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Panayi T, Diavoli S, Nicolaidou V, Papaneophytou C, Petrou C, Sarigiannis Y. Short-Chained Linear Scorpion Peptides: A Pool for Novel Antimicrobials. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:422. [PMID: 38786150 PMCID: PMC11117241 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom peptides are generally classified into two main groups: the disulfide bridged peptides (DBPs), which usually target membrane-associated ion channels, and the non-disulfide bridged peptides (NDBPs), a smaller group with multifunctional properties. In the past decade, these peptides have gained interest because most of them display functions that include antimicrobial, anticancer, haemolytic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Our current study focuses on the short (9-19 amino acids) antimicrobial linear scorpion peptides. Most of these peptides display a net positive charge of 1 or 2, an isoelectric point at pH 9-10, a broad range of hydrophobicity, and a Grand Average of Hydropathy (GRAVY) Value ranging between -0.05 and 1.7. These features allow these peptides to be attracted toward the negatively charged phospholipid head groups of the lipid membranes of target cells, a force driven by electrostatic interactions. This review outlines the antimicrobial potential of short-chained linear scorpion venom peptides. Additionally, short linear scorpion peptides are in general more attractive for large-scale synthesis from a manufacturing point of view. The structural and functional diversity of these peptides represents a good starting point for the development of new peptide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolis Panayi
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (T.P.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (S.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Spiridoula Diavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (S.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Vicky Nicolaidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (T.P.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (T.P.); (V.N.); (C.P.)
| | - Christos Petrou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (S.D.); (C.P.)
| | - Yiannis Sarigiannis
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus; (S.D.); (C.P.)
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Mendoza-Tobar LL, Clement H, Arenas I, Guerrero-Vargas JA, Hernandez-Orihuela L, Cardoso-Arenas S, Sepulveda-Arias JC, Corzo G. Antimicrobial, toxicological, and antigenic characteristics of three scorpion venoms from Colombia: Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107134. [PMID: 38286350 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The venom fractions of three buthid scorpion species from Colombia, C. margaritatus, T. pachyurus and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, were examined for antimicrobial and toxicity toward mice and insects. The three venoms were separated into individual fractions using RP-HPLC, resulting in 85 fractions from C. margaritatus, 106 from T. pachyurus, and 70 from T. n. sp. aff. metuendus. The major fractions from the three scorpion venoms, which were eluted between 35 and 50 min, were tested for antimicrobial activity and toxicity. It was confirmed that the venom of the three species contains fractions with antimicrobial peptides that were evaluated against two bacterial strains of public health importance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The venom of C. margaritatus had two antimicrobial fractions that showed activity against the named tested strains. The venom of T. pachyurus had three fractions that showed activity against S. aureus and two against both bacterial strains. Finally, the venom of T. n. sp. aff. metuendus had one fraction that showed activity against S. aureus, and five fractions showed activity against both bacterial strains. Also, some peptide fractions from the three venoms were toxic to mice. Last, the venoms of C. margaritatus and T. pachyurus were used as immunogens to obtain neutralizing antibodies against its respective venoms and to observe antibody recognition to related and unrelated scorpion venoms. A total of 15 mg of lyophilized antibodies were able to neutralize 1.5⋅LD50 of the venoms from T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, T. pachyurus and C. margaritatus, respectively. This information provides valuable insights into the diversity of each species' venom and their potential role in antimicrobial and venom toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leydy Lorena Mendoza-Tobar
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Grupo Infección e Inmunidad - Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Bioterio, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico
| | - Ivan Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico
| | - Jimmy Alexander Guerrero-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Bioterio, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
| | - Lorena Hernandez-Orihuela
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico
| | - Samuel Cardoso-Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Sepulveda-Arias
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Grupo Infección e Inmunidad - Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM. Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos 61500, Mexico.
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Pereira DB, Martins JG, Oliveira MS, Lima-Júnior RS, Rocha LC, Andrade SL, Procópio REL. Leishmanicidal activity of the venoms of the Scorpions Brotheas amazonicus and Tityus metuendus. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 83:e276872. [PMID: 38055507 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.276872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-transmitted zoonosis caused by different species of the genus Leishmania, with a wide clinical spectrum. It is a public health problem aggravated by a series of limitations regarding treatment. In the search for new therapeutic alternatives, scorpion venoms are a source of multifunctional molecules that act against the natural resistance of pathogens. This work evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Brotheas amazonicus and Tityus metuendus venoms against the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis e Leishmania guyanensis. The venoms of B. amazonicus and T. metuendus were evaluated for their constituents using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Growth inhibition and death of promastigotes were evaluated in the presence of diferente crude venom concentrations (100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) after one hour of incubation at 25 °C. The FTIR spectra of both venoms exhibited bands in approximate regions, revealing that both exhibit similar functional groups. Crude venom from both scorpion species showed similar or superior leishmanicidal effects to the standart drug N-methylglucamine antimoniate. At the highest concentration of 100 µg/mL, cultures of L. guyanensis treated with the venom of B. amazonicus showed the highest mortality percentages, above 28%, while T. metuendus venom showed the highest activity against L. amazonensis, with mortality above 7%. This preliminar study demonstrates that B. amazonicus and T. metuendus venoms can be important tools in the search for new drugs Against leishmaniasis. Next step involves evaluating the activity against the amastigote forms and purifying the venom proteins in order to identify the best anti-leishmania candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B Pereira
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas - UEA, Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde - ESA, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - J G Martins
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - M S Oliveira
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas - UEA, Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde - ESA, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - R S Lima-Júnior
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas - UEA, Escola Normal Superior - ENS, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - L C Rocha
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas - UEA, Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde - ESA, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - S L Andrade
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas - UEA, Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde - ESA, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - R E L Procópio
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas - UEA, Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde - ESA, Manaus, AM, Brasil
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Pashmforoosh N, Baradaran M. Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 27:84-99. [PMID: 37070616 PMCID: PMC10314758 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.3863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Baradaran Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; E-mail:
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Solano-Godoy JA, González-Gómez JC, Torres-Bonilla KA, Floriano RS, Miguel ATSF, Murillo-Arango W. Comparison of biological activities of Tityus pachyurus venom from two Colombian regions. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210005. [PMID: 34925479 PMCID: PMC8651215 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the present study, we have tested whether specimens of the medically relevant scorpion Tityus pachyurus, collected from two climatically and ecologically different regions, differ in the biological activities of the venom. Methods Scorpions were collected in Tolima and Huila, Colombia. Chemical profiles of the crude venom were obtained from 80 scorpions for each region, using SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Assays for phospholipase A2, direct and indirect hemolytic, proteolytic, neuromuscular, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities were carried out. Results The electrophoretic profiles of venom from the two regions showed similar bands of 6-14 kDa, 36-45 kDa, 65 kDa and 97 kDa. However, bands between 36 kDa and 65 kDa were observed with more intensity in venoms from Tolima, and a 95 kDa band occurred only in venoms from Huila. The chromatographic profile of the venoms showed differences in the intensity of some peaks, which could be associated with changes in the abundance of some components between both populations. Phospholipase A2 and hemolytic activities were not observable, whereas both venoms showed proteolytic activity towards casein. Insecticidal activity of the venoms from both regions showed significant variation in potency, the bactericidal activity was variable and low for both venoms. Moreover, no differences were observed in the neuromuscular activity assay. Conclusion Our results reveal some variation in the activity of the venom between both populations, which could be explained by the ecological adaptations like differences in feeding, altitude and/or diverse predator exposure. However more in-depth studies are necessary to determine the drivers behind the differences in venom composition and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Alexandra Solano-Godoy
- Natural Products Research Group (GIPRONUT), School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
| | - Julio César González-Gómez
- Research Group BEA - Biology and Ecology of Arthropods, Corporación Huiltur, Neiva, Huila, Colombia.,School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia.,Research Group on Bio-ecology of Vertebrates (BIVET), Fundación Merenberg, La Plata, Huila, Colombia
| | - Kristian A Torres-Bonilla
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Stuani Floriano
- Laboratory of Toxinology and Cardiovascular Research (LATEC), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (Unoeste), Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Ananda T Santa Fé Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter Murillo-Arango
- Natural Products Research Group (GIPRONUT), School of Sciences, University of Tolima, Altos de Santa Helena, Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia
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Defining principles that influence antimicrobial peptide activity against capsulated Klebsiella pneumoniae. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:27620-27626. [PMID: 33087568 PMCID: PMC7959497 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2007036117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The capsule of Klebsiella pneumoniae is composed of extracellular polysaccharides that inhibit the activity of host defense peptides and polymyxins. We generated an active antimicrobial peptide from a previously inactive parental peptide and characterized the interactions of these peptides with K. pneumoniae and its capsule. Compared with the inactive parent peptide, we found that our active peptide retained strong binding to capsule but lost structural integrity. These interactions induced capsule aggregation and capsule disruption, a previously undescribed mechanism for promoting antimicrobial activity toward K. pneumoniae. This finding may allow further exploitation of this mechanism to destroy the protective capsule that K. pneumoniae uses to resist our immune response and antibiotics. The extracellular polysaccharide capsule of Klebsiella pneumoniae resists penetration by antimicrobials and protects the bacteria from the innate immune system. Host antimicrobial peptides are inactivated by the capsule as it impedes their penetration to the bacterial membrane. While the capsule sequesters most peptides, a few antimicrobial peptides have been identified that retain activity against encapsulated K. pneumoniae, suggesting that this bacterial defense can be overcome. However, it is unclear what factors allow peptides to avoid capsule inhibition. To address this, we created a peptide analog with strong antimicrobial activity toward several K. pneumoniae strains from a previously inactive peptide. We characterized the effects of these two peptides on K. pneumoniae, along with their physical interactions with K. pneumoniae capsule. Both peptides disrupted bacterial cell membranes, but only the active peptide displayed this activity against capsulated K. pneumoniae. Unexpectedly, the active peptide showed no decrease in capsule binding, but did lose secondary structure in a capsule-dependent fashion compared with the inactive parent peptide. We found that these characteristics are associated with capsule-peptide aggregation, leading to disruption of the K. pneumoniae capsule. Our findings reveal a potential mechanism for disrupting the protective barrier that K. pneumoniae uses to avoid the immune system and last-resort antibiotics.
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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Dias LP, Souza PFN, Oliveira JTA, Vasconcelos IM, Araújo NMS, Tilburg MFV, Guedes MIF, Carneiro RF, Lopes JLS, Sousa DOB. RcAlb-PepII, a synthetic small peptide bioinspired in the 2S albumin from the seed cake of Ricinus communis, is a potent antimicrobial agent against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida parapsilosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1862:183092. [PMID: 31678367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.183092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important constituents of the innate immunity system of all living organisms. They participate in the first line of defense against invading pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In view of the increasing difficulties to treat infectious diseases due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, AMPs have great potential to control infectious diseases in humans and animals. In this study, two small peptides, RcAlb-PepI and RcAlb-PepII, were designed based on the primary structure of Rc-2S-Alb, a 2S albumin from the seed cake of Ricinus communis, and their antimicrobial activity assessed. RcAlb-PepII strongly inhibited the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida parapsilosis, and induced morphological alterations in their cell surface. C. parapsilosis exposed to RcAlb-PepII presented higher cell membrane permeabilization and elevated content of reactive oxygen species. RcAlb-PepII also degraded and reduced the biofilm formation in C. parapsilosis and in K. pneumonia cells. Experimentally, RcAlb-PepII was not hemolytic and had low toxicity to mammalian cells. These are advantageous characteristics, which suggest that RcAlb-PepII is safe and apparently effective for its intended use and has great potential for the future development of an antimicrobial agent with the ability to kill or inhibit K. pneumoniae and C. parapsilosis cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas P Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Ilka M Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Nadine M S Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Mauricio F V Tilburg
- Department of Biotechnology, State University of Ceara (UECE), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Maria I F Guedes
- Department of Biotechnology, State University of Ceara (UECE), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José L S Lopes
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Sao Paulo (IF-USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniele O B Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
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Díaz C, Rivera J, Lomonte B, Bonilla F, Diego-García E, Camacho E, Tytgat J, Sasa M. Venom characterization of the bark scorpion Centruroides edwardsii (Gervais 1843): Composition, biochemical activities and in vivo toxicity for potential prey. Toxicon 2019; 171:7-19. [PMID: 31585140 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we characterize the venom of Centruroides edwardsii, one of the most abundant scorpions in urban and rural areas of Costa Rica, in terms of its biochemical constituents and their biological activities. C. edwardsii venom is rich in peptides but also contains some higher molecular weight protein components. No phospholipase A2, hemolytic or fibrinogenolytic activities were found, but the presence of proteolytic and hyaluronidase enzymes was evidenced by zymography. Venom proteomic analysis indicates the presence of a hyaluronidase, several cysteine-rich secretory proteins, metalloproteinases and a peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase like-enzyme. It also includes peptides similar to the K+-channel blocker margatoxin, a dominant toxin in the venom of the related scorpion C. margaritatus. MS and N-terminal sequencing analysis also reveals the presence of Na+-channel-modulating peptides with sequence similarity to orthologs present in other scorpion species of the genera Centruroides and Tityus. We purified the hyaluronidase (which co-eluted with an allergen 5-like CRiSP) and sequenced ~60% of this enzyme. We also sequenced some venom gland transcripts that include other cysteine-containing peptides and a Non-Disulfide Bridged Peptide (NDBP). Our in vivo experiments characterizing the effects on potential predators and prey show that C. edwardsii venom induces paralysis in several species of arthropods and geckos; crickets being the most sensitive and cockroaches and scorpions the most resistant organisms tested. Envenomation signs were also observed in mice, but no lethality was reached by intraperitoneal administration of this venom up to 120 μg/g body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Díaz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica; Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Jennifer Rivera
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fabián Bonilla
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Elia Diego-García
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium
| | - Erika Camacho
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium
| | - Mahmood Sasa
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, San José, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Galíndez-Cerón JD, Jorge RJB, Chavez-Acosta MH, Jorge ARC, Alves NTQ, Prata MMG, Rodrigues FADP, Havt A, Sampaio TL, Martins AMC, Guerrero-Vargas JA, Monteiro HSA, Beltrán-Vidal JT. Renal Alterations Induced by the Venom of Colombian Scorpion Centruroides Margaritatus. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2049-2057. [PMID: 31364515 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190731143523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scorpion venom causes renal injury and affects vascular ion-channels function. Centruroides margaritatus scorpion is found in Colombia and is frequently the cause of envenomation accidents; however, its renal impact has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of C. margaritatus venom (CmV) on renal parameters using isolated rat kidney and renal cell culture models. METHODS Wistar rats (n = 5, weighing 240-300 g) were first perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6 g 100 mL-1 bovine serum albumin. After 30 minutes, the kidneys were perfused with CmV to a final concentration of 10 μgmL-1; evaluation was performed by measuring Perfusion Pressure (PP), Renal Vascular Resistance (RVR), Urinary Flow (UF), Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and percentage of electrolyte tubular transport. Moreover, kidney histological analyses and cell cytotoxicity in renal tubule epithelial cells (MDCK) and proximal tubular cells (LLC-MK2) were assessed. RESULTS CmV increased PP and RVR 60 min after perfusion. On the other hand, UF, GFR, and the percentages of sodium, potassium and chloride tubular transport decreased after experimental envenomation. UF dropped after 120 min, while GFR and percentage of electrolyte tubular transport diminished after 60, 90 and 120 min. CmV was not toxic to MDCK cell line but reduced the viability of LLC-MK2 cells at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 200 μgmL-1. Histological analyses disclosed hydropic degeneration, edema, and protein deposits. Flow cytometry disclosed that cell death occurred predominantly by necrosis. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that C. margaritatus venom can trigger renal impairment, mainly in the proximal kidney tubule.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Galíndez-Cerón
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - R J B Jorge
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M H Chavez-Acosta
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - A R C Jorge
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - N T Q Alves
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M M G Prata
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - F A de Paulo Rodrigues
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A Havt
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - T L Sampaio
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A M C Martins
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - J A Guerrero-Vargas
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - H S A Monteiro
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - J T Beltrán-Vidal
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
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11
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Zerouti K, Khemili D, Laraba-Djebari F, Hammoudi-Triki D. Nontoxic fraction of scorpion venom reduces bacterial growth and inflammatory response in a mouse model of infection. TOXIN REV 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2019.1614064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khedidja Zerouti
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Dalila Khemili
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Djelila Hammoudi-Triki
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
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12
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Bioinspired Designs, Molecular Premise and Tools for Evaluating the Ecological Importance of Antimicrobial Peptides. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11030068. [PMID: 29996512 PMCID: PMC6161137 DOI: 10.3390/ph11030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article provides an overview of recent developments in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), summarizing structural diversity, potential new applications, activity targets and microbial killing responses in general. The use of artificial and natural AMPs as templates for rational design of peptidomimetics are also discussed and some strategies are put forward to curtail cytotoxic effects against eukaryotic cells. Considering the heat-resistant nature, chemical and proteolytic stability of AMPs, we attempt to summarize their molecular targets, examine how these macromolecules may contribute to potential environmental risks vis-à-vis the activities of the peptides. We further point out the evolutional characteristics of the macromolecules and indicate how they can be useful in designing target-specific peptides. Methods are suggested that may help to assess toxic mechanisms of AMPs and possible solutions are discussed to promote the development and application of AMPs in medicine. Even if there is wide exposure to the environment like in the hospital settings, AMPs may instead contribute to prevent healthcare-associated infections so long as ecotoxicological aspects are considered.
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13
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Meucin-49, a multifunctional scorpion venom peptide with bactericidal synergy with neurotoxins. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1025-1043. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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14
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Gao B, Zhu S. Mesobuthus Venom-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides Possess Intrinsic Multifunctionality and Differential Potential as Drugs. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:320. [PMID: 29599756 PMCID: PMC5863496 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are a mixture of peptides and proteins that serve two basic biological functions: predation and defense against both predators and microbes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a common component extensively present in various scorpion venoms (herein abbreviated as svAMPs). However, their roles in predation and defense against predators and potential as drugs are poorly understood. Here, we report five new venom peptides with antimicrobial activity from two Mesobuthus scorpion species. These α-helical linear peptides displayed highly bactericidal activity toward all the Gram-positive bacteria used here but differential activity against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. In addition to the antibiotic activity, these AMPs displayed lethality to houseflies and hemotoxin-like toxicity on mice by causing hemolysis, tissue damage and inducing inflammatory pain. Unlike AMPs from other origins, these venom-derived AMPs seem to be unsuitable as anti-infective drugs due to their high hemolysis and low serum stability. However, MeuTXKβ1, a known two-domain Mesobuthus AMP, is an exception since it exhibits high activity toward antibiotic resistant Staphylococci clinical isolates with low hemolysis and high serum stability. The findings that the classical AMPs play predatory and defensive roles indicate that the multifunctionality of scorpion venom components is an intrinsic feature likely evolved by natural selection from microbes, prey and predators of scorpions. This definitely provides an excellent system in which one can study how a protein adaptively evolves novel functions in a new environment. Meantimes, new strategies are needed to remove the toxicity of svAMPs on eukaryotic cells when they are used as leads for anti-infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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15
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Wang X, Wang G. Insights into Antimicrobial Peptides from Spiders and Scorpions. Protein Pept Lett 2017; 23:707-21. [PMID: 27165405 DOI: 10.2174/0929866523666160511151320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of spiders and scorpions contain a variety of chemical compounds. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from these organisms were first discovered in the 1990s. As of May 2015, there were 42 spider's and 63 scorpion's AMPs in the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (http://aps.unmc.edu/AP). These peptides have demonstrated broad or narrow-spectrum activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. In addition, they can be toxic to cancer cells, insects and erythrocytes. To provide insight into such an activity spectrum, this article discusses the discovery, classification, structure and activity relationships, bioinformatics analysis, and potential applications of spider and scorpion AMPs. Our analysis reveals that, in the case of linear peptides, spiders use both glycine-rich and helical peptide models for defense, whereas scorpions use two distinct helical peptide models with different amino acid compositions to exert the observed antimicrobial activities and hemolytic toxicity. Our structural bioinformatics study improves the knowledge in the field and can be used to design more selective peptides to combat tumors, parasites, and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
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16
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Valdez-Velazquéz LL, Romero-Gutierrez MT, Delgado-Enciso I, Dobrovinskaya O, Melnikov V, Quintero-Hernández V, Ceballos-Magaña SG, Gaitan-Hinojosa MA, Coronas FI, Puebla-Perez AM, Zamudio F, De la Cruz-García I, Vázquez-Vuelvas OF, Soriano-Hernandez AD, Possani LD. Comprehensive analysis of venom from the scorpion Centruroides tecomanus reveals compounds with antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and insecticidal activities. Toxicon 2016; 118:95-103. [PMID: 27130039 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Centruroides tecomanus is a medically important scorpion of the state of Colima (Mexico). This communication reports the identification of venom components of this scorpion with biological activity over insects/crickets (Acheta domestica), crustaceans/fresh water shrimps (Cambarellus montezumae), and mammalians/mice (Mus musculus, strain CD1). It also describes the pharmacological effects on cell lines in culture (L5178Y cells, HeLa cells, HuTu cells and Jurkat E6-1 cells), as well as on several types of bacteria (see below). The soluble venom of this scorpion was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and collected separately in twelve independent fractions collected over 60 min run (5 min time apart each other). The HPLC components of fraction VII were lethal to all three species used for assay. The IVth fraction had a toxic effect on freshwater shrimps. In this species, fractions VI, VII and VIII were all lethal. For crickets, fractions V and VI were toxic and fraction VII was lethal. In mouse, the lethal components were found in fraction VII, whereas fraction VIII was toxic, but not lethal, at the doses assayed. The molecular weight of peptides from the various group of fractions were identified by mass spectrometry determination. Components lethal to mice showed molecular weights from 7013 to 7487 Da. Two peptides were obtained in homogeneous form and shown to be lethal to the three species of animal used for assay. The soluble venom tested on L5178Y cell line survival was shown to be cytotoxic, at 10-100 μg/mL concentration, when compared to control murine splenocytes (p = 0.007). The soluble venom applied to Hela, Hutu and Jurkat cell lines did not show cytotoxic effects at these concentrations. On the contrary, it seems to have a proliferative effect. However the HPLC fractions I, III, VI and XII do have a cytotoxic effect on Jurkat E06-1 cells in culture at 200 μg/mL concentration. The antimicrobial activity of the venom fractions on Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Salmonella spp (gram-negative) was measured, using the liquid inhibition growth system. The four strains of bacteria used were susceptible to fractions III and IV, affecting all four bacterial strains at concentrations below 5 μg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Valdez-Velazquéz
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Kilometro 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlan, Código Postal 28400, Coquimatlan, Colima, Mexico; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Colima, Av. Universidad 333, Colonia las Viboras, Código Postal 28040, Colima, Mexico.
| | - M T Romero-Gutierrez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Colima, Av. Universidad 333, Colonia las Viboras, Código Postal 28040, Colima, Mexico
| | - I Delgado-Enciso
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Kilometro 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlan, Código Postal 28400, Coquimatlan, Colima, Mexico; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Colima, Av. Universidad 333, Colonia las Viboras, Código Postal 28040, Colima, Mexico
| | - O Dobrovinskaya
- Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Colima, Av. 25 de Julio 965, Código Postal 28045, Colima, Mexico
| | - V Melnikov
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Colima, Av. Universidad 333, Colonia las Viboras, Código Postal 28040, Colima, Mexico
| | - V Quintero-Hernández
- CONACYT Research Fellow - Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas-Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Ciudad Universitaria, Código Postal 72570, Puebla, Mexico
| | - S G Ceballos-Magaña
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Colima, c/Bernal Díaz del Castillo 340, Código Postal 28045, Colima, Mexico
| | - M A Gaitan-Hinojosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Kilometro 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlan, Código Postal 28400, Coquimatlan, Colima, Mexico
| | - F I Coronas
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - A M Puebla-Perez
- Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas, Blvd. Gral. Marcelino García Barragán 1421, Olímpica, Apartado Postal 44430, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - F Zamudio
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - I De la Cruz-García
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Kilometro 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlan, Código Postal 28400, Coquimatlan, Colima, Mexico
| | - O F Vázquez-Vuelvas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Kilometro 9 Carretera Colima-Coquimatlan, Código Postal 28400, Coquimatlan, Colima, Mexico
| | - A D Soriano-Hernandez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Colima, Av. Universidad 333, Colonia las Viboras, Código Postal 28040, Colima, Mexico
| | - L D Possani
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
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