of Bioscience, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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22
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von Reumont BM, Lüddecke T, Timm T, Lochnit G, Vilcinskas A, von Döhren J, Nilsson MA. Proteo-Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies Potential Novel Toxins Secreted by the Predatory, Prey-Piercing Ribbon Worm Amphiporus lactifloreus. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18080407. [PMID: 32752210 PMCID: PMC7460313 DOI: 10.3390/md18080407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemerteans (ribbon worms) employ toxins to subdue their prey, but research thus far has focused on the small-molecule components of mucus secretions and few protein toxins have been characterized. We carried out a preliminary proteotranscriptomic analysis of putative toxins produced by the hoplonemertean Amphiporus lactifloreus (Hoplonemertea, Amphiporidae). No variants were found of known nemertean-specific toxin proteins (neurotoxins, cytotoxins, parbolysins or nemertides) but several toxin-like transcripts were discovered, expressed strongly in the proboscis, including putative metalloproteinases and sequences resembling sea anemone actitoxins, crown-of-thorn sea star plancitoxins, and multiple classes of inhibitor cystine knot/knottin family proteins. Some of these products were also directly identified in the mucus proteome, supporting their preliminary identification as secreted toxin components. Two new nemertean-typical toxin candidates could be described and were named U-nemertotoxin-1 and U-nemertotoxin-2. Our findings provide insight into the largely overlooked venom system of nemerteans and support a hypothesis in which the nemertean proboscis evolved in several steps from a flesh-melting organ in scavenging nemerteans to a flesh-melting and toxin-secreting venom apparatus in hunting hoplonemerteans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Marcus von Reumont
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Heinrich Buff Ring 26–32, 35392 Gießen, Germany;
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.L.); (M.A.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-993-9503
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.L.); (M.A.N.)
- Branch Bioressources, Department Animal Venomics, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Timm
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (T.T.); (G.L.)
| | - Günter Lochnit
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (T.T.); (G.L.)
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Heinrich Buff Ring 26–32, 35392 Gießen, Germany;
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.L.); (M.A.N.)
- Branch Bioressources, Department Animal Venomics, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jörn von Döhren
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Maria A. Nilsson
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; (T.L.); (M.A.N.)
- Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Liu ZL, Hu JH, Jiang F, Wu YD. CRiSP: accurate structure prediction of disulfide-rich peptides with cystine-specific sequence alignment and machine learning. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:3385-3392. [PMID: 32215567 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION High-throughput sequencing discovers many naturally occurring disulfide-rich peptides or cystine-rich peptides (CRPs) with diversified bioactivities. However, their structure information, which is very important to peptide drug discovery, is still very limited. RESULTS We have developed a CRP-specific structure prediction method called Cystine-Rich peptide Structure Prediction (CRiSP), based on a customized template database with cystine-specific sequence alignment and three machine-learning predictors. The modeling accuracy is significantly better than several popular general-purpose structure modeling methods, and our CRiSP can provide useful model quality estimations. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The CRiSP server is freely available on the website at http://wulab.com.cn/CRISP. CONTACT wuyd@pkusz.edu.cn or jiangfan@pku.edu.cn. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Lin Liu
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jing-Hao Hu
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.,College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.,NanoAI Biotech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Yun-Dong Wu
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.,College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Chu Y, Qiu P, Yu R. Centipede Venom Peptides Acting on Ion Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040230. [PMID: 32260499 PMCID: PMC7232367 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Centipedes are among the oldest venomous arthropods that use their venom to subdue the prey. The major components of centipede venom are a variety of low-molecular-weight peptide toxins that have evolved to target voltage-gated ion channels to interfere with the central system of prey and produce pain or paralysis for efficient hunting. Peptide toxins usually contain several intramolecular disulfide bonds, which confer chemical, thermal and biological stability. In addition, centipede peptides generally have novel structures and high potency and specificity and therefore hold great promise both as diagnostic tools and in the treatment of human disease. Here, we review the centipede peptide toxins with reported effects on ion channels, including Nav, Kv, Cav and the nonselective cation channel polymodal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).
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Affiliation(s)
- YanYan Chu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (R.Y.)
| | - PeiJu Qiu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - RiLei Yu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China;
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Innovation Center for Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (R.Y.)
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25
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Jenner RA, von Reumont BM, Campbell LI, Undheim EAB. Parallel Evolution of Complex Centipede Venoms Revealed by Comparative Proteotranscriptomic Analyses. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:2748-2763. [PMID: 31396628 PMCID: PMC6878950 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Centipedes are among the most ancient groups of venomous predatory arthropods. Extant species belong to five orders, but our understanding of the composition and evolution of centipede venoms is based almost exclusively on one order, Scolopendromorpha. To gain a broader and less biased understanding we performed a comparative proteotranscriptomic analysis of centipede venoms from all five orders, including the first venom profiles for the orders Lithobiomorpha, Craterostigmomorpha, and Geophilomorpha. Our results reveal an astonishing structural diversity of venom components, with 93 phylogenetically distinct protein and peptide families. Proteomically-annotated gene trees of these putative toxin families show that centipede venom composition is highly dynamic across macroevolutionary timescales, with numerous gene duplications as well as functional recruitments and losses of toxin gene families. Strikingly, not a single family is found in the venoms of representatives of all five orders, with 67 families being unique for single orders. Ancestral state reconstructions reveal that centipede venom originated as a simple cocktail comprising just four toxin families, with very little compositional evolution happening during the approximately 50 My before the living orders had diverged. Venom complexity then increased in parallel within the orders, with scolopendromorphs evolving particularly complex venoms. Our results show that even venoms composed of toxins evolving under the strong constraint of negative selection can have striking evolutionary plasticity on the compositional level. We show that the functional recruitments and losses of toxin families that shape centipede venom arsenals are not concentrated early in their evolutionary history, but happen frequently throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A Jenner
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bjoern M von Reumont
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Animal Venomics, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lahcen I Campbell
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, The European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Centre for Ecology and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Bioscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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26
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Schendel V, Rash LD, Jenner RA, Undheim EAB. The Diversity of Venom: The Importance of Behavior and Venom System Morphology in Understanding Its Ecology and Evolution. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E666. [PMID: 31739590 PMCID: PMC6891279 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms are one of the most convergent of animal traits known, and encompass a much greater taxonomic and functional diversity than is commonly appreciated. This knowledge gap limits the potential of venom as a model trait in evolutionary biology. Here, we summarize the taxonomic and functional diversity of animal venoms and relate this to what is known about venom system morphology, venom modulation, and venom pharmacology, with the aim of drawing attention to the importance of these largely neglected aspects of venom research. We find that animals have evolved venoms at least 101 independent times and that venoms play at least 11 distinct ecological roles in addition to predation, defense, and feeding. Comparisons of different venom systems suggest that morphology strongly influences how venoms achieve these functions, and hence is an important consideration for understanding the molecular evolution of venoms and their toxins. Our findings also highlight the need for more holistic studies of venom systems and the toxins they contain. Greater knowledge of behavior, morphology, and ecologically relevant toxin pharmacology will improve our understanding of the evolution of venoms and their toxins, and likely facilitate exploration of their potential as sources of molecular tools and therapeutic and agrochemical lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Schendel
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Lachlan D. Rash
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Ronald A. Jenner
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK;
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
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27
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Nystrom GS, Ward MJ, Ellsworth SA, Rokyta DR. Sex-based venom variation in the eastern bark centipede (Hemiscolopendra marginata). Toxicon 2019; 169:45-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Hadrurid Scorpion Toxins: Evolutionary Conservation and Selective Pressures. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11110637. [PMID: 31683932 PMCID: PMC6891616 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11110637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion toxins are thought to have originated from ancestral housekeeping genes that underwent diversification and neofunctionalization, as a result of positive selection. Our understanding of the evolutionary origin of these peptides is hindered by the patchiness of existing taxonomic sampling. While recent studies have shown phylogenetic inertia in some scorpion toxins at higher systematic levels, evolutionary dynamics of toxins among closely related taxa remain unexplored. In this study, we used new and previously published transcriptomic resources to assess evolutionary relationships of closely related scorpions from the family Hadruridae and their toxins. In addition, we surveyed the incidence of scorpine-like peptides (SLP, a type of potassium channel toxin), which were previously known from 21 scorpion species. We demonstrate that scorpine-like peptides exhibit gene duplications. Our molecular analyses demonstrate that only eight sites of two SLP copies found in scorpions are evolving under positive selection, with more sites evolving under negative selection, in contrast to previous findings. These results show evolutionary conservation in toxin diversity at shallow taxonomic scale.
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Drukewitz SH, Bokelmann L, Undheim EAB, von Reumont BM. Toxins from scratch? Diverse, multimodal gene origins in the predatory robber fly Dasypogon diadema indicate a dynamic venom evolution in dipteran insects. Gigascience 2019; 8:giz081. [PMID: 31289835 PMCID: PMC6615979 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giz081] [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: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venoms and the toxins they contain represent molecular adaptations that have evolved on numerous occasions throughout the animal kingdom. However, the processes that shape venom protein evolution are poorly understood because of the scarcity of whole-genome data available for comparative analyses of venomous species. RESULTS We performed a broad comparative toxicogenomic analysis to gain insight into the genomic mechanisms of venom evolution in robber flies (Asilidae). We first sequenced a high-quality draft genome of the hymenopteran hunting robber fly Dasypogon diadema, analysed its venom by a combined proteotranscriptomic approach, and compared our results with recently described robber fly venoms to assess the general composition and major components of asilid venom. We then applied a comparative genomics approach, based on 1 additional asilid genome, 10 high-quality dipteran genomes, and 2 lepidopteran outgroup genomes, to reveal the evolutionary mechanisms and origins of identified venom proteins in robber flies. CONCLUSIONS While homologues were identified for 15 of 30 predominant venom protein in the non-asilid genomes, the remaining 15 highly expressed venom proteins appear to be unique to robber flies. Our results reveal that the venom of D. diadema likely evolves in a multimodal fashion comprising (i) neofunctionalization after gene duplication, (ii) expression-dependent co-option of proteins, and (iii) asilid lineage-specific orphan genes with enigmatic origin. The role of such orphan genes is currently being disputed in evolutionary genomics but has not been discussed in the context of toxin evolution. Our results display an unexpected dynamic venom evolution in asilid insects, which contrasts the findings of the only other insect toxicogenomic evolutionary analysis, in parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera), where toxin evolution is dominated by single gene co-option. These findings underpin the significance of further genomic studies to cover more neglected lineages of venomous taxa and to understand the importance of orphan genes as possible drivers for venom evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Holger Drukewitz
- Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Talstrasse 33, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Project group Bioresources, Animal Venomics, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchesterstrasse 2, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Lukas Bokelmann
- Evolutionary Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Ecology and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Björn M von Reumont
- Project group Bioresources, Animal Venomics, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchesterstrasse 2, 35392 Gießen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich Buff Ring 58, 35394 Gießen, Germany
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Convergent recruitment of adamalysin-like metalloproteases in the venom of the red bark centipede (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus). Toxicon 2019; 168:1-15. [PMID: 31229627 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many venom proteins have presumably been convergently recruited by taxa from diverse venomous lineages. These toxic proteins have characteristics that allow them to remain stable in solution and have a high propensity for toxic effects on prey and/or potential predators. Despite this well-established convergent toxin recruitment, some toxins seem to be lineage specific. To further investigate the toxic proteins found throughout venomous lineages, venom proteomics and venom-gland transcriptomics were performed on two individual red bark centipedes (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus). Combining the protein phenotype with the transcript genotype resulted in the first in-depth venom characterization of S. sexspinosus, including 72 venom components that were identified in both the transcriptome and proteome and 1468 nontoxin transcripts identified in the transcriptome. Ten different toxin families were represented in the venom and venom gland with the majority of the toxins belonging to metalloproteases, CAPS (cysteine-rich secretory protein, antigen 5, and pathogenesis-related 1 proteins), and β-pore-forming toxins. Nine of these toxin families shared a similar proteomic structure to venom proteins previously identified from other centipedes. However, the most highly expressed toxin family, the adamalysin-like metalloproteases, has until now only been observed in the venom of snakes. We confirmed adamalysin-like metalloprotease activity by means of in vivo functional assays. The recruitment of an adamalysin-like metalloprotease into centipede venom represents a striking case of convergent evolution.
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Madio B, King GF, Undheim EAB. Sea Anemone Toxins: A Structural Overview. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E325. [PMID: 31159357 PMCID: PMC6627431 DOI: 10.3390/md17060325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones produce venoms of exceptional molecular diversity, with at least 17 different molecular scaffolds reported to date. These venom components have traditionally been classified according to pharmacological activity and amino acid sequence. However, this classification system suffers from vulnerabilities due to functional convergence and functional promiscuity. Furthermore, for most known sea anemone toxins, the exact receptors they target are either unknown, or at best incomplete. In this review, we first provide an overview of the sea anemone venom system and then focus on the venom components. We have organised the venom components by distinguishing firstly between proteins and non-proteinaceous compounds, secondly between enzymes and other proteins without enzymatic activity, then according to the structural scaffold, and finally according to molecular target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Madio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- Centre for Ecology and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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32
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Drukewitz SH, von Reumont BM. The Significance of Comparative Genomics in Modern Evolutionary Venomics. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Surm JM, Smith HL, Madio B, Undheim EA, King GF, Hamilton BR, Burg CA, Pavasovic A, Prentis PJ. A process of convergent amplification and tissue‐specific expression dominates the evolution of toxin and toxin‐like genes in sea anemones. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:2272-2289. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim M. Surm
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove Queensland Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove Queensland Australia
| | - Hayden L. Smith
- Science and Engineering Faculty, School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Institute for Future Environments Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Bruno Madio
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Eivind A.B. Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging University of Queensland Saint Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Brett R. Hamilton
- Centre for Advanced Imaging University of Queensland Saint Lucia Queensland Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis University of Queensland Saint Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Chloé A. Burg
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove Queensland Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove Queensland Australia
| | - Ana Pavasovic
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove Queensland Australia
| | - Peter J. Prentis
- Science and Engineering Faculty, School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Institute for Future Environments Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Haney RA, Matte T, Forsyth FS, Garb JE. Alternative Transcription at Venom Genes and Its Role as a Complementary Mechanism for the Generation of Venom Complexity in the Common House Spider. Front Ecol Evol 2019; 7. [PMID: 31431897 PMCID: PMC6700725 DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex composition of venom, a proteinaceous secretion used by
diverse animal groups for predation or defense, is typically viewed as being
driven by gene duplication in conjunction with positive selection, leading to
large families of diversified toxins with selective venom gland expression. Yet,
the production of alternative transcripts at venom genes is often overlooked as
another potentially important process that could contribute proteins to venom,
and requires comprehensive datasets integrating genome and transcriptome
sequences together with proteomic characterization of venom to be fully
documented. In the common house spider, Parasteatoda
tepidariorum, we used RNA sequencing of four tissue types in
conjunction with the sequenced genome to provide a comprehensive transcriptome
annotation. We also used mass spectrometry to identify a minimum of 99 distinct
proteins in P tepidariorum venom, including at least 33
latrotoxins, pore-forming neurotoxins shared with the confamilial black widow.
We found that venom proteins are much more likely to come from multiple
transcript genes, whose transcripts produced distinct protein sequences. The
presence of multiple distinct proteins in venom from transcripts at individual
genes was confirmed for eight loci by mass spectrometry, and is possible at 21
others. Alternative transcripts from the same gene, whether encoding or not
encoding a protein found in venom, showed a range of expression patterns, but
were not necessarily restricted to the venom gland. However, approximately half
of venom protein encoding transcripts were found among the 1,318 transcripts
with strongly venom gland biased expression. Our findings revealed an important
role for alternative transcription in generating venom protein complexity and
expanded the traditional model of venom evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Haney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Taylor Matte
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Boston University, Medical, Boston, MA, United States
| | - FitzAnthony S Forsyth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Jessica E Garb
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
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Li A, Yu H, Li R, Liu S, Xing R, Li P. Inhibitory Effect of Metalloproteinase Inhibitors on Skin Cell Inflammation Induced by Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai Nematocyst Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E156. [PMID: 30857352 PMCID: PMC6468808 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11030156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Jellyfish envenomations result in extensive dermatological symptoms, clinically named as jellyfish dermatitis, which can seriously affect the daily activities and physical health of people. Inflammatory response accompanies the whole process of jellyfish dermatitis and the complexity of jellyfish venom components makes it difficult to treat jellyfish dermatitis symptoms effectively. Moreover, inhibiting inflammation is essential for the treatment of jellyfish stings and exploring the main components of jellyfish venom that cause inflammation is an urgent research area. In this study, the inhibitory effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors for venom-induced inflammation were explored at a cellular level. The expression of the three inflammatory factors, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 in two skin cell lines, human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and human embryonic skin fibroblasts cells (CCC-ESF-1), at the cellular level, after treatment with the inhibitors of jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai (N. nomurai) nematocyst venom (NnNV-I), were determined. The results showed that inhibitors of MMP can significantly reduce the toxic effects of jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai nematocyst venom (NnNV) to skin cells. The expression levels of the three inflammatory factors IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α in the cells were also significantly decreased, indicating that MMPs in jellyfish venom are probably vital factors leading to jellyfish dermatitis. This study is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of jellyfish stings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- College of life sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Huahua Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Rongfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Song Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Ronge Xing
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Dunbar JP, Sulpice R, Dugon MM. The kiss of (cell) death: can venom-induced immune response contribute to dermal necrosis following arthropod envenomations? Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019; 57:677-685. [PMID: 30806093 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1578367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Snakes, insects, arachnids and myriapods have been linked to necrosis following envenomation. However, the pathways involved in arthropod venom-induced necrosis remain a highly controversial topic among toxinologists, clinicians and the public. On the one hand, clinicians report on alleged envenomations based on symptoms and the victims' information. On the other hand, toxinologists and zoologists argue that symptoms are incompatible with the known venom activity of target species. This review draws from the literature on arthropod envenomations, snakebite, and inflammatory processes to suggest that envenomation by a range of organisms might trigger an intense inflammatory cascade that ultimately lead to necrosis. If confirmed, these processes would have important implications for the treatment of venom-induced necrosis. Objectives: To describe two inflammatory pathways of regulated necrosis, tumour necrosis factor (necroptosis) and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETosis); to discuss existing knowledge about snake venom and arachnid-induced necrosis demonstrating the involvement of tumour necrosis factor and neutrophils in the development of tissue necrosis following envenomation and to contribute to the understanding of venom-induced necrosis by arthropods and provide clinicians with an insight into little known inflammatory processes which may occur post envenomation. Methods: ISI Web of Science databases were searched using the terms "spider bite necrosis", "arthropod envenomation necrosis", "venom necrosis", "venom immune response", "loxoscelism", "arachnidism", "necroptosis venom", "necroptosis dermatitis", "tumour necrosis factor TNF venom", "scorpionism", "scolopendrism", "centipede necrosis", "NETosis venom", "NETosis necrosis". Searches produced 1737 non-duplicate citations of which 74 were considered relevant to this manuscript. Non-peer-reviewed sources or absence of voucher material identifying the organism were excluded. What is necrosis? Necrosis is the breakdown of cell membrane integrity followed by inflowing extracellular fluid, organelle swelling and the release of proteolytic enzymes into the cytosol. Necrosis was historically considered an unregulated process; however, recent studies demonstrate that necrosis can also be a programmed event resulting from a controlled immune response (necroptosis). Tumour necrosis factor and the necroptosis pathway: Tumour necrosis factor is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in regulating immune response, inflammation and cell death/survival. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α participates in the development of necrosis after envenomation by vipers. Treatment with TNF-α-antibodies may significantly reduce the manifestation of necrosis. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and the NETosis pathway: The process by which neutrophils discharge a mesh of DNA strands in the extracellular matrix to entangle ("trap") pathogens, preventing them from disseminating. Neutrophil Extracellular Traps have been recently described as important in venom-induced necrosis. Trapped venom accumulates at the bite site, resulting in significant localized necrosis. Arthropod venom driving necrosis: Insects, myriapods and arachnids can induce necrosis following envenomation. So far, the processes involved have only been investigated in two arachnids: Loxosceles spp. (recluse spiders) and Hemiscorpius lepturus (scorpion). Loxosceles venom contains phospholipases D which hydrolyse sphingomyelin, resulting in lysis of muscle fibers. Subsequently liberated ceramides act as intermediaries that regulate TNF-α and recruit neutrophils. Experiments show that immune-deficient mice injected with Loxosceles venom experience less venom-induced inflammatory response and survive longer than control mice. Necrosis following Hemiscorpius lepturus stings correlates with elevated concentrations of TNF-α. These observations suggest that necrosis may be indirectly triggered or worsened by pathways of regulated necrosis in addition to necrotic venom compounds. Conclusions: Envenomation often induce an intense inflammatory cascade, which under certain circumstances may produce necrotic lesions independently from direct venom activity. This could explain the inconsistent and circumstantial occurrence of necrosis following envenomation by a range of organisms. Future research should focus on identifying pathways to regulated necrosis following envenomation and determining more efficient ways to manage inflammation. We suggest that clinicians should consider the victim's immune response as an integral part of the envenomation syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Dunbar
- a Venom Systems and Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences , Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway , Galway , Ireland
| | - Ronan Sulpice
- b Plant Systems Biology Laboratory , Plant AgriBiosciences Research Centre, School of Natural Science, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway , Galway , Ireland
| | - Michel M Dugon
- a Venom Systems and Proteomics Lab, School of Natural Sciences , Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway , Galway , Ireland
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Du C, Li J, Shao Z, Mwangi J, Xu R, Tian H, Mo G, Lai R, Yang S. Centipede KCNQ Inhibitor SsTx Also Targets K V1.3. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11020076. [PMID: 30717088 PMCID: PMC6409716 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It was recently discovered that Ssm Spooky Toxin (SsTx) with 53 residues serves as a key killer factor in red-headed centipede’s venom arsenal, due to its potent blockage of the widely expressed KCNQ channels to simultaneously and efficiently disrupt cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and nervous systems, suggesting that SsTx is a basic compound for centipedes’ defense and predation. Here, we show that SsTx also inhibits KV1.3 channel, which would amplify the broad-spectrum disruptive effect of blocking KV7 channels. Interestingly, residue R12 in SsTx extends into the selectivity filter to block KV7.4, however, residue K11 in SsTx replaces this ploy when toxin binds on KV1.3. Both SsTx and its mutant SsTx_R12A inhibit cytokines production in T cells without affecting the level of KV1.3 expression. The results further suggest that SsTx is a key molecule for defense and predation in the centipedes’ venoms and it evolves efficient strategy to disturb multiple physiological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canwei Du
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiameng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zicheng Shao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - James Mwangi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100009, China.
| | - Runjia Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Huiwen Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guoxiang Mo
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ren Lai
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
| | - Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China.
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
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Dash TS, Shafee T, Harvey PJ, Zhang C, Peigneur S, Deuis JR, Vetter I, Tytgat J, Anderson MA, Craik DJ, Durek T, Undheim EAB. A Centipede Toxin Family Defines an Ancient Class of CSαβ Defensins. Structure 2018; 27:315-326.e7. [PMID: 30554841 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Disulfide-rich peptides (DRPs) play diverse physiological roles and have emerged as attractive sources of pharmacological tools and drug leads. Here we describe the 3D structure of a centipede venom peptide, U-SLPTX15-Sm2a, whose family defines a unique class of one of the most widespread DRP folds known, the cystine-stabilized α/β fold (CSαβ). This class, which we have named the two-disulfide CSαβ fold (2ds-CSαβ), contains only two internal disulfide bonds as opposed to at least three in all other confirmed CSαβ peptides, and constitutes one of the major neurotoxic peptide families in centipede venoms. We show the 2ds-CSαβ is widely distributed outside centipedes and is likely an ancient fold predating the split between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Our results provide insights into the ancient evolutionary history of a widespread DRP fold and highlight the usefulness of 3D structures as evolutionary tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Dash
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Shafee
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Marilyn A Anderson
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Ombati R, Luo L, Yang S, Lai R. Centipede envenomation: Clinical importance and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Toxicon 2018; 154:60-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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40
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Robinson SD, Mueller A, Clayton D, Starobova H, Hamilton BR, Payne RJ, Vetter I, King GF, Undheim EAB. A comprehensive portrait of the venom of the giant red bull ant, Myrmecia gulosa, reveals a hyperdiverse hymenopteran toxin gene family. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaau4640. [PMID: 30214940 PMCID: PMC6135544 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau4640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are diverse and ubiquitous, and their ability to sting is familiar to many of us. However, their venoms remain largely unstudied. We provide the first comprehensive characterization of a polypeptidic ant venom, that of the giant red bull ant, Myrmecia gulosa. We reveal a suite of novel peptides with a range of posttranslational modifications, including disulfide bond formation, dimerization, and glycosylation. One venom peptide has sequence features consistent with an epidermal growth factor fold, while the remaining peptides have features suggestive of a capacity to form amphipathic helices. We show that these peptides are derived from what appears to be a single, pharmacologically diverse, gene superfamily (aculeatoxins) that includes most venom peptides previously reported from the aculeate Hymenoptera. Two aculeatoxins purified from the venom were found to be capable of activating mammalian sensory neurons, consistent with the capacity to produce pain but via distinct mechanisms of action. Further investigation of the major venom peptide MIITX1-Mg1a revealed that it can also incapacitate arthropods, indicative of dual utility in both defense and predation. MIITX1-Mg1a accomplishes these functions by generating a leak in membrane ion conductance, which alters membrane potential and triggers neuronal depolarization. Our results provide the first insights into the evolution of the major toxin gene superfamily of the aculeate Hymenoptera and provide a new paradigm in the functional evolution of toxins from animal venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Robinson
- Centre for Advance Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Alexander Mueller
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Clayton
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Hana Starobova
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Brett R. Hamilton
- Centre for Advance Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J. Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Eivind A. B. Undheim
- Centre for Advance Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Ward MJ, Ellsworth SA, Nystrom GS. A global accounting of medically significant scorpions: Epidemiology, major toxins, and comparative resources in harmless counterparts. Toxicon 2018; 151:137-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Ward MJ, Rokyta DR. Venom-gland transcriptomics and venom proteomics of the giant Florida blue centipede, Scolopendra viridis. Toxicon 2018; 152:121-136. [PMID: 30086358 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The limited number of centipede venom characterizations have revealed a rich diversity of toxins, and recent work has suggested centipede toxins may be more rapidly diversifying than previously considered. Additionally, many identified challenges in venomics research, including assembly and annotation methods, toxin quantification, and the ability to provide biological or technical replicates, have yet to be addressed in centipede venom characterizations. We performed high-throughput, quantifiable transcriptomic and proteomic methods on two individual Scolopendra viridis centipedes from North Florida. We identified 39 toxins that were proteomically confirmed, and 481 nontoxins that were expressed in the venom gland of S. viridis. The most abundant toxins expressed in the venom of S. viridis belonged to calcium and potassium ion-channel toxins, venom allergens, metalloproteases, and β-pore forming toxins. We compared our results to the previously characterized S. viridis from Morelos, Mexico, and found only five proteomically confirmed toxins in common to both localities, suggesting either extreme toxin divergence within S. viridis, or that these populations may represent entirely different species. By using multiple assembly and annotation methods, we generated a comprehensive and quantitative reference transcriptome and proteome of a Scolopendromorpha centipede species, while overcoming some of the challenges present in venomics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
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Dunlop JA, Garwood RJ. Terrestrial invertebrates in the Rhynie chert ecosystem. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:rstb.2016.0493. [PMID: 29254958 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Early Devonian Rhynie and Windyfield cherts remain a key locality for understanding early life and ecology on land. They host the oldest unequivocal nematode worm (Nematoda), which may also offer the earliest evidence for herbivory via plant parasitism. The trigonotarbids (Arachnida: Trigonotarbida) preserve the oldest book lungs and were probably predators that practiced liquid feeding. The oldest mites (Arachnida: Acariformes) are represented by taxa which include mycophages and predators on nematodes today. The earliest harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones) includes the first preserved tracheae, and male and female genitalia. Myriapods are represented by a scutigeromorph centipede (Chilopoda: Scutigeromorpha), probably a cursorial predator on the substrate, and a putative millipede (Diplopoda). The oldest springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) were probably mycophages, and another hexapod of uncertain affinities preserves a gut infill of phytodebris. The first true insects (Hexapoda: Insecta) are represented by a species known from chewing (non-carnivorous?) mandibles. Coprolites also provide insights into diet, and we challenge previous assumptions that several taxa were spore-feeders. Rhynie appears to preserve a largely intact community of terrestrial animals, although some expected groups are absent. The known fossils are (ecologically) consistent with at least part of the fauna found around modern Icelandic hot springs.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The Rhynie cherts: our earliest terrestrial ecosystem revisited'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Dunlop
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Russell J Garwood
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.,Department of Earth Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
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True Lies: Using Proteomics to Assess the Accuracy of Transcriptome-Based Venomics in Centipedes Uncovers False Positives and Reveals Startling Intraspecific Variation in Scolopendra Subspinipes. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10030096. [PMID: 29495554 PMCID: PMC5869384 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10030096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Centipede venoms have emerged as a rich source of novel bioactive compounds. However, most centipede species are commonly considered too small for venom extraction and transcriptomics is likely to be an attractive way of probing the molecular diversity of these venoms. Examining the venom composition of Scolopendra subspinipes, we test the accuracy of this approach. We compared the proteomically determined venom profile with four common toxin transcriptomic toxin annotation approaches: BLAST search against toxins in UniProt, lineage-specific toxins, or species-specific toxins and comparative expression analyses of venom and non-venom producing tissues. This demonstrated that even toxin annotation based on lineage-specific homology searches is prone to substantial errors compared to a proteomic approach. However, combined comparative transcriptomics and phylogenetic analysis of putative toxin families substantially improves annotation accuracy. Furthermore, comparison of the venom composition of S. subspinipes with the closely related S. subspinipes mutilans revealed a surprising lack of overlap. This first insight into the intraspecific venom variability of centipedes contrasts the sequence conservation expected from previous findings that centipede toxins evolve under strong negative selection. Our results highlight the importance of proteomic data in studies of even comparably well-characterized venoms and warrants caution when sourcing venom from centipedes of unknown origin.
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Abstract
The work showed that centipede venom can cause disorders in cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. The cardiovascular toxicity of the venom comes mostly from a peptide toxin SsTx, which blocks the KCNQ family of potassium channels. Retigabine, a KCNQ channel opener, neutralizes centipede venom toxicity, and thus could be used to treat centipede envenomation. Centipedes can subdue giant prey by using venom, which is metabolically expensive to synthesize and thus used frugally through efficiently disrupting essential physiological systems. Here, we show that a centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans, ∼3 g) can subdue a mouse (∼45 g) within 30 seconds. We found that this observation is largely due to a peptide toxin in the venom, SsTx, and further established that SsTx blocks KCNQ potassium channels to exert the lethal toxicity. We also demonstrated that a KCNQ opener, retigabine, neutralizes the toxicity of a centipede’s venom. The study indicates that centipedes’ venom has evolved to simultaneously disrupt cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and nervous systems by targeting the broadly distributed KCNQ channels, thus providing a therapeutic strategy for centipede envenomation.
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Drukewitz SH, Fuhrmann N, Undheim EAB, Blanke A, Giribaldi J, Mary R, Laconde G, Dutertre S, von Reumont BM. A Dipteran's Novel Sucker Punch: Evolution of Arthropod Atypical Venom with a Neurotoxic Component in Robber Flies (Asilidae, Diptera). Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:E29. [PMID: 29303983 PMCID: PMC5793116 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Predatory robber flies (Diptera, Asilidae) have been suspected to be venomous due to their ability to overpower well-defended prey. However, details of their venom composition and toxin arsenal remained unknown. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of the venom system of robber flies through the application of comparative transcriptomics, proteomics and functional morphology. Our results reveal asilid venoms to be dominated by peptides and non-enzymatic proteins, and that the majority of components in the crude venom is represented by just ten toxin families, which we have named Asilidin1-10. Contrary to what might be expected for a liquid-feeding predator, the venoms of robber flies appear to be rich in novel peptides, rather than enzymes with a putative pre-digestive role. The novelty of these peptides suggests that the robber fly venom system evolved independently from hematophagous dipterans and other pancrustaceans. Indeed, six Asilidins match no other venom proteins, while three represent known examples of peptide scaffolds convergently recruited to a toxic function. Of these, members of Asilidin1 closely resemble cysteine inhibitor knot peptides (ICK), of which neurotoxic variants occur in cone snails, assassin bugs, scorpions and spiders. Synthesis of one of these putative ICKs, U-Asilidin₁-Mar1a, followed by toxicity assays against an ecologically relevant prey model revealed that one of these likely plays a role as a neurotoxin involved in the immobilization of prey. Our results are fundamental to address these insights further and to understand processes that drive venom evolution in dipterans as well as other arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nico Fuhrmann
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Str. 2, 24306 Plön, Germany.
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Alexander Blanke
- Institute for Zoology, Biocenter, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
- Medical and Biological Engineering Research Group, School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK.
| | - Julien Giribaldi
- Institute for Biomolecules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, University of Montpellier-CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France.
| | - Rosanna Mary
- Institute for Biomolecules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, University of Montpellier-CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France.
| | - Guillaume Laconde
- Institute for Biomolecules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, University of Montpellier-CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France.
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institute for Biomolecules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, University of Montpellier-CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier CEDEX 5, France.
| | - Björn Marcus von Reumont
- Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Talstr. 33, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, UK.
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47
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Kenning M, Müller CH, Sombke A. The ultimate legs of Chilopoda (Myriapoda): a review on their morphological disparity and functional variability. PeerJ 2017; 5:e4023. [PMID: 29158971 PMCID: PMC5691793 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The arthropodium is the key innovation of arthropods. Its various modifications are the outcome of multiple evolutionary transformations, and the foundation of nearly endless functional possibilities. In contrast to hexapods, crustaceans, and even chelicerates, the spectrum of evolutionary transformations of myriapod arthropodia is insufficiently documented and rarely scrutinized. Among Myriapoda, Chilopoda (centipedes) are characterized by their venomous forcipules-evolutionarily transformed walking legs of the first trunk segment. In addition, the posterior end of the centipedes' body, in particular the ultimate legs, exhibits a remarkable morphological heterogeneity. Not participating in locomotion, they hold a vast functional diversity. In many centipede species, elongation and annulation in combination with an augmentation of sensory structures indicates a functional shift towards a sensory appendage. In other species, thickening, widening and reinforcement with a multitude of cuticular protuberances and glandular systems suggests a role in both attack and defense. Moreover, sexual dimorphic characteristics indicate that centipede ultimate legs play a pivotal role in intraspecific communication, mate finding and courtship behavior. We address ambiguous identifications and designations of podomeres in order to point out controversial aspects of homology and homonymy. We provide a broad summary of descriptions, illustrations, ideas and observations published in past 160 years, and propose that studying centipede ultimate legs is not only essential in itself for filling gaps of knowledge in descriptive morphology, but also provides an opportunity to explore diverse pathways of leg transformations within Myriapoda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthes Kenning
- Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Universität Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carsten H.G. Müller
- Zoological Institute and Museum, General and Systematic Zoology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Universität Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andy Sombke
- Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Universität Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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48
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Functional classification of protein toxins as a basis for bioinformatic screening. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13940. [PMID: 29066768 PMCID: PMC5655178 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13957-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins are fundamental to life and exhibit a wide diversity of activities, some of which are toxic. Therefore, assessing whether a specific protein is safe for consumption in foods and feeds is critical. Simple BLAST searches may reveal homology to a known toxin, when in fact the protein may pose no real danger. Another challenge to answer this question is the lack of curated databases with a representative set of experimentally validated toxins. Here we have systematically analyzed over 10,000 manually curated toxin sequences using sequence clustering, network analysis, and protein domain classification. We also developed a functional sequence signature method to distinguish toxic from non-toxic proteins. The current database, combined with motif analysis, can be used by researchers and regulators in a hazard screening capacity to assess the potential of a protein to be toxic at early stages of development. Identifying key signatures of toxicity can also aid in redesigning proteins, so as to maintain their desirable functions while reducing the risk of potential health hazards.
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49
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Jiménez-Vargas JM, Possani LD, Luna-Ramírez K. Arthropod toxins acting on neuronal potassium channels. Neuropharmacology 2017; 127:139-160. [PMID: 28941737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are a rich mixture of biologically active compounds exerting different physiological actions across diverse phyla and affecting multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. Venom compounds can inhibit or activate ion channels, receptors and transporters with high specificity and affinity providing essential insights into ion channel function. In this review, we focus on arthropod toxins (scorpions, spiders, bees and centipedes) acting on neuronal potassium channels. A brief description of the K+ channels classification and structure is included and a compendium of neuronal K+ channels and the arthropod toxins that modify them have been listed. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad, 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico
| | - Karen Luna-Ramírez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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50
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Robinson SD, Undheim EAB, Ueberheide B, King GF. Venom peptides as therapeutics: advances, challenges and the future of venom-peptide discovery. Expert Rev Proteomics 2017; 14:931-939. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1377613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D. Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | | | | | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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