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Guo R, Guo G, Wang A, Xu G, Lai R, Jin H. Spider-Venom Peptides: Structure, Bioactivity, Strategy, and Research Applications. Molecules 2023; 29:35. [PMID: 38202621 PMCID: PMC10779620 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010035] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spiders (Araneae), having thrived for over 300 million years, exhibit remarkable diversity, with 47,000 described species and an estimated 150,000 species in existence. Evolving with intricate venom, spiders are nature's skilled predators. While only a small fraction of spiders pose a threat to humans, their venoms contain complex compounds, holding promise as drug leads. Spider venoms primarily serve to immobilize prey, achieved through neurotoxins targeting ion channels. Peptides constitute a major part of these venoms, displaying diverse pharmacological activities, and making them appealing for drug development. Moreover, spider-venom peptides have emerged as valuable tools for exploring human disease mechanisms. This review focuses on the roles of spider-venom peptides in spider survival strategies and their dual significance as pharmaceutical research tools. By integrating recent discoveries, it provides a comprehensive overview of these peptides, their targets, bioactivities, and their relevance in spider survival and medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyin Guo
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
| | - Gang Guo
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital), Kunming 650118, China;
| | - Aili Wang
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
| | - Gaochi Xu
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
| | - Ren Lai
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
- 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
| | - Hui Jin
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; (R.G.)
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2
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Han X, Zhou T, Hu X, Zhu Y, Shi Z, Chen S, Liu Y, Weng X, Zhang F, Wu S. Discovery and Characterization of MaK: A Novel Knottin Antimicrobial Peptide from Monochamus alternatus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17565. [PMID: 38139394 PMCID: PMC10743862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417565] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Knottin-type antimicrobial peptides possess exceptional attributes, such as high efficacy, low vulnerability to drug resistance, minimal toxicity, and precise targeting of drug sites. These peptides play a crucial role in the innate immunity of insects, offering protection against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Knottins have garnered considerable interest as promising contenders for drug development due to their ability to bridge the gap between small molecules and protein-based biopharmaceuticals, effectively addressing the therapeutic limitations of both modalities. This work presents the isolation and identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide derived from Monochamus alternatus. The cDNA encodes a 56-amino acid knottin propeptide, while the mature peptide comprises only 34 amino acids. We have labeled this knottin peptide as MaK. Using chemically synthesized MaK, we evaluated its hemolytic activity, thermal stability, antibacterial properties, and efficacy against nematodes. The results of this study indicate that MaK is an exceptionally effective knottin-type peptide. It demonstrates low toxicity, superior stability, potent antibacterial activity, and the ability to suppress pine wood nematodes. Consequently, these findings suggest that MaK has potential use in developing innovative therapeutic agents to prevent and manage pine wilt disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Han
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Xinran Hu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yukun Zhu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zengzeng Shi
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shi Chen
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yunfei Liu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaoqian Weng
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feiping Zhang
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Province University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.H.); (X.H.); (Y.Z.); (Z.S.); (S.C.); (Y.L.); (X.W.)
- Fujian Colleges and Universities Engineering Research Institute of Conservation and Utilization of Natural Bioresources, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry, Fuzhou 350002, China
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3
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Chen J, Zhang X, Lin C, Gao B. Synthesis and insecticidal activity of cysteine-free conopeptides from Conus betulinus. Toxicon 2023; 233:107253. [PMID: 37586612 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107253] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The cone snail Conus betulinus is a vermivorous species that is widely distributed in the South China Sea. Its crude venom contains various peptides used to prey on marine worms. In previous studies, a systematic analysis of the peptide toxin sequences from C. betulinus was carried out using a multiomics technique. In this study, 10 cysteine-free peptides that may possess insecticidal activity were selected from a previously constructed conopeptide library of C. betulinus using the CPY-Fe conopeptide as a template. These conopeptides were prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), then characterized by the reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. Insect cytotoxicity and injection experiments revealed that these cysteine-free peptides exerted favorable insecticidal effects, and two of them (Bt010 and Bt016) exhibited high insecticidal efficacy with LD50 of 9.07 nM and 10.93 nM, respectively. In addition, the 3D structures of these peptides were predicted by homology modeling, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the nucleotide data of conopeptides to analyze the relationships among structures, functions, and evolution. A preliminary mechanism for the insecticidal activity of the cysteine-free conopeptides was predicted by molecular docking. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the insecticidal activity of cysteine-free conopeptides derived from Conus betulinus, signaling that they could potentially be developed into bioinsecticides with desirable properties such as easy preparation, low cost, and high potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Chengzhang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
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4
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Alves-Mondini C, Beltramino M, Jiacomini IG, Karim-Silva S, Dos Santos Antunes N, de Moura J, Aubrey N, Billiald P, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Alvarenga LM, Becker-Finco A. Identification of a common epitope in knottins and phospholipases D present in Loxosceles sp venom by a monoclonal antibody. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 246:125588. [PMID: 37399872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125588] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
In the Americas and specially in Brazil, the Loxosceles intermedia, Loxosceles gaucho and Loxosceles laeta are the three most medically relevant brown spider species, and whose bites can lead to the condition known as loxoscelism. Here, we report the development of a tool capable of identifying a common epitope amongst Loxosceles sp. venom's toxins. A murine monoclonal antibody (LmAb12) and its recombinant fragments (scFv12P and diabody12P) have been produced and characterized. This antibody and its recombinant constructs were able to recognize proteins of Loxosceles spider venoms with specificity. The scFv12P variant was also able to detect low concentrations of Loxosceles venom in a competitive ELISA assay, displaying potential as a venom identification tool. The primary antigenic target of LmAb12 is a knottin, a venom neurotoxin, that has a shared identity of 100 % between the L. intermedia and L. gaucho species and high similarity to L. laeta. Furthermore, we observed LmAb12 was able to partially inhibit in vitro hemolysis, a cellular event typically induced by the Loxosceles sp. venoms. Such behavior might be due to LmAb12 cross-reactivity between the antigenic target of LmAb12 and the venom's dermonecrotic toxins, the PLDs, or even the existence of synergism between these two toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Alves-Mondini
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Martina Beltramino
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Isabella Gizzi Jiacomini
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Université de Tours - INRA, UMR 1282, Faculté de Pharmacie, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours Cedex, France
| | - Sabrina Karim-Silva
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Nicolle Dos Santos Antunes
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Moura
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Nicolas Aubrey
- Université de Tours - INRA, UMR 1282, Faculté de Pharmacie, 31 Avenue Monge, 37200 Tours Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Billiald
- LVTS, INSERM UMR S1148, Paris & Université Paris-Saclay, School of Pharmacy, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Ricardo Andrez Machado-de-Ávila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Universitário, 88806-000 Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Larissa M Alvarenga
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Becker-Finco
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Patologia Básica, Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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5
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Medina-Santos R, Fernandes Costa TG, Silva de Assis TC, Kalapothakis Y, de Almeida Lima S, do Carmo AO, Gonzalez-Kozlova EE, Kalapothakis E, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Guerra-Duarte C. Analysis of NGS data from Peruvian Loxosceles laeta spider venom gland reveals toxin diversity. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 43:101017. [PMID: 35932519 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.101017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Accidents involving spiders from the genus Loxosceles cause medical emergencies in several countries of South America. The species Loxosceles laeta is ubiquitously present in Peru and is responsible for severe accidents in this country. To further characterize L. laeta venom components and to unveil possible variations in the Peruvian population, we provide an overview of the toxins-related transcripts present in the venom gland of Peruvian L. laeta. A dataset from a cDNA library previously sequenced by MiSeq sequencer (Illumina) was re-analyzed and the obtained data was compared with available sequences from Loxosceles toxins. Phospholipase-D represent the majority (69,28 %) of the transcripts related to venom toxins, followed by metalloproteases (20,72 %), sicaritoxins (6,03 %), serine-proteases (2,28 %), hyaluronidases (1,80 %) and Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) (0,56 %). New sequences of phospholipases D,sicaritoxins, hyaluronidase, TCTP and serine proteinases were described. Differences between the here-described toxin sequences and others, previously identified in venom glands from other spiders, were visualized upon sequence alignments. In addition, an in vitro hyaluronidase activity assay was also performed to complement comparisons between Peruvian and Brazilian L. laeta venom enzymatic activities, revealing a superior activity in the venom from Brazilian specimens. These new data provide a molecular basis that can help to explain the difference in toxicity among L. laeta venoms from different countries in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raíssa Medina-Santos
- Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil; Genetic, Ecology and Evolution Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Yan Kalapothakis
- Genetic, Ecology and Evolution Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Edgar E Gonzalez-Kozlova
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School for Data Science and Genomic Technology, New York, United States of America
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, da Justa HC, Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Baldissera AB, Schluga PHDC, Leite IDO, Boia-Ferreira M, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Brown spider venom toxins: what are the functions of astacins, serine proteases, hyaluronidases, allergens, TCTP, serpins and knottins? J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200188. [PMID: 34377142 PMCID: PMC8314928 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Accidents caused by the bites of brown spiders (Loxosceles) generate a clinical condition that often includes a threatening necrotic skin lesion near the bite site along with a remarkable inflammatory response. Systemic disorders such as hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure may occur, but are much less frequent than the local damage. It is already known that phospholipases D, highly expressed toxins in Loxosceles venom, can induce most of these injuries. However, this spider venom has a great range of toxins that probably act synergistically to enhance toxicity. The other protein classes remain poorly explored due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient amounts of them for a thorough investigation. They include astacins (metalloproteases), serine proteases, knottins, translationally controlled tumor proteins (TCTP), hyaluronidases, allergens and serpins. It has already been shown that some of them, according to their characteristics, may participate to some extent in the development of loxoscelism. In addition, all of these toxins present potential application in several areas. The present review article summarizes information regarding some functional aspects of the protein classes listed above, discusses the directions that could be taken to materialize a comprehensive investigation on each of these toxins as well as highlights the importance of exploring the full venom repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Hanna Câmara da Justa
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Senff-Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Gremski LH, Matsubara FH, Polli NLC, Antunes BC, Schluga PHDC, da Justa HC, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Veiga SS. Prospective Use of Brown Spider Venom Toxins as Therapeutic and Biotechnological Inputs. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:706704. [PMID: 34222343 PMCID: PMC8247472 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.706704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spider (genus Loxosceles) venoms are mainly composed of protein toxins used for predation and defense. Bites of these spiders most commonly produce a local dermonecrotic lesion with gravitational spread, edema and hemorrhage, which together are defined as cutaneous loxoscelism. Systemic loxoscelism, such as hematological abnormalities and renal injury, are less frequent but more lethal. Some Loxosceles venom toxins have already been isolated and extensively studied, such as phospholipases D (PLDs), which have been recombinantly expressed and were proven to reproduce toxic activities associated to the whole venom. PLDs have a notable potential to be engineered and converted in non-toxic antigens to produce a new generation of antivenoms or vaccines. PLDs also can serve as tools to discover inhibitors to be used as therapeutic agents. Other Loxosceles toxins have been identified and functionally characterized, such as hyaluronidases, allergen factor, serpin, TCTP and knottins (ICK peptides). All these toxins were produced as recombinant molecules and are biologically active molecules that can be used as tools for the potential development of chemical candidates to tackle many medical and biological threats, acting, for instance, as antitumoral, insecticides, analgesic, antigens for allergy tests and biochemical reagents for cell studies. In addition, these recombinant toxins may be useful to develop a rational therapy for loxoscelism. This review summarizes the main candidates for the development of drugs and biotechnological inputs that have been described in Brown spider venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Cesar Antunes
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Minozzo
- Production and Research Center of Immunobiological Products, State Department of Health, Piraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Wille
- Department of Structural, Molecular Biology and Genetics, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
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Justa HCD, Matsubara FH, de-Bona E, Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Polli NLC, de Mari TL, Boia-Ferreira M, Minozzo JC, Wille ACM, Senff-Ribeiro A, Gremski LH, Veiga SS. LALLT (Loxosceles Allergen-Like Toxin) from the venom of Loxosceles intermedia: Recombinant expression in insect cells and characterization as a molecule with allergenic properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:3984-3999. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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9
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Fingermann M, de Roodt AR, Cascone O, Miranda MV. Biotechnological potential of Phospholipase D for Loxosceles antivenom development. Toxicon X 2020; 6:100036. [PMID: 32550591 PMCID: PMC7286061 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Loxoscelism is one of the most important forms of araneism in South America. The Health Authorities from countries with the highest incidence and longer history in registering loxoscelism cases indicate that specific antivenom should be administered during the first hours after the accident, especially in the presence or at risk of the most severe clinical outcome. Current antivenoms are based on immunoglobulins or their fragments, obtained from plasma of hyperimmunized horses. Antivenom has been produced using the same traditional techniques for more than 120 years. Although the whole composition of the spider venom remains unknown, the discovery and biotechnological production of the phospholipase D enzymes represented a milestone for the knowledge of the physiopathology of envenomation and for the introduction of new innovative tools in antivenom production. The fact that this protein is a principal toxin of the venom opens the possibility of replacing the use of whole venom as an immunogen, an attractive alternative considering the laborious techniques and low yields associated with venom extraction. This challenge warrants technological innovation to facilitate production and obtain more effective antidotes. In this review, we compile the reported studies, examining the advances in the expression and application of phospholipase D as a new immunogen and how the new biotechnological tools have introduced some degree of innovation in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Fingermann
- Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos (INPB), ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Vélez Sársfield 563, (1282) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, (1425) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adolfo Rafael de Roodt
- Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos (INPB), ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Vélez Sársfield 563, (1282) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Área de Zootoxicología, Cátedra de Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay, 2155, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Osvaldo Cascone
- Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos (INPB), ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Vélez Sársfield 563, (1282) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, (1425) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Miranda
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, (1425) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cátedra de Biotecnología, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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From taxonomy to molecular characterization of brown spider venom: An overview focused on Loxosceles similis. Toxicon 2020; 173:5-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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11
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Brown Spider ( Loxosceles) Venom Toxins as Potential Biotools for the Development of Novel Therapeutics. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11060355. [PMID: 31248109 PMCID: PMC6628458 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11060355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown spider envenomation results in dermonecrosis with gravitational spreading characterized by a marked inflammatory reaction and with lower prevalence of systemic manifestations such as renal failure and hematological disturbances. Several toxins make up the venom of these species, and they are mainly peptides and proteins ranging from 5–40 kDa. The venoms have three major families of toxins: phospholipases-D, astacin-like metalloproteases, and the inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptides. Serine proteases, serpins, hyaluronidases, venom allergens, and a translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) are also present. Toxins hold essential biological properties that enable interactions with a range of distinct molecular targets. Therefore, the application of toxins as research tools and clinical products motivates repurposing their uses of interest. This review aims to discuss possibilities for brown spider venom toxins as putative models for designing molecules likely for therapeutics based on the status quo of brown spider venoms. Herein, we explore new possibilities for the venom components in the context of their biochemical and biological features, likewise their cellular targets, three-dimensional structures, and mechanisms of action.
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Otvos RA, Still KBM, Somsen GW, Smit AB, Kool J. Drug Discovery on Natural Products: From Ion Channels to nAChRs, from Nature to Libraries, from Analytics to Assays. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2019; 24:362-385. [PMID: 30682257 PMCID: PMC6484542 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218822098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Natural extracts are complex mixtures that may be rich in useful bioactive compounds and therefore are attractive sources for new leads in drug discovery. This review describes drug discovery from natural products and in explaining this process puts the focus on ion-channel drug discovery. In particular, the identification of bioactives from natural products targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and serotonin type 3 receptors (5-HT3Rs) is discussed. The review is divided into three parts: "Targets," "Sources," and "Approaches." The "Targets" part will discuss the importance of ion-channel drug targets in general, and the α7-nAChR and 5-HT3Rs in particular. The "Sources" part will discuss the relevance for drug discovery of finding bioactive compounds from various natural sources such as venoms and plant extracts. The "Approaches" part will give an overview of classical and new analytical approaches that are used for the identification of new bioactive compounds with the focus on targeting ion channels. In addition, a selected overview is given of traditional venom-based drug discovery approaches and of diverse hyphenated analytical systems used for screening complex bioactive mixtures including venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reka A. Otvos
- The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristina B. M. Still
- The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Govert W. Somsen
- The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- The Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Saez NJ, Herzig V. Versatile spider venom peptides and their medical and agricultural applications. Toxicon 2018; 158:109-126. [PMID: 30543821 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spiders have been evolving complex and diverse repertoires of peptides in their venoms with vast pharmacological activities for more than 300 million years. Spiders use their venoms for prey capture and defense, hence they contain peptides that target both prey (mainly arthropods) and predators (other arthropods or vertebrates). This includes peptides that potently and selectively modulate a range of targets such as ion channels, receptors and signaling pathways involved in physiological processes. The contribution of these targets in particular disease pathophysiologies makes spider venoms a valuable source of peptides with potential therapeutic use. In addition, peptides with insecticidal activities, used for prey capture, can be exploited for the development of novel bioinsecticides for agricultural use. Although we have already reviewed potential applications of spider venom peptides as therapeutics (in 2010) and as bioinsecticides (in 2012), a considerable number of research articles on both topics have been published since, warranting an updated review. Here we explore the most recent research on the use of spider venom peptides for both medical and agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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The potential of Loxosceles gaucho spider venom to regulate Pseudomonas aeruginosa mechanisms of virulence. Toxicon 2018; 152:78-83. [PMID: 30071220 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Loxosceles venom is a potential source of bioactive molecules which may be transformed into antimicrobial products against multi-resistant bacteria. Here, it was investigated whether Loxosceles gaucho spider had any influence on the proliferation, enzyme release and biofilm formation of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain resistant to two different classes of antibiotic. The results demonstrated that L. gaucho whole venom has no influence on P. aeruginosa proliferation. However, it increases P. aeruginosa production of gelatinase, caseinase and biofilm formation. The same effects were noted when P. aeruginosa was exposed to a L. gaucho venom molecular fraction with mass lower than 1 kDa. Separation of this molecular fraction into different subsets by RP-HPLC demonstrated that, among the molecules with the ability to increase the production of enzymes and biofilm formation, there are some with antimicrobial activities whose effects are not observed in the whole venom. In summary, the results obtained herein indicate that L. gaucho venom has a variety of low molecular mass bioactive components that influence the mechanisms of virulence of P. aeruginosa in different ways.
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Screening and Validation of Highly-Efficient Insecticidal Conotoxins from a Transcriptome-Based Dataset of Chinese Tubular Cone Snail. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9070214. [PMID: 28684723 PMCID: PMC5535161 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9070214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most previous studies have focused on analgesic and anti-cancer activities for the conotoxins identified from piscivorous and molluscivorous cone snails, but little attention has been devoted to insecticidal activity of conotoxins from the dominant vermivorous species. As a representative vermivorous cone snail, the Chinese tubular cone snail (Conus betulinus) is the dominant Conus species inhabiting the South China Sea. We sequenced related venom transcriptomes from C. betulinus using both the next-generation sequencing and traditional Sanger sequencing technologies, and a comprehensive library of 215 conotoxin transcripts was constructed. In our current study, six conotoxins with potential insecticidal activity were screened out from our conotoxin library by homologous search with a reported positive control (alpha-conotoxin ImI from C. imperialis) as the query. Subsequently, these conotoxins were synthesized by chemical solid-phase and oxidative folding for further insecticidal activity validation, such as MTT assay, insect bioassay and homology modeling. The final results proved insecticidal activities of our achieved six conotoxins from the transcriptome-based dataset. Interestingly, two of them presented a lot of high insecticidal activity, which supports their usefulness for a trial as insecticides in field investigations. In summary, our present work provides a good example for high throughput development of biological insecticides on basis of the accumulated genomic resources.
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