1
|
Caporale LH. Evolutionary feedback from the environment shapes mechanisms that generate genome variation. J Physiol 2024; 602:2601-2614. [PMID: 38194279 DOI: 10.1113/jp284411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Darwin recognized that 'a grand and almost untrodden field of inquiry will be opened, on the causes and laws of variation.' However, because the Modern Synthesis assumes that the intrinsic probability of any individual mutation is unrelated to that mutation's potential adaptive value, attention has been focused on selection rather than on the intrinsic generation of variation. Yet many examples illustrate that the term 'random' mutation, as widely understood, is inaccurate. The probabilities of distinct classes of variation are neither evenly distributed across a genome nor invariant over time, nor unrelated to their potential adaptive value. Because selection acts upon variation, multiple biochemical mechanisms can and have evolved that increase the relative probability of adaptive mutations. In effect, the generation of heritable variation is in a feedback loop with selection, such that those mechanisms that tend to generate variants that survive recurring challenges in the environment would be captured by this survival and thus inherited and accumulated within lineages of genomes. Moreover, because genome variation is affected by a wide range of biochemical processes, genome variation can be regulated. Biochemical mechanisms that sense stress, from lack of nutrients to DNA damage, can increase the probability of specific classes of variation. A deeper understanding of evolution involves attention to the evolution of, and environmental influences upon, the intrinsic variation generated in gametes, in other words upon the biochemical mechanisms that generate variation across generations. These concepts have profound implications for the types of questions that can and should be asked, as omics databases become more comprehensive, detection methods more sensitive, and computation and experimental analyses even more high throughput and thus capable of revealing the intrinsic generation of variation in individual gametes. These concepts also have profound implications for evolutionary theory, which, upon reflection it will be argued, predicts that selection would increase the probability of generating adaptive mutations, in other words, predicts that the ability to evolve itself evolves.
Collapse
|
2
|
An D, Carrazoni GS, Souto das Neves BH, D’Hooge R, Peigneur S, Tytgat J. The Sobering Sting: Oleoyl Serotonin Is a Novel Stephanoconus Snail Venom-Derived Antagonist of Cannabinoid Receptors That Counteracts Learning and Memory Deficits. Biomedicines 2024; 12:454. [PMID: 38398056 PMCID: PMC10887214 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020454] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are promising targets for a better understanding of neurological diseases. Nevertheless, only a few ligands of CB have reached clinical application so far. Venoms are considered as interesting sources of novel biologically active compounds. Here, we describe an endocannabinoid-like molecule, oleoyl serotonin (OS), present in the venom of Stephanoconus snails. Using electrophysiological assays, it was shown that OS inhibits CB1 and CB2. Structure-activity relationship studies using a chimeric CB1/2 revealed that the domain encompassing the transmembrane helix V (TMHV)- intracellular loop 3 (ICL3)-TMHVI of the CB2 is critical for the binding and function of OS. We concluded that OS binds to sites of the CB2 that are different from the binding sites of the non-selective CB agonist WIN55,212-2. Behavioral assays in mice showed that OS counteracted learning and memory deficits caused by WIN55,212-2. Furthermore, a selectivity screening of OS showed high selectivity for CB over various ion channels and receptors. Overall, OS may represent a new approach to the prevention and treatment of learning and memory cognition impairment in neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongchen An
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, ON2, Herestraat 49, Box-922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guilherme Salgado Carrazoni
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Box-3714, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.S.C.); (B.-H.S.d.N.); (R.D.)
| | - Ben-Hur Souto das Neves
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Box-3714, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.S.C.); (B.-H.S.d.N.); (R.D.)
| | - Rudi D’Hooge
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Box-3714, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.S.C.); (B.-H.S.d.N.); (R.D.)
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, ON2, Herestraat 49, Box-922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, ON2, Herestraat 49, Box-922, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
George AA, John SJ, Lucero LM, Eaton JB, Jaiswal E, Christensen SB, Gajewiak J, Watkins M, Cao Y, Olivera BM, Im W, McIntosh JM, Whiteaker P. Analogs of α-conotoxin PnIC selectively inhibit α7β2- over α7-only subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors via a novel allosteric mechanism. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23374. [PMID: 38161283 PMCID: PMC10782225 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302079] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to identify and characterize the first ligands capable of selectively identifying nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α7 and β2 subunits (α7β2-nAChR subtype). Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons express α7β2-nAChR. Here, they appear to mediate neuronal dysfunction induced by the elevated levels of oligomeric amyloid-β associated with early Alzheimer's disease. Additional work indicates that α7β2-nAChR are expressed across several further critically important cholinergic and GABAergic neuronal circuits within the central nervous system. Further studies, however, are significantly hindered by the inability of currently available ligands to distinguish heteromeric α7β2-nAChR from the closely related and more widespread homomeric α7-only-nAChR subtype. Functional screening using two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology identified a family of α7β2-nAChR-selective analogs of α-conotoxin PnIC (α-CtxPnIC). A combined electrophysiology, functional kinetics, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics approach was used to further characterize the α7β2-nAChR selectivity and site of action of these α-CtxPnIC analogs. We determined that α7β2-nAChR selectivity of α-CtxPnIC analogs arises from interactions at a site distinct from the orthosteric agonist-binding site shared between α7β2- and α7-only-nAChR. As numerous previously identified α-Ctx ligands are competitive antagonists of orthosteric agonist-binding sites, this study profoundly expands the scope of use of α-Ctx ligands (which have already provided important nAChR research and translational breakthroughs). More immediately, analogs of α-CtxPnIC promise to enable, for the first time, both comprehensive mapping of the distribution of α7β2-nAChR and detailed investigations of their physiological roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. George
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Sabin J. John
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of BathBathUK
| | - Linda M. Lucero
- Department of NeurobiologyBarrow Neurological InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - J. Brek Eaton
- Department of NeurobiologyBarrow Neurological InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Ekta Jaiswal
- Department of NeurobiologyBarrow Neurological InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | | | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Maren Watkins
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Yiwei Cao
- Department of ChemistryLehigh UniversityBethlehemPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Wonpil Im
- Department of ChemistryLehigh UniversityBethlehemPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Paul Whiteaker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fedosov A, Tucci CF, Kantor Y, Farhat S, Puillandre N. Collaborative Expression: Transcriptomics of Conus virgo Suggests Contribution of Multiple Secretory Glands to Venom Production. J Mol Evol 2023; 91:837-853. [PMID: 37962577 PMCID: PMC10730640 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10139-8] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Venomous marine gastropods of the family Conidae are among the most diversified predators in marine realm-in large due to their complex venoms. Besides being a valuable source of bioactive neuropeptides conotoxins, cone-snails venoms are an excellent model for molecular evolution studies, addressing origin of key innovations. However, these studies are handicapped by scarce current knowledge on the tissues involved in venom production, as it is generally assumed the sole prerogative of the venom gland (VG). The role of other secretory glands that are present in all Conus species (salivary gland, SG) or only in some species (accessory salivary gland, ASG) remains poorly understood. Here, for the first time, we carry out a detailed analysis of the VG, SG, and ASG transcriptomes in the vermivorous Conus virgo. We detect multiple transcripts clusters in both the SG and ASG, whose annotations imply venom-related functions. Despite the subsets of transcripts highly-expressed in the VG, SG, and ASG being very distinct, SG expresses an L-, and ASG-Cerm08-, and MEFRR- superfamily conotoxins, all previously considered specific for VG. We corroborate our results with the analysis of published SG and VG transcriptomes from unrelated fish-hunting C. geographus, and C. striatus, possibly fish-hunting C. rolani, and worm-hunting Conus quercinus. In spite of low expression levels of conotoxins, some other specific clusters of putative venom-related peptides are present and may be highly expressed in the SG of these species. Further functional studies are necessary to determine the role that these peptides play in envenomation. In the meantime, our results show importance of routine multi-tissue sampling both for accurate interpretation of tissue-specific venom composition in cone-snails, and for better understanding origin and evolution of venom peptides genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fedosov
- Department of Zoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 10405, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 51, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Carmen Federica Tucci
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 51, 75005, Paris, France
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Yuri Kantor
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 51, 75005, Paris, France
- A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninski Prospect, Moscow, 119071, Russian Federation
| | - Sarah Farhat
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 51, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Puillandre
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 51, 75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shekh S, Dhurjad P, Vijayasarathy M, Dolle A, Dhannura S, Sahoo DK, Sonti R, Gowd KH. Oxidative Folding Catalysts of Conotoxins Derived from the Venom Duct Transcriptome of C. frigidus and C. amadis. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3061-3075. [PMID: 37862039 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Two novel redox conopeptides with proline residues outside and within the active site disulfide loop were derived from the venom duct transcriptome of the marine cone snails Conus frigidus and Conus amadis. Mature peptides with possible post-translational modification of 4-trans-hydroxylation of proline, namely, Fr874, Fr890[P1O], Fr890[P2O], Fr906, Am1038, and Am1054, have been chemically synthesized and characterized using mass spectrometry. The estimated reduction potential of cysteine disulfides of synthetic peptides varied from -298 to -328 mV, similar to the active site cysteine disulfide motifs of the redox family of proteins. Fr906/Am1054 exhibited pronounced catalytic activity and assisted in improving the yields of natively folded globular form α-conotoxin ImI. Three-dimensional (3D) structures of the redox conopeptides were optimized using computational methods and verified by 2D-ROESY NMR spectroscopy: C. frigidus peptides adopt an N-terminal helical fold and C. amadis peptides adopt distinct structures based on the Phe4-Pro/Hyp5 peptide bond configuration. The shift in the cis-trans configuration of the Phe4-Pro/Hyp5 peptide bond of Am1038/Am1054 was observed between reduced free thiol and oxidized disulfide forms of the optimized peptides. The report confirms the position-specific effect of hydroxyproline on the oxidative folding of conotoxins and sequence diversity of redox conopeptides in the venom duct of cone snails.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamasoddin Shekh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi 585367, Karnataka, India
| | - Pooja Dhurjad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Marimuthu Vijayasarathy
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashwini Dolle
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi 585367, Karnataka, India
| | - Shweta Dhannura
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi 585367, Karnataka, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi 585367, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajesh Sonti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Konkallu Hanumae Gowd
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi 585367, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zheng JW, Lu Y, Yang YF, Huang D, Li DW, Wang X, Gao Y, Yang WD, Guan Y, Li HY. Systematic dissection of genomic features determining the vast diversity of conotoxins. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:598. [PMID: 37814244 PMCID: PMC10561478 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09689-4] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conus, a highly diverse species of venomous predators, has attracted significant attention in neuroscience and new drug development due to their rich collection of neuroactive peptides called conotoxins. Recent advancements in transcriptome, proteome, and genome analyses have facilitated the identification of conotoxins within Conus' venom glands, providing insights into the genetic features and evolutionary patterns of conotoxin genes. However, the underlying mechanism behind the extraordinary hypervariability of conotoxins remains largely unknown. RESULTS We analyzed the transcriptomes of 34 Conus species, examining various tissues such as the venom duct, venom bulb, and salivary gland, leading to the identification of conotoxin genes. Genetic variation analysis revealed that a subset of these genes (15.78% of the total) in Conus species underwent positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1, p < 0.01). Additionally, we reassembled and annotated the genome of C. betulinus, uncovering 221 conotoxin-encoding genes. These genes primarily consisted of three exons, with a significant portion showing high transcriptional activity in the venom ducts. Importantly, the flanking regions and adjacent introns of conotoxin genes exhibited a higher prevalence of transposon elements, suggesting their potential contribution to the extensive variability observed in conotoxins. Furthermore, we detected genome duplication in C. betulinus, which likely contributed to the expansion of conotoxin gene numbers. Interestingly, our study also provided evidence of introgression among Conus species, indicating that interspecies hybridization may have played a role in shaping the evolution of diverse conotoxin genes. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the impact of adaptive evolution and introgressive hybridization on the genetic diversity of conotoxin genes and the evolution of Conus. We also propose a hypothesis suggesting that transposable elements might significantly contribute to the remarkable diversity observed in conotoxins. These findings not only enhance our understanding of peptide genetic diversity but also present a novel approach for peptide bioengineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University of Science and Technology, Foshan, 528231, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yu-Feng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Da-Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Gulou Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Dong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuanfang Guan
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hong-Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Eutrophication and Control of Harmful Algal Blooms of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Groome JR. Historical Perspective of the Characterization of Conotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21040209. [PMID: 37103349 PMCID: PMC10142487 DOI: 10.3390/md21040209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine toxins have potent actions on diverse sodium ion channels regulated by transmembrane voltage (voltage-gated ion channels) or by neurotransmitters (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels). Studies of these toxins have focused on varied aspects of venom peptides ranging from evolutionary relationships of predator and prey, biological actions on excitable tissues, potential application as pharmacological intervention in disease therapy, and as part of multiple experimental approaches towards an understanding of the atomistic characterization of ion channel structure. This review examines the historical perspective of the study of conotoxin peptides active on sodium channels gated by transmembrane voltage, which has led to recent advances in ion channel research made possible with the exploitation of the diversity of these marine toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R Groome
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tae HS, Adams DJ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype expression, function, and pharmacology: Therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106747. [PMID: 37001708 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are typically classed as muscle- or neuronal-type, however, the latter has also been reported in non-neuronal cells. Given their broad distribution, nAChRs mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes including synaptic transmission, presynaptic modulation of transmitter release, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. There are 17 different nAChR subunits and combinations of these subunits produce subtypes with diverse pharmacological properties. The expression and role of some nAChR subtypes have been extensively deciphered with the aid of knock-out models. Many nAChR subtypes expressed in heterologous systems are selectively targeted by the disulfide-rich α-conotoxins. α-Conotoxins are small peptides isolated from the venom of cone snails, and a number of them have potential pharmaceutical value.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kuznetsova KG, Zvonareva SS, Ziganshin R, Mekhova ES, Dgebuadze P, Yen DTH, Nguyen THT, Moshkovskii SA, Fedosov AE. Vexitoxins: conotoxin-like venom peptides from predatory gastropods of the genus Vexillum. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221152. [PMID: 35946162 PMCID: PMC9363990 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms of predatory marine cone snails are intensely studied because of the biomedical applications of the neuropeptides that they contain, termed conotoxins. Meanwhile some gastropod lineages have independently acquired secretory glands strikingly similar to the venom gland of cone snails, suggesting that they possess similar venoms. Here we focus on the most diversified of these clades, the genus Vexillum. Based on the analysis of a multi-species proteo-transcriptomic dataset, we show that Vexillum species indeed produce complex venoms dominated by highly diversified short cysteine-rich peptides, vexitoxins. Vexitoxins possess the same precursor organization, display overlapping cysteine frameworks and share several common post-translational modifications with conotoxins. Some vexitoxins show sequence similarity to conotoxins and adopt similar domain conformations, including a pharmacologically relevant inhibitory cysteine knot motif. The Vexillum envenomation gland (gL) is a notably more recent evolutionary novelty than the conoidean venom gland. Thus, we hypothesize lower divergence between vexitoxin genes, and their ancestral 'somatic' counterparts compared to that in conotoxins, and we find support for this hypothesis in the evolution of the vexitoxin cluster V027. We use this example to discuss how future studies on vexitoxins can inform the origin of conotoxins, and how they may help to address outstanding questions in venom evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia G. Kuznetsova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Sofia S. Zvonareva
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect, 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Rustam Ziganshin
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya street, 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Elena S. Mekhova
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect, 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Polina Dgebuadze
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect, 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Dinh T. H. Yen
- Russian-Vietnamese Tropical Research and Technology Center, Coastal Branch, 30 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Nha Trang, Vietnam
| | - Thanh H. T. Nguyen
- Russian-Vietnamese Tropical Research and Technology Center, Coastal Branch, 30 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Nha Trang, Vietnam
| | - Sergei A. Moshkovskii
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, 1a, Malaya Pirogovskaya, Moscow 119435, Russia,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1, Ostrovityanova, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexander E. Fedosov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect, 33, Moscow 119071, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee Y, Park JK. Complete mitochondrial genome of Conus lischkeanus Weinkauff, 1875 (Neogastropoda, Conidae) and phylogenetic implications of the evolutionary diversification of dietary types of Conus species. Zookeys 2022; 1088:173-185. [PMID: 35437368 PMCID: PMC8930903 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.78990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The family Conidae, commonly known as cone snails, is one of the most intriguing gastropod groups owing to their diverse array of feeding behaviors (diets) and toxin peptides (conotoxins). Conuslischkeanus Weinkauff, 1875 is a worm-hunting species widely distributed from Africa to the Northwest Pacific. In this study, we report the mitochondrial genome sequence of C.lischkeanus and inferred its phylogenetic relationship with other Conus species. Its mitochondrial genome is a circular DNA molecule (16,120 bp in size) composed of 37 genes: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses of concatenated nucleotide sequences of 13 PCGs and two ribosomal RNA genes showed that C.lischkeanus belongs to the subgenus Lividoconus group, which is grouped with species of the subgenus Virgiconus, and a member of the largest assemblage of worm-hunting (vermivorous) species at the most basal position in this group. Mitochondrial genome phylogeny supports the previous hypothesis that the ancestral diet of cone snails was worm-hunting, and that other dietary types (molluscivous or piscivorous) have secondarily evolved multiple times from different origins. This new, complete mitochondrial genome information provides valuable insights into the mitochondrial genome diversity and molecular phylogeny of Conus species.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
My path to research in neuropharmacology has been a coalescing of my training as a molecular biologist and my intense interest in an esoteric group of animals, the fish-hunting cone snails. Attempting to bridge these two disparate worlds has led me to an idiosyncratic career as a pharmacologist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baldomero M Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fedosov A, Zaharias P, Puillandre N. A phylogeny-aware approach reveals unexpected venom components in divergent lineages of cone snails. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211017. [PMID: 34229491 PMCID: PMC8261202 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine gastropods of the genus Conus are renowned for their remarkable diversity and deadly venoms. While Conus venoms are increasingly well studied for their biomedical applications, we know surprisingly little about venom composition in other lineages of Conidae. We performed comprehensive venom transcriptomic profiling for Conasprella coriolisi and Pygmaeconus traillii, first time for both respective genera. We complemented reference-based transcriptome annotation by a de novo toxin prediction guided by phylogeny, which involved transcriptomic data on two additional 'divergent' cone snail lineages, Profundiconus, and Californiconus. We identified toxin clusters (SSCs) shared among all or some of the four analysed genera based on the identity of the signal region-a molecular tag present in toxins. In total, 116 and 98 putative toxins represent 29 and 28 toxin gene superfamilies in Conasprella and Pygmaeconus, respectively; about quarter of these only found by semi-manual annotation of the SSCs. Two rare gene superfamilies, originally identified from fish-hunting cone snails, were detected outside Conus rather unexpectedly, so we further investigated their distribution across Conidae radiation. We demonstrate that both these, in fact, are ubiquitous in Conidae, sometimes with extremely high expression. Our findings demonstrate how a phylogeny-aware approach circumvents methodological caveats of similarity-based transcriptome annotation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fedosov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 33, 119071 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 26, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Paul Zaharias
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 26, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Nicolas Puillandre
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 26, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Koua D, Ebou A, Dutertre S. Improved prediction of conopeptide superfamilies with ConoDictor 2.0. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2021; 1:vbab011. [PMID: 36700089 PMCID: PMC9710579 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Motivation Cone snails are among the richest sources of natural peptides with promising pharmacological and therapeutic applications. With the reduced costs of RNAseq, scientists now heavily rely on venom gland transcriptomes for the mining of novel bioactive conopeptides, but the bioinformatic analyses often hamper the discovery process. Results Here, we present ConoDictor 2.0 as a standalone and user-friendly command-line program. We have updated the program originally published as a web server 10 years ago using novel and updated tools and algorithms and improved our classification models with new and higher quality sequences. ConoDictor 2.0 is now more accurate, faster, multiplatform and able to deal with a whole cone snail venom gland transcriptome (raw reads or contigs) in a very short time. The new version of Conodictor also improves the identification and subsequent classification for entirely novel or relatively distant conopeptides. We conducted various tests on known conopeptides from public databases and on the published venom duct transcriptome of Conus geographus, and compared previous results with the output of ConoDictor 2.0, ConoSorter and BLAST. Overall, ConoDictor 2.0 is 4 to 8 times faster for the analysis of a whole transcriptome on a single core computer and performed better at predicting gene superfamily. Availability and implementation ConoDictor 2.0 is available as a python 3 git folder at https://github.com/koualab/conodictor. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Koua
- Bioinformatic Team, Département Agriculture et Ressources Animales, Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yamoussoukro, BP 1093, Côte d’Ivoire,To whom correspondence should be addressed.
| | - Anicet Ebou
- Bioinformatic Team, Département Agriculture et Ressources Animales, Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yamoussoukro, BP 1093, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, 34095, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bowen BW, Forsman ZH, Whitney JL, Faucci A, Hoban M, Canfield SJ, Johnston EC, Coleman RR, Copus JM, Vicente J, Toonen RJ. Species Radiations in the Sea: What the Flock? J Hered 2021; 111:70-83. [PMID: 31943081 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esz075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Species flocks are proliferations of closely-related species, usually after colonization of depauperate habitat. These radiations are abundant on oceanic islands and in ancient freshwater lakes, but rare in marine habitats. This contrast is well documented in the Hawaiian Archipelago, where terrestrial examples include the speciose silverswords (sunflower family Asteraceae), Drosophila fruit flies, and honeycreepers (passerine birds), all derived from one or a few ancestral lineages. The marine fauna of Hawai'i is also the product of rare colonization events, but these colonizations usually yield only one species. Dispersal ability is key to understanding this evolutionary inequity. While terrestrial fauna rarely colonize between oceanic islands, marine fauna with pelagic larvae can make this leap in every generation. An informative exception is the marine fauna that lack a pelagic larval stage. These low-dispersal species emulate a "terrestrial" mode of reproduction (brooding, viviparity, crawl-away larvae), yielding marine species flocks in scattered locations around the world. Elsewhere, aquatic species flocks are concentrated in specific geographic settings, including the ancient lakes of Baikal (Siberia) and Tanganyika (eastern Africa), and Antarctica. These locations host multiple species flocks across a broad taxonomic spectrum, indicating a unifying evolutionary phenomenon. Hence marine species flocks can be singular cases that arise due to restricted dispersal or other intrinsic features, or they can be geographically clustered, promoted by extrinsic ecological circumstances. Here, we review and contrast intrinsic cases of species flocks in individual taxa, and extrinsic cases of geological/ecological opportunity, to elucidate the processes of species radiations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Bowen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI
| | - Zac H Forsman
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI
| | - Jonathan L Whitney
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI
| | - Anuschka Faucci
- Math & Sciences Division, Leeward Community College, University of Hawai'i, Pearl City, HI
| | - Mykle Hoban
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI
| | | | - Erika C Johnston
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI
| | - Richard R Coleman
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI
| | - Joshua M Copus
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI
| | - Jan Vicente
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI
| | - Robert J Toonen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lin Z, Torres JP, Watkins M, Paguigan N, Niu C, Imperial JS, Tun J, Safavi-Hemami H, Finol-Urdaneta RK, Neves JLB, Espino S, Karthikeyan M, Olivera BM, Schmidt EW. Non-Peptidic Small Molecule Components from Cone Snail Venoms. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:655981. [PMID: 34054536 PMCID: PMC8155685 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.655981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomous molluscs (Superfamily Conoidea) comprise a substantial fraction of tropical marine biodiversity (>15,000 species). Prior characterization of cone snail venoms established that bioactive venom components used to capture prey, defend against predators and for competitive interactions were relatively small, structured peptides (10–35 amino acids), most with multiple disulfide crosslinks. These venom components (“conotoxins, conopeptides”) have been widely studied in many laboratories, leading to pharmaceutical agents and probes. In this review, we describe how it has recently become clear that to varying degrees, cone snail venoms also contain bioactive non-peptidic small molecule components. Since the initial discovery of genuanine as the first bioactive venom small molecule with an unprecedented structure, a broad set of cone snail venoms have been examined for non-peptidic bioactive components. In particular, a basal clade of cone snails (Stephanoconus) that prey on polychaetes produce genuanine and many other small molecules in their venoms, suggesting that this lineage may be a rich source of non-peptidic cone snail venom natural products. In contrast to standing dogma in the field that peptide and proteins are predominantly used for prey capture in cone snails, these small molecules also contribute to prey capture and push the molecular diversity of cone snails beyond peptides. The compounds so far characterized are active on neurons and thus may potentially serve as leads for neuronal diseases. Thus, in analogy to the incredible pharmacopeia resulting from studying venom peptides, these small molecules may provide a new resource of pharmacological agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjian Lin
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Joshua P Torres
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Maren Watkins
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Noemi Paguigan
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Changshan Niu
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Julita S Imperial
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jortan Tun
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jorge L B Neves
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, CIIMAR/ CIMAR, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Samuel Espino
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Manju Karthikeyan
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Baldomero M Olivera
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Eric W Schmidt
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ebou A, Koua D, Addablah A, Kakou-Ngazoa S, Dutertre S. Combined Proteotranscriptomic-Based Strategy to Discover Novel Antimicrobial Peptides from Cone Snails. Biomedicines 2021; 9:344. [PMID: 33805497 PMCID: PMC8066717 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their impressive diversity and already broad therapeutic applications, cone snail venoms have received less attention as a natural source in the investigation of antimicrobial peptides than other venomous animals such as scorpions, spiders, or snakes. Cone snails are among the largest genera (Conus sp.) of marine invertebrates, with more than seven hundred species described to date. These predatory mollusks use their sophisticated venom apparatus to capture prey or defend themselves. In-depth studies of these venoms have unraveled many biologically active peptides with pharmacological properties of interest in the field of pain management, the treatment of epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiac ischemia. Considering sequencing efficiency and affordability, cone snail venom gland transcriptome analyses could allow the discovery of new, promising antimicrobial peptides. We first present here the need for novel compounds like antimicrobial peptides as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics. Secondly, we review the current knowledge on cone snails as a source of antimicrobial peptides. Then, we present the current state of the art in analytical methods applied to crude or milked venom followed by how antibacterial activity assay can be implemented for fostering cone snail antimicrobial peptides studies. We also propose a new innovative profile Hidden Markov model-based approach to annotate full venom gland transcriptomes and speed up the discovery of potentially active peptides from cone snails.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anicet Ebou
- Bioinformatic Team, Département Agriculture et Ressource Animales, UMRI 28, Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yamoussoukro BP 1093, Ivory Coast;
| | - Dominique Koua
- Bioinformatic Team, Département Agriculture et Ressource Animales, UMRI 28, Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yamoussoukro BP 1093, Ivory Coast;
| | - Audrey Addablah
- Plateforme de Biologie Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan BP 490, Ivory Coast; (A.A.); (S.K.-N.)
| | - Solange Kakou-Ngazoa
- Plateforme de Biologie Moléculaire, Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan BP 490, Ivory Coast; (A.A.); (S.K.-N.)
| | - Sébastien Dutertre
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mohan MK, Abraham N, R P R, Jayaseelan BF, Ragnarsson L, Lewis RJ, Sarma SP. Structure and allosteric activity of a single-disulfide conopeptide from Conus zonatus at human α3β4 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:7096-7112. [PMID: 32234761 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides are neurotoxic peptides in the venom of marine cone snails and have broad therapeutic potential for managing pain and other conditions. Here, we identified the single-disulfide peptides Czon1107 and Cca1669 from the venoms of Conus zonatus and Conus caracteristicus, respectively. We observed that Czon1107 strongly inhibits the human α3β4 (IC50 15.7 ± 3.0 μm) and α7 (IC50 77.1 ± 0.05 μm) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes, but the activity of Cca1669 remains to be identified. Czon1107 acted at a site distinct from the orthosteric receptor site. Solution NMR experiments revealed that Czon1107 exists in equilibrium between conformational states that are the result of a key Ser4-Pro5 cis-trans isomerization. Moreover, we found that the X-Pro amide bonds in the inter-cysteine loop are rigidly constrained to cis conformations. Structure-activity experiments of Czon1107 and its variants at positions P5 and P7 revealed that the conformation around the X-Pro bonds (cis-trans) plays an important role in receptor subtype selectivity. The cis conformation at the Cys6-Pro7 peptide bond was essential for α3β4 nAChR subtype allosteric selectivity. In summary, we have identified a unique single-disulfide conopeptide with a noncompetitive, potentially allosteric inhibitory mechanism at the nAChRs. The small size and rigidity of the Czon1107 peptide could provide a scaffold for rational drug design strategies for allosteric nAChR modulation. This new paradigm in the "conotoxinomic" structure-function space provides an impetus to screen venom from other Conus species for similar, short bioactive peptides that allosterically modulate ligand-gated receptor function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhan Kumar Mohan
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Nikita Abraham
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Rd., St. Lucia Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Rajesh R P
- Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Jeppiaar Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Chennai 600119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Lotten Ragnarsson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Rd., St. Lucia Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Rd., St. Lucia Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Siddhartha P Sarma
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li Q, Barghi N, Lu A, Fedosov AE, Bandyopadhyay PK, Lluisma AO, Concepcion GP, Yandell M, Olivera BM, Safavi-Hemami H. Divergence of the Venom Exogene Repertoire in Two Sister Species of Turriconus. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 9:2211-2225. [PMID: 28922871 PMCID: PMC5604253 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Conus comprises approximately 700 species of venomous marine cone snails that are highly efficient predators of worms, snails, and fish. In evolutionary terms, cone snails are relatively young with the earliest fossil records occurring in the Lower Eocene, 55 Ma. The rapid radiation of cone snail species has been accompanied by remarkably high rates of toxin diversification. To shed light on the molecular mechanisms that accompany speciation, we investigated the toxin repertoire of two sister species, Conus andremenezi and Conus praecellens, that were until recently considered a single variable species. A total of 196 and 250 toxin sequences were identified in the venom gland transcriptomes of C. andremenezi and C. praecellens belonging to 25 and 29 putative toxin gene superfamilies, respectively. Comparative analysis with closely (Conus tribblei and Conus lenavati) and more distantly related species (Conus geographus) suggests that speciation is associated with significant diversification of individual toxin genes (exogenes) whereas the expression pattern of toxin gene superfamilies within lineages remains largely conserved. Thus, changes within individual toxin sequences can serve as a sensitive indicator for recent speciation whereas changes in the expression pattern of gene superfamilies are likely to reflect more dramatic differences in a species' interaction with its prey, predators, and competitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah
| | - Neda Barghi
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.,Institute für Populationsgenetik, Vetmeduni, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Aiping Lu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Alexander E Fedosov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Arturo O Lluisma
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.,Philippine Genome Center, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Gisela P Concepcion
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.,Philippine Genome Center, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Mark Yandell
- Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah.,USTAR Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pennington MW, Czerwinski A, Norton RS. Peptide therapeutics from venom: Current status and potential. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:2738-2758. [PMID: 28988749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are recognized as being highly selective, potent and relatively safe as potential therapeutics. Peptides isolated from the venom of different animals satisfy most of these criteria with the possible exception of safety, but when isolated as single compounds and used at appropriate concentrations, venom-derived peptides can become useful drugs. Although the number of venom-derived peptides that have successfully progressed to the clinic is currently limited, the prospects for venom-derived peptides look very optimistic. As proteomic and transcriptomic approaches continue to identify new sequences, the potential of venom-derived peptides to find applications as therapeutics, cosmetics and insecticides grows accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrzej Czerwinski
- Peptides International, Inc., 11621 Electron Drive, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
| | - Raymond S Norton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 381 Royal Parade, Monash University, Parkville, 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bose U, Wang T, Zhao M, Motti CA, Hall MR, Cummins SF. Multiomics analysis of the giant triton snail salivary gland, a crown-of-thorns starfish predator. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6000. [PMID: 28729681 PMCID: PMC5519703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The giant triton snail (Charonia tritonis) is one of the few natural predators of the adult Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS), a corallivore that has been damaging to many reefs in the Indo-Pacific. Charonia species have large salivary glands (SGs) that are suspected to produce either a venom and/or sulphuric acid which can immobilize their prey and neutralize the intrinsic toxic properties of COTS. To date, there is little information on the types of toxins produced by tritons. In this paper, the predatory behaviour of the C. tritonis is described. Then, the C. tritonis SG, which itself is made up of an anterior lobe (AL) and posterior lobe (PL), was analyzed using an integrated transcriptomics and proteomics approach, to identify putative toxin- and feeding-related proteins. A de novo transcriptome database and in silico protein analysis predicts that ~3800 proteins have features consistent with being secreted. A gland-specific proteomics analysis confirmed the presence of numerous SG-AL and SG-PL proteins, including those with similarity to cysteine-rich venom proteins. Sulfuric acid biosynthesis enzymes were identified, specific to the SG-PL. Our analysis of the C. tritonis SG (AL and PL) has provided a deeper insight into the biomolecular toolkit used for predation and feeding by C. tritonis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Bose
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Genecology Research Center, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, 4558, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - T Wang
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Genecology Research Center, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, 4558, Australia
| | - M Zhao
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Genecology Research Center, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, 4558, Australia
| | - C A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - M R Hall
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - S F Cummins
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Genecology Research Center, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, 4558, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Identification of a Novel O-Conotoxin Reveals an Unusual and Potent Inhibitor of the Human α9α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15060170. [PMID: 28598389 PMCID: PMC5484120 DOI: 10.3390/md15060170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins are a pool of disulfide-rich peptide neurotoxins produced by cone snails for predation and defense. They are a rich reservoir of novel ligands for ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors and transporters in the nervous system. In this study, we identified a novel conotoxin component, O-conotoxin GeXXVIIA, from the venom of Conus generalis. The native form of this component is a disulfide-linked homodimer of a 5-Cys-containing peptide. Surprisingly, our electrophysiological studies showed that, in comparison to the folded monomers, the linear peptide of this toxin had the highest inhibitory activity at the human α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), with an IC50 of 16.2 ± 1.4 nM. The activities of the N-terminal and C-terminal halves of the linear toxin are markedly reduced compared with the full-length toxin, suggesting that the intact sequence is required to potently inhibit the hα9α10 nAChR. α9α10 nAChRs are expressed not only in the nervous system, but also in a variety of non-neuronal cells, such as cochlear hair cells, keratinocytes, epithelial and immune cells. A potent inhibitor of human α9α10 nAChRs, such as GeXXVIIA, would facilitate unraveling the functions of this nAChR subtype. Furthermore, this unusual nAChR inhibitor may lead to the development of novel α9α10 nAChR-targeting drugs.
Collapse
|
22
|
Carstens BB, Swedberg J, Berecki G, Adams DJ, Craik DJ, Clark RJ. Effects of linker sequence modifications on the structure, stability, and biological activity of a cyclic α-conotoxin. Biopolymers 2016; 106:864-875. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bodil B. Carstens
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences; the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Joakim Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Géza Berecki
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University; Melbourne Victoria 3083 Australia
| | - David J. Adams
- Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University; Melbourne Victoria 3083 Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Richard J. Clark
- School of Biomedical Sciences; the University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gorson J, Holford M. Small Packages, Big Returns: Uncovering the Venom Diversity of Small Invertebrate Conoidean Snails. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 56:962-972. [PMID: 27371389 PMCID: PMC6058754 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous organisms used in research were historically chosen based on size and availability. This opportunity-driven strategy created a species bias in which snakes, scorpions, and spiders became the primary subjects of venom research. Increasing technological advancements have enabled interdisciplinary studies using genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to expand venom investigation to animals that produce small amounts of venom or lack traditional venom producing organs. One group of non-traditional venomous organisms that have benefitted from the rise of -omic technologies is the Conoideans. The Conoidean superfamily of venomous marine snails includes, the Terebridae, Turridae (s.l), and Conidae. Conoidea venom is used for both predation and defense, and therefore under strong selection pressures. The need for conoidean venom peptides to be potent and specific to their molecular targets has made them important tools for investigating cellular physiology and bioactive compounds that are beneficial to improving human health. A convincing case for the potential of Conoidean venom is made with the first commercially available conoidean venom peptide drug Ziconotide (Prialt®), an analgesic derived from Conus magus venom that is used to treat chronic pain in HIV and cancer patients. Investigation of conoidean venom using -omics technology provides significant insights into predator-driven diversification in biodiversity and identifies novel compounds for manipulating cellular communication, especially as it pertains to disease and disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Gorson
- *Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, NY, 10021 USA
- Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry, The Graduate City, The City University of New York, NY, 10016 USA
- Invertebrate Zoology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, NY, 10024 USA
| | - M Holford
- *Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, The City University of New York, Belfer Research Building, NY, 10021 USA
- Departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Biochemistry, The Graduate City, The City University of New York, NY, 10016 USA
- Invertebrate Zoology, Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, NY, 10024 USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tietze D, Leipold E, Heimer P, Böhm M, Winschel W, Imhof D, Heinemann SH, Tietze AA. Molecular interaction of δ-conopeptide EVIA with voltage-gated Na+ channels. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:2053-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
25
|
Sciani JM, Emerenciano AK, Cunha da Silva JRM, Pimenta DC. Initial peptidomic profiling of Brazilian sea urchins: Arbacia lixula, Lytechinus variegatus and Echinometra lucunter. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2016; 22:17. [PMID: 27152113 PMCID: PMC4857251 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-016-0071-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sea urchins can be found throughout the Brazilian coast and are reported to be one of the major causes of marine accidents on the shoreline. Although not lethal, these accidents are reported to be extremely painful. In order to understand the toxinology of the Brazilian urchins, a peptidomic approach was performed aiming to characterize the naturally occurring peptides in both the coelomic fluid and the spine. Methods Animals were collected without gender distinction and samples of the coelomic fluid and spines extracted were analyzed by RP-HPLC and mass spectrometry for peptide de novo sequencing. Results Several peptides were identified either in the coelomic fluid or the spine extract (except for E. lucunter). The peptide sequences were aligned with public deposited sequences and possible functions were inferred. Moreover, some peptides can be cryptides, since their sequences were identified within functional proteins, for example thymosin from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Conclusions Although preliminary, the peptidomic approach presented here reports, for the first time, the abundance of novel biological molecules derived from these animals. The discovery of such molecules may be of potential biotechnological application, as described for other organisms; nevertheless, further studies are required. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40409-016-0071-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Andrews Krupinski Emerenciano
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Histophysiology, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - José Roberto Machado Cunha da Silva
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Histophysiology, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP CEP 05503-900 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Galindo LA, Puillandre N, Utge J, Lozouet P, Bouchet P. The phylogeny and systematics of the Nassariidae revisited (Gastropoda, Buccinoidea). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2016; 99:337-353. [PMID: 27012605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Nassariidae are a group of scavenging, predominantly marine, snails that are diversified on soft bottoms as well as on rocky shores, and are the subject of numerous research papers in ecology, ecotoxicology or paleontology. A weak and/or apparently continuous variation in shell characters has resulted in an intimidating taxonomy, with complex synonymy lists. Over 1320 extant nominal species have been described, of which 442 are currently regarded as valid. Above species level, the state of the art is equally hazy, with four subfamilies and twelve genera currently accepted, and many other names in the graveyard of synonymy. A molecular analysis based on three mitochondrial (COI, 16S, 12S) and two nuclear (28S, H3) markers was conducted. Our dataset includes 218 putative nassariid species, comprising 9 of the 12 valid genera, and 25 nominal genera represented by their type species. The monophyly of the Nassariidae as classically construed is not confirmed. Species of Antillophos, Engoniophos, Phos, Nassaria, Tomlinia and Anentome (formerly considered Buccinidae) are included inside the Nassariidae clade. Within the Nassariinae, the tree unexpectedly demonstrates that species from the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific form different clades which represent several independent diversification events. Through an integrative approach, the reconstruction of ancestral states was addressed for eight characters supposedly informative for taxonomy. Using numerous fossil calibration points, Nassariidae appear to have originated 120 MYA ago in Atlantic temperate waters during the Lower Cretaceous. Our results have a profound impact on nassariid taxonomy, especially with regard to the validity of subfamily- and genus-level names.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lee Ann Galindo
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité ISYEB - UMR7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, 43 Rue Cuvier, F-75231 Paris, France.
| | - Nicolas Puillandre
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité ISYEB - UMR7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, 43 Rue Cuvier, F-75231 Paris, France.
| | - José Utge
- UMS 2700, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Département Systématique et Evolution, 43, Rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris, France; Musée de l'Homme, HNS - UMR 7206, EcoAnthropologie et Ethnobiologie, CNRS/MNHN/Université Paris Diderot, 17 place Trocadéro, 75016 Paris, France.
| | - Pierre Lozouet
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Direction des Collections, 55, rue de Buffon, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Philippe Bouchet
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité ISYEB - UMR7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, 55 Rue Buffon, F-75231 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Memar B, Jamili S, Shahbazzadeh D, Bagheri KP. The first report on coagulation and phospholipase A2 activities of Persian Gulf lionfish, Pterois russelli, an Iranian venomous fish. Toxicon 2016; 113:25-31. [PMID: 26853495 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pterois russelli is a venomous fish belonging to scorpionidae family. Regarding to high significance value for tracing potential therapeutic molecules and special agents from venomous marine creatures, the present study was aimed to characterization of the Persian Gulf lionfish venom. Proteolytic, phospholipase, hemolytic, coagulation, edematogenic and dermonecrotic activities were determined for extracted venom. The LD50 of P. russelli venom was determined by intravenous injection in white Balb/c mice. Phospholipase A2 activity was recorded at 20 μg of total venom. Coagulation activity on human plasma was shown by Prothrombin Time (PT) and activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) assays and coagulation visualized after 7 and 14 s respectively for 60 μg of crude venom. LD50 was calculated as 10.5 mg/kg. SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of major and minor protein bands between 6 and 205 kDa. Different amounts of crude venom ranged from 1.87 to 30 μg showed proteolytic activity on casein. The highest edematic activity was detected at 20 μg. Our findings showed that the edematic activity was dose dependent and persisted for 48 h after injection. The crude venom did not induce dermonecrotic activity on rabbit skin and showed no hemolytic activity on human, mouse and rabbit erythrocytes. This is the first report for phospholipase A2 and coagulation activity in venomous fish and venomous marine animals respectively. Proteolytic activity of P. russelli venom is in accordance with the other genara of scorpionidae family. According to venom activity on intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways, lionfish venom would be contained an interesting pharmaceutical agent. This study is pending to further characterization of phospholipase A2, coagulation, and protease activities and also in vivo activity on animal model of surface and internal bleeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Memar
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technologies, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Jamili
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technologies, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Biotechnology Research Center, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Prashanth JR, Dutertre S, Jin AH, Lavergne V, Hamilton B, Cardoso FC, Griffin J, Venter DJ, Alewood PF, Lewis RJ. The role of defensive ecological interactions in the evolution of conotoxins. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:598-615. [PMID: 26614983 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Venoms comprise of complex mixtures of peptides evolved for predation and defensive purposes. Remarkably, some carnivorous cone snails can inject two distinct venoms in response to predatory or defensive stimuli, providing a unique opportunity to study separately how different ecological pressures contribute to toxin diversification. Here, we report the extraordinary defensive strategy of the Rhizoconus subgenus of cone snails. The defensive venom from this worm-hunting subgenus is unusually simple, almost exclusively composed of αD-conotoxins instead of the ubiquitous αA-conotoxins found in the more complex defensive venom of mollusc- and fish-hunting cone snails. A similarly compartmentalized venom gland as those observed in the other dietary groups facilitates the deployment of this defensive venom. Transcriptomic analysis of a Conus vexillum venom gland revealed the αD-conotoxins as the major transcripts, with lower amounts of 15 known and four new conotoxin superfamilies also detected with likely roles in prey capture. Our phylogenetic and molecular evolution analysis of the αD-conotoxins from five subgenera of cone snails suggests they evolved episodically as part of a defensive strategy in the Rhizoconus subgenus. Thus, our results demonstrate an important role for defence in the evolution of conotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Prashanth
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - S Dutertre
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia.,Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, Université Montpellier-CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - A H Jin
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - V Lavergne
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - B Hamilton
- Pathology, Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Qld, 4101, Australia.,Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - F C Cardoso
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - J Griffin
- ACRF Microscopy Facility, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - D J Venter
- Pathology, Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Qld, 4101, Australia.,Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - P F Alewood
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - R J Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sunagar K, Moran Y. The Rise and Fall of an Evolutionary Innovation: Contrasting Strategies of Venom Evolution in Ancient and Young Animals. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005596. [PMID: 26492532 PMCID: PMC4619613 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are theorized to evolve under the significant influence of positive Darwinian selection in a chemical arms race scenario, where the evolution of venom resistance in prey and the invention of potent venom in the secreting animal exert reciprocal selection pressures. Venom research to date has mainly focused on evolutionarily younger lineages, such as snakes and cone snails, while mostly neglecting ancient clades (e.g., cnidarians, coleoids, spiders and centipedes). By examining genome, venom-gland transcriptome and sequences from the public repositories, we report the molecular evolutionary regimes of several centipede and spider toxin families, which surprisingly accumulated low-levels of sequence variations, despite their long evolutionary histories. Molecular evolutionary assessment of over 3500 nucleotide sequences from 85 toxin families spanning the breadth of the animal kingdom has unraveled a contrasting evolutionary strategy employed by ancient and evolutionarily young clades. We show that the venoms of ancient lineages remarkably evolve under the heavy constraints of negative selection, while toxin families in lineages that originated relatively recently rapidly diversify under the influence of positive selection. We propose that animal venoms mostly employ a ‘two-speed’ mode of evolution, where the major influence of diversifying selection accompanies the earlier stages of ecological specialization (e.g., diet and range expansion) in the evolutionary history of the species–the period of expansion, resulting in the rapid diversification of the venom arsenal, followed by longer periods of purifying selection that preserve the potent toxin pharmacopeia–the period of purification and fixation. However, species in the period of purification may re-enter the period of expansion upon experiencing a major shift in ecology or environment. Thus, we highlight for the first time the significant roles of purifying and episodic selections in shaping animal venoms. While the influence of positive selection in diversifying animal venoms is widely recognized, the role of purifying selection that conserves the amino acid sequence of venom components such as peptide toxins has never been considered. In addition to unraveling the unique strategies of evolution of toxin gene families in centipedes and spiders, which are amongst the first terrestrial venomous lineages, we highlight the significant role of purifying selection in shaping the composition of animal venoms. Analysis of numerous toxin families, spanning the breadth of the animal kingdom, has revealed a striking contrast between the evolution of venom in ancient and evolutionarily young animal groups. Our findings enable the postulation of a new theory of venom evolution. The proposed ‘two-speed’ mode of evolution of venom captures the fascinating evolutionary history and the dynamics of this complex biochemical cocktail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Sunagar
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Alexander Silberman Institute for Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail: (KS); (YM)
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Alexander Silberman Institute for Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail: (KS); (YM)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Olivera BM, Seger J, Horvath MP, Fedosov AE. Prey-Capture Strategies of Fish-Hunting Cone Snails: Behavior, Neurobiology and Evolution. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2015; 86:58-74. [PMID: 26397110 DOI: 10.1159/000438449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The venomous fish-hunting cone snails (Conus) comprise eight distinct lineages evolved from ancestors that preyed on worms. In this article, we attempt to reconstruct events resulting in this shift in food resource by closely examining patterns of behavior, biochemical agents (toxins) that facilitate prey capture and the combinations of toxins present in extant species. The first sections introduce three different hunting behaviors associated with piscivory: 'taser-and-tether', 'net-engulfment' and 'strike-and-stalk'. The first two fish-hunting behaviors are clearly associated with distinct groups of venom components, called cabals, which act in concert to modify the behavior of prey in a specific manner. Derived fish-hunting behavior clearly also correlates with physical features of the radular tooth, the device that injects these biochemical components. Mapping behavior, biochemical components and radular tooth features onto phylogenetic trees shows that fish-hunting behavior emerged at least twice during evolution. The system presented here may be one of the best examples where diversity in structure, physiology and molecular features were initially driven by particular pathways selected through behavior.
Collapse
|
31
|
Cabinet of Curiosities: Venom Systems and Their Ecological Function in Mammals, with a Focus on Primates. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2639-58. [PMID: 26193318 PMCID: PMC4516934 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7072639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Venom delivery systems (VDS) are common in the animal kingdom, but rare amongst mammals. New definitions of venom allow us to reconsider its diversity amongst mammals by reviewing the VDS of Chiroptera, Eulipotyphla, Monotremata, and Primates. All orders use modified anterior dentition as the venom delivery apparatus, except Monotremata, which possesses a crural system. The venom gland in most taxa is a modified submaxillary salivary gland. In Primates, the saliva is activated when combined with brachial gland exudate. In Monotremata, the crural spur contains the venom duct. Venom functions include feeding, intraspecific competition, anti-predator defense and parasite defense. Including mammals in discussion of venom evolution could prove vital in our understanding protein functioning in mammals and provide a new avenue for biomedical and therapeutic applications and drug discovery.
Collapse
|
32
|
Insights into the origins of fish hunting in venomous cone snails from studies of Conus tessulatus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:5087-92. [PMID: 25848010 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1424435112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Prey shifts in carnivorous predators are events that can initiate the accelerated generation of new biodiversity. However, it is seldom possible to reconstruct how the change in prey preference occurred. Here we describe an evolutionary "smoking gun" that illuminates the transition from worm hunting to fish hunting among marine cone snails, resulting in the adaptive radiation of fish-hunting lineages comprising ∼100 piscivorous Conus species. This smoking gun is δ-conotoxin TsVIA, a peptide from the venom of Conus tessulatus that delays inactivation of vertebrate voltage-gated sodium channels. C. tessulatus is a species in a worm-hunting clade, which is phylogenetically closely related to the fish-hunting cone snail specialists. The discovery of a δ-conotoxin that potently acts on vertebrate sodium channels in the venom of a worm-hunting cone snail suggests that a closely related ancestral toxin enabled the transition from worm hunting to fish hunting, as δ-conotoxins are highly conserved among fish hunters and critical to their mechanism of prey capture; this peptide, δ-conotoxin TsVIA, has striking sequence similarity to these δ-conotoxins from piscivorous cone snail venoms. Calcium-imaging studies on dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons revealed the peptide's putative molecular target (voltage-gated sodium channels) and mechanism of action (inhibition of channel inactivation). The results were confirmed by electrophysiology. This work demonstrates how elucidating the specific interactions between toxins and receptors from phylogenetically well-defined lineages can uncover molecular mechanisms that underlie significant evolutionary transitions.
Collapse
|
33
|
Hendricks JR. Glowing seashells: diversity of fossilized coloration patterns on coral reef-associated cone snail (Gastropoda: Conidae) shells from the Neogene of the Dominican Republic. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120924. [PMID: 25830769 PMCID: PMC4382297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The biology of modern Conidae (cone snails)—which includes the hyperdiverse genus Conus—has been intensively studied, but the fossil record of the clade remains poorly understood, particularly within an evolutionary framework. Here, ultraviolet light is used to reveal and characterize the original shell coloration patterns of 28 species of cone snails from three Neogene coral reef-associated deposits from the Cibao Valley, northern Dominican Republic. These fossils come from the upper Miocene Cercado Fm. and lower Pliocene Gurabo Fm., and range in age from about 6.6-4.8 Ma. Comparison of the revealed coloration patterns with those of extant species allow the taxa to be assigned to three genera of cone snails (Profundiconus, Conasprella, and Conus) and at least nine subgenera. Thirteen members of these phylogenetically diverse reef faunas are described as new species. These include: Profundiconus? hennigi, Conasprella (Ximeniconus) ageri, Conus anningae, Conus lyelli, Conus (Atlanticonus?) franklinae, Conus (Stephanoconus) gouldi, Conus (Stephanoconus) bellacoensis, Conus (Ductoconus) cashi, Conus (Dauciconus) garrisoni, Conus (Dauciconus?) zambaensis, Conus (Spuriconus?) kaesleri, Conus (Spuriconus?) lombardii, and Conus (Lautoconus?) carlottae. Each of the three reef deposits contain a minimum of 14–16 cone snail species, levels of diversity that are similar to modern Indo-Pacific reef systems. Finally, most of the 28 species can be assigned to modern clades and thus have important implications for understanding the biogeographic and temporal histories of these clades in tropical America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. Hendricks
- Department of Geology, San José State University, California, United States of America and Paleontological Research Institution, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Barghi N, Concepcion GP, Olivera BM, Lluisma AO. High conopeptide diversity in Conus tribblei revealed through analysis of venom duct transcriptome using two high-throughput sequencing platforms. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 17:81-98. [PMID: 25117477 PMCID: PMC4501261 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-014-9595-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The venom of each species of Conus contains different kinds of pharmacologically active peptides which are mostly unique to that species. Collectively, the ~500-700 species of Conus produce a large number of these peptides, perhaps exceeding 140,000 different types in total. To date, however, only a small fraction of this diversity has been characterized via transcriptome sequencing. In addition, the sampling of this chemical diversity has not been uniform across the different lineages in the genus. In this study, we used high-throughput transcriptome sequencing approach to further investigate the diversity of Conus venom peptides. We chose a species, Conus tribblei, as a representative of a poorly studied clade of Conus. Using the Roche 454 and Illumina platforms, we discovered 136 unique and novel putative conopeptides belonging to 30 known gene superfamilies and 6 new conopeptide groups, the greatest diversity so far observed from a transcriptome. Most of the identified peptides exhibited divergence from the known conopeptides, and some contained cysteine frameworks observed for the first time in cone snails. In addition, several enzymes involved in posttranslational modification of conopeptides and also some proteins involved in efficient delivery of the conopeptides to prey were identified as well. Interestingly, a number of conopeptides highly similar to the conopeptides identified in a phylogenetically distant species, the generalist feeder Conus californicus, were observed. The high diversity of conopeptides and the presence of conopeptides similar to those in C. californicus suggest that C. tribblei may have a broad range of prey preferences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Barghi
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
von Reumont BM, Campbell LI, Jenner RA. Quo vadis venomics? A roadmap to neglected venomous invertebrates. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:3488-551. [PMID: 25533518 PMCID: PMC4280546 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6123488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomics research is being revolutionized by the increased use of sensitive -omics techniques to identify venom toxins and their transcripts in both well studied and neglected venomous taxa. The study of neglected venomous taxa is necessary both for understanding the full diversity of venom systems that have evolved in the animal kingdom, and to robustly answer fundamental questions about the biology and evolution of venoms without the distorting effect that can result from the current bias introduced by some heavily studied taxa. In this review we draw the outlines of a roadmap into the diversity of poorly studied and understood venomous and putatively venomous invertebrates, which together represent tens of thousands of unique venoms. The main groups we discuss are crustaceans, flies, centipedes, non-spider and non-scorpion arachnids, annelids, molluscs, platyhelminths, nemerteans, and echinoderms. We review what is known about the morphology of the venom systems in these groups, the composition of their venoms, and the bioactivities of the venoms to provide researchers with an entry into a large and scattered literature. We conclude with a short discussion of some important methodological aspects that have come to light with the recent use of new -omics techniques in the study of venoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lahcen I Campbell
- Department of Life Sciences, the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD London, UK.
| | - Ronald A Jenner
- Department of Life Sciences, the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Imperial JS, Cabang AB, Song J, Raghuraman S, Gajewiak J, Watkins M, Showers-Corneli P, Fedosov A, Concepcion GP, Terlau H, Teichert RW, Olivera BM. A family of excitatory peptide toxins from venomous crassispirine snails: using Constellation Pharmacology to assess bioactivity. Toxicon 2014; 89:45-54. [PMID: 24997406 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The toxinology of the crassispirine snails, a major group of venomous marine gastropods within the superfamily Conoidea, is largely unknown. Here we define the first venom peptide superfamily, the P-like crassipeptides, and show that the organization of their gene sequences is similar to conotoxin precursors. We provide evidence that one peptide family within the P-like crassipeptide superfamily includes potassium-channel (K-channel) blockers, the κP-crassipeptides. Three of these peptides were chemically synthesized (cce9a, cce9b and iqi9a). Using conventional electrophysiology, cce9b was shown to be an antagonist of both a human Kv1.1 channel isoform (Shaker subfamily of voltage-gated K channels) and a Drosophila K-channel isoform. We assessed the bioactivity of these peptides in native mammalian dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture. We demonstrate that two of these crassipeptides, cce9a and cce9b, elicited an excitatory phenotype in a subset of small-diameter capsaicin-sensitive mouse DRG neurons that were also affected by κJ-conotoxin PlXIVA (pl14a), a blocker of Kv1.6 channels. Given the vast complexity of heteromeric K-channel isoforms, this study demonstrates that the crassispirine venoms are a potentially rich source for discovering novel peptides that can help to identify and characterize the diversity of K-channel subtypes expressed in native neurons and other cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julita S Imperial
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - April B Cabang
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Jie Song
- Institute of Physiology, University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Straße 5, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Shrinivasan Raghuraman
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Maren Watkins
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Patrice Showers-Corneli
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Alexander Fedosov
- A.N. Severtzov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, 119071 Russia
| | - Gisela P Concepcion
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Heinrich Terlau
- Institute of Physiology, University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Straße 5, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Russell W Teichert
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Baldomero M Olivera
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels are essential contributors to neuronal excitability, making them the most commonly targeted ion channel family by toxins found in animal venoms. These molecules can be used to probe the functional aspects of Nav channels on a molecular level and to explore their physiological role in normal and diseased tissues. This chapter summarizes our existing knowledge of the mechanisms by which animal toxins influence Nav channels as well as their potential application in designing therapeutic drugs.
Collapse
|