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Clare RH, Dawson CA, Westhorpe A, Albulescu LO, Woodley CM, Mosallam N, Chong DJW, Kool J, Berry NG, O’Neill PM, Casewell NR. Snakebite drug discovery: high-throughput screening to identify novel snake venom metalloproteinase toxin inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1328950. [PMID: 38273820 PMCID: PMC10808794 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1328950] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming results in ∼100,000 deaths per year, with close to four times as many victims left with life-long sequelae. Current antivenom therapies have several limitations including high cost, variable cross-snake species efficacy and a requirement for intravenous administration in a clinical setting. Next-generation snakebite therapies are being widely investigated with the aim to improve cost, efficacy, and safety. In recent years several small molecule drugs have shown considerable promise for snakebite indication, with oral bioavailability particularly promising for community delivery rapidly after a snakebite. However, only two such drugs have entered clinical development for snakebite. To offset the risk of attrition during clinical trials and to better explore the chemical space for small molecule venom toxin inhibitors, here we describe the first high throughput drug screen against snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs)-a pathogenic toxin family responsible for causing haemorrhage and coagulopathy. Following validation of a 384-well fluorescent enzymatic assay, we screened a repurposed drug library of 3,547 compounds against five geographically distinct and toxin variable snake venoms. Our drug screen resulted in the identification of 14 compounds with pan-species inhibitory activity. Following secondary potency testing, four SVMP inhibitors were identified with nanomolar EC50s comparable to the previously identified matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat and superior to the metal chelator dimercaprol, doubling the current global portfolio of SVMP inhibitors. Following analysis of their chemical structure and ADME properties, two hit-to-lead compounds were identified. These clear starting points for the initiation of medicinal chemistry campaigns provide the basis for the first ever designer snakebite specific small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H. Clare
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A. Dawson
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Westhorpe
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nada Mosallam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. W. Chong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Neil G. Berry
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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2
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Lopes-de-Souza L, Costal-Oliveira F, Rodrigues CR, Stransky S, de Assis TCS, Liberato C, Vivas-Ruiz D, Chocas AY, Guerra-Duarte C, Braga VMM, Chávez-Olortegui C. Bothrops atrox venom: Biochemical properties and cellular phenotypes of three highly toxic classes of toxins. Biochim Biophys Acta Proteins Proteom 2023; 1871:140930. [PMID: 37442518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140930] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Snake venoms have a complex mixture of compounds that are conserved across species and act synergistically, triggering severe local and systemic effects. Identification of the toxin classes that are most damaging to cell homeostasis would be a powerful approach to focus on the main activities that underpin envenomation. Here, we focus on the venom of Bothrops atrox, snake responsible for most of the accidents in Amazon region of South America. We identified the key cytotoxic toxin fractions from B. atrox venom and mapped their biochemical properties, protein composition and cell damage. Five fractions were obtained by mass exclusion chromatography and contained either a single class of enzymatic activity (i.e., L-amino acid oxidases or Hyaluronidases) or different activities co-distributed in two or more protein fractions (e.g., Metalloproteinases, Serine Proteases, or Phospholipases A2). Only three protein fractions reduced cell viability of primary human cells. Strikingly, such activity is accompanied by disruption of cell attachment to substratum and to neighbouring cells. Such strong perturbation of morphological cell features indicates likely defects in tissue integrity in vivo. Mass spectrometry identified the main classes of toxins that contribute to these phenotypes. We provide here a strategy for the selection of key cytotoxic proteins for targeted investigation of their mechanism of action and potential synergism during snakebite envenomation. Our data highlights putative toxins (or combinations of) that may be the focus of future therapeutic interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Lopes-de-Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Costal-Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina Rego Rodrigues
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Stephanie Stransky
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Thamyres C S de Assis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila Liberato
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Dan Vivas-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular - Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), Peru
| | - Armando Yarleque Chocas
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular - Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), Peru
| | - Clara Guerra-Duarte
- Diretoria de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vania M M Braga
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olortegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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3
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Almeida GDO, de Oliveira IS, Arantes EC, Sampaio SV. Snake venom disintegrins update: insights about new findings. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2023; 29:e20230039. [PMID: 37818211 PMCID: PMC10561651 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Snake venom disintegrins are low molecular weight, non-enzymatic proteins rich in cysteine, present in the venom of snakes from the families Viperidae, Crotalidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, and Colubridae. This family of proteins originated in venom through the proteolytic processing of metalloproteinases (SVMPs), which, in turn, evolved from a gene encoding an A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM) molecule. Disintegrins have a recognition motif for integrins in their structure, allowing interaction with these transmembrane adhesion receptors and preventing their binding to proteins in the extracellular matrix and other cells. This interaction gives disintegrins their wide range of biological functions, including inhibition of platelet aggregation and antitumor activity. As a result, many studies have been conducted in an attempt to use these natural compounds as a basis for developing therapies for the treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, the FDA has approved Tirofiban and Eptifibatide as antiplatelet compounds, and they are synthesized from the structure of echistatin and barbourin, respectively. In this review, we discuss some of the main functional and structural characteristics of this class of proteins and their potential for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela de Oliveira Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora Sousa de Oliveira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Suely Vilela Sampaio
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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4
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Bittenbinder MA, Bergkamp ND, Slagboom J, Bebelman JPM, Casewell NR, Siderius MH, Smit MJ, Kool J, Vonk FJ. Monitoring Snake Venom-Induced Extracellular Matrix Degradation and Identifying Proteolytically Active Venom Toxins Using Fluorescently Labeled Substrates. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:765. [PMID: 37372050 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060765] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is an important public health issue with devastating consequences and annual mortality rates that range between 81,000 and 138,000. Snake venoms may cause a range of pathophysiological effects affecting the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Moreover, snake venom may have tissue-damaging activities that result in lifelong morbidities such as amputations, muscle degeneration, and organ malfunctioning. The tissue-damaging components in snake venoms comprise multiple toxin classes with various molecular targets including cellular membranes and the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we present multiple assay formats that enable investigation of snake venom-induced ECM degradation using a variety of (dye-quenched) fluorescently labeled ECM components. Using a combinatorial approach, we were able to characterise different proteolytic profiles for different medically relevant snake venoms, followed by identification of the responsible components within the snake venoms. This workflow could provide valuable insights into the key mechanisms by which proteolytic venom components exert their effects and could therefore prove useful for the development of effective snakebite treatments against this severe pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mátyás A Bittenbinder
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nick D Bergkamp
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Paul M Bebelman
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Marco H Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine J Smit
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek J Vonk
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Wachtel E, Bittenbinder MA, van de Velde B, Slagboom J, de Monts de Savasse A, Alonso LL, Casewell NR, Vonk FJ, Kool J. Application of an Extracellular Matrix-Mimicking Fluorescent Polymer for the Detection of Proteolytic Venom Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040294. [PMID: 37104232 PMCID: PMC10143632 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040294] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxicity caused by snake venoms is a serious medical problem that greatly contributes to the morbidity observed in snakebite patients. The cytotoxic components found in snake venoms belong to a variety of toxin classes and may cause cytotoxic effects by targeting a range of molecular structures, including cellular membranes, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cytoskeleton. Here, we present a high-throughput assay (384-well plate) that monitors ECM degradation by snake venom toxins via the application of fluorescent versions of model ECM substrates, specifically gelatin and collagen type I. Both crude venoms and fractionated toxins of a selection of medically relevant viperid and elapid species, separated via size-exclusion chromatography, were studied using the self-quenching, fluorescently labelled ECM-polymer substrates. The viperid venoms showed significantly higher proteolytic degradation when compared to elapid venoms, although the venoms with higher snake venom metalloproteinase content did not necessarily exhibit stronger substrate degradation than those with a lower one. Gelatin was generally more readily cleaved than collagen type I. In the viperid venoms, which were subjected to fractionation by SEC, two (B. jararaca and C. rhodostoma, respectively) or three (E. ocellatus) active proteases were identified. Therefore, the assay allows the study of proteolytic activity towards the ECM in vitro for crude and fractionated venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wachtel
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matyas A Bittenbinder
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van de Velde
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julien Slagboom
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Axel de Monts de Savasse
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luis L Alonso
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Freek J Vonk
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kool
- AIMMS, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Menzies SK, Clare RH, Xie C, Westhorpe A, Hall SR, Edge RJ, Alsolaiss J, Crittenden E, Marriott AE, Harrison RA, Kool J, Casewell NR. In vitro and in vivo preclinical venom inhibition assays identify metalloproteinase inhibiting drugs as potential future treatments for snakebite envenoming by Dispholidus typus. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100118. [PMID: 35321116 PMCID: PMC8935517 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming affects more than 250,000 people annually in sub-Saharan Africa. Envenoming by Dispholidus typus (boomslang) results in venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC), whereby highly abundant prothrombin-activating snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) consume clotting factors and deplete fibrinogen. The only available treatment for D. typus envenoming is the monovalent SAIMR Boomslang antivenom. Treatment options are urgently required because this antivenom is often difficult to source and, at US$6000/vial, typically unaffordable for most snakebite patients. We therefore investigated the in vitro and in vivo preclinical efficacy of four SVMP inhibitors to neutralise the effects of D. typus venom; the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors marimastat and prinomastat, and the metal chelators dimercaprol and DMPS. The venom of D. typus exhibited an SVMP-driven procoagulant phenotype in vitro. Marimastat and prinomastat demonstrated equipotent inhibition of the SVMP-mediated procoagulant activity of the venom in vitro, whereas dimercaprol and DMPS showed considerably lower potency. However, when tested in preclinical murine models of envenoming using mixed sex CD1 mice, DMPS and marimastat demonstrated partial protection against venom lethality, demonstrated by prolonged survival times of experimental animals, whereas dimercaprol and prinomastat failed to confer any protection at the doses tested. The preclinical results presented here demonstrate that DMPS and marimastat show potential as novel small molecule-based therapeutics for D. typus snakebite envenoming. These two drugs have been previously shown to be effective against Echis ocellatus VICC in preclinical models, and thus we conclude that marimastat and DMPS should be further explored as potentially valuable early intervention therapeutics to broadly treat VICC following snakebite envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie K. Menzies
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Rachel H. Clare
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Chunfang Xie
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adam Westhorpe
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Steven R. Hall
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Rebecca J. Edge
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Jaffer Alsolaiss
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Edouard Crittenden
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Amy E. Marriott
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Robert A. Harrison
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, England, UK
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7
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Beraldo E, Coelho GR, Sciani JM, Pimenta DC. Proteomic characterization of Naja mandalayensis venom. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200125. [PMID: 34394208 PMCID: PMC8331017 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Naja mandalayensis is a spitting cobra from Myanmar. To the
best of our knowledge, no studies on this venom composition have been
conducted so far. On the other hand, few envenomation descriptions state
that it elicits mainly local inflammation in the victims’ eyes, the
preferred target of this spiting cobra. Symptoms would typically include
burning and painful sensation, conjunctivitis, edema and temporary loss of
vision. Methods We have performed a liquid-chromatography (C18-RP-HPLC) mass spectrometry
(ESI-IT-TOF/MS) based approach in order to biochemically characterize
N. mandalayensis venom. Results A wide variety of three-finger toxins (cardiotoxins) and metallopeptidases
were detected. Less abundant, but still representative, were cysteine-rich
secretory proteins, L-amino-acid oxidases, phospholipases A2,
venom 5'-nucleotidase and a serine peptidase inhibitor. Other proteins were
present, but were detected in a relatively small concentration. Conclusion The present study set the basis for a better comprehension of the
envenomation from a molecular perspective and, by increasing the interest
and information available for this species, allows future venom comparisons
among cobras and their diverse venom proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emídio Beraldo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Graduation Program in Science - Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
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8
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Souza JB, Cardoso R, Almeida-Souza HO, Carvalho CP, Correia LIV, Faria PCB, Araujo GR, Mendes MM, Rodrigues RS, Rodrigues VM, Dandekar AM, Goulart LR, Nascimento R. Generation and In-planta expression of a recombinant single chain antibody with broad neutralization activity on Bothrops pauloensis snake venom. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 149:1241-1251. [PMID: 32035152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The main systemic alterations present in bothropic envenomation are hemostasis disorders, for which the conventional treatment is based on animal-produced antiophidic sera. We have developed a neutralizing antibody against Bothrops pauloensis (B. pauloensis) venom, which is member of the genus most predominant in snakebite accidents in Brazil. Subsequently, we expressed this antibody in plants to evaluate its enzymatic and biological activities. The ability of single-chain variable fragment (scFv) molecules to inhibit fibrinogenolytic, azocaseinolytic, coagulant and hemorrhagic actions of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) contained in B. pauloensis venom was verified through proteolytic assays. The antibody neutralized the toxic effects of envenomation, particularly those related to systemic processes, by interacting with one of the predominant classes of metalloproteinases. This novel molecule is a potential tool with great antivenom potential and provides a biotechnological antidote to snake venom due to its broad neutralizing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica B Souza
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Rone Cardoso
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Hebréia O Almeida-Souza
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila P Carvalho
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Padua Dias 11, 13418-310 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Ian Veloso Correia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Paula Cristina B Faria
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Galber R Araujo
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Mirian M Mendes
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Renata Santos Rodrigues
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Veridiana M Rodrigues
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
| | - Abhaya M Dandekar
- Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Luiz Ricardo Goulart
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Nascimento
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, Bloco 2E, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlandia, MG, Brazil
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Luchini LSG, Pidde G, Squaiella-Baptistão CC, Tambourgi DV. Corrigendum: Complement System Inhibition Modulates the Pro-Inflammatory Effects of a Snake Venom Metalloproteinase. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1539. [PMID: 31333670 PMCID: PMC6619395 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01137.].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giselle Pidde
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Luchini LSG, Pidde G, Squaiella-Baptistão CC, Tambourgi DV. Complement System Inhibition Modulates the Pro-Inflammatory Effects of a Snake Venom Metalloproteinase. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1137. [PMID: 31231362 PMCID: PMC6558526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Envenomation by Bothrops snakes causes prominent local effects, including pain, oedema, local bleeding, blistering and necrosis, and systemic manifestations, such as hemorrhage, hypotension, shock and acute renal failure. These snake venoms are able to activate the complement system and induce the generation of anaphylatoxins, whose mechanisms include the direct cleavage of complement components by snake venom metalloproteinases and serine proteinases present in the venoms. A metalloproteinase able to activate the three complement pathways and generate active anaphylatoxins, named C-SVMP, was purified from the venom of Bothrops pirajai. Considering the inflammatory nature of Bothrops venoms and the complement-activation property of C-SVMP, in the present work, we investigated the inflammatory effects of C-SVMP in a human whole blood model. The role of the complement system in the inflammatory process and its modulation by the use of compstatin were also investigated. C-SVMP was able to activate the complement system in the whole blood model, generating C3a/C3a desArg, C5a/C5a desArg and SC5b-9. This protein was able to promote an increase in the expression of CD11b, CD14, C3aR, C5aR1, TLR2, and TLR4 markers in leukocytes. Inhibition of component C3 by compstatin significantly reduced the production of anaphylatoxins and the Terminal Complement Complex (TCC) in blood plasma treated with the toxin, as well as the expression of CD11b, C3aR, and C5aR on leukocytes. C-SVMP was able to induce increased production of the cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 and the chemokines CXCL8/IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1, and CXCL9/MIG in the human whole blood model. The addition of compstatin to the reactions caused a significant reduction in the production of IL-1β, CXCL8/IL-8, and CCL2/MCP-1 in cells treated with C-SVMP. We therefore conclude that C-SVMP is able to activate the complement system, which leads to an increase in the inflammatory process. The data obtained with the use of compstatin indicate that complement inhibition may significantly control the inflammatory process initiated by Bothrops snake venom toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giselle Pidde
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
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Claunch NM, Holding ML, Escallón C, Vernasco B, Moore IT, Taylor EN. Good vibrations: Assessing the stability of snake venom composition after researcher-induced disturbance in the laboratory. Toxicon 2017; 133:127-135. [PMID: 28487160 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity contributes to intraspecific variation in traits of many animal species. Venom is an integral trait to the success and survival of many snake species, and potential plasticity in venom composition is important to account for in the context of basic research as well as in human medicine for treating the various symptoms of snakebite and producing effective anti-venoms. Researchers may unknowingly induce changes in venom variation by subjecting snakes to novel disturbances and potential stressors. We explored phenotypic plasticity in snake venom composition over time in captive Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) exposed to vibration treatment, compared to an undisturbed control group. Venom composition did not change significantly in response to vibration, nor was there a detectable effect of overall time in captivity, even though snakes re-synthesized venom stores while subjected to novel disturbance in the laboratory. This result indicates that venom composition is a highly repeatable phenotype over short time spans and that the composition of venom within adult individuals may be resistant to or unaffected by researcher-induced disturbance. On the other hand, the change in venom composition, measured as movement along the first principle component of venom phenotype space, was associated with baseline corticosterone (CORT) levels in the snakes. While differential forms of researcher-induced disturbance may not affect venom composition, significant changes in baseline CORT, or chronic stress, may affect the venom phenotype, and further investigations will be necessary to assess the nature of the relationship between CORT and venom protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Claunch
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA.
| | - Matthew L Holding
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Camilo Escallón
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ben Vernasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ignacio T Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Emily N Taylor
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
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Giebeler N, Zigrino P. A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease (ADAM): Historical Overview of Their Functions. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:122. [PMID: 27120619 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8040122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [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: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the first disintegrin protein from snake venom and the following identification of a mammalian membrane-anchored metalloprotease-disintegrin implicated in fertilization, almost three decades of studies have identified additional members of these families and several biochemical mechanisms regulating their expression and activity in the cell. Most importantly, new in vivo functions have been recognized for these proteins including cell partitioning during development, modulation of inflammatory reactions, and development of cancers. In this review, we will overview the a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family of proteases highlighting some of the major research achievements in the analysis of ADAMs' function that have underscored the importance of these proteins in physiological and pathological processes over the years.
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Chinnasamy S, Chinnasamy S, Nagamani S, Muthusamy K. Identification of potent inhibitors against snake venom metalloproteinase ( SVMP) using molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2014; 33:1516-27. [PMID: 25192471 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2014.963146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) (Echis coloratus (Carpet viper) is a multifunctional enzyme that is involved in producing several symptoms that follow a snakebite, such as severe local hemorrhage, nervous system effects and tissue necrosis. Because the three-dimensional (3D) structure of SVMP is not known, models were constructed, and the best model was selected based on its stereo-chemical quality. The stability of the modeled protein was analyzed through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. Structure-based virtual screening was performed, and 15 potential molecules with the highest binding energies were selected. Further analysis was carried out with induced fit docking, Prime/MM-GBSA (ΔGBind calculations), quantum-polarized ligand docking, and density functional theory calculations. Further, the stability of the lead molecules in the SVMP-active site was examined using MD simulation. The results showed that the selected lead molecules were highly stable in the active site of SVMP. Hence, these molecules could potentially be selective inhibitors of SVMP. These lead molecules can be experimentally validated, and their backbone structural scaffold could serve as building blocks in designing drug-like molecules for snake antivenom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathishkumar Chinnasamy
- a Department of Bioinformatics , Alagappa University , Karaikudi , Tamil Nadu 630004 , India
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Leonardi A, Sajevic T, Kovačič L, Pungerčar J, Lang Balija M, Halassy B, Trampuš Bakija A, Križaj I. Hemorrhagin VaH4, a covalent heterodimeric P-III metalloproteinase from Vipera ammodytes ammodytes with a potential antitumour activity. Toxicon 2013; 77:141-55. [PMID: 24269369 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In the envenomation caused by a bite of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes, the most venomous snake in Europe, hemorrhage is usually the most severe consequence in man. Identifying and understanding the hemorrhagic components of its venom is therefore particularly important in optimizing medical treatment of patients. We describe a novel high molecular mass hemorrhagin, VaH4. The isolated molecule is a covalent dimer of two homologous subunits, VaH4-A and VaH4-B. Complete structural characterization of A and partial characterization of B revealed that both belong to the P-III class of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), comprising a metalloproteinase, a disintegrin-like domain and a cysteine-rich domain. However, neither VaH4-A nor VaH4-B possess the Cys174 involved in the inter-subunit disulphide bond of P-III SVMPs. A three-dimensional model of the VaH4 dimer suggests that Cys132 serves this function. This implies that dimers in the P-III class of SVMPs can be formed either between their Cys132 or Cys174 residues. The proteolytic activity and stability of VaH4 depend on Zn²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions and the presence of glycosaminoglycans, which indicates physiological interaction of VaH4 with the latter element of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The molecular mass of VaH4, determined by MALDI/TOF mass spectrometry, is 110.2 kDa. N-deglycosylation reduced the mass of each monomer by 8.7 kDa. The two possible N-glycosylation sites in VaH4-A are located at completely different positions from those in homodimeric P-IIIc VaH3 from the same venom, however, without any evident functional implications. The hemorrhagic activity of this slightly acidic SVMP is ascribed to its hydrolysis of components of the ECM, particularly fibronectin and nidogen, and of some blood coagulation proteins, in particular the α-chain of fibrinogen. VaH4 is also significant medically as we found it cytotoxic against cancer cells and due to its substantial sequence similarity to ADAM/ADAMTS family of physiologically very important human proteins of therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrijana Leonardi
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Sajevic
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lidija Kovačič
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jože Pungerčar
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Lang Balija
- Research and Development Department, Institute of Immunology, Inc., Rockefellerova 10, HR-10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Beata Halassy
- University of Zagreb, Centre for Research and Knowledge Trasfer in Biotechnology, Rockefellerova 10, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Igor Križaj
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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