Discovery of an Insect Neuroactive Helix Ring Peptide from Ant Venom

Ants are among the most abundant terrestrial invertebrate predators on Earth. To overwhelm their prey, they employ several remarkable behavioral, physiological, and biochemical innovations, including an effective paralytic venom. Ant venoms are thus cocktails of toxins finely tuned to disrupt the physiological systems of insect prey. They have received little attention yet hold great promise for the discovery of novel insecticidal molecules. To identify insect-neurotoxins from ant venoms, we screened the paralytic activity on blowflies of nine synthetic peptides previously characterized in the venom of Tetramorium bicarinatum. We selected peptide U11, a 34-amino acid peptide, for further insecticidal, structural, and pharmacological experiments. Insecticidal assays revealed that U11 is one of the most paralytic peptides ever reported from ant venoms against blowflies and is also capable of paralyzing honeybees. An NMR spectroscopy of U11 uncovered a unique scaffold, featuring a compact triangular ring helix structure stabilized by a single disulfide bond. Pharmacological assays using Drosophila S2 cells demonstrated that U11 is not cytotoxic, but suggest that it may modulate potassium conductance, which structural data seem to corroborate and will be confirmed in a future extended pharmacological investigation. The results described in this paper demonstrate that ant venom is a promising reservoir for the discovery of neuroactive insecticidal peptides.

Ligand binding study of human PEBP1/RKIP: interaction with nucleotides and Raf-1 peptides evidenced by NMR and mass spectrometry

Background

Human Phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1 (hPEBP1) also known as Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP), affects various cellular processes, and is implicated in metastasis formation and Alzheimer's disease. Human PEBP1 has also been shown to inhibit the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Numerous reports concern various mammalian PEBP1 binding ligands. However, since PEBP1 proteins from many different species were investigated, drawing general conclusions regarding human PEBP1 binding properties is rather difficult. Moreover, the binding site of Raf-1 on hPEBP1 is still unknown.

Methods/Findings

In the present study, we investigated human PEBP1 by NMR to determine the binding site of four different ligands: GTP, FMN, and one Raf-1 peptide in tri-phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms. The study was carried out by NMR in near physiological conditions, allowing for the identification of the binding site and the determination of the affinity constants K_D for different ligands. Native mass spectrometry was used as an alternative method for measuring K_D values.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study demonstrates and/or confirms the binding of hPEBP1 to the four studied ligands. All of them bind to the same region centered on the conserved ligand-binding pocket of hPEBP1. Although the affinities for GTP and FMN decrease as pH, salt concentration and temperature increase from pH 6.5/NaCl 0 mM/20°C to pH 7.5/NaCl 100 mM/30°C, both ligands clearly do bind under conditions similar to what is found in cells regarding pH, salt concentration and temperature. In addition, our work confirms that residues in the vicinity of the pocket rather than those within the pocket seem to be required for interaction with Raf-1.

Molecular requirements for the insecticidal activity of the plant peptide pea albumin 1 subunit b (PA1b)

PA1b (pea albumin 1, subunit b) is a small and compact 37-amino acid protein, isolated from pea seeds (Pisum sativum), that adopts a cystine knot fold. It acts as a potent insecticidal agent against major pests in stored crops and vegetables, making it a promising bioinsecticide. Here, we investigate the influence of individual residues on the structure and bioactivity of PA1b. A collection of 13 PA1b mutants was successfully chemically synthesized in which the residues involved in the definition of PA1b amphiphilic and electrostatic characteristics were individually replaced with an alanine. The three-dimensional structure of PA1b was outstandingly tolerant of modifications. Remarkably, receptor binding and insecticidal activities were both dependent on common well defined clusters of residues located on one single face of the toxin, with Phe-10, Arg-21, Ile-23, and Leu-27 being key residues of the binding interaction. The inactivity of the mutants is clearly due to a change in the nature of the side chain rather than to a side effect, such as misfolding or degradation of the peptide, in the insect digestive tract. We have shown that a hydrophobic patch is the putative site of the interaction of PA1b with its binding site. Overall, the mutagenesis data provide major insights into the functional elements responsible for PA1b entomotoxic properties and give some clues toward a better understanding of the PA1b mode of action.

Expression and characterization of the PEBP homolog genes from Drosophila

The phosphatidylethanolamine binding proteins (PEBPs) family is evolutionarily conserved and involved in different physiological phenomena. PEBPs were found in many species from bacteria to mammals. Despite numerous studies, PEBPs' biological function and mode of action remain elusive. Based on sequence homology, seven PEBP genes were detected in the Drosophila genome. Only one of them, the odorant binding protein (OBP), has been characterized. To date nothing is known concerning the expression pattern and biological roles of the six other PEBP genes. By RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we examined expression of the PEBPs in different tissues and embryos. The 6 PEBPs were differentially expressed. Only one, CG10298, is specific of only one tissue: the testis. Additionally, by comparing in wild type and male-sterile mutants we show that CG10298 is present only during spermatid differentiation. Furthermore, by comparing structural parameters of the six PEBP proteins with those of human PEBP-1, we have established that PEBP CG10298 is most closely related to human PEBP.

A folded and functional synthetic PA1b: an interlocked entomotoxic miniprotein

PA1b (Pea Albumin 1, subunit b) is a hydrophobic, 37-amino acid miniprotein isolated from pea seeds (Pivum sativum), crosslinked by three interlocked disulfide bridges, signature of the ICK (inhibitory cystine-knot) family. It acts as an entomotoxic factor against major insect pests in stored crops and vegetables, making it a promising bioinsecticide. Here we report an efficient and simple protocol for the production of large quantities of highly pure, biologically active synthetic PA1b. The features of PA1b oxidative refolding revealed the off-pathway products and competitive aggregation processes. The efficiency of the oxidative folding can be significantly improved by using hydrophobic alcoholic cosolvents and decreasing the temperature. The homogeneity of the synthetic oxidized PA1b was established by reversed-phase HPLC. The correct pairing of the three disulfide bridges, as well as the three-dimensional structure of synthetic PA1b was assessed by NMR. Synthetic PA1b binds to microsomal proteins from Sitophilus oryzae with a Kd of 8 nM, a figure quite similar to that determined for PA1b extracted from its natural source. Moreover, the synthetic miniprotein was as potent as the extracted one towards the sensitive strains of weevils. Our findings will open the way to the production of PA1b analogues by chemical means to an in-depth understanding of the PA1b mechanism of action.

Anomalous Diffusion of Water in [BMIM][TFSI] Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid

We have studied the self-diffusion properties of butyl-methyl-imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide ([BMIM][TFSI]) + water system. The self-diffusion coefficients of cations, anions, and water molecules were determined by pulsed field gradient NMR. These measures were performed with increased water quantity up to saturation (from 0.3 to 30 mol %). Unexpected variations have been observed. The self-diffusion coefficient of every species increases with the quantity of water but not in the same order of magnitude. Whereas very similar evolutions are observed for the anion and cation, the increase is 25 times greater for water molecules. We interpret our data by the existence of phase separation at microscopic scale.

Biological and structural characterization of new linear gomesin analogues with improved therapeutic indices

Gomesin (Gm) is a potent antimicrobial peptide isolated from the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. The two disulfide bridges Cys(2,15) and Cys(6,11) facilitate the folding of the molecule in a beta-hairpin structure, conferring on the peptide a high stability in human plasma. We report herein biological and structural features of new linear Gm analogues, obtained by combining the removal of both disulfide bridges and the incorporation of a D- or L-proline. Regarding their biological properties, two analogues, namely, [D-Thr(2,6,11,15), Pro(9)]-D-Gm and [Thr(2,6,11,15), D-Pro(9)]-Gm, are as potent as Gm against Candida albicans and only fourfold less against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, at 100 microM they are approximately threefold less hemolytic than Gm. The best therapeutic indices were found for [D-Thr(2,6,11,15), Pro(9)]-D-Gm and for [(Des-pGlu(1), -Thr(2), -Arg(3)), Thr(6,11,15), D-Pro(9)]-Gm with a 32-fold increase of their activity against bacteria, and from 128- to 512-fold against yeast when compared with Gm. Regarding the stability, [D-Thr(2,6,11,15), Pro(9)]-D-Gm appeared to be the most resistant in human serum, along with [D-Thr(2,6,11,15), Pro(8)]-D-Gm and [Thr(2,6,11,15), D-Arg(4,16), D-Pro(9)]-Gm. When evaluating their conformation by CD spectroscopy in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), most linear analogues display beta-conformation characteristics. Moreover, considering its high therapeutic index and stability in serum, [D-Thr(2,6,11,15), Pro(9)]-D-Gm was further analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. (1)H NMR experiments in SDS micelles demonstrated that [D-Thr(2,6,11,15), Pro(9)]-D-Gm presents a conformation very similar to that of Gm. In our search for Gm analogues with enhanced potential for drug development, we demonstrated that designing cysteine-free analogues can improve the therapeutic index of Gm derivatives.

Cloning, high yield over-expression, purification, and characterization of CG18594, a new PEBP/RKIP family member from Drosophila melanogaster

The phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) family is widely distributed in various species, from bacteria to mammals. These proteins seem to modulate important cell mechanisms: they control heterotrimeric G-proteins, inhibit the MAP-kinase and NFkappaB signaling pathways, and also serine proteases (thrombin, neuropsin, and chymotrypsin). In order to establish structure-function relationships for this family of proteins, our study focuses on PEBPs expressed within a single organism: Drosophila melanogaster, which constitutes a model system that lends itself well to establishing links between genes' expression and the corresponding proteins' functions, and to studying physiological mechanisms such as development. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for high level over-expression and high yield/high purity production of CG18594, one of Drosophila six putative PEBPs, for biophysical studies. The yield of the purified 15N labeled protein is estimated to be 60 mg/L of M9 minimal medium. Analysis of the secondary structure using circular dichroism indicates that the protein comprises mainly beta-sheets at pH 7. The good dispersion of the crosspeaks on the 1H-15N HSQC spectrum provides evidence of a proper folding of the purified protein, though its time evolution suggests a tendency to denature. Taken together, these data are consistent with the assumption that the CG18594 protein belongs to the PEPB family.

PA1b, an insecticidal protein extracted from pea seeds (Pisum sativum): 1H-2-D NMR study and molecular modeling

PA1b (pea albumin 1, subunit b) is a 37-amino acid cysteine-rich plant defense protein isolated from pea seeds (Pisum sativum). It induces short-term mortality in several pests, among which the cereal weevils Sitophilus sp. (Sitophilus oryzae, Sitophilus granarius, and Sitophilus zeamais) that are a major nuisance for stored cereals, all over the world. As such, PA1b is the first genuine protein phytotoxin specifically toxic to insects, which makes it a promising tool for seed weevil damage control. We have determined the 3-D solution structure of PA1b, using 2-D homonuclear proton NMR methods and molecular modeling. The primary sequence of the protein does not share similarities with other known toxins. It includes six cysteines forming three disulfide bridges. However, because of PA1b resistance to protease cleavage, conventional methods failed to establish the connectivity pattern. Our first attempts to assign the disulfide network from NOE data alone remained unsuccessful due to the tight packing of the cysteine residues within the core of the molecule. Yet, the use of ambiguous disulfide restraints within ARIA allowed us to establish that PA1b belongs to the inhibitor cystine-knot family. It exhibits the structural features that are characteristic of the knottin fold, namely, a triple-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet with a long flexible loop connecting the first to the second strand and a series of turns. A comparison of the structural properties of PA1b with that of structurally related proteins adopting a knottin fold and exhibiting a diverse range of biological activities shows that the electrostatic and lipophilic potentials at the surface of PA1b are very close to those found for the spider toxin ACTX-Hi:OB4219, thereby suggesting activity on ion channels.

Solution structure of termicin, an antimicrobial peptide from the termite Pseudacanthotermes spiniger

The solution structure of termicin from hemocytes of the termite Pseudacanthotermes spiniger was determined by proton two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular modeling techniques. Termicin is a cysteine-rich antifungal peptide also exhibiting a weak antibacterial activity. The global fold of termicin consists of an alpha-helical segment (Phe4-Gln14) and a two-stranded (Phe19-Asp25 and Gln28-Phe33) antiparallel beta-sheet forming a "cysteine stabilized alphabeta motif" (CSalphabeta) also found in antibacterial and antifungal defensins from insects and from plants. Interestingly, termicin shares more structural similarities with the antibacterial insect defensins and with MGD-1, a mussel defensin, than with the insect antifungal defensins such as drosomycin and heliomicin. These structural comparisons suggest that global fold alone does not explain the difference between antifungals and antibacterials. The antifungal properties of termicin may be related to its marked hydrophobicity and its amphipatic structure as compared to the antibacterial defensins. [SWISS-PROT accession number: Termicin (P82321); PDB accession number: 1MM0.]

Evidence for bi-exponential transverse relaxation of lactate in excised rat muscle

To elucidate the low proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) visibility of muscle lactate previously demonstrated in excised rat muscle, lactate transverse relaxation was investigated in the same model using double quantum editing sequences with effective echo times ranging from 55 to 475 msec. On this time scale, muscle lactate clearly exhibits a bi-exponential transverse relaxation with a short T2 of 33+/-5 msec (mean +/- SE, n = 3) and a long T2 of 230+/-10 msec. The relative populations (84+/-4% vs. 16+/-4%, respectively) of these two lactate pools are compatible with compartmentation between intra- and extracellular muscle lactate.

Low visibility of lactate in excised rat muscle using double quantum proton spectroscopy

Lactate NMR visibility was investigated in excised rat muscle at 3 T by comparing the concentration determined in situ by double quantum (DQ) proton spectroscopy (150 ms effective echo time) to the concentration measured in vitro from perchloric acid extracts of the same muscle samples. After 1-2 h of ischemia, lactate NMR visibility was 32 +/- 3% (+/- SE, n = 9), and was only 21 +/- 1% (n = 6) after 10-12 h. Muscle lactate T2 was 140 +/- 11 ms and 184 +/- 6 ms, respectively. All potential mechanisms of DQ lactate signal attenuation (B0 and B1 inhomogeneity, DQ transverse relaxation, diffusion) were examined, and accounted for when necessary. A significant increase in lactate NMR visibility was demonstrated using a shorter effective echo time (79 ms) DQ editing sequence. These results are interpreted as reflecting muscle lactate compartmentation between a long T2 pool predominantly detected by DQ spectroscopy, and a short T2 pool virtually invisible with longer echo time NMR techniques.

Simultaneous determination of muscle perfusion and oxygenation by interleaved NMR plethysmography and deoxymyoglobin spectroscopy

A novel approach is presented that combines NMR-plethysmography and NMRS of deoxymyoglobin in real-time, using line-by-line interleaved acquisitions of both gradient echo images during venous occlusion and of the N-delta proton signal of myoglobin's proximal F8 histidine. This method allowed simultaneous measurement of peripheral regional perfusion and skeletal muscle oxygen content. During reactive hyperaemia, using our combined NMRI-NMRS protocol, we explored the relationship between muscle reoxygenation (myoglobin resaturation half-time, y in s) and reperfusion (x in ml/100 g tissue/min) and found it to be highly significant (y = 70.83x-0.94; r2 = 0.70; F = 64.40; p = 9.73 x 10(-9). We also demonstrated that at low flow, muscle perfusion was a rate-limiting factor to reoxygenation. Making certain hypotheses, muscle oxygen extraction was derived from perfusion and myoglobin resaturation rate. Muscle oxygen extraction during early post-ischemic recovery (0.78 +/- 0.11, 0.79 +/- 0.09 and 0.72 +/- 0.05 at 0, 60 and 100 Torr counter-pressure, respectively) was shown to be independent of perfusion and maximum at each step of the protocol in most volunteers but also to display significant variability among subjects in this supposedly normal population sample.

An interleaved heteronuclear NMRI-NMRS approach to non-invasive investigation of exercising human skeletal muscle

Novel tools are presented that aim at more comprehensive NMR investigations of human skeletal muscle metabolism, in particular during exercise protocols. They integrate imaging (NMRI) and spectroscopy (NMRS) experiments in a single dynamic examination. The first sequence that we propose combine NMR-plethysmography, 1H-NMRS of deoxymyoglobin and 31P-NMRS. This allows simultaneous determination of skeletal muscle perfusion, oxygenation and high-energy phosphates status. It is very well suited to the study of interplay between blood supply and energy metabolism during the recovery period from aerobic or anaerobic exercise. In a second sequence, the same spectroscopic measurements are associated to a 1H double quantum coherence (DQC) edition of lactate. It is, this time, possible to estimate muscle lactate production concurrently with oxygen content, high-energy phosphates distribution and intracellular pH. This sequence is intended mainly for metabolic investigations of ischemic bouts. Examples are given of the use of these sequences in normal adult volunteers. They demonstrate the technical feasibility of these new approaches and illustrate their potential for future applications, particularly non-invasive of regulatory mechanisms of muscle metabolism in situ.

In vivo NMR evidence for moderate glucose accumulation in human skeletal muscle during hyperglycemia

Although the absence of intracellular (IC) free glucose is direct evidence of glucose transport being the rate-limiting step for muscle glucose disposal at euglycemia, the scarcity of data in humans during hyperglycemia precludes any definitive conclusion. In the present study, 13C and 31P in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data from two separate groups of subjects were combined to measure IC free glucose in the human skeletal muscle. When these noninvasive tools were used with an infusion of [1-13C]glucose, a steady-state concentration of 1.2 +/- 0.2 mmol IC glucose/l IC water was observed at the end of a 2-h hyperglycemic clamp with somatostatin infusion, during which glycemia was maintained at approximately 22 mmol/l and insulinemia at approximately 5 mU/l. Despite this moderate glucose accumulation, the persistence of a large transmembrane glucose gradient suggests that the posttransport steps do not play a significant role in the control of muscle glucose disposal in these specific conditions, relevant to insulinopenic diabetic patients.

Practical implementation of single-voxel double-quantum editing on a whole-body NMR spectrometer: localized monitoring of lactate in the human leg during and after exercise

The classical double-quantum editing sequence 90 degrees,x-tau-180 degrees y-tau-90 degrees x-t1-90 degrees x-tau-180 degrees y-tau-AQ (tau = 1/4J) was rendered volume selective, by making slice selective the first 90 degrees pulse and the two 180 degrees pulses. Using simple rules to ensure optimum radio frequency phase coherence, this single-voxel editing sequence, reminiscent of a basic PRESS localization technique, was implemented on a whole-body 3 T spectrometer, and in vitro editing of lactate methyl protons was demonstrated without any significant loss in intrinsic sensitivity. The effectiveness of the proposed approach in vivo was also illustrated through the localized monitoring of lactate in the human leg during and after exercise.

1H NMR determination of lactate 13C-enrichment in skeletal muscle: using a double quantum filter for the simultaneous editing of 13C-coupled and 13C-uncoupled methyl protons resonance

1H NMR simultaneous editing of 13C-coupled and 13C-uncoupled methyl protons resonance, using the selection of double quantum coherences by a gradient pulse, was analyzed in vitro and demonstrated in situ on the hindlimb of an exercised rat model postmortem. In vitro calibration showed agreement with theoretical analysis. High-resolution NMR of muscle extract confirmed the accuracy of the lactate 13C-enrichment calculated using the in situ NMR data and the calibration factor obtained in vitro.