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Campos-Sánchez JC, Guardiola FA, Esteban MÁ. In vitro immune-depression and anti-inflammatory activities of cantharidin on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) leucocytes activated by λ-carrageenan. Fish & Shellfish Immunology 2024; 148:109470. [PMID: 38442766 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109470] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Cantharidin is a natural compound with known therapeutic applications in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of cantharidin on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) head kidney leucocytes (HKL) stimulated with λ-carrageenan. HKLs were incubated for 24 h with cantharidin (0, 2.5 and 5 μg mL-1) and λ-carrageenan (0 and 1000 μg mL-1). The results showed that HKL viability only decreased by 15.2% after incubated with 5 μg mL-1 of cantharidin and λ-carrageenan. Cantharidin increased the peroxidase activity of HKLs only when incubated in combination with λ-carrageenan. Besides this, cantharidin inhibited the respiratory burst and phagocytic activities. Furthermore, cantharidin induced morphological changes in HKLs (apoptotic and vacuolization signs) that were enhanced when incubated with λ-carrageenan. Considering the analysis of the selected gene expression studied in HKLs [NF-κB subunits (rela, relb, crel, nfkb1, nfkb2), proinflammatory cytokines (il1b, tnfa), anti-inflammatory cytokines (il10, tgfb) and caspases (casp1, casp3, casp8, casp9)], although λ-carrageenan up-regulated the expression of the proinflammatory gene il1b, λ-carrageenan and cantharidin down-regulated its expression in HKLs. In addition, cantharidin up-regulated casp3 and casp9 expression. The casp3 and casp9 gene expression was down-regulated while casp1 gene expression was up-regulated in HKLs incubated with both cantharidin and λ-carrageenan. All the effects of cantharidin are related to its inhibitory effect on protein phosphatases, which induce apoptosis at long exposure times, and minimize the effects of λ-carrageenan. The present results provide detailed insight into the immune-depressive and anti-inflammatory properties of cantharidin on immune cells, which could be of interest to the aquaculture sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Carlos Campos-Sánchez
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology Faculty of Biology, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco A Guardiola
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology Faculty of Biology, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Esteban
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology Faculty of Biology, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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Schwarz R, Hofmann B, Gergs U, Neumann J. Cantharidin and sodium fluoride attenuate the negative inotropic effects of carbachol in the isolated human atrium. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2024; 397:2183-2202. [PMID: 37801145 PMCID: PMC10933163 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02747-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Carbachol, an agonist at muscarinic receptors, exerts a negative inotropic effect in human atrium. Carbachol can activate protein phosphatases (PP1 or PP2A). We hypothesized that cantharidin or sodium fluoride, inhibitors of PP1 and PP2A, may attenuate a negative inotropic effect of carbachol. During bypass-surgery trabeculae carneae of human atrial preparations (HAP) were obtained. These trabeculae were mounted in organ baths and electrically stimulated (1 Hz). Force of contraction was measured under isometric conditions. For comparison, we studied isolated electrically stimulated left atrial preparations (LA) from mice. Cantharidin (100 µM) and sodium fluoride (3 mM) increased force of contraction in LA (n = 5-8, p < 0.05) by 113% ± 24.5% and by 100% ± 38.2% and in HAP (n = 13-15, p < 0.05) by 625% ± 169% and by 196% ± 23.5%, respectively. Carbachol (1 µM) alone exerted a rapid transient maximum negative inotropic effect in LA (n = 6) and HAP (n = 14) to 46.9% ± 3.63% and 19.4% ± 3.74%, respectively (p < 0.05). These negative inotropic effects were smaller in LA (n = 4-6) and HAP (n = 9-12) pretreated with 100 µM cantharidin and amounted to 58.0% ± 2.27% and 59.2% ± 6.19% or 3 mM sodium fluoride to 63.7% ± 9.84% and 46.3% ± 5.69%, (p < 0.05). We suggest that carbachol, at least in part, exerts a negative inotropic effect in the human atrium by stimulating the enzymatic activity of PP1 and/or PP2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Schwarz
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Britt Hofmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Mid-German Heart Center, University Hospital Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ulrich Gergs
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Joachim Neumann
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Xiao Y, Liu R, Tang W, Yang C. Cantharidin-induced toxic injury, oxidative stress, and autophagy attenuated by Astragalus polysaccharides in mouse testis. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 123:108520. [PMID: 38056682 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108520] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD) is a chemical constituent derived from Mylabris and has good antitumor effects, but its clinical use is restricted by its inherent toxicity. However, few researches have reported its reproductive toxicity and mechanisms. This study aims to assess CTD's toxicity on mouse testes and the protective effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS). Briefly, biochemical analysis, histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to evaluate the oxidative damage of mouse testicular tissue after exposure to CTD and treatment by APS. Our research suggests a dramatic decrease in testicular index and serum testosterone levels after CTD exposure. The testis showed obvious oxidative damage accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial autophagy, the Nfr2-Keap1 pathway was inhibited, and the blood-testis barrier was destroyed. Notably, these changes were significantly improved after APS treatment. The internal mechanisms of APS ameliorate CTD-induced testicular oxidative damage in mice may be closely connected to regulatory the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway, restraining autophagy, and repairing the blood-testis barrier, providing theoretical support for further study on the reproductive toxicity mechanism of CTD and clinical treatments to ameliorate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China; School of Traditional Chinese medicine health preservation, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ruxia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenchao Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Changfu Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China.
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4
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Molfini M, Muzzi M, Mancini E, Bologna MA, Di Giulio A. The cranial apparatus glands of the canthariphilous Pyrochroa coccinea (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae), and their implications in sexual behaviour. Arthropod Struct Dev 2023; 77:101316. [PMID: 37924698 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2023.101316] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Some Pyrochroidae species are known as "canthariphilous" for their attraction to cantharidin (CTD), a toxic terpene with anti-predatory effects, produced in nature by only two beetle families (Meloidae and Oedemeridae). It has been demonstrated that males of Neopyrochroa flabellata ingesting CTD are positively selected by females. Indeed, the compound is re-emitted from a glandular cranial apparatus as secretions that are licked up by females during courtship behaviour, inducing copulation. Herein, we provide the first description of the glands associated to the cranial apparatus of male Pyrochroinae using the European species Pyrochroa coccinea as a model. Morphological analyses show that the cranial apparatus consists of a concave pit lined with short setae retaining secretions emitted through numerous glandular pores. Ultrastructural investigations reveal the presence of two different class 3 glands (Gl.A and Gl.B), intermixed at the level of the pit but exhibiting distinct features. Gl.A are mainly characterised by short conducting canals, rounded nuclei and electrondense vesicles while Gl.B are characterised by long conducting canals, irregular nuclei, vesicles containing a particulate substance and a multifolded plasma membrane. Observations of sexual behaviour are also reported for P. coccinea and compared to N. flabellata, confirming the involvement of cranial apparatus secretions in courtship behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Molfini
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco A Bologna
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Campos-Sánchez JC, Guardiola FA, Esteban MÁ. In vitro effects of cantharidin on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) head-kidney leucocytes. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2022; 123:20-35. [PMID: 35218974 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin is a toxic vesicant terpene used in folk and traditional medicine due to its various therapeutic effects. Since there are no previous data on the effect of cantharidin in fish, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro related-inflammatory effects of cantharidin in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) head-kidney leucocytes (HKLs). In the first experiment, the HKLs were incubated with 0, 5 and 10 μg mL-1 of cantharidin for 24 h to delimit its possible toxic effects. In a second experiment, leucocytes were incubated with ranging concentrations from 0 to 10 μg mL-1 for 3, 6, or 12 h. Cell viability was higher in acidophilic granulocytes than in monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes. Cantharidin caused apoptosis as was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, cantharidin produced a time- and dose-dependent decrease of respiratory burst and phagocytic activities in HKLs, while their peroxidase activity was increased at 24 h of incubation with 5 and 10 μg mL-1 of cantharidin. Different changes in the gene expression were observed after incubation with cantharidin. While the gene expression of tnfa, il1b and crel was up-regulated in HKLs, the nfkb1 and igmh genes were down-regulated in comparison to the expression found in control HKLs. Present results offer a first view of the possible effects and action mechanisms of cantharidin in HKLs, as well as its implication in the inflammatory process, which could be of interest not only for basic research but also in the aquaculture sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Campos-Sánchez
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology. Faculty of Biology, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco A Guardiola
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology. Faculty of Biology, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Esteban
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology. Faculty of Biology, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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6
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Du C, Li W, Fu Z, Yi C, Liu X, Yue B. De novo transcriptome assemblies of Epicauta tibialis provide insights into the sexual dimorphism in the production of cantharidin. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 2021; 106:e21784. [PMID: 33719055 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Blister beetles have medicinal uses for their defensive secretion cantharidin, which has curative effects on many cancers and other diseases. It was demonstrated that sexual dimorphism exists in the production of cantharidin between male and female adults. This study performed a de novo assembly of Epicauta tibialis transcriptomes and analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between male and female adults to help to find genes and pathways associated with cantharidin biosynthesis. A total of 99,295,624 paired reads were generated, and more than 7 Gb transcriptome data for each sample were obtained after trimming. The clean data were used to de novo assemble and then cluster into 27,355 unigenes, with a mean length of 1442 bp and an N50 of 2725 bp. Of these, 14,314 (52.33%) unigenes were annotated by protein databases. Differential expression analysis identified 284 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between male and female adults. Nearly 239 DEGs were up-regulated in male adults than in female adults, while 45 DEGs were down-regulated. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathway enrichment manifested that seven up-regulated DEGs in male adults were assigned to the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway, to which 19 unigenes were annotated. The DEGs in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway between male and female adults may be responsible for the sexual dimorphism in cantharidin production. The up-regulated genes assigned to the pathway in male adults may play a significant role in cantharidin biosynthesis, and its biosynthesis process is probably via the mevalonate pathway. The results would be helpful to better understand and reveal the complicated mechanism of the cantharidin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Du
- Baotou Teachers College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Bautou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Wujiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohui Fu
- Baotou Teachers College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Bautou, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Yi
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Bisong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
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7
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Muzzi M, Di Giulio A, Mancini E, Fratini E, Cervelli M, Gasperi T, Mariottini P, Persichini T, Bologna MA. The male reproductive accessory glands of the blister beetle Meloe proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Meloidae): Anatomy and ultrastructure of the cantharidin-storing organs. Arthropod Struct Dev 2020; 59:100980. [PMID: 32829176 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Blister beetles owe their name to their ability to release cantharidin, a blistering terpene, the highest concentration of which is retained in male accessory glands. The anatomy and ultrastructure of the three pairs of male reproductive accessory glands and the glandular region of the two vasa deferentia of Meloe proscarabaeus were investigated using light, electron and ion beam microscopy. All of the mesodermal glands here analysed share a common structural organization with an outer muscular layer and an inner glandular epithelium facing a broad lumen in which the secretory products are released. Developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi systems, abundant mitochondria, numerous secretory vesicles and a microvillated apical membrane are commonly found in the cells of different glandular epithelia, suggesting that all accessory gland pairs as well as the vasa deferentia are involved in an active synthesis. Nevertheless, each pair of glands appears specialized in the production of a specific set of substances, as suggested by the peculiarities in cellular ultrastructure and by the different aspect of the secretions stored in their glandular lumen. The above cited features of male accessory glands of M. proscarabaeus are compared with those of other beetles and some hints on their potential role in producing and/or concentrating cantharidin are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tecla Gasperi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
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Jiang M, Lü SM, Qi ZY, Zhang YL. Characterized cantharidin distribution and related gene expression patterns in tissues of blister beetles, Epicauta chinensis. Insect Sci 2019; 26:240-250. [PMID: 28745022 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin (CTD), a terpenoid defensive toxin mainly produced by blister beetles, is widely known by its toxicity to both cancer cells and pests. However, little information is known about its biosynthesis in blister beetles. In this study, first we determined the CTD content in various tissues of adult blister beetles on different days after mating, and then detected the temporal and spatial expression patterns of genes related to CTD biosynthesis in Epicauta chinensis. Results revealed that the accessory gland is the source of the highest CTD production. The second highest level was in the fat body in male blister beetles after mating. In females, the highest CTD content was in the reproductive system except the ovary after mating. As revealed by messenger RNA expression level analysis, the highest levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary-CoA reductase (HMGR) and juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) transcripts of E. chinensis were observed in the fat body in males after mating. However, the highest transcript level of EcHMGR was in the ovary and EcJHEH was maintained at a nearly similar level in females. The transcript level of methyl-farnesoate epoxide was significantly higher in the head and that of CYP4BM1 in the midgut in both male and female E. chinensis. We speculate that the fat body may play a more important role than other tissues on the CTD biosynthesis in male E. chinensis after mating. There may be multiple tissues involved in the process of CTD biosynthesis. These four genes probably play regulatory roles in different tissues in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shu-Min Lü
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zi-Yi Qi
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ya-Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Jiang M, Lü S, Zhang Y. The Potential Organ Involved in Cantharidin Biosynthesis in Epicauta chinensis Laporte (Coleoptera: Meloidae). J Insect Sci 2017; 17:3105946. [PMID: 28423415 PMCID: PMC5633858 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex021] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin, a terpenoid defensive toxin mainly produced by blister beetles, is among the most widely known insect natural products in the world. However, little is known about the site of cantharidin biosynthesis in vivo. Our previous research showed that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutary-CoA reductase (HMGR) is an essential enzyme in cantharidin biosynthesis. In this report, we further investigated cantharidin titer and HMGR mRNA expression levels in different tissues of male and female Epicauta chinensis, and performed a comparative analysis of HMGR transcript levels in male Tenebrio molitor, a Tenebrionidae beetle that cannot produce cantharidin. HMGR transcripts had a positive correlation with cantharidin production. Furthermore, the specifically high amounts of HMGR transcript and abundant cantharidin production in fat body of male E. chinensis indicated the process of cantharidin synthesis may occur in the fat body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China (; ; )
| | - Shumin Lü
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China (; ; )
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China (; ; )
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Hashimoto K, Sugawara H, Hayashi F. Sclerotised spines in the female bursa associated with male's spermatophore production in cantharidin-producing false blister beetles. J Insect Physiol 2016; 93-94:18-27. [PMID: 27498144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin is a defence chemical synthesised in only two beetle families Meloidae and Oedemeridae. In Meloidae, cantharidin is used as a defence chemical in eggs. However, in Oedemeridae the function of cantharidin remains unclear. Based on morphological comparison of female internal reproductive organs in 39 species of Oedemeridae, we found that some species have sclerotised spines in the bursa copulatrix (bursal spines), while others have no such spines. Molecular phylogenetic trees inferred from mitochondrial 16S and nuclear 28S rRNA gene sequences suggested multiple evolutionary origins of bursal spines from an ancestor without spines. In the species which lacked spines, males transferred small amounts of ejaculates to females; however, in species with spines, males transferred large spermatophores. Deposited spermatophores gradually disappeared in the bursa, probably owing to absorption. To compare the amounts of cantharidin in eggs laid by species with and without bursal spines, we constructed a new bioassay system using the small beetle Mecynotarsus tenuipes from the family Anthicidae. M. tenuipes individuals were attracted to droplets of cantharidin/acetone solution, and the level of attraction increased with cantharidin concentration. This bioassay demonstrated that the eggs of Nacerdes caudata and N. katoi, both of which species have conspicuous bursal spines, contain more cantharidin than the eggs of N. waterhousei, which lacks spines. In the former species, males transfer large spermatophores to the female, and spermatophores are eventually broken down and digested within the female's spiny bursa. Thus, females with bursal spines may be able to provide more cantharidin to their eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Hashimoto
- Department of Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Sugawara
- Department of Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Fumio Hayashi
- Department of Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
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Yu M, Zhao Y. Cantharis by photosynthetic bacteria biotransformation: Reduced toxicity and improved antitumor efficacy. J Ethnopharmacol 2016; 186:151-158. [PMID: 27041400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The blister beetle, also known as Mylabris cichorii, is not only widely used in clinical applications in Chinese anticancer medicine, but is also one of the main ingredients in a variety of traditional Chinese medicinal preparations with anticancer activity. However, the strong toxicity exhibited by this beetle species limits its clinical applicability, with the photosynthetic bacteria featuring a strong biological conversion function. Therefore, in this study we explore the use of photosynthetic bacteria for bioconversion of the blister beetle in order to reduce the toxicity and in effort to enhance the overall antitumor effect. METHODS AND RESULTS In the first set of experiments, we utilized an orthogonal experimental design to optimize the culture medium of photosynthetic bacteria. Concurrently, the growth curve of photosynthetic bacteria was used to determine the inoculation amount of the photosynthetic bacteria and the safe concentration of cantharis. Through antitumor activity experiments conducted in vitro we found that the inhibition rate increased through cantharis by PSB biotransformation of HepG2, A549 and BEL-7406 cells. Furthermore, through acute toxicity tests in mice it was found that the blister beetle water extraction liquid exhibits a LD50 value of 1383mg/kg, while the blister beetle transformation liquid exhibits a LD50 value of 206mg/kg. The LD50 value of the blister beetle water extract was found to be 6.7 times higher than the transformation liquid, thus demonstrating that the toxicity of cantharis by PSB biotransformation may be decreased. More strikingly, decreased toxicity was observed in the mouse liver and in pathological sections of the kidneys after transformation. CONCLUSIONS In this paper we demonstrate for the first time that PSB bioconversion of the blister beetle is able to reduce the toxicity of a common method used in anticancer treatments as part of the principles in traditional Chinese medicine and may therefore improve antitumor activity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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12
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Lü S, Jiang M, Huo T, Li X, Zhang Y. 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase: an essential actor in the biosynthesis of cantharidin in the blister beetle Epicauta chinensis Laporte. Insect Mol Biol 2016; 25:58-71. [PMID: 26566751 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin (C(10)H(12)O(4)) is a monoterpene defensive toxin in insects involved in chemical defence as well as in courtship and mating behaviours. It is relatively well known in the medical literature because of its high anticancer activity and as an effective therapy for molluscum contagiosum. However, little is known about its biosynthesis pathway in vivo, and no enzyme involved in cantharidin biosynthesis has been identified. The purpose of this study was to identify the crucial enzyme that is involved in the biosynthesis of cantharidin. Using the homology cloning method, a 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) gene, the rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, was cloned from the blister beetle Epicauta chinensis. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and gas chromatography methods revealed that the HMGR transcripts had a positive correlation with cantharidin production in the beetles (R = 0.891). RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of HMGR mRNA expression was achieved by microinjection of a specific double-stranded RNA with more than 90% RNAi efficiency, and an apparent decrease of cantharidin production was observed. Furthermore, the HMGR mRNA was greatly upregulated by exogenous juvenile hormone III (JH III), and cantharidin production was also raised in males; however, when injecting the JH III with RNAi of HMGR mRNA at the same time, cantharidin production did not rise. These results demonstrate that HMGR is an essential enzyme in cantharidin biosynthesis in the blister beetle E. chinensis, which further verifies previous research results demonstrating that cantharidin is synthesized de novo by the mevalonate pathway in blister beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lü
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - M Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - T Huo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - X Li
- Department of Entomology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Y Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, National Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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13
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Liao YF, Wang Y, Huang Y, Zha SF, Liu JJ, Wang ZK, Yin YP, Liao YF, Wang Y. ISOLATION AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF McMenA, A GENE ENCODING A 1,4-DIHYDROXY-2-NAPHTHOATE OCTAPRENYLTRANSFERASE IN Mylabris cichorii. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 2015; 89:127-137. [PMID: 25772016 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cantharidin is a biomolecule with a role in host defense that can also be used as an anticancer drug. The in vivo biosynthetic pathway for cantharidin has been the subject of debate for several decades and the mechanism is not yet completely understood. To study the biosynthetic pathway of cantharidin in blister beetles, Mylabris cichori, a full-length MenA (McMenA) cDNA was cloned based on the partial sequence of the MenA gene from a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) library of male and female adult M. cichorii. The cDNA was 1264 base pairs (bp) with an open reading frame of 1026 bp nucleotides encoding a 341 amino acid protein. Analysis of the McMenA amino acid sequence showed that the aspartate rich motif N/DDxxD represented binding sites for prenyl diphosphate via a Mg(2+) ion. Phylogenetic analysis showed that McMenA was most closely related to MenA of Tribolium castaneum, and the amino acid sequence similarity was 86%. The expression pattern of McMenA in adults was analyzed using RT-qPCR, and we found that the highest expression of McMenA occurred during 22-25 days in the sex-separate breeding males, while the lowest expression occurred in females at the same time. Injection with a specific double-strand RNA (dsRNA) of McMenA led to a significant reduction of McMenA mRNA levels after 24 h. Cantharidin and ATP concentrations dropped around the same time. Together, our data showed that the McMenA gene might be involved in cantharidin biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y F Liao
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing, China
| | - Y Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing, China
| | - Y Huang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing, China
| | - S F Zha
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing, China
| | - J J Liu
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing, China
| | - Z K Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing, China
| | - Y P Yin
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing, China
| | - Y F Liao
- Clinical Medicine College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Y Wang
- Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, China
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14
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Chen X, Lü S, Zhang Y. Identification and biochemical characterization of protein phosphatase 5 from the cantharidin-producing blister beetle, Epicauta chinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:24501-13. [PMID: 24351830 PMCID: PMC3876124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141224501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) is a unique member of serine/threonine phosphatases which has been recognized in regulation of diverse cellular processes. A cDNA fragment encoding PP5 (EcPP5) was cloned and characterized from the cantharidin-producing blister beetle, E. chinensis. EcPP5 contains an open reading frame of 1500 bp that encodes a protein of 56.89 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence shares 88% and 68% identities to the PP5 of Tribolium castaneum and humans, respectively. Analysis of the primary sequence shows that EcPP5 has three TPR (tetratricopeptide repeat) motifs at its N-terminal region and contains a highly conserved C-terminal catalytic domain. RT-PCR reveals that EcPP5 is expressed in all developmental stages and in different tissues. The recombinant EcPP5 (rEcPP5) was produced in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The purified protein exhibited phosphatase activity towards pNPP (p-nitrophenyl phosphate) and phosphopeptides, and its activity can be enhanced by arachidonic acid. In vitro inhibition study revealed that protein phosphatase inhibitors, okadaic acid, cantharidin, norcantharidin and endothall, inhibited its activity. Further, protein phosphatase activity of total soluble protein extract from E. chinensis adults could be impeded by these inhibitors suggesting there might be some mechanism to protect this beetle from being damaged by its self-produced cantharidin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yalin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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15
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Chen X, Zhang Y. Molecular cloning and characterization of the calcineurin subunit A from Plutella xylostella. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:20692-703. [PMID: 24132154 PMCID: PMC3821638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141020692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin (or PP2B) has been reported to be involved in an array of physiological process in insects, and the calcineurin subunit A (CNA) plays a central role in calcineurin activity. We cloned the CNA gene from Plutella xylostella (PxCNA). This gene contains an ORF of 1488 bp that encodes a 495 amino acid protein, showing 98%, and 80% identities to the CNA of Bombyx mori, and humans respectively. The full-length of PxCNA and its catalytic domain (CNA(1-341), defined as PxCNα) were both expressed in Escherichia coli. Purified recombinant PxCNA displayed no phosphatase activity, whereas recombinant PxCNα showed high phosphatase activity with a Km of 4.6 mM and a kcat of 0.66 S(-1) against pNPP. It could be activated at different degrees by Mn2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. The optimum reaction pH was about 7.5 and the optimum reaction temperature was around 45 °C. An in vitro inhibition assay showed that okadaic acid (OA) and cantharidin (CTD) competitively inhibited recombinant PxCNα activity with the IC50 values of 8.95 μM and 77.64 μM, respectively. However, unlike previous reports, pyrethroid insecticides were unable to inhibit recombinant PxCNα, indicating that the P. xylostella calcineurin appears not to be sensitive to class II pyrethroid insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi'en Chen
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources & Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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16
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Zhang F, Lin QY, Hu WL, Song WJ, Shen ST, Gui P. Interaction with biomacromolecules and antiproliferative activities of Mn(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) complexes of demethylcantharate and 2,2'-bipyridine. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2013; 110:100-107. [PMID: 23557779 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Three new transition metal complexes [Mn2(DCA)2(bipy)2]·5H2O (1), [M2(DCA)2(bipy)2(H2O)]·10H2O(M=Ni(II)(2);Zn(II)(3)), (DCA=demethylcantharate, 7-oxabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate, C8H8O5) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction techniques. Each metal ion was six-coordinated in complexes. Complex 1 has a Mn2O2 center. Complexes 2 and 3 have asymmetric binuclear structure. Great amount of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding and π-π(*) stacking interactions were formed in these complex structures. The DNA-binding properties of complexes were investigated by electronic absorption spectra and viscosity measurements. The DNA binding constants Kb/(Lmol(-1)) were 1.71×10(4) (1), 2.62×10(4) (2) and 1.59×10(4) (3) at 298 K. The complexes could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) strongly through static quenching. The protein binding constants Ka/(L mol(-1)) were 7.27×10(4) (1), 4.55×10(4) (2) and 7.87×10(4) L mol(-1) (3) and binding site was one. The complexes bind more tightly with DNA and BSA than with ligands. Complexes 1 and 3 had stronger inhibition ratios than Na2(DCA) against human hepatoma cells (SMMC-7721) lines and human gastric cancer cells (MGC80-3) lines in vitro. Complex 3 showed the strongest antiproliferative activity against SMMC-7721 (IC50=29.46±2.12 μmol L(-1)) and MGC80-3 (IC50=27.02±2.38 μmol L(-1)), which shows potential in anti-cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, PR China
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17
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Zhang F, Lin QY, Li SK, Zhao YL, Wang PP, Chen MM. Synthesis, interaction with DNA and bovine serum albumin of the transition metal complexes of demethylcantharate and 2-aminobenzothiazole. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2012; 98:436-443. [PMID: 22995471 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2012.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Four new transition metal complexes (Habtz)(2)[M(DCA)(2)]·6H(2)O (M=Co(II) (1), Ni(II) (2), Cu(II) (3), Zn(II) (4); DCA=demethylcantharate, 7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate, C(8)H(8)O(5); Habtz=2-aminobenzothiazole acid, C(7)H(7)N(2)S) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. The coordination number of complex was six. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that complex 3 crystallized in the triclinic crystal system with P1¯ space group. The DNA-binding properties of the complexes were investigated by electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, viscosity measurements. Title complexes could bind to DNA via partial intercalative mode. The K(b) of the complexes were 5.33×10(4) (1), 7.04×10(4) (2), 9.91×10(4) (3) and 5.03×10(4) L mol(-1) (4). The results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that Cu(II) complex could cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA via radical-based mechanism. The complexes could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) through a static quenching with the binding constants K(a) of 1.11×10(4) (1), 1.24×10(6) (2), 8.42×10(5) (3) and 1.75×10(4) L mol(-1) (4). The complexes had intense antiproliferative activities against human hepatoma cell lines (SMMC7721) and human gastric cancer cells (MGC80-3) lines in vitro. Cu(II) complex had the strongest activity against human gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, PR China
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18
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Lissina E, Young B, Urbanus ML, Guan XL, Lowenson J, Hoon S, Baryshnikova A, Riezman I, Michaut M, Riezman H, Cowen LE, Wenk MR, Clarke SG, Giaever G, Nislow C. A systems biology approach reveals the role of a novel methyltransferase in response to chemical stress and lipid homeostasis. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002332. [PMID: 22028670 PMCID: PMC3197675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Using small molecule probes to understand gene function is an attractive approach that allows functional characterization of genes that are dispensable in standard laboratory conditions and provides insight into the mode of action of these compounds. Using chemogenomic assays we previously identified yeast Crg1, an uncharacterized SAM-dependent methyltransferase, as a novel interactor of the protein phosphatase inhibitor cantharidin. In this study we used a combinatorial approach that exploits contemporary high-throughput techniques available in Saccharomyces cerevisiae combined with rigorous biological follow-up to characterize the interaction of Crg1 with cantharidin. Biochemical analysis of this enzyme followed by a systematic analysis of the interactome and lipidome of CRG1 mutants revealed that Crg1, a stress-responsive SAM-dependent methyltransferase, methylates cantharidin in vitro. Chemogenomic assays uncovered that lipid-related processes are essential for cantharidin resistance in cells sensitized by deletion of the CRG1 gene. Lipidome-wide analysis of mutants further showed that cantharidin induces alterations in glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid abundance in a Crg1-dependent manner. We propose that Crg1 is a small molecule methyltransferase important for maintaining lipid homeostasis in response to drug perturbation. This approach demonstrates the value of combining chemical genomics with other systems-based methods for characterizing proteins and elucidating previously unknown mechanisms of action of small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lissina
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brian Young
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Malene L. Urbanus
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Xue Li Guan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Lowenson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shawn Hoon
- Molecular Engineering Lab, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anastasia Baryshnikova
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Isabelle Riezman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Magali Michaut
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Howard Riezman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Leah E. Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Markus R. Wenk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Steven G. Clarke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Guri Giaever
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Corey Nislow
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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19
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Nikbakhtzadeh MR, Dettner K, Boland W, Gäde G, Dötterl S. Intraspecific transfer of cantharidin within selected members of the family Meloidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). J Insect Physiol 2007; 53:890-9. [PMID: 17493632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2007.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Revised: 02/10/2007] [Accepted: 02/16/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of deuterium-labelled cantharidin (CAN-D(2)) to study details of cantharidin transfer in blister beetles indicates that the dynamics of organ-selective cantharidin accumulation may differ over time. Although the accessory glands absorb a high amount of CAN-D(2) in the short term, they ultimately accumulate less than the testes. Confirming previous studies, the last steps in the pathway of biosynthesis of cantharidin occur in the male's body distantly from the reproductive system but the ultimate product, cantharidin, is transported into the male reproductive tract via the membrane of the accessory glands. From there it first transfers preferentially to the epididimis and the vas deferens, followed by final deposition in the testes. Most, if not all, of the cantharidin passes internally within the sexual organs; hemolymph transport is not involved. In female meloids, cantharidin enters the genitalia from the male as a nuptial gift. High amounts are first absorbed by the spermatophoral receptacle followed by spreading through the ovaries and an ultimate accumulation in the eggs. The amount taken up by the ovaries remains considerably lower than that of the receptacle. Over time these two organs stop accumulating cantharidin, while the bursa copulatrix starts to incorporate the gift actively. The accumulated amount taken up by bursa is mainly supplied by the receptacle and ovaries suggesting that an internal transfer of cantharidin is used in females as the main transport route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Reza Nikbakhtzadeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, College of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, P.O. Box 14115-331, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Dawson-Scully K, Armstrong GA, Kent C, Robertson RM, Sokolowski MB. Natural variation in the thermotolerance of neural function and behavior due to a cGMP-dependent protein kinase. PLoS One 2007; 2:e773. [PMID: 17712421 PMCID: PMC1945089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 07/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is acknowledged that genetic variation contributes to individual differences in thermotolerance, the specific genes and pathways involved and how they are modulated by the environment remain poorly understood. We link natural variation in the thermotolerance of neural function and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster to the foraging gene (for, which encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG)) as well as to its downstream target, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Genetic and pharmacological manipulations revealed that reduced PKG (or PP2A) activity caused increased thermotolerance of synaptic transmission at the larval neuromuscular junction. Like synaptic transmission, feeding movements were preserved at higher temperatures in larvae with lower PKG levels. In a comparative assay, pharmacological manipulations altering thermotolerance in a central circuit of Locusta migratoria demonstrated conservation of this neuroprotective pathway. In this circuit, either the inhibition of PKG or PP2A induced robust thermotolerance of neural function. We suggest that PKG and therefore the polymorphism associated with the allelic variation in for may provide populations with natural variation in heat stress tolerance. for's function in behavior is conserved across most organisms, including ants, bees, nematodes, and mammals. PKG's role in thermotolerance may also apply to these and other species. Natural variation in thermotolerance arising from genes involved in the PKG pathway could impact the evolution of thermotolerance in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Dawson-Scully
- University of Toronto, Department of Biology, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Clement Kent
- University of Toronto, Department of Biology, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Marla B. Sokolowski
- University of Toronto, Department of Biology, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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21
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Yu CW, Li KKW, Pang SK, Au-Yeung SCF, Ho YP. Anticancer activity of a series of platinum complexes integrating demethylcantharidin with isomers of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 16:1686-91. [PMID: 16386904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2005.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2005] [Revised: 11/30/2005] [Accepted: 12/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A series of platinum complexes derived from integrating demethylcantharidin (DMC) with different isomers of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) has been synthesized and found to exhibit superior in vitro anticancer activity against colorectal and human hepatocellular cancer cell lines when compared with oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and carboplatin. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the trans-DACH-Pt-DMC analogues showed similar behavior to oxaliplatin on affecting the cell cycle of the HCT116 colorectal cancer cell line, but distinct from that of cisplatin or carboplatin. The DACH component apparently dictates the trans-DACH-Pt-DMC complexes to behave mechanistically similar to oxaliplatin, whereas the DMC ligand appears to enhance the compounds' overall anticancer activity, probably by accelerating the cell cycle from G1 to S-phase with subsequent onset of G2/M arrest and accompanying apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wing Yu
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
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22
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Shin H, Shin HS, Guo Z, Blancaflor EB, Masson PH, Chen R. Complex regulation of Arabidopsis AGR1/PIN2-mediated root gravitropic response and basipetal auxin transport by cantharidin-sensitive protein phosphatases. Plant J 2005; 42:188-200. [PMID: 15807782 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2005.02369.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Polar auxin transport, mediated by two distinct plasma membrane-localized auxin influx and efflux carrier proteins/complexes, plays an important role in many plant growth and developmental processes including tropic responses to gravity and light, development of lateral roots and patterning in embryogenesis. We have previously shown that the Arabidopsis AGRAVITROPIC 1/PIN2 gene encodes an auxin efflux component regulating root gravitropism and basipetal auxin transport. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying the function of AGR1/PIN2 is largely unknown. Recently, protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation mediated by protein kinases and phosphatases, respectively, have been implicated in regulating polar auxin transport and root gravitropism. Here, we examined the effects of chemical inhibitors of protein phosphatases on root gravitropism and basipetal auxin transport, as well as the expression pattern of AGR1/PIN2 gene and the localization of AGR1/PIN2 protein. We also examined the effects of inhibitors of vesicle trafficking and protein kinases. Our data suggest that protein phosphatases, sensitive to cantharidin and okadaic acid, are likely involved in regulating AGR1/PIN2-mediated root basipetal auxin transport and gravitropism, as well as auxin response in the root central elongation zone (CEZ). BFA-sensitive vesicle trafficking may be required for the cycling of AGR1/PIN2 between plasma membrane and the BFA compartment, but not for the AGR1/PIN2-mediated root basipetal auxin transport and auxin response in CEZ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heungsop Shin
- Plant Biology Division, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
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23
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Moncada A, Cendán CM, Baeyens JM, Del Pozo E. Effects of serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitors on morphine-induced antinociception in the tail flick test in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 465:53-60. [PMID: 12650833 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(03)01461-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP) inhibitors on morphine-induced antinociception in the tail flick test in mice, and on [3H]naloxone binding to the forebrain crude synaptosome fraction. Neither okadaic acid nor cantharidin (1-10000 nM) displaced [3H]naloxone from its specific binding sites, which indicates that they do not interact at the opioid receptor level. The i.c.v. administration of very low doses of okadaic acid (0.001-1 pg/mouse) and cantharidin (0.001-1 ng/mouse), which inhibit PP2A, produced a dose-dependent antagonism of the antinociception induced by morphine (s.c.). However, L-nor-okadaone (0.001 pg/mouse-1 ng/mouse, i.c.v.), an analogue of okadaic acid lacking activity against protein phosphatases, did not affect the antinociceptive effect of morphine. On the other hand, high doses of okadaic acid (10 ng/mouse, i.c.v.) and cantharidin (1 microg/mouse, i.c.v.), which also block PP1, and calyculin-A (0.1 fg/mouse-1 ng/mouse, i.c.v.), which inhibits equally both PP1 and PP2A, did not modify the morphine-induced antinociception. These results suggest that the activation of type 2A serine/threonine protein phosphatases may play a role in the antinociceptive effect of morphine, and that PP1 might counterbalace this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Moncada
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Institute, Medical School, University of Granada, Avenida de Madrid 11, 18012 Granada, Spain
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Norton SA. Candy's dandy but cantharidin's quicker. Arch Dermatol 2002; 138:1378. [PMID: 12374552 DOI: 10.1001/archderm.138.10.1378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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25
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Bulgakov VP, Tchernoded GK, Mischenko NP, Khodakovskaya MV, Glazunov VP, Radchenko SV, Zvereva EV, Fedoreyev SA, Zhuravlev YN. Effect of salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, ethephon and cantharidin on anthraquinone production by Rubia cordifolia callus cultures transformed with the rolB and rolC genes. J Biotechnol 2002; 97:213-21. [PMID: 12084477 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1656(02)00067-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that the rol genes of Agrobacterium rhizogenes could play an essential role in the activation of secondary metabolite production in plant transformed cultures. This study investigated whether the content of anthraquinone phytoalexins was changed in callus cultures of Rubia cordifolia transgenic for the 35S-rolB and 35S-rolC genes in comparison with a non-transformed callus culture. The anthraquinone content was shown to be significantly increased in transgenic cultures, thus providing further evidence that the rol-gene transformation can be used for the activation of secondary metabolism in plant cells. Methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid strongly increased anthraquinone accumulation in both transgenic and non-transgenic R. cordifolia calluses, whereas ethephon did not. A treatment of the cultures by cantharidin, the protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor, resulted in massive induction of anthraquinone accumulation in the transgenic cultures only. We suggest the involvement of a cantharidin-sensitive protein phosphorylation mechanism in anthraquinone biosynthesis in transgenic cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Bulgakov
- The Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prosp. Stoletija, 159, Vladivostok 690022, Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Blaukat
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Mainz, Germany
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27
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Laidley CW, Cohen E, Casida JE. Protein phosphatase in neuroblastoma cells: [3H]cantharidin binding site in relation to cytotoxicity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1997; 280:1152-8. [PMID: 9067298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) plays a central role in essential phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction pathways. It is also a principal target for many natural toxicants (cantharidin, microcystins, diarrhetic shellfish poisons) and a synthetic herbicide (endothall). This study develops a cellular model to explore the toxicology of PP2A inhibitors by use of a [3H]cantharidic acid ([3H]CA) ligand binding assay to quantify interactions at the toxicant site and cell viability to evaluate in vivo toxicity. Mouse neuroblastoma (N1E-115) cells are similar to mouse brain with respect to the affinity (12-15 nM), number (B(max), 9-22 pmol/mg protein) and ligand specificity of this binding site. In addition, the competitive potency of ten analogs of CA (including endothall) and two potent diarrhetic shellfish poisons (okadaic acid and calyculin A) is correlated (r2 = .9) with and therefore predictive of their cytotoxicity. The only exception is microcystin LR which is a potent inhibitor at the binding site but is not cytotoxic, possibly reflecting a lack of cellular uptake. ATP and several other phosphorus-containing bifunctional acids inhibit [3H]CA binding by phosphorylation-independent pathways; pyrophosphate apparently acts as a competitive inhibitor. Mn++ and five other divalent cations are also inhibitors with a unique action of Mn++ at 25 to 50 microM in increasing [3H]CA binding, which suggests a specific role in PP2A function. Neuroblastoma cells are therefore suitable to study the mechanisms by which the toxicant, ATP and Mn++ binding sites regulate PP2A activity and cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Laidley
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley 94720-3112, USA
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Eisner T, Smedley SR, Young DK, Eisner M, Roach B, Meinwald J. Chemical basis of courtship in a beetle (Neopyrochroa flabellata): Cantharidin as "nuptial gift". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996; 93:6499-503. [PMID: 8692844 PMCID: PMC39052 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.13.6499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The amount of cantharidin (Spanish fly) that the Neopyrochroa flabellata male presents to the female as a glandular offering during courtship represents only a small fraction of the total cantharidin the male accumulates systemically following ingestion of the compound. A major fraction of the acquired cantharidin is stored by the male in the large accessory glands of the reproductive system. At mating, the male transfers this supply, presumably as part of the sperm package, to the spermatheca of the female. The female in turn allocates the gift to the eggs. Eggs endowed with cantharidin proved relatively invulnerable to attack by a predaceous beetle larva (Coleomegilla maculata).
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Affiliation(s)
- T Eisner
- Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Eisner T, Smedley SR, Young DK, Eisner M, Roach B, Meinwald J. Chemical basis of courtship in a beetle (Neopyrochroa flabellata): cantharidin as precopulatory "enticing" agent. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996; 93:6494-8. [PMID: 8692843 PMCID: PMC39051 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.13.6494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Male Neopyrochroa flabellata have a natural affinity for cantharidin (Spanish fly). They are attracted to cantharidin baits in the field and feed on the compound if it is offered to them in the laboratory. Males that ingest cantharidin secrete cantharidin from a cephalic gland. Females sample secretion from this gland during courtship and mate preferentially with males that had fed on cantharidin. Cantharidin-unfed males can be rendered acceptable to females if cantharidin is added to their cephalic gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Eisner
- Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Abstract
Cantharidin, a potent defensive chemical, is present in all ten life stages of the blister beetle Epicauta funebris. The first five larval stages accumulate cantharidin as they feed and grow in size. When disturbed, they exude cantharidin in a milky oral fluid, not in hemolymph which adult beetles reflexively discharge from leg joints. Two subsequent larval stages and the pupa do not feed, grow, regurgitate, or change in their defensive reserves (110 micrograms cantharidin/insect, regardless of sex). Adult beetles kept in isolation for 60-90 d exhibit a pronounced sexual dimorphism in cantharidin production: the male biosynthesizes about 17 mg of the toxin, representing 10% of his live weight, whereas the female actually loses most of her defensive reserves. But in the wild a female beetle repeatedly acquires cantharidin as copulatory gifts from her mates.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Carrel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
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Abstract
The toxic effects of cantharidin from blister beetles and its analogs, including the herbicide endothall, are attributable to their high affinity and specificity for a cantharidin-binding protein (CBP). An ammonium sulfate precipitate of mouse liver cytosol was purified by five chromatographic steps to isolate CBP in 14% yield and > 99% purity as monitored by [3H]cantharidin-binding activity. The purification factor of 2230-fold corresponds to a CBP content of 0.045% of the liver cytosolic protein. CBP is a heterodimer consisting of a 61-kDa alpha subunit and a 39-kDa beta subunit. Amino acid sequences of four peptides from CBP-alpha and three peptides from CBP-beta are identical with deduced amino acid sequences for the A alpha regulatory and C beta catalytic subunits, respectively, of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). This assignment of CBP as PP2A-AC from structural evidence is supported by biochemical studies with selective substrates and inhibitors. CBP dephosphorylation of phosphorylase alpha is sensitive not only to okadaic acid, as with PP2A, but also to cantharidin and its analogs, consistent with their potency in blocking the radioligand binding site of CBP. Okadaic acid is a potent inhibitor of [3H]cantharidin binding to CBP. PP2A is present in many mammalian tissues and in plants and is involved in regulatory phosphorylation-dephosphorylation events which modulate multiple cellular functions. Inhibition of PP2A activity may account for the diverse effects and toxicity of cantharidin and its analogs, including the herbicide endothall, in mammals and possibly plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Li
- Department of Entomological Sciences, University of California, Berkeley 94720
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Graziano MJ, Pessah IN, Matsuzawa M, Casida JE. Partial characterization of specific cantharidin binding sites in mouse tissues. Mol Pharmacol 1988; 33:706-12. [PMID: 3380085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The mode of action of cantharidin, the natural vesicant of blister beetles, is examined by radioligand binding studies with mouse tissues. [3H]Cantharidin undergoes specific and saturable binding with the liver cytosol, which is characterized as follows: Kd and Bmax values of 30 nM and 1.8 pmol/mg of protein, respectively; linearity with respect to protein concentration; pH optimum of 6.5 to 7.5; association and dissociation half-times of 20 min and 12 hr, respectively; and 50% inhibition by Mg2+ at 70 microM, Ca2+ at 224 microM, pyrophosphate at 27 microM, and nucleotide triphosphates at 52-81 microM. The binding site undergoes a loss of activity at 45 degrees or higher. The toxicological relevance of this specific [3H]cantharidin binding site of mouse liver cytosol is established in three ways. First, the potency of 15 active cantharidin analogs for inhibiting [3H]cantharidin binding is correlated with their acute toxicity to mice (r = 0.829). Second, 26 related compounds that are inactive in inhibiting [3H]cantharidin binding are also of little or no toxicity to mice. Finally, the binding of [3H] cantharidin to liver cytosol from mice poisoned with increasing amounts of unlabeled cantharidin is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. [3H]Cantharidin also specifically binds to cytosol fractions of blood, brain, heart, kidney, lung, pancreas, skin, spleen, and stomach. The characteristics of the specific binding site in brain are very similar to those determined in liver with respect to Kd, Bmax, association/dissociation kinetics, and sensitivity to inhibitors. It therefore appears that the toxicity of cantharidin and related oxabicycloheptanes, including the herbicide endothal, is attributable to binding at a specific site in liver and possibly other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Graziano
- Department of Entomological Sciences, University of California, Berkeley 94720
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Abstract
Cantharidin, the potent vesicant and toxicant of blister beetles, was prepared as a radioligand to probe its mechanism of action. [3H]Cantharidin interacts in a saturable and specific manner with a binding site in mouse liver cytosol with apparent Kd and Bmax values of 30 nM and 1.8 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Comparisons of cantharidic acid, the related herbicide endothal, and 20 other oxabicycloheptane-dicarboxylic acids show that their potency as inhibitors of [3H]cantharidin binding is closely correlated with their intraperitoneal toxicity to mice. This binding site is also inhibited in vivo by toxic doses of cantharidin. The [3H]cantharidin binding site in mouse liver cytosol therefore represents, or serves as a model for, the site of toxic action of cantharidin and structurally-related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Graziano
- Department of Entomological Sciences, University of California, Berkeley 94720
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Carrel JE, Doom JP, McCormick JP. Cantharidin biosynthesis in a blister beetle: inhibition by 6-fluoromevalonate causes chemical disarmament. Experientia 1986; 42:853-4. [PMID: 3732495 DOI: 10.1007/bf01941552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Biosynthesis of cantharidin in a blister beetle, Lytta polita, is effectively inhibited by 6-fluoromevalonate. Inhibition is attributed specifically to the fluorine substituent. Biochemical inhibition has not been demonstrated previously for an arthropod's defensive substance.
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Ho SX, Wu L, Lu PH. [Pharmacokinetic studies on 3H-N-Hydroxycantharidinimide (author's transl)]. Yao Xue Xue Bao 1981; 16:328-33. [PMID: 7246178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Peter MG, Woggon WD, Schmid H. [Identification of farnesol as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cantharidin from mevalonolactone]. Helv Chim Acta 1977; 60:2756-62. [PMID: 599044 DOI: 10.1002/hlca.19770600827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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37
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Peter MG, Waespe HR, Woggon WD, Schmid H. [Incorporation experiments with (3H and 14C) doubly labelled farnesols into cantharidin (author's transl)]. Helv Chim Acta 1977; 60:1262-72. [PMID: 893117 DOI: 10.1002/hlca.19770600416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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