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Phan P, Deshwal A, McMahon TA, Slikas M, Andrews E, Becker B, Kumar TKS. A Review of Rattlesnake Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:2. [PMID: 38276526 PMCID: PMC10818703 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Venom components are invaluable in biomedical research owing to their specificity and potency. Many of these components exist in two genera of rattlesnakes, Crotalus and Sistrurus, with high toxicity and proteolytic activity variation. This review focuses on venom components within rattlesnakes, and offers a comparison and itemized list of factors dictating venom composition, as well as presenting their known characteristics, activities, and significant applications in biosciences. There are 64 families and subfamilies of proteins present in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Snake venom serine proteases (SVSP), snake venom metalloproteases (SVMP), and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are the standard components in Crotalus and Sistrurus venom. Through this review, we highlight gaps in the knowledge of rattlesnake venom; there needs to be more information on the venom composition of three Crotalus species and one Sistrurus subspecies. We discuss the activity and importance of both major and minor components in biomedical research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuc Phan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Anant Deshwal
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Tyler Anthony McMahon
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Matthew Slikas
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Elodie Andrews
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria, IL 61625, USA; (T.A.M.); (M.S.); (E.A.)
| | - Brian Becker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
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Feitosa IB, Mori B, Teles CBG, Costa AGD. What are the immune responses during the growth of Ehrlich's tumor in ascitic and solid form? Life Sci 2020; 264:118578. [PMID: 33058910 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, Ehrlich's tumor is used in experimental oncology to investigate the therapeutic capacity of different synthetic chemotherapeutic agents or to evaluate the antitumoral activity of different substances of natural origin. However, the understanding of immune mechanisms during Ehrlich carcinogenesis is still limited. In this review, we seek to describe the immune response during Ehrlich's tumor growth, and natural response without the influence of pharmacological administration, immunotherapies or concomitant challenges. The study followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A systematic review was carried out that included experimental trials with mice challenged with Ehrlich's tumor. The research was carried out in three databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS). The searches resulted in 913 papers being found, of which 55 articles were considered eligible, and of these 55, 29 were selected for analysis. Findings indicate that there is an increase in the expression of M2 and T Helper (TH2) macrophages and of the cytokines IL-17, IL-1B, IL-6 and PGE in the ascitic form of Ehrlich. These phenotypic expressions are also found in ascitic neoplasms in humans. Ehrlich's solid tumor was characterized by increased expression of CD4, CD8, neutrophils and TNF-a, Foxp3 + and Qa-2 +, and these characteristics are analogous to human breasts cancers. It is our understanding that further studies are needed to assess the immune mechanisms in Ehrlich's tumor, since these findings can be used to improve cancer treatments that are analogous to Ehrlich's tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Brito Feitosa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, PPGIBA, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Mori
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, PPGIBA, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil
| | - Carolina Bioni Garcia Teles
- Plataforma Técnica de Bioensaio de Malária e Leishmaniose, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rondônia/Centro Universitário São Lucas, Departamento de Medicina/Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia na Amazônia Ocidental, Porto Velho, Rondônia State, Brazil
| | - Alysson Guimarães da Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, PPGIBA, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil; Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil
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Abstract
Naja ashei is an African spitting cobra species closely related to N. mossambica and N. nigricollis. It is known that the venom of N. ashei, like that of other African spitting cobras, mainly has cytotoxic effects, however data about its specific protein composition are not yet available. Thus, an attempt was made to determine the venom proteome of N. ashei with the use of 2-D electrophoresis and MALDI ToF/ToF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight) mass spectrometry techniques. Our investigation revealed that the main components of analysed venom are 3FTxs (Three-Finger Toxins) and PLA₂s (Phospholipases A₂). Additionally the presence of cysteine-rich venom proteins, 5'-nucleotidase and metalloproteinases has also been confirmed. The most interesting fact derived from this study is that the venom of N. ashei includes proteins not described previously in other African spitting cobras-cobra venom factor and venom nerve growth factor. To our knowledge, there are currently no other reports concerning this venom composition and we believe that our results will significantly increase interest in research of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Kamil Hus
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Justyna Buczkowicz
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Vladimír Petrilla
- Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Kosice, Slovakia.
- Zoological Department, Zoological Garden Košice, Široká 31, 040 06 Košice-Kavečany, Slovakia.
| | - Monika Petrillová
- Department of General Education Subjects, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Andrzej Łyskowski
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Jaroslav Legáth
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Aleksandra Bocian
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Powstańców Warszawy 6, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.
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Osipov AV, Terpinskaya TI, Kuznetsova TE, Ryzhkovskaya EL, Lukashevich VS, Rudnichenko JA, Ulashchyk VS, Starkov VG, Utkin YN. Cobra Venom Factor and Ketoprofen Abolish the Antitumor Effect of Nerve Growth Factor from Cobra Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9090274. [PMID: 28878143 PMCID: PMC5618207 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9090274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We showed recently that nerve growth factor (NGF) from cobra venom inhibited the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) inoculated subcutaneously in mice. Here, we studied the influence of anti-complementary cobra venom factor (CVF) and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen on the antitumor NGF effect, as well as on NGF-induced changes in EAC histological patterns, the activity of lactate and succinate dehydrogenases in tumor cells and the serum level of some cytokines. NGF, CVF and ketoprofen reduced the tumor volume by approximately 72%, 68% and 30%, respectively. The antitumor effect of NGF was accompanied by an increase in the lymphocytic infiltration of the tumor tissue, the level of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α in the serum, as well as the activity of lactate and succinate dehydrogenases in tumor cells. Simultaneous administration of NGF with either CVF or ketoprofen abolished the antitumor effect and reduced all other effects of NGF, whereas NGF itself significantly decreased the antitumor action of both CVF and ketoprofen. Thus, the antitumor effect of NGF critically depended on the status of the immune system and was abolished by the disturbance of the complement system; the disturbance of the inflammatory response canceled the antitumor effect as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Osipov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Tatiana I Terpinskaya
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Tatiana E Kuznetsova
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Elena L Ryzhkovskaya
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Vladimir S Lukashevich
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Julia A Rudnichenko
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Vladimir S Ulashchyk
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, ul. Akademicheskaya, 28, Minsk 220072, Belarus.
| | - Vladislav G Starkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Yuri N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia.
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Restricting the induction of NGF in ovarian stroma engenders selective follicular activation through the mTOR signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2817. [PMID: 28542147 PMCID: PMC5520698 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian ovaries, primordial follicles remain in a quiescent state until activation by the surrounding microenvironment. Ovarian intervention, for example, ovarian cystectomy, ovarian wedge resection or laser drilling therapies for polycystic ovarian syndrome, has long been reported to change follicular development by an unknown mechanism(s). Herein, we established a murine model with partial ovarian resection of one ovary unilaterally, with the contralateral ovary undamaged. We found the injury accelerated follicular activation and development through the mTORC1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the stimulation of primordial follicles was restricted near the incision site where the mTORC1 pathway showed sequential activation beginning at the interstitial cells and proceeding to the primordial follicles. Total and polysome-associated RNA-seq revealed the increase of the nerve growth factor (NGF) family member, in both two fractions and immunostaining showed the restricted induction of NGF near the incision site. In cultured newborn ovaries, NGF demonstrated increase of follicular activation, and moreover, the NGF inhibitor K252a effectively blocked activation of primordial follicles stimulated by the surgery. We liken ovulation in mammals to minor tissue trauma, which happens naturally and cyclically in the body. As the increase in NGF accompanied the accumulation of activated primordial follicles after ovulation, our study may represent a common mechanism for selective follicular activation induced by a localized increase in NGF in interstitial cells and mediated via the mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, the NGF inhibitor K252a and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin constitute good candidates for protecting follicular reserve against over exhaustion after ovarian surgery.
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Xu N, Zhao HY, Yin Y, Shen SS, Shan LL, Chen CX, Zhang YX, Gao JF, Ji X. Combined venomics, antivenomics and venom gland transcriptome analysis of the monocoled cobra ( Naja kaouthia ) from China. J Proteomics 2017; 159:19-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Boldrini-França J, Cologna CT, Pucca MB, Bordon KDCF, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Cordeiro FA, Wiezel GA, Cerni FA, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Shibao PYT, Ferreira IG, de Oliveira IS, Cardoso IA, Arantes EC. Minor snake venom proteins: Structure, function and potential applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:824-838. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Frydenlund NF, Mahalingam M. Neurotrophin Receptors and Perineural Invasion: Analyses in Select Lineage-Unrelated Cutaneous Malignancies With a Propensity for Perineural Invasion. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 104:497-531. [PMID: 28215306 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we parse the literature on neurotrophins that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of perineural invasion (PNI) in select lineage-unrelated malignancies. We also detail evidence linking neurotrophins and their receptors (TrkA, RET, p75NGFR, and NCAM) to the pathogenesis of PNI in desmoplastic melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma-both malignancies with an established propensity for PNI. Lastly, the clinical potential of neurotrophins as receptors for targeted therapies is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- N F Frydenlund
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - M Mahalingam
- VA Consolidated Laboratories, West Roxbury, MA, United States.
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9
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Terpinskaya TI, Ulashchik VS, Osipov AV, Tsetlin VI, Utkin YN. Suppression of Ehrlich carcinoma growth by cobra venom factor. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2016; 470:240-243. [PMID: 27822748 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496616050021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cobra venom factor (CVF) depletes the complement system of the blood by forming stable convertase C3/C5 of the alternative pathway. We found that CVF from the Thailand cobra venom slows down the growth of subcutaneous Ehrlich carcinoma (EC) in mice at a dose of 1.7 nmol/g. Previously, we described a similar effect for the nerve growth factor (NGF) from the venom of this cobra. However, these factors did not exhibit either synergy or additive effect. On the contrary, they neutralized the antitumor effect of each other when they were administered simultaneously. Therefore, on the one hand, the NGF antitumor effect against EC manifests itself under the conditions of inflammation, and normal functioning of the complement system is necessary for this effect to occur. On the other hand, suppression of the humoral immune system leads to a slowdown of the EC growth, but administration of NGF prevents this.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Terpinskaya
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Belarus
| | - V S Ulashchik
- Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Belarus
| | - A V Osipov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - V I Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu N Utkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Pla D, Bande BW, Welton RE, Paiva OK, Sanz L, Segura Á, Wright CE, Calvete JJ, Gutiérrez JM, Williams DJ. Proteomics and antivenomics of Papuan black snake (Pseudechis papuanus) venom with analysis of its toxicological profile and the preclinical efficacy of Australian antivenoms. J Proteomics 2016; 150:201-215. [PMID: 27650695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.09.007] [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: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Papuan black snake (Pseudechis papuanus Serpentes: Elapidae) is endemic to Papua New Guinea, Indonesian Papua and Australia's Torres Strait Islands. We have investigated the biological activity and proteomic composition of its venom. The P. papuanus venom proteome is dominated by a variety (n≥18) of PLA2s, which together account for ~90% of the venom proteins, and a set of low relative abundance proteins, including a short-neurotoxic 3FTx (3.1%), 3-4 PIII-SVMPs (2.8%), 3 cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP; 2.3%) 1-3 l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) molecules (1.6%). Probing of a P. papuanus cDNA library with specific primers resulted in the elucidation of the full-length nucleotide sequences of six new toxins, including vespryn and NGF not found in the venom proteome, and a calglandulin protein involved in toxin expression with the venom glands. Intravenous injection of P. papuanus venom in mice induced lethality, intravascular haemolysis, pulmonary congestion and oedema, and anticoagulation after intravenous injection, and these effects are mainly due to the action of PLA2s. This study also evaluated the in vivo preclinical efficacy of Australian black snake and polyvalent Seqirus antivenoms. These antivenoms were effective in neutralising the lethal, PLA2 and anticoagulant activities of P. papuanus venom in mice. On the other hand, all of the Seqirus antivenoms tested using an antivenomic approach exhibited strong immunorecognition of all the venom components. These preclinical results suggest that Australian Seqirus1 antivenoms may provide paraspecific protection against P. papuanus venom in humans. SIGNIFICANCE PARAGRAPH The toxicological profile and proteomic composition of the venom of the Papuan black snake, Pseudechis papuanus, a large diurnal snake endemic to the southern coast of New Guinea and a handful of close offshore islands, were investigated. Intravenous injection of P. papuanus venom in mice induced intravascular hemolysis, pulmonary congestion and edema, anticoagulation, and death. These activities could be assigned to the set of PLA2 molecules, which dominate the P. papuanus venom proteome. This study also showed that Australian Seqirus black snake or polyvalent antivenoms were effective in neutralising the lethal, PLA2 and anticoagulant activities of the venom. These preclinical results support the continued recommendation of these Seqirus antivenoms in the clinical management of P. papuanus envenoming in Australia, Papua New Guinea or Indonesian Papua Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Pla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Benjamin W Bande
- Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea
| | - Ronelle E Welton
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Owen K Paiva
- Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea
| | - Libia Sanz
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Álvaro Segura
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Christine E Wright
- Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Cardiovascular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Juan J Calvete
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
| | - José María Gutiérrez
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - David J Williams
- Charles Campbell Toxinology Centre, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea; Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Venom gland transcriptome analyses of two freshwater stingrays (Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae) from Brazil. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21935. [PMID: 26916342 PMCID: PMC4768133 DOI: 10.1038/srep21935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stingrays commonly cause human envenoming related accidents in populations of the sea, near rivers and lakes. Transcriptomic profiles have been used to elucidate components of animal venom, since they are capable of providing molecular information on the biology of the animal and could have biomedical applications. In this study, we elucidated the transcriptomic profile of the venom glands from two different freshwater stingray species that are endemic to the Paraná-Paraguay basin in Brazil, Potamotrygon amandae and Potamotrygon falkneri. Using RNA-Seq, we identified species-specific transcripts and overlapping proteins in the venom gland of both species. Among the transcripts related with envenoming, high abundance of hyaluronidases was observed in both species. In addition, we built three-dimensional homology models based on several venom transcripts identified. Our study represents a significant improvement in the information about the venoms employed by these two species and their molecular characteristics. Moreover, the information generated by our group helps in a better understanding of the biology of freshwater cartilaginous fishes and offers clues for the development of clinical treatments for stingray envenoming in Brazil and around the world. Finally, our results might have biomedical implications in developing treatments for complex diseases.
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Terpinskaya TI, Osipov AV, Kuznetsova TE, Ryzhkovskaya EL, Ulaschik VS, Ivanov IA, Tsetlin VI, Utkin YN. α-conotoxins revealed different roles of nicotinic cholinergic receptor subtypes in oncogenesis of Ehrlich tumor and in the associated inflammation. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2015; 463:216-9. [PMID: 26335815 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672915040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Multiple injections of conotoxin MII, a blocker of alfa3-ß2 and alfa6-containing subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (n-AChRs), as well as conotoxin ArIB11L16D, a blocker of alfa7 subtype n-AChR, at a dose of 1 nmol/kg reduce both the lactate dehydrogenase level in tumor cells and the inflammatory leukocyte infiltration in tumor tissue in mice bearing Ehrlich carcinoma. The first stage of pathomorphism was detected in the tumor tissue after the treatment with the ArIB11L16D conotoxin, whereas the second stage was observed after the treatment with conotoxins RgIA and MII. Only MII injections led to a significant reduction in tumor growth. Our results show the involvement of n-AChRs in the regulation of metabolic processes and cell-cell interactions related to carcinogenesis and tumor-associated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Terpinskaya
- Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus
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