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Wiezel GA, Oliveira IS, Reis MB, Ferreira IG, Cordeiro KR, Bordon KCF, Arantes EC. The complex repertoire of Tityus spp. venoms: Advances on their composition and pharmacological potential of their toxins. Biochimie 2024; 220:144-166. [PMID: 38176606 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich and complex source of components, including peptides (such as neurotoxins, anionic peptides and hypotensins), lipids, proteins (such as proteases, hyaluronidases and phospholipases) and inorganic compounds, which affect all biological systems of the envenoming victim. Their action may result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, including tachy/bradycardia, hyper/hypotension, disorders in blood coagulation, pain, edema, inflammation, fever, muscle paralysis, coma and even death. Scorpions are one of the most studied venomous animals in the world and interesting bioactive molecules have been isolated and identified from their venoms over the years. Tityus spp. are among the scorpions with high number of accidents reported in the Americas, especially in Brazil. Their venoms have demonstrated interesting results in the search for novel agents with antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, hypotensive, immunomodulation, anti-insect, antitumor and/or antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, other recent activities still under investigation include drug delivery action, design of anti-epileptic drugs, investigation of sodium channel function, treatment of erectile disfunction and priapism, improvement of scorpion antivenom and chelating molecules activity. In this scenario, this paper focuses on reviewing advances on Tityus venom components mainly through the modern omics technologies as well as addressing potential therapeutic agents from their venoms and highlighting this abundant source of pharmacologically active molecules with biotechnological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isadora S Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søtolfts Plads, Building 239 Room 006, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | - Mouzarllem B Reis
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Isabela G Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Kalynka R Cordeiro
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Karla C F Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Oliveira I, Ferreira I, Jacob B, Cardenas K, Cerni F, Baia-da-Silva D, Arantes E, Monteiro W, Pucca M. Harnessing the Power of Venomous Animal-Derived Toxins against COVID-19. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:159. [PMID: 36828473 PMCID: PMC9967918 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal-derived venoms are complex mixtures of toxins triggering important biological effects during envenomings. Although venom-derived toxins are known for their potential of causing harm to victims, toxins can also act as pharmacological agents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was observed an increase in in-depth studies on antiviral agents, and since, to date, there has been no completely effective drug against the global disease. This review explores the crosstalk of animal toxins and COVID-19, aiming to map potential therapeutic agents derived from venoms (e.g., bees, snakes, scorpions, etc.) targeting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ferreira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Jacob
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Kiara Cardenas
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
| | - Felipe Cerni
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
| | - Djane Baia-da-Silva
- Institute of Clinical Research Carlos Borborema, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
- Department of Collective Health, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus 69077-000, AM, Brazil
- Leônidas and Maria Deane Institute, Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus 69057-070, AM, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Nilton Lins University, Manaus 69058-040, AM, Brazil
| | - Eliane Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Wuelton Monteiro
- Institute of Clinical Research Carlos Borborema, Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
| | - Manuela Pucca
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
- Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Tropical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University, Manaus 69850-000, AM, Brazil
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de Melo MMA, Oliveira VDS, de Queiroz Neto MF, Paiva WDS, Torres-Rêgo M, Silva SRB, Pontes DDL, Rocha HAO, de Souza MÂF, da Silva-Júnior AA, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. TanP: A Multifunctional Anionic Peptide From Tityus stigmurus Scorpion Venom. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:785316. [PMID: 35111812 PMCID: PMC8802776 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.785316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anionic peptides of scorpions are molecules rich in aspartic and/or glutamic acid residues and correspond to a class of peptides without disulfide bonds that are still little explored. TanP is a linear anionic peptide (50 amino acid residues and net charge -20) present in the venom gland of the scorpion, Tityus stigmurus, with chelating properties for Cu2+ ion and immunomodulatory properties. The therapeutic application of chelating molecules is related to cases of acute or chronic intoxication by metals, neurodegenerative diseases, hematological diseases, healing of skin wounds, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. In this approach, the chelating activity of TanP was evaluated in relation to new metal ions (Fe2+ and Zn2+) of biological importance, as well as its antioxidant, hemostatic, immunomodulatory, and healing potential, aiming to expand the biological and biotechnological potential of this peptide. TanP (25 µM) was able to form stable complexes with Fe2+ in a ratio of 1:5 (TanP: Fe2+). Theoretical results suggest that TanP can work as a sensor to identify and quantify Fe2+ ions. The fluorescence intensity of TanP (1.12 µM) decreased significantly after the addition of Fe2+, obtaining the highest ratio 1: 7.4 (TanP: Fe2+) that led to the lowest fluorescence intensity. For Zn2+, no relevant spectral change was noted. TanP (50 µM) showed a maximum of 3% of hemolytic activity, demonstrating biocompatibility, as well as exhibiting a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity of above 70% at all the concentrations tested (1-25 μM), and 89.7% iron-chelating activity at 25 μM and 96% hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity at 73.6 μM. In addition, TanP (12.5 and 25 µM) revealed an anticoagulant effect, prolonging the clotting time in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time assays, with no fibrinogenolytic activity. TanP (12.5 and 25 µM) induced the release of TNF-α by murine macrophages, in the absence of lipopolysaccharides, with a concentration-dependent increase and also stimulated the migration of 3T3 cells in the in vitro healing assay. Thus, TanP revealed a multifunctional potential, being useful as a prototype for the development of new therapeutic and biotechnological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menilla Maria Alves de Melo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Verônica da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Polymers, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Moacir Fernandes de Queiroz Neto
- Laboratory of Natural Polymer Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Weslley de Souza Paiva
- Laboratory of Natural Polymer Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Manoela Torres-Rêgo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Isolation of Organic Compounds, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel de Lima Pontes
- Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Polymers, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratory of Natural Polymer Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Duzzi B, Silva CCF, Kodama RT, Cajado-Carvalho D, Squaiella-Baptistão CC, Portaro FCV. New Insights into the Hypotensins from Tityus serrulatus Venom: Pro-Inflammatory and Vasopeptidases Modulation Activities. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:846. [PMID: 34941683 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous of the Brazilian fauna due to the severe clinical manifestations in injured victims. Despite being abundant components of the venom, few linear peptides have been characterized so far, such as hypotensins. In vivo studies have demonstrated that hypotensin I (TsHpt-I) exerts hypotensive activity, with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-independent mechanism of action. Since experiments have not yet been carried out to analyze the direct interaction of hypotensins with ACE, and to deepen the knowledge about these peptides, hypotensins I and II (TsHpt-II) were studied regarding their modulatory action over the activities of ACE and neprilysin (NEP), which are the peptidases involved in blood pressure control. Aiming to search for indications of possible pro-inflammatory action, hypotensins were also analyzed for their role in murine macrophage viability, the release of interleukins and phagocytic activity. TsHpt-I and -II were used in kinetic studies with the metallopeptidases ACE and NEP, and both hypotensins were able to increase the activity of ACE. TsHpt-I presented itself as an inhibitor of NEP, whereas TsHpt-II showed weak inhibition of the enzyme. The mechanism of inhibition of TsHpt-I in relation to NEP was defined as non-competitive, with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 4.35 μM. Concerning the analysis of cell viability and modulation of interleukin levels and phagocytic activity, BALB/c mice’s naïve macrophages were used, and an increase in TNF production in the presence of TsHpt-I and -II was observed, as well as an increase in IL-6 production in the presence of TsHpt-II only. Both hypotensins were able to increase the phagocytic activity of murine macrophages in vitro. The difference between TsHpt-I and -II is the residue at position 15, with a glutamine in TsHpt-I and a glutamic acid in TsHpt-II. Despite this, kinetic analyzes and cell assays indicated different actions of TsHpt-I and -II. Taken together, these results suggest a new mechanism for the hypotensive effects of TsHpt-I and -II. Furthermore, the release of some interleukins also suggests a role for these peptides in the venom inflammatory response. Even though these molecules have been well studied, the present results suggest a new mechanism for the hypotensive effects of TsHpt-I
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Veloso Júnior PHDH, Simon KS, de Castro RJA, Coelho LC, Erazo FAH, de Souza ACB, das Neves RC, Lozano VF, Schwartz EF, Tavares AH, Mortari MR, Junqueira-Kipnis AP, Silva-Pereira I, Bocca AL. Peptides ToAP3 and ToAP4 decrease release of inflammatory cytokines through TLR-4 blocking. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109152. [PMID: 31376652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecules with microbicidal and immunoregulatory activities. In this study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of peptides ToAP3 and ToAP4, AMPs from the venom of the Brazilian scorpion Tityus obscurus. To test the peptides' activity, murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) or dendritic cells (BMDCs) were stimulated with peptides plus LPS to analyze their ability to modulate cytokine release as well as phenotypic markers. For antimicrobial analysis, we evaluated the indirect activity against macrophage-internalized Cryptococcus neoformans and direct activity against Mycobacterium massiliense. Our data demonstrate that they were able to reduce TNF-α and IL-1β transcript levels and protein levels for BMDM and BMDC. Furthermore, the reduction of TNF-α secretion, before LPS- inflammatory stimuli, is associated with peptide interaction with TLR-4. ToAP4 increased MHC-II expression in BMDC, while ToAP3 decreased co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86. Although these peptides were able to modulate the production of cytokines and molecules associated with antigen presentation, they did not increase the ability of clearance of C. neoformans by macrophages. In antimicrobial analysis, only ToAP3 showed potent action against bacteria. Altogether, these results demonstrate a promising target for the development of new immunomodulatory and anti-bacterial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina Smidt Simon
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Luísa Coutinho Coelho
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rogério Coutinho das Neves
- Department of Biosciences and Technologies, Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Viviane Furlan Lozano
- Public Health Central Laboratory, Secretary of Health of Distrito Federal, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Aldo Henrique Tavares
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Junqueira-Kipnis
- Department of Biosciences and Technologies, Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Ildinete Silva-Pereira
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Anamelia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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Amorim FG, Longhim HT, Cologna CT, Degueldre M, Pauw ED, Quinton L, Arantes EC. Proteome of fraction from Tityus serrulatus venom reveals new enzymes and toxins. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2019; 25:e148218. [PMID: 31131005 PMCID: PMC6483408 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-1482-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tityus serrulatus venom (Ts venom) is a complex mixture of several compounds with biotechnological and therapeutical potentials, which highlights the importance of the identification and characterization of these components. Although a considerable number of studies have been dedicated to the characterization of this complex cocktail, there is still a limitation of knowledge concerning its venom composition. Most of Ts venom studies aim to isolate and characterize their neurotoxins, which are small, basic proteins and are eluted with high buffer concentrations on cation exchange chromatography. The first and largest fraction from carboxymethyl cellulose-52 (CMC-52) chromatography of Ts venom, named fraction I (Fr I), is a mixture of proteins of high and low molecular masses, which do not interact with the cation exchange resin, being therefore a probable source of components still unknown of this venom. Thus, the present study aimed to perform the proteome study of Fraction I from Ts venom, by high resolution mass spectrometry, and its biochemical characterization, by the determination of several enzymatic activities. Methods Fraction I was obtained by a cation exchange chromatography using 50 mg of crude venom. This fraction was subjected to a biochemical characterization, including determination of L-amino acid oxidase, phospholipase, hyaluronidase, proteases activities and inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity. Fraction I was submitted to reduction, alkylation and digestion processes, and the tryptic digested peptides obtained were analyzed in a Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Data analysis was performed by PEAKS 8.5 software against NCBI database. Results Fraction I exhibits proteolytic activity and it was able to inhibit ACE activity. Its proteome analysis identified 8 different classes of venom components, among them: neurotoxins (48%), metalloproteinases (21%), hypotensive peptides (11%), cysteine-rich venom protein (9%), antimicrobial peptides (AMP), phospholipases and other enzymes (chymotrypsin and lysozymes) (3%) and phosphodiesterases (2%). Conclusions The combination of a proteomic and biochemical characterization strategies leads us to identify new components in the T. serrulatus scorpion venom. The proteome of venom´s fraction can provide valuable direction in the obtainment of components in their native forms in order to perform a preliminary characterization and, consequently, to promote advances in biological discoveries in toxinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil.,University of Vila Velha, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Tavoni Longhim
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Camila Takeno Cologna
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil.,Laboratory of mass spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michel Degueldre
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of mass spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Liège Université, Liège, Belgium
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040-903, Brazil
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de Oliveira UC, Nishiyama MY, dos Santos MBV, Santos-da-Silva ADP, Chalkidis HDM, Souza-Imberg A, Candido DM, Yamanouye N, Dorce VAC, Junqueira-de-Azevedo IDLM. Proteomic endorsed transcriptomic profiles of venom glands from Tityus obscurus and T. serrulatus scorpions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193739. [PMID: 29561852 PMCID: PMC5862453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Except for the northern region, where the Amazonian black scorpion, T. obscurus, represents the predominant and most medically relevant scorpion species, Tityus serrulatus, the Brazilian yellow scorpion, is widely distributed throughout Brazil, causing most envenoming and fatalities due to scorpion sting. In order to evaluate and compare the diversity of venom components of Tityus obscurus and T. serrulatus, we performed a transcriptomic investigation of the telsons (venom glands) corroborated by a shotgun proteomic analysis of the venom from the two species. Results The putative venom components represented 11.4% and 16.7% of the total gene expression for T. obscurus and T. serrulatus, respectively. Transcriptome and proteome data revealed high abundance of metalloproteinases sequences followed by sodium and potassium channel toxins, making the toxin core of the venom. The phylogenetic analysis of metalloproteinases from T. obscurus and T. serrulatus suggested an intraspecific gene expansion, as we previously observed for T. bahiensis, indicating that this enzyme may be under evolutionary pressure for diversification. We also identified several putative venom components such as anionic peptides, antimicrobial peptides, bradykinin-potentiating peptide, cysteine rich protein, serine proteinases, cathepsins, angiotensin-converting enzyme, endothelin-converting enzyme and chymotrypsin like protein, proteinases inhibitors, phospholipases and hyaluronidases. Conclusion The present work shows that the venom composition of these two allopatric species of Tityus are considerably similar in terms of the major classes of proteins produced and secreted, although their individual toxin sequences are considerably divergent. These differences at amino acid level may reflect in different epitopes for the same protein classes in each species, explaining the basis for the poor recognition of T. obscurus venom by the antiserum raised against other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Castro de Oliveira
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Milton Yutaka Nishiyama
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Norma Yamanouye
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Dias NB, de Souza BM, Cocchi FK, Chalkidis HM, Dorce VAC, Palma MS. Profiling the short, linear, non-disulfide bond-containing peptidome from the venom of the scorpion Tityus obscurus. J Proteomics 2018; 170:70-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Benmoussa K, Authier H, Prat M, AlaEddine M, Lefèvre L, Rahabi MC, Bernad J, Aubouy A, Bonnafé E, Leprince J, Pipy B, Treilhou M, Coste A. P17, an Original Host Defense Peptide from Ant Venom, Promotes Antifungal Activities of Macrophages through the Induction of C-Type Lectin Receptors Dependent on LTB4-Mediated PPARγ Activation. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1650. [PMID: 29250064 PMCID: PMC5716351 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the growing knowledge with regard to the immunomodulatory properties of host defense peptides, their impact on macrophage differentiation and on its associated microbicidal functions is still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that the P17, a new cationic antimicrobial peptide from ant venom, induces an alternative phenotype of human monocyte-derived macrophages (h-MDMs). This phenotype is characterized by a C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) signature composed of mannose receptor (MR) and Dectin-1 expression. Concomitantly, this activation is associated to an inflammatory profile characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin (IL)-1β, and TNF-α release. P17-activated h-MDMs exhibit an improved capacity to recognize and to engulf Candida albicans through the overexpression both of MR and Dectin-1. This upregulation requires arachidonic acid (AA) mobilization and the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) nuclear receptor through the leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production. AA/LTB4/PPARγ/Dectin-1-MR signaling pathway is crucial for P17-mediated anti-fungal activity of h-MDMs, as indicated by the fact that the activation of this axis by P17 triggered ROS production and inflammasome-dependent IL-1β release. Moreover, we showed that the increased anti-fungal immune response of h-MDMs by P17 was dependent on intracellular calcium mobilization triggered by the interaction of P17 with pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled receptors on h-MDMs. Finally, we also demonstrated that P17-treated mice infected with C. albicans develop less severe gastrointestinal infection related to a higher efficiency of their macrophages to engulf Candida, to produce ROS and IL-1β and to kill the yeasts. Altogether, these results identify P17 as an original activator of the fungicidal response of macrophages that acts upstream PPARγ/CLRs axis and offer new immunomodulatory therapeutic perspectives in the field of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaddouj Benmoussa
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France.,EA7417 BTSB, Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, INU Champollion, Albi, France
| | - Hélène Authier
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
| | - Mélissa Prat
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
| | - Mohammad AlaEddine
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
| | - Lise Lefèvre
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
| | - Mouna Chirine Rahabi
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
| | - José Bernad
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
| | - Agnès Aubouy
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
| | - Elsa Bonnafé
- EA7417 BTSB, Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, INU Champollion, Albi, France
| | - Jérome Leprince
- INSERM U982, PRIMACEN, IRIB, Université de Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Bernard Pipy
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
| | - Michel Treilhou
- EA7417 BTSB, Université Fédérale Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, INU Champollion, Albi, France
| | - Agnès Coste
- UMR 152 Pharma Dev, Université de Toulouse, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France.,IRD, UMR 152, Toulouse, France
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Al-Asmari AK, Alamri MA, Almasoudi AS, Abbasmanthiri R, Mahfoud M. Evaluation of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of selected Saudi scorpion venoms tested against multidrug-resistant micro-organisms. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2017; 10:14-18. [PMID: 28587870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides with promising clinical value that may lead to the discovery and development of new drugs. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of the venoms extracted from three medically important Saudi scorpions (Androctonus crassicauda, Androctonus bicolor and Leiurus quinquestriatus). METHODS Antimicrobial assays were performed using a microplate growth inhibition assay against 10 multidrug-resistant (MDR) micro-organisms (4 Gram-negative bacteria, 2 Gram-positive bacteria and 4 fungi and yeasts) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 20mg/mL of each venom. Following qualitative analysis, dose-response assays were performed for bacterial and fungal killing curves using the MTT colorimetric assay. RESULTS Among the three tested scorpion venoms, only L. quinquestriatus venom showed significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in a dose-dependent manner from 5 to 20mg/mL. Leiurus quinquestriatus venom inhibited the growth and survival of MDR Escherichia coli (55.2%), Acinetobacter baumannii (50.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (35.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (36.4%), Enterococcus faecalis (47.6%), Candida albicans (31.2%) and Candida glabrata (39.0%), whereas no significant activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus was observed. In contrast, the venoms of A. crassicauda and A. bicolor did not show noticeable antimicrobial activity against any of the tested organisms. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current study demonstrate that L. quinquestriatus venom possesses antimicrobial activity and thus can be used as a template for designing and development of novel antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman K Al-Asmari
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshref Ali Alamri
- Department of Academic Affairs and Training, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aqeel Salman Almasoudi
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajamohamed Abbasmanthiri
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maysa Mahfoud
- Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, P.O. Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia.
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