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Zavarzina II, Kuzmenkov AI, Dobrokhotov NA, Maleeva EE, Korolkova YV, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Krylov NA, Vassilevski AA, Chugunov AO. The scorpion toxin BeKm-1 blocks hERG cardiac potassium channels using an indispensable arginine residue. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:889-901. [PMID: 38563123 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14850] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BeKm-1 is a peptide toxin from scorpion venom that blocks the pore of the potassium channel hERG (Kv11.1) in the human heart. Although individual protein structures have been resolved, the structure of the complex between hERG and BeKm-1 is unknown. Here, we used molecular dynamics and ensemble docking, guided by previous double-mutant cycle analysis data, to obtain an in silico model of the hERG-BeKm-1 complex. Adding to the previous mutagenesis study of BeKm-1, our model uncovers the key role of residue Arg20, which forms three interactions (a salt bridge and hydrogen bonds) with the channel vestibule simultaneously. Replacement of this residue even by lysine weakens the interactions significantly. In accordance, the recombinantly produced BeKm-1R20K mutant exhibited dramatically decreased activity on hERG. Our model may be useful for future drug design attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iana I Zavarzina
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | - Nikita A Dobrokhotov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nikolay A Krylov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton O Chugunov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
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Dias NB, de Souza BM, Cid-Alda F, Dorce VAC, Cocchi FK, Palma MS. Profiling the Linear Peptides of Venom from the Brazilian Scorpion Tityus serrulatus: Structural and Functional Characterization. J Nat Prod 2024; 87:480-490. [PMID: 38408354 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c01085] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides, most of which are neurotoxic, with 30 to 70 amino acid residues in their sequences. There are a scarcity of reports in the literature concerning the short linear peptides found in scorpion venoms. This type of peptide toxin may be selectively extracted from the venom using 50% (v/v) acetonitrile. The use of LC-MS and MS/MS enabled the detection of 12 bioactive short linear peptides, of which six were identified as cryptides. These peptides were shown to be multifunctional, causing hemolysis, mast cell degranulation and lysis, edema, pain, and anxiety, increasing the complexity of the envenomation mechanism. Apparently, the natural functions of these peptide toxins are to induce inflammation and discomfort in the victims of scorpion stings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Baptista Dias
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera (UFRO), Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Bibiana Monson de Souza
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Paulo 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cid-Alda
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera (UFRO), Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | | | - Fernando Kamimura Cocchi
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Paulo 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Paulo 13506-900, Brazil
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3
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Ghazal A, Clarke D, Abdel-Rahman MA, Ribeiro A, Collie-Duguid E, Pattinson C, Burgoyne K, Muhammad T, Alfadhel S, Heidari Z, Samir R, Gerges MM, Nkene I, Colamarino RA, Hijazi K, Houssen WE. Venomous gland transcriptome and venom proteomic analysis of the scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi reveal new peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Peptides 2024; 173:171139. [PMID: 38142817 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171139] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic shows the critical need for novel broad spectrum antiviral agents. Scorpion venoms are known to contain highly bioactive peptides, several of which have demonstrated strong antiviral activity against a range of viruses. We have generated the first annotated reference transcriptome for the Androctonus amoreuxi venom gland and used high performance liquid chromatography, transcriptome mining, circular dichroism and mass spectrometric analysis to purify and characterize twelve previously undescribed venom peptides. Selected peptides were tested for binding to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and inhibition of the spike RBD - human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) interaction using surface plasmon resonance-based assays. Seven peptides showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects, albeit with IC50 in the high micromolar range (117-1202 µM). The most active peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and tested for its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 (Lineage B.1.1.7). On exposure to the synthetic peptide of a human lung cell line infected with replication-competent SARS-CoV-2, we observed an IC50 of 200 nM, which was nearly 600-fold lower than that observed in the RBD - hACE2 binding inhibition assay. Our results show that scorpion venom peptides can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication although unlikely through inhibition of spike RBD - hACE2 interaction as the primary mode of action. Scorpion venom peptides represent excellent scaffolds for design of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 constrained peptides. Future studies should fully explore their antiviral mode of action as well as the structural dynamics of inhibition of target virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Ghazal
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - David Clarke
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK
| | | | - Antonio Ribeiro
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Elaina Collie-Duguid
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Craig Pattinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kate Burgoyne
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Taj Muhammad
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 591 SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanad Alfadhel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Zeynab Heidari
- Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3RY, UK
| | - Reham Samir
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Mariam M Gerges
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Istifanus Nkene
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Rosa A Colamarino
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Karolin Hijazi
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Wael E Houssen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK.
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Abbas F, Blömer LA, Millet H, Montnach J, De Waard M, Canepari M. Analysis of the effect of the scorpion toxin AaH-II on action potential generation in the axon initial segment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4967. [PMID: 38424206 PMCID: PMC10904771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55315-y] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The toxin AaH-II, from the scorpion Androctonus australis Hector venom, is a 64 amino acid peptide that targets voltage-gated Na+ channels (VGNCs) and slows their inactivation. While at macroscopic cellular level AaH-II prolongs the action potential (AP), a functional analysis of the effect of the toxin in the axon initial segment (AIS), where VGNCs are highly expressed, was never performed so far. Here, we report an original analysis of the effect of AaH-II on the AP generation in the AIS of neocortical layer-5 pyramidal neurons from mouse brain slices. After determining that AaH-II does not discriminate between Nav1.2 and Nav1.6, i.e. between the two VGNC isoforms expressed in this neuron, we established that 7 nM was the smallest toxin concentration producing a minimal detectable deformation of the somatic AP after local delivery of the toxin. Using membrane potential imaging, we found that, at this minimal concentration, AaH-II substantially widened the AP in the AIS. Using ultrafast Na+ imaging, we found that local application of 7 nM AaH-II caused a large increase in the slower component of the Na+ influx in the AIS. Finally, using ultrafast Ca2+ imaging, we observed that 7 nM AaH-II produces a spurious slow Ca2+ influx via Ca2+-permeable VGNCs. Molecules targeting VGNCs, including peptides, are proposed as potential therapeutic tools. Thus, the present analysis in the AIS can be considered a general proof-of-principle on how high-resolution imaging techniques can disclose drug effects that cannot be observed when tested at the macroscopic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Abbas
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Laila Ananda Blömer
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Hugo Millet
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Jérôme Montnach
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Marco Canepari
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, LIPhy, 38000, Grenoble, France.
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560, Valbonne, France.
- Institut National de la Santé et Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique (UMR 5588), Bat. E45, 140 Avenue de la Physique, Domaine Univ., 38402, St Martin d'Hères Cedex, France.
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Hassan H, Mirza MR, Jabeen A, Alam M, Kori JA, Sultan R, Rahman SU, Choudhary MI. Yellow scorpion (Buthus sinidicus) venom peptides induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in cervical, prostate and brain tumor cell lines. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296636. [PMID: 38394321 PMCID: PMC10890731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296636] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are known to contain over 100,000 biologically active constituents. However, only a few of them have been studied. The major constituents of venom are proteins and peptides, which exhibit various biological and pharmacological properties, including anticancer activities. In the current study, the venom of yellow scorpions (Buthus sindicus) found in Sindh, Pakistan, was extracted and evaluated for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. The crude venom showed a dose dependent inhibition of phagocyte oxidative burst from human whole blood cells (28.3% inhibition at highest tested concentration of 300 μg/mL). In-vitro cytotoxicity of crude venom was evaluated against human prostrate (PC3), cervical (HeLa) and neuroblastoma (U87-MG) cell lines, along with cytotoxicity against normal human fibroblast (BJ) cells. Crude venom was cytotoxic to all cell lines, with prominent inhibitory effect on PC3 cells. Crude venom was fractionated through RP-UPLC, resulted in fifteen fractions, followed by evaluation of their anticancer potential. Among all, the fraction I significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the cell viability of all three cancer cell lines, and exhibited insignificant cytotoxicity against normal cell line. Furthermore, the apoptotic cell death pathway was evaluated for crude venom, and fraction I, in most sensitive cell line PC3, by using flow-cytometry analysis. Both crude venom and its fraction I caused a mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in prostate cancer cells (PC3). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity of venom of Pakistani yellow scorpions. Results indicate their therapeutic potential, and a case for further purification and validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humaira Hassan
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Munazza Raza Mirza
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Almas Jabeen
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mehtab Alam
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi, Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Ahmed Kori
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Sultan
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Ur Rahman
- Oral Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - M Iqbal Choudhary
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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Ajdi B, El Asbahani A, El Hidan MA, Bocquet M, Falconnet L, Ait Hamza M, Elmourid A, Touloun O, Boubaker H, Bulet P. Molecular diversity assessed by MALDI mass spectrometry of two scorpion species venom from two different locations in Morocco. Toxicon 2024; 238:107562. [PMID: 38103799 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107562] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a cocktail of molecules whose composition is remarkably plastic, controlled by several factors. The Moroccan scorpion fauna is characterized by its richness and high rate of endemism and the venom molecular variability of many species is not yet well characterized. The aim of the present study was to highlight the molecular variability of the venom composition of Androctonus amoreuxi and Buthacus stockmanni (endemic species), both belonging to the Buthidae family, collected from two Moroccan regions, Zagora and Tan-tan. Characterization of the molecular mass fingerprints (MFPs) of each specimen was performed by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) using a sandwich (Sand) and a dried-droplet (DD) sample preparation and dilutions. Considering these two methods, a total of 828 ion signals were detected, and Sand method produced more adducts (56%) than DD (44%). We observed interspecific variations in the venom composition between these two species showing they share 235 ion signals, while 226 and 367 are specific for these two species, respectively. Moreover, B. stockmanni specimens showed a clear difference in their MFPs between the two geographical areas studied, suggesting intraspecific variations. Moreover, specimens from each population also show an intraspecific variability. In addition, for the same individual, a variation in the venom composition was also recorded depending on the milking frequency. Our results confirmed the presence of characteristic components in each extracted venom sample. In conclusion, MFPs assessed by MALDI-MS represent a fast, non-supervised, sensitive, reliable and cost-efficient approach for taxonomic identification and molecular variability characterization. This study undoubtedly represents a step forward for understanding the scorpion venom plasticity, intra/inter variations, and their temporal and geographical variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boujemaa Ajdi
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco; Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Inserm U1209, CNRSUMR 5309, University of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France; Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France.
| | - Abdelhafed El Asbahani
- Applied Chemistry and Environment Laboratory, Team of Bio-organic Chemistry and Natural Substances, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Michel Bocquet
- Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France; Apimedia, 74370, Annecy, France
| | | | - Mohamed Ait Hamza
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Abdessamad Elmourid
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, 23030, Morocco.
| | - Oulaid Touloun
- Polyvalent Team in Research and Development (EPVRD), Department of Biology & Geology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, 23030, Morocco.
| | - Hassan Boubaker
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
| | - Philippe Bulet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Inserm U1209, CNRSUMR 5309, University of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France; Platform BioPark Archamps, 74160, Archamps, France.
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Sakai S, Fujita Y, Juichi H, Nakagawa Y, Miyashita M. Chemical synthesis and functional characterization of LaIT3, an insecticidal two-domain peptide in Liocheles australasiae venom. Toxicon 2024; 238:107564. [PMID: 38113946 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107564] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
LaIT3, belonging to the β-KTx family, is an insecticidal peptide in the venom of the Liocheles australasiae scorpion. Peptides in the family consist of two structural domains: an N-terminal domain with an α-helical structure common to antimicrobial peptides and a C-terminal domain with a structure stabilized by three disulfide bonds common to ion-channel blocking peptides. However, the contribution of each domain of LaIT3 to its activity remained unknown. In addition, some peptidic components are known to be enzymatically cleaved in the venom, which generates partial peptides. In our study, we searched for partial peptides of LaIT3 using LC/MS analysis and found peptides generated by cleavage at the central region of LaIT3. We subsequently synthesized full-length LaIT3 and its partial peptides to evaluate their insecticidal activity. The results, showing that only full-length LaIT3 is active, indicate that the insecticidal activity of LaIT3 depends on the presence of both N-terminal and C-terminal domains. Furthermore, LaIT3 did not exhibit the cytolytic activity against insect cells and showed only weak antibacterial activity. These findings suggest that its action is not due to a simple membrane disruption effect but instead due to actions on specific target molecules, including ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Sakai
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yuumi Fujita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hironori Juichi
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Miyashita
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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8
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Salabi F, Vazirianzadeh B, Baradaran M. Identification, classification, and characterization of alpha and beta subunits of LVP1 protein from the venom gland of four Iranian scorpion species. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22277. [PMID: 38097679 PMCID: PMC10721645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49556-6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms contain bioactive peptides and proteins. Some, can be used for pharmaceutical purposes. So, identification of venom proteins matters because, in addition to determining the function of the toxins can also be an excellent guide to developing new drugs. Here, we got transcriptome of venom glands from four Iranian scorpion species, including Hemsicorpius lepturus, Mesobuthus eupeus, Andructunus crassicuada, and Hottentotta saulcyi using cDNA library synthesis and high-throughput transcriptomic analysis of the venom glands. In a comparative way, we identified the cDNA encoding isoforms of subunits (alpha and beta) of BotLVP1/BmLVP1-like protein in the venom gland of three species except for H. lepturus. Characterization and structure determination of the LVP1_like proteins combined with gene map analysis provided evidence of the existence of some isoforms of LVP1_like proteins, encoded by genes with two exons and one intron, which can be classified in CSαβ superfamily in the venom gland of three Iranian scorpion species. According to the high similarity with BotLVP1 and BmLVP1, these proteins could also be potent to mediate cholesterol homeostasis. However, further research is needed to prove it, and this study just may lay the foundation lead to light up this way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Salabi
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Babak Vazirianzadeh
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Baradaran
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Ibarra-Vega R, Jiménez-Vargas JM, Pineda-Contreras A, Martínez-Martínez FJ, Barajas-Saucedo CE, García-Ortega H, Magaña-Vergara NE, Possani LD, Corzo G, Gaitan-Hinojosa MA, Vázquez-Vuelvas OF, Zamudio F, Valdez-Velazquez LL. Indolealkylamines in the venom of the scorpion Thorellius intrepidus. Toxicon 2023; 233:107232. [PMID: 37536653 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107232] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Scorpions are a group of arthropods that strike fear in many people due to their severe medical symptoms, even death, caused by their venomous stings. Even so, not all scorpion species contain harmful venoms against humans but still have valuable bioactive molecules, which could be used in developing new pharmaceutical leads for treating important diseases. This work conducted a comprehensive analysis of the venom from the scorpion Thorellius intrepidus. The venom of T. intrepidus was separated by size exclusion chromatography, and four main fractions were obtained. Fraction IV (FIV) contained small molecules representing over 90% of the total absorbance at 280 nm. Analysis of fraction FIV by RP-HPLC indicated the presence of three main molecules (FIV.1, FIV.2, and FIV.3) with similar UV absorbance spectra profiles. The molecular masses of FIV.1, FIV.2, and FIV.3 were determined, resulting in 175.99, 190.07, and 218.16 Da, respectively. Further confirmation through 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR analyses revealed that these molecules were serotonin, N-methylserotonin, and bufotenidine. These intriguing compounds are speculated to play a pivotal role in self-defense and increasing venom toxicity and could also offer promising biotechnological applications as small bioactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ibarra-Vega
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Juana María Jiménez-Vargas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México; Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), México City, 03940, México.
| | - Armando Pineda-Contreras
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | | | - Carlos Eduardo Barajas-Saucedo
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Héctor García-Ortega
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Nancy E Magaña-Vergara
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México; Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología (CONAHCYT), México City, 03940, México
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Mario Alberto Gaitan-Hinojosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Oscar Fernando Vázquez-Vuelvas
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Laura Leticia Valdez-Velazquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Carretera Colima-Coquimatlán Km 9, 28400, Coquimatlán, Colima, México.
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10
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Mineev KS, Chernykh MA, Motov VV, Prudnikova DA, Pavlenko DM, Kuzmenkov AI, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. A scorpion toxin affecting sodium channels shows double cis-trans isomerism. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2358-2368. [PMID: 37501371 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14705] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion α-toxins (α-NaTx) inhibiting the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav ) are a well-studied family of small proteins. We previously showed that the structure of α-NaTx specificity module responsible for selective Nav binding is governed by an interplay between the nest and niche protein motifs. Here, we report the solution structure of the toxin Lqq4 from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. Unexpectedly, we find that this toxin presents an ensemble of long-lived structurally distinct states. We unequivocally assign these states to the alternative configurations (cis-trans isomers) of two peptide bonds: V56-P57 and C17-G18; neither of the cis isomers has been described in α-NaTx so far. We argue that the native conformational space of α-NaTx is wider than assumed previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin S Mineev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A Chernykh
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav V Motov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Daria A Prudnikova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniil M Pavlenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
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11
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Kuzmenkov AI, Gigolaev AM, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Peigneur S, Tytgat J, Vassilevski AA. Methionine-isoleucine dichotomy at a key position in scorpion toxins inhibiting voltage-gated potassium channels. Toxicon 2023; 231:107181. [PMID: 37301298 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107181] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have identified some key amino acid residues in scorpion toxins blocking potassium channels. In particular, the most numerous toxins belonging to the α-KTx family and affecting voltage-gated potassium channels (KV) present a conserved K-C-X-N motif in the C-terminal half of their sequence. Here, we show that the X position of this motif is almost always occupied by either methionine or isoleucine. We compare the activity of three pairs of peptides that differ just by this residue on a panel of KV1 channels and find that toxins bearing methionine affect preferentially KV1.1 and 1.6 isoforms. The refined K-C-M/I-N motif stands out as the principal structural element of α-KTx conferring high affinity and selectivity to KV channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey I Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Andrei M Gigolaev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | | | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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12
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Titaux-Delgado G, Lopez-Giraldo AE, Carrillo E, Cofas-Vargas LF, Carranza LE, López-Vera E, García-Hernández E, Del Rio-Portilla F. Beta-KTx14.3, a scorpion toxin, blocks the human potassium channel KCNQ1. Biochim Biophys Acta Proteins Proteom 2023; 1871:140906. [PMID: 36918120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140906] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels play a key role in regulating many physiological processes, thus, alterations in their proper functioning can lead to the development of several diseases. Hence, the search for compounds capable of regulating the activity of these channels constitutes an intense field of investigation. Potassium scorpion toxins are grouped into six subfamilies (α, β, γ, κ, δ, and λ). However, experimental structures and functional analyses of the long chain β-KTx subfamily are lacking. In this study, we recombinantly produced the toxins TcoKIK and beta-KTx14.3 present in the venom of Tityus costatus and Lychas mucronatus scorpions, respectively. The 3D structures of these β-KTx toxins were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. In both toxins, the N-terminal region is unstructured, while the C-terminal possesses the classic CSα/β motif. TcoKIK did not show any clear activity against frog Shaker and human KCNQ1 potassium channels; however, beta-KTx14.3 was able to block the KCNQ1 channel. The toxin-channel interaction mode was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that this toxin could form a stable network of polar-to-polar and hydrophobic interactions with KCNQ1, involving key conserved residues in both molecular partners. The discovery and characterization of a toxin capable of inhibiting KCNQ1 pave the way for the future development of novel drugs for the treatment of human diseases caused by the malfunction of this potassium channel. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Scorpion toxins have been shown to rarely block human KCNQ1 channels, which participate in the regulation of cardiac processes. In this study, we obtained recombinant beta-KTx14.3 and TcoKIK toxins and determined their 3D structures by nuclear magnetic resonance. Electrophysiological studies and molecular dynamics models were employed to examine the interactions between these two toxins and the human KCNQ1, which is the major driver channel of cardiac repolarization; beta-KTx14.3 was found to block effectively this channel. Our findings provide insights for the development of novel toxin-based drugs for the treatment of cardiac channelopathies involving KCNQ1-like channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Titaux-Delgado
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Andrea Estefanía Lopez-Giraldo
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Elisa Carrillo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luis Fernando Cofas-Vargas
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Luis Enrique Carranza
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Estuardo López-Vera
- Laboratorio de Toxinología Marina, Unidad Académica de Ecología y Biodiversidad Acuática, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Enrique García-Hernández
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
| | - Federico Del Rio-Portilla
- Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
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13
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Alvarado-Gonzalez C, Clement H, Ballinas-Casarrubias L, Escarcega-Avila A, Arenas-Sosa I, Lopez-Contreras KS, Zamudio F, Corzo G, Espino-Solis GP. Identification and Venom Characterization of Two Scorpions from the State of Chihuahua Mexico: Chihuahuanus coahuliae and Chihuahuanus crassimannus. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:416. [PMID: 37505685 PMCID: PMC10467103 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070416] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico. The ecosystem of this region is composed of large area of bushes, forests, and grasslands, which allows for a specific diversity of fauna; among them are interesting species of non-lethal scorpions. Most of the Chihuahuan scorpions have been previously morphologically and molecularly described; however, this manuscript could be the first to describe the composition of those venoms. This work aimed at the collection of two scorpion species from the region of Jiménez (Southwest of the State of Chihuahua), which belong to the species Chihuahuanus cohauilae and Chihuahuanus crassimanus; the two species were taxonomically and molecularly identified using a 16S DNA marker. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of C. coahuilae and C. crassimanus venoms allowed the identification of three fractions lethal to mice. Additionally, three fractions of each scorpion displayed an effect on house crickets. In the end, three new fractions from the venom of C. coahuilae were positive for antimicrobial activity, although none from C. crassimanus venom displayed growth inhibition. Despite being a preliminary study, the venom biochemical analysis of these two uncharacterized scorpion species opens the opportunity to find new molecules with potential applications in the biomedical and biotechnological fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Alvarado-Gonzalez
- Traslational Research Laboratory, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico; (C.A.-G.); (K.S.L.-C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico;
| | - Herlinda Clement
- Instituto de Biotecnología—UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.); (I.A.-S.); (F.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Lourdes Ballinas-Casarrubias
- Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico;
| | - Angelica Escarcega-Avila
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Juarez 32310, Mexico;
| | - Ivan Arenas-Sosa
- Instituto de Biotecnología—UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.); (I.A.-S.); (F.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Karla Sofia Lopez-Contreras
- Traslational Research Laboratory, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico; (C.A.-G.); (K.S.L.-C.)
| | - Fernando Zamudio
- Instituto de Biotecnología—UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.); (I.A.-S.); (F.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Instituto de Biotecnología—UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca 62210, Mexico; (H.C.); (I.A.-S.); (F.Z.); (G.C.)
| | - Gerardo Pavel Espino-Solis
- Traslational Research Laboratory, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico; (C.A.-G.); (K.S.L.-C.)
- Laboratorio Nacional de Citometría de Flujo, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario s/n, Campus II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico
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14
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Acunha T, Rocha BA, Nardini V, Barbosa F, Faccioli LH. Lipidomic profiling of the Brazilian yellow scorpion venom: new insights into inflammatory responses following Tityus serrulatus envenomation. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2023; 86:283-295. [PMID: 36895096 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2188896] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to the high prevalence and clinical relevance, scorpionism is a critical public health issue in several Brazilian regions. Tityus serrulatus, commonly known as the Brazilian yellow scorpion, is the most venomous genus found in Brazilian fauna and associated with severe clinical manifestations such as localized pain, hypertension, sweating, tachycardia and complex hyperinflammatory responses. In general, T. serrulatus venom contains a complex mixture of active compounds, including proteins, peptides, and amino acids. Although knowledge of the protein fractions of scorpion venom is available, venom lipid components are not yet comprehensively known. The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the lipid constituents/profile of the T. serratus venom utilizing liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Lipid species (164 in total) belonging to 3 different lipid categories, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and glycerolipids, were identified. A further search on MetaCore/MetaDrug platform, which is based upon a manually curated database of molecular interactions, molecular pathways, gene-disease associations, chemical metabolism, and toxicity information, exhibited several metabolic pathways for 24 of previously identified lipid species, including activation of nuclear factor kappa B and oxidative stress pathways. Further several bioactive compounds, such as plasmalogens, lyso-platelet-activating factors, and sphingomyelins, associated with systemic responses triggered by T. serrulatus envenomation were detected. Finally, lipidomic data presented provide advanced and valuable information to better comprehend the mechanisms underlying the complex pathophysiology induced by T. serrulatus envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fernando Barbosa
- Departamento de Análise Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Helena Faccioli
- Departamento de Análise Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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15
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Mendes LC, Viana GMM, Nencioni ALA, Pimenta DC, Beraldo-Neto E. Scorpion Peptides and Ion Channels: An Insightful Review of Mechanisms and Drug Development. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:238. [PMID: 37104176 PMCID: PMC10145618 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Buthidae family of scorpions consists of arthropods with significant medical relevance, as their venom contains a diverse range of biomolecules, including neurotoxins that selectively target ion channels in cell membranes. These ion channels play a crucial role in regulating physiological processes, and any disturbance in their activity can result in channelopathies, which can lead to various diseases such as autoimmune, cardiovascular, immunological, neurological, and neoplastic conditions. Given the importance of ion channels, scorpion peptides represent a valuable resource for developing drugs with targeted specificity for these channels. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and classification of ion channels, the action of scorpion toxins on these channels, and potential avenues for future research. Overall, this review highlights the significance of scorpion venom as a promising source for discovering novel drugs with therapeutic potential for treating channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Campelo Mendes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências—Toxinologia do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioquímica do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Emidio Beraldo-Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
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16
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Naseem MU, Gurrola-Briones G, Romero-Imbachi MR, Borrego J, Carcamo-Noriega E, Beltrán-Vidal J, Zamudio FZ, Shakeel K, Possani LD, Panyi G. Characterization and Chemical Synthesis of Cm39 (α-KTx 4.8): A Scorpion Toxin That Inhibits Voltage-Gated K + Channel K V1.2 and Small- and Intermediate-Conductance Ca 2+-Activated K + Channels K Ca2.2 and K Ca3.1. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:41. [PMID: 36668861 PMCID: PMC9866218 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel peptide, Cm39, was identified in the venom of the scorpion Centruroides margaritatus. Its primary structure was determined. It consists of 37 amino acid residues with a MW of 3980.2 Da. The full chemical synthesis and proper folding of Cm39 was obtained. Based on amino acid sequence alignment with different K+ channel inhibitor scorpion toxin (KTx) families and phylogenetic analysis, Cm39 belongs to the α-KTx 4 family and was registered with the systematic number of α-KTx 4.8. Synthetic Cm39 inhibits the voltage-gated K+ channel hKV1.2 with high affinity (Kd = 65 nM). The conductance-voltage relationship of KV1.2 was not altered in the presence of Cm39, and the analysis of the toxin binding kinetics was consistent with a bimolecular interaction between the peptide and the channel; therefore, the pore blocking mechanism is proposed for the toxin-channel interaction. Cm39 also inhibits the Ca2+-activated KCa2.2 and KCa3.1 channels, with Kd = 502 nM, and Kd = 58 nM, respectively. However, the peptide does not inhibit hKV1.1, hKV1.3, hKV1.4, hKV1.5, hKV1.6, hKV11.1, mKCa1.1 K+ channels or the hNaV1.5 and hNaV1.4 Na+ channels at 1 μM concentrations. Understanding the unusual selectivity profile of Cm39 motivates further experiments to reveal novel interactions with the vestibule of toxin-sensitive channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair Naseem
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Georgina Gurrola-Briones
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Margarita R. Romero-Imbachi
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Sector Tulcan, Calle 2 N 3N-100, Popayán 190002, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Jesus Borrego
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Edson Carcamo-Noriega
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - José Beltrán-Vidal
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Sector Tulcan, Calle 2 N 3N-100, Popayán 190002, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Fernando Z. Zamudio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Kashmala Shakeel
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Gyorgy Panyi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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17
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Oliveira da Mata D, Tibery DV, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF, Schwartz EF. Modulation of hNav by Tst1, a β-toxin purified from the scorpion Tityus stigmurus. Biochimie 2023; 204:118-126. [PMID: 36116743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.09.007] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are known as a rich mixture of components, including peptides that can interact with different ion channels, particularly voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv), calcium channels (Cav) and sodium channels (Nav), essential membrane proteins for various physiological functions in organisms. The present work aimed to characterize the modulation of hNa+-channels by Tst1, a peptide purified from the venom of Tityus stigmurus, using whole-cell patch clamp. Tst1 at 100 nM provoked current inhibition in Nav 1.3 (85.23%), Nav 1.2 (67.26%) and Nav 1.4 (63.43%), while Nav 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 were not significantly affected. Tst1 also shifted the voltage of activation and steady-state inactivation to more hyperpolarized states and altered the recovery from inactivation of the channels, reducing repetitive firing of cells, which was more effective in Nav 1.3. Tst1 also demonstrated that the effect on Nav 1.3 is dose-dependent, with an IC50 of 8.79 nM. Taken together, these results confirmed that Tst1, the first Tityus stigmurus NaScTx assayed in relation to Nav channels, is a β-toxin, as was previously suggested due to its amino acid sequence. KEY CONTRIBUTION: First β-toxin purified from the venom of Tityus stigmurus scorpion broadly characterized in hNa+-channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oliveira da Mata
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Biological Science Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Diogo Vieira Tibery
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Biological Science Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Matheus F Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Biological Science Department, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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Zhao F, Fang L, Wang Q, Ye Q, He Y, Xu W, Song Y. Exploring the Pivotal Components Influencing the Side Effects Induced by an Analgesic-Antitumor Peptide from Scorpion Venom on Human Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels 1.4 and 1.5 through Computational Simulation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:33. [PMID: 36668853 PMCID: PMC9864070 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs, or Nav) are important determinants of action potential generation and propagation. Efforts are underway to develop medicines targeting different channel subtypes for the treatment of related channelopathies. However, a high degree of conservation across its nine subtypes could lead to the off-target adverse effects on skeletal and cardiac muscles due to acting on primary skeletal muscle sodium channel Nav1.4 and cardiac muscle sodium channel Nav1.5, respectively. For a long evolutionary process, some peptide toxins from venoms have been found to be highly potent yet selective on ion channel subtypes and, therefore, hold the promising potential to be developed into therapeutic agents. In this research, all-atom molecular dynamic methods were used to elucidate the selective mechanisms of an analgesic-antitumor β-scorpion toxin (AGAP) with human Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 in order to unravel the primary reason for the production of its adverse reactions on the skeletal and cardiac muscles. Our results suggest that the rational distribution of residues with ring structures near position 38 and positive residues in the C-terminal on AGAP are critical factors to ensure its analgesic efficacy. Moreover, the substitution for residues with benzene is beneficial to reduce its side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liangyi Fang
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qi Ye
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yanan He
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Weizhuo Xu
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
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19
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ElFessi R, Khamessi O, Srairi-Abid N, Sabatier JM, Tytgat J, Peigneur S, Kharrat R. Purification and Characterization of Bot33: A Non-Toxic Peptide from the Venom of Buthus occitanus tunetanus Scorpion. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217278. [PMID: 36364113 PMCID: PMC9657394 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217278] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a rich source of promising therapeutic compounds, such as highly selective ion channel ligands with potent pharmacological effects. Bot33 is a new short polypeptide of 38 amino acid residues with six cysteines purified from the venom of the Buthus occitanus tunetanus scorpion. Bot33 has revealed less than 40% identity with other known alpha-KTx families. This peptide displayed a neutral amino acid (Leucine), in the position equivalent to lysine 27, described as essential for the interaction with Kv channels. Bot33 did not show any toxicity following i.c.v. injection until 2 µg/kg mouse body weight. Due to its very low venom concentration (0.24%), Bot33 was chemically synthesized. Unexpectedly, this peptide has been subjected to a screening on ion channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and it was found that Bot33 has no effect on seven Kv channel subtypes. Interestingly, an in silico molecular docking study shows that the Leu27 prevents the interaction of Bot33 with the Kv1.3 channel. All our results indicate that Bot33 may have a different mode of action from other scorpion toxins, which will be interesting to elucidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rym ElFessi
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Oussema Khamessi
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), Université Aix-Marseille, UMR 7051, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Campus Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Campus Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (R.K.)
| | - Riadh Kharrat
- Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (R.K.)
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20
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Riaz N, Zubair F, Amjad N, Ashraf S, Asghar S, Awan MZ, Javaid S. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential of scorpion venom in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). BRAZ J BIOL 2022; 84:e259506. [PMID: 36197409 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.259506] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains a variety of neurotoxins which interact with ion channels and affect their activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of scorpion venom as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor by using Aedes aegypti as model organism. Venoms of two species, Hottentota tamulus (Fabricus, 1798) and Androctonus finitimus (Pocock, 1897) were selected for this study. Two peptides (36 kDa from H. tamulus and 54 kDa from A. finitimus) were separated from scorpion venom by using HPLC. Selected peptides caused significantly higher mortality in larvae and adults of Aedes aegypti than control (no mortalities were observed in control groups). Significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential of both peptides was recorded by spectrophotometer. The peptide of A. finitimus caused significantly higher mortality (95±1.53% in larvae and 100% in adults) than the peptide of H. tamulus (84.33±2.33% in larvae and 95.37±1.45% in adults). While H. tamulus peptide was more efficient in reducing AChE activity (0.029±0.012 in larvae and 0.03±0.003 in adults) than the peptide of A. finitimus (0.049±0.005 in larvae and 0.047±0.001 in adults). It was concluded that H. tamulus venom peptide was more efficiently reducing AChE activity, thus it could be a potential bio-insecticide which can be synthesized at industrial scale for the control of harmful insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Riaz
- University of Sargodha, Department of Zoology, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - F Zubair
- University of Sargodha, Department of Zoology, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - N Amjad
- University of Lahore, Department of Zoology, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - S Ashraf
- University of Lahore, Department of Zoology, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - S Asghar
- University of Lahore, Department of Zoology, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - M Z Awan
- University of Lahore, Department of Zoology, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - S Javaid
- University of Sargodha, Department of Zoology, Sargodha, Pakistan
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21
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Krämer J, Pommerening R, Predel R. Equipped for Sexual Stings? Male-Specific Venom Peptides in Euscorpius italicus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911020. [PMID: 36232328 PMCID: PMC9570025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911020] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the animal kingdom, intraspecific variation occurs, for example, between populations, different life stages, and sexes. For venomous animals, this can involve differences in their venom composition. In cases where venom is utilized in the context of mating, the differences in composition might be driven by sexual selection. In this regard, the genus Euscorpius is a promising group for further research, as some of these scorpions exhibit a distinct sexual dimorphism and are known to perform a sexual sting during mating. However, the venom composition of this genus remains largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that Euscorpius italicus exhibits a male-specific venom composition, and we identify a large fraction of the substances involved. The sex specificity of venom peptides was first determined by analyzing the presence/absence patterns of ion signals in MALDI-TOF mass spectra of venom samples from both sexes and juveniles. Subsequently, a proteo-transcriptomic analysis provided sequence information on the relevant venom peptides and their corresponding precursors. As a result, we show that several potential toxin precursors are down-regulated in male venom glands, possibly to reduce toxic effects caused to females during the sexual sting. We have identified the precursor of one of the most prominent male-specific venom peptides, which may be an ideal candidate for activity tests in future studies. In addition to the description of male-specific features in the venom of E. italicus, this study also includes a general survey of venom precursors in this species.
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22
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Xiao Q, Zhang ZP, Hou YB, Qu DX, Tang LL, Chen LJ, Li GY, Ji YH, Tao J, Zhu YD. Anti-epileptic/pro-epileptic effects of sodium channel modulators from Buthus martensii Karsch. Sheng Li Xue Bao 2022; 74:621-632. [PMID: 35993213] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The East Asian scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) is one of the classical traditional Chinese medicines for treating epilepsy for over a thousand years. Neurotoxins purified from BmK venom are considered as the main active ingredients, acting on membrane ion channels. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play a crucial role in the occurrence of epilepsy, which make them become important drug targets for epilepsy. Long chain toxins of BmK, composed of 60-70 amino acid residues, could specifically recognize VGSCs. Among them, α-like neurotoxins, binding to the receptor site-3 of VGSC, induce epilepsy in rodents and can be used to establish seizure models. The β or β-like neurotoxins, binding to the receptor site-4 of VGSC, have significant anticonvulsant effects in epileptic models. This review aims to illuminate the anticonvulsant/convulsant effects of BmK polypeptides by acting on VGSCs, and provide potential frameworks for the anti-epileptic drug-design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xiao
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Zhang
- School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yang-Bo Hou
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Dong-Xiao Qu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Le-Le Tang
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200333, China
- Putuo Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Li-Ji Chen
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Guo-Yi Li
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200333, China
- Putuo Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Yong-Hua Ji
- School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200333, China
- Putuo Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai 200333, China.
| | - Yu-Dan Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200333, China
- Putuo Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai 200333, China.
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23
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Rawson KM, Lacey MM, Strong PN, Miller K. Improving the Therapeutic Index of Smp24, a Venom-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide: Increased Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147979. [PMID: 35887325 PMCID: PMC9320964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147979] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring compounds which possess a rapid killing mechanism and low resistance potential. Consequently, they are being viewed as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics. One of the major factors limiting further development of AMPs is off-target toxicity. Enhancements to antimicrobial peptides which can maximise antimicrobial activity whilst reducing mammalian cytotoxicity would make these peptides more attractive as future pharmaceuticals. We have previously characterised Smp24, an AMP derived from the venom of the scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus. This study sought to better understand the relationship between the structure, function and bacterial selectivity of this peptide by performing single amino acid substitutions. The antimicrobial, haemolytic and cytotoxic activity of modified Smp24 peptides was determined. The results of these investigations were compared with the activity of native Smp24 to determine which modifications produced enhanced therapeutic indices. The structure–function relationship of Smp24 was investigated by performing N-terminal, mid-chain and C-terminal amino acid substitutions and determining the effect that they had on the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of the peptide. Increased charge at the N-, mid- and C-termini of the peptide resulted in increased antimicrobial activity. Increased hydrophobicity at the N-terminus resulted in reduced haemolysis and cytotoxicity. Reduced antimicrobial, haemolytic and cytotoxic activity was observed by increased hydrophobicity at the mid-chain. Functional improvements have been made to modified peptides when compared with native Smp24, which has produced peptides with enhanced therapeutic indices.
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24
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Ghezellou P, Jakob K, Atashi J, Ghassempour A, Spengler B. Mass-Spectrometry-Based Lipidome and Proteome Profiling of Hottentotta saulcyi (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060370. [PMID: 35737031 PMCID: PMC9228814 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060370] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a complex secretory mixture of components with potential biological and physiological properties that attracted many researchers due to promising applications from clinical and pharmacological perspectives. In this study, we investigated the venom of the Iranian scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) by applying mass-spectrometry-based proteomic and lipidomic approaches to assess the diversity of components present in the venom. The data revealed that the venom’s proteome composition is largely dominated by Na+- and K+-channel-impairing toxic peptides, following the enzymatic and non-enzymatic protein families, e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme, serine protease, metalloprotease, hyaluronidase, carboxypeptidase, and cysteine-rich secretory peptide. Furthermore, lipids comprise ~1.2% of the dry weight of the crude venom. Phospholipids, ether-phospholipids, oxidized-phospholipids, triacylglycerol, cardiolipins, very-long-chain sphingomyelins, and ceramides were the most intensely detected lipid species in the scorpion venom, may acting either independently or synergistically during the envenomation alongside proteins and peptides. The results provide detailed information on the chemical makeup of the venom, helping to improve our understanding of biological molecules present in it, leading to a better insight of the medical significance of the venom, and improving the medical care of patients suffering from scorpion accidents in the relevant regions such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Afghanistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Ghezellou
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (P.G.); (B.S.)
| | - Kevin Jakob
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Javad Atashi
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran; (J.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Alireza Ghassempour
- Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983969411, Iran; (J.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Bernhard Spengler
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (P.G.); (B.S.)
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25
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Moslah W, Aissaoui-Zid D, Aboudou S, Abdelkafi-Koubaa Z, Potier-Cartereau M, Lemettre A, ELBini-Dhouib I, Marrakchi N, Gigmes D, Vandier C, Luis J, Mabrouk K, Srairi-Abid N. Strengthening Anti-Glioblastoma Effect by Multi-Branched Dendrimers Design of a Scorpion Venom Tetrapeptide. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030806. [PMID: 35164071 PMCID: PMC8838298 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and invasive form of central nervous system tumors due to the complexity of the intracellular mechanisms and molecular alterations involved in its progression. Unfortunately, current therapies are unable to stop its neoplastic development. In this context, we previously identified and characterized AaTs-1, a tetrapeptide (IWKS) from Androctonus autralis scorpion venom, which displayed an anti-proliferative effect against U87 cells with an IC50 value of 0.57 mM. This peptide affects the MAPK pathway, enhancing the expression of p53 and altering the cytosolic calcium concentration balance, likely via FPRL-1 receptor modulation. In this work, we designed and synthesized new dendrimers multi-branched molecules based on the sequence of AaTs-1 and showed that the di-branched (AaTs-1-2B), tetra-branched (AaTs-1-4B) and octo-branched (AaTs-1-8B) dendrimers displayed 10- to 25-fold higher effects on the proliferation of U87 cells than AaTs-1. We also found that the effects of the newly designed molecules are mediated by the enhancement of the ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylated forms and by the increase in p53 expression. Unlike AaTs-1, AaTs-1-8B and especially AaTs-1-4B affected the migration of the U87 cells. Thus, the multi-branched peptide synthesis strategy allowed us to make molecules more active than the linear peptide against the proliferation of U87 glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassim Moslah
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
- Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051-CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France;
- Correspondence: (W.M.); (N.S.-A.)
| | - Dorra Aissaoui-Zid
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Soioulata Aboudou
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Zaineb Abdelkafi-Koubaa
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Marie Potier-Cartereau
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - Aude Lemettre
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - Ines ELBini-Dhouib
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Naziha Marrakchi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
| | - Didier Gigmes
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Christophe Vandier
- N2C UMR 1069, INSERM, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France; (M.P.-C.); (A.L.); (C.V.)
| | - José Luis
- Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051-CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 bd Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Kamel Mabrouk
- Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, ICR UMR 7273, 13397 Marseille, France; (S.A.); (D.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Najet Srairi-Abid
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LBVAT), LR20IPT01, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (D.A.-Z.); (Z.A.-K.); (I.E.-D.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: (W.M.); (N.S.-A.)
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26
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Chai J, Yang W, Gao Y, Guo R, Peng Q, Abdel-Rahman MA, Xu X. Antitumor Effects of Scorpion Peptide Smp43 through Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Membrane Disruption on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Nat Prod 2021; 84:3147-3160. [PMID: 34866381 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Smp43, a cationic antimicrobial peptide identified from the venom gland of the Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, shows cytotoxicity toward hepatoma cell line HepG2 by membrane disruption. However, its underlying detailed mechanisms still remain to be further clarified. In the present study, we evaluated the cellular internalization of Smp43 and explored its effects on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, and factor expression related to these cellular processes in human HepG2. Smp43 was found to suppress the growth of HepG2, Huh7, and human primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells while showing low toxicity to normal LO2 cells. Furthermore, Smp43 could interact with the cell membrane and be internalized into HepG2 cells via endocytosis and pore formation, which caused a ROS production increase, mitochondrial membrane potential decline, cytoskeleton disorganization, dysregulation of cyclin expression, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway activation, and alteration of MAPK as well as PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Finally, Smp43 showed effective antitumor protection in the HepG2 xenograft mice model. Overall, these findings indicate that Smp43 significantly exerts antitumor effects via induction of apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, and cell cycle arrest due to its induction of mitochondrial dysfunction and membrane disruption. This discovery will extend the antitumor mechanisms of antimicrobial peptides and contribute to the development of antitumor agents against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wanren Yang
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Yahua Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qing Peng
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | | | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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27
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So WL, Leung TCN, Nong W, Bendena WG, Ngai SM, Hui JHL. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of venom glands from scorpions Liocheles australasiae, Mesobuthus martensii, and Scorpio maurus palmatus. Peptides 2021; 146:170643. [PMID: 34461138 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains a cocktail of differing peptides and proteins. Previous studies focused on the identification of species-specific components in scorpion venoms, and whether there could be peptides and/or proteins conserved in the venom gland of a scorpion ancestor has been rarely investigated. Here, using a combination of transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, putative conserved toxins from the venom glands of scorpions Liocheles australasiae, Mesobuthus martensii, and Scorpio maurus palmatus were identified and compared. Similar to other studies, more than half of the conserved toxins are predominantly proteins including proteases. On the other hand, unique venom peptides, including ion channel toxins were revealed specifically in the M. martensii. The sodium channel toxin peptides revealed in M. martensii consolidated that scorpions in the Buthidae are able to envenomate their prey wih highly neurotoxic venom. This study suggested that these conserved proteins had already formed part of the arsenal in the venom gland of the common ancestor of scorpions, and likely perform important functional roles in envenomation during scorpion evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Lok So
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas C N Leung
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenyan Nong
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Sai Ming Ngai
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jerome H L Hui
- School of Life Sciences, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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28
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Maatoug S, Cheikh A, Khamessi O, Tabka H, Landoulsi Z, Guigonis JM, Diochot S, Bendahhou S, Benkhalifa R. Cross Pharmacological, Biochemical and Computational Studies of a Human Kv3.1b Inhibitor from Androctonus australis Venom. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212290. [PMID: 34830172 PMCID: PMC8618407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212290] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated K+ channels Kv3.1 display fast activation and deactivation kinetics and are known to have a crucial contribution to the fast-spiking phenotype of certain neurons. AahG50, as a natural product extracted from Androctonus australis hector venom, inhibits selectively Kv3.1 channels. In the present study, we focused on the biochemical and pharmacological characterization of the component in AahG50 scorpion venom that potently and selectively blocks the Kv3.1 channels. We used a combined optimization through advanced biochemical purification and patch-clamp screening steps to characterize the peptide in AahG50 active on Kv3.1 channels. We described the inhibitory effect of a toxin on Kv3.1 unitary current in black lipid bilayers. In silico, docking experiments are used to study the molecular details of the binding. We identified the first scorpion venom peptide inhibiting Kv3.1 current at 170 nM. This toxin is the alpha-KTx 15.1, which occludes the Kv3.1 channel pore by means of the lysine 27 lateral chain. This study highlights, for the first time, the modulation of the Kv3.1 by alpha-KTx 15.1, which could be an interesting starting compound for developing therapeutic biomolecules against Kv3.1-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Maatoug
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (R.B.); Tel.: +216-98-81-27-32 (R.B.)
| | - Amani Cheikh
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
| | - Oussema Khamessi
- Laboratoire des Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia;
| | - Hager Tabka
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
- Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Bizerte 7021, Tunisia
| | - Zied Landoulsi
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
| | - Jean-Marie Guigonis
- Laboratory Transporter in Imaging and Radiotherapy in Oncology (TIRO), Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale (DRF), Institut des Sciences du Vivant Fréderic Joliot, Commissariat à l′Energie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Université Côte d’Azur, F-06107 Nice, France;
| | - Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d’Azur, 660 Route des Lucioles, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France;
| | - Saïd Bendahhou
- UMR7370 CNRS, LP2M, Université Côte d’Azur, Labex ICST, Nice, France;
| | - Rym Benkhalifa
- Laboratoire Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13 Place Pasteur BP74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (A.C.); (H.T.); (Z.L.)
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (R.B.); Tel.: +216-98-81-27-32 (R.B.)
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Mendoza-Tobar LL, Meza-Cabrera IA, Sepúlveda-Arias JC, Guerrero-Vargas JA. Comparison of the Scorpionism Caused by Centruroidesmargaritatus, Tityuspachyurus and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus Scorpion Venoms in Colombia. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110757. [PMID: 34822541 PMCID: PMC8625436 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110757] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Among other scorpion species, Colombia has two genera of the Buthidae family Centruroides and Tityus, considered to be dangerous to humans. This research shares scientific knowledge aiming to a better understanding about the pathophysiological effects of such venoms. The venom of the three species: Centruroides margaritarus, Tityus pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus with biomedical interest were studied. An initial pre-glycemic sample was taken from ICR mice. They were later intraperitoneally inoculated with doses of 35% and 70% of LD50 of total venom. Poisoning signs were observed during a 6-h period to determine the level of scorpionism. After observation, a second glycemic sample was taken, and a histopathological evaluation of different organs was performed. This work revealed that all three venoms showed considerably notorious histopathological alterations in main organs such as heart and lungs; and inducing multiple organ failure, in relation to the glycemia values, only C. margaritatus and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus showed significant changes through manifestation of hyperglycemia. According to the Colombian scorpionism level; signs were mild to severe affecting the autonomous nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leydy Lorena Mendoza-Tobar
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia; (L.L.M.-T.); (J.C.S.-A.)
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Bioterio, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
| | | | - Juan C. Sepúlveda-Arias
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia; (L.L.M.-T.); (J.C.S.-A.)
| | - Jimmy Alexander Guerrero-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas-Bioterio, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y de la Educación, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
- Correspondence:
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El Hidan MA, Laaradia MA, El Hiba O, Draoui A, Aimrane A, Kahime K. Scorpion-Derived Antiviral Peptides with a Special Focus on Medically Important Viruses: An Update. Biomed Res Int 2021; 2021:9998420. [PMID: 34527748 PMCID: PMC8437663 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9998420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of viral infection, especially the current pandemics of SARS-CoV-2, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, is a very risky one. Additionally, HCV expresses the necessity for antiviral therapeutic elements. Venoms are known to contain an array of bioactive peptides that are commonly used in the treatment of various medical issues. Several peptides isolated from scorpion venom have recently been proven to possess an antiviral activity against several viral families. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of scorpion antiviral peptides and to discuss their modes of action and potential biomedical application against different viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | | | - Omar El Hiba
- Nutritional Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Draoui
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco
| | - Abdelmohcine Aimrane
- Nutritional Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida 24000, Morocco
- Metabolic Platform, Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Kholoud Kahime
- SAEDD Laboratory, School of Technology Essaouira, Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakesh, Morocco
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Qin C, Yang X, Zuo Z, Yang L, Yang F, Cao Z, Chen Z, Wu Y. BmK86-P1, a New Degradation Peptide with Desirable Thermostability and Kv1.2 Channel-Specific Activity from Traditional Chinese Scorpion Medicinal Material. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090610. [PMID: 34564614 PMCID: PMC8472965 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090610] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermally processed Buthus martensii Karsch scorpions are a traditional Chinese medical material for treating various diseases. However, their pharmacological foundation remains unclear. Here, a new degraded peptide of scorpion toxin was identified in Chinese scorpion medicinal material by proteomics. It was named BmK86-P1 and has six conserved cysteine residues. Homology modeling and circular dichroism spectra experiments revealed that BmK86-P1 not only contained representative disulfide bond-stabilized α-helical and β-sheet motifs but also showed remarkable stability at test temperatures from 20-95 °C. Electrophysiology experiments indicated that BmK86-P1 was a highly potent and selective inhibitor of the hKv1.2 channel with IC50 values of 28.5 ± 6.3 nM. Structural and functional dissection revealed that two residues of BmK86-P1 (i.e., Lys19 and Ile21) were the key residues that interacted with the hKv1.2 channel. In addition, channel chimeras and mutagenesis experiments revealed that three amino acids (i.e., Gln357, Val381 and Thr383) of the hKv1.2 channel were responsible for BmK86-P1 selectivity. This research uncovered a new bioactive peptide from traditional Chinese scorpion medicinal material that has desirable thermostability and Kv1.2 channel-specific activity, which strongly suggests that thermally processed scorpions are novel peptide resources for new drug discovery for the Kv1.2 channel-related ataxia and epilepsy diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhu Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xuhua Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zheng Zuo
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Liuting Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhijian Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zongyun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; (C.Q.); (X.Y.); (Z.Z.); (L.Y.); (F.Y.); (Z.C.); (Z.C.)
- Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Correspondence:
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Bayatzadeh MA, Zare Mirakabadi A, Babaei N, Doulah A, Doosti A. Expression and purification of recombinant alpha-toxin AnCra1 from the scorpion Androctonus crassicauda and its functional characterization on mammalian sodium channels. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6303-6312. [PMID: 34379289 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06624-2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-scorpion toxins with long-chain peptide and four disulfide bonds represent diverse pharmacological profiles for various subtypes of voltage-gated sodium channels. Obtaining the natural toxins are difficult and time-consuming process, which represents the major difficulty to interpreting analysis of their structural and functional properties. METHODS AND RESULTS This study describes the toxin peptide and plasmid construct containing the gene coding for mammalian toxin AnCra1 from the scorpion Androctonus crassicauda venom. We have established genetic construction of fusion protein in pET32a + vector containing thioredoxin (Trx-tag), enterokinase cleavage site and 6xhistidine-tag for efficient expression in Escherichia coli strain RG2 (DE3). The soluble expressed peptide, then purified by Ni-NTA resin affinity chromatography and its purity was confirmed by reverse-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry (7433.54 Da.). The electrophysiological data showed that recombinant AnCra1 selectively inhibits the fast inactivation of hNav1.7 channel (EC50 = 136.7 ± 6.6 nM). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the AnCra1 is structurally and functionally analogous to alpha excitatory toxins; furthermore, expression and purification of bioactive scorpion toxins in bacterial cells can be a practicable and efficient way to obtain a novel source of toxin peptides as tools to study the function and physiological responses of ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Bayatzadeh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Abbas Zare Mirakabadi
- Venomous Animals and Antivenom Production Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research- Education and Extension Organization, Hesarak, Karaj, Alborz, Iran.
| | - Nahid Babaei
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Abdolhassan Doulah
- Department of Nursing, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Abbas Doosti
- Biotechnology Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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Mangmee S, Reamtong O, Kalambaheti T, Roytrakul S, Sonthayanon P. Antimicrobial Peptide Modifications against Clinically Isolated Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154654. [PMID: 34361810 PMCID: PMC8348142 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are promising molecules to address the global antibiotic resistance problem, however, optimization to achieve favorable potency and safety is required. Here, a peptide-template modification approach was employed to design physicochemical variants based on net charge, hydrophobicity, enantiomer, and terminal group. All variants of the scorpion venom peptide BmKn-2 with amphipathic α-helical cationic structure exhibited an increased antibacterial potency when evaluated against multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates at a MIC range of 4–8 µM. They revealed antibiofilm activity in a dose-dependent manner. Sheep red blood cells were used to evaluate hemolytic and cell selectivity properties. Peptide Kn2-5R-NH2, dKn2-5R-NH2, and 2F-Kn2-5R-NH2 (variants with +6 charges carrying amidated C-terminus) showed stronger antibacterial activity than Kn2-5R (a variant with +5 charges bearing free-carboxyl group at C-terminus). Peptide dKn2-5R-NH2 (d-enantiomer) exhibited slightly weaker antibacterial activity with much less hemolytic activity (higher hemolytic concentration 50) than Kn2-5R-NH2 (l-enantiomer). Furthermore, peptide Kn2-5R with the least hydrophobicity had the lowest hemolytic activity and showed the highest specificity to Salmonella (the highest selectivity index). This study also explained the relationship of peptide physicochemical properties and bioactivities that would fulfill and accelerate progress in peptide antibiotic research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthee Mangmee
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (O.R.)
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (O.R.)
| | - Thareerat Kalambaheti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand;
| | - Piengchan Sonthayanon
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (O.R.)
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +66-2-354-9100 (ext. 1440)
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Li CL, Yang R, Sun Y, Feng Y, Song YB. N58A Exerts Analgesic Effect on Trigeminal Neuralgia by Regulating the MAPK Pathway and Tetrodotoxin-Resistant Sodium Channel. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050357. [PMID: 34067828 PMCID: PMC8157219 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary studies have shown that scorpion analgesic peptide N58A has a significant effect on voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and plays an important role in neuropathic pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of N58A on trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and its possible mechanism. The results showed that N58A could significantly increase the threshold of mechanical pain and thermal pain and inhibit the spontaneous asymmetric scratching behavior of rats. Western blotting results showed that N58A could significantly reduce the protein phosphorylation level of ERK1/2, P38, JNK, and ERK5/CREB pathways and the expression of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 proteins in a dose-dependent manner. The changes in current and kinetic characteristics of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 channels in TG neurons were detected by the whole-cell patch clamp technique. The results showed that N58A significantly decreased the current density of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 in model rats, and shifted the activation curve to hyperpolarization and the inactivation curve to depolarization. In conclusion, the analgesic effect of N58A on the chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital (IoN-CCI) model rats may be closely related to the regulation of the MAPK pathway and Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Li Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.-L.L.); (R.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.-L.L.); (R.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.-L.L.); (R.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yuan Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; (C.-L.L.); (R.Y.); (Y.S.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yong-Bo Song
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Correspondence:
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Luo X, Ding L, Ye X, Zhu W, Zhang K, Li F, Jiang H, Zhao Z, Chen Z. An Smp43-Derived Short-Chain α-Helical Peptide Displays a Unique Sequence and Possesses Antimicrobial Activity against Both Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050343. [PMID: 34064808 PMCID: PMC8150835 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are rich resources of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). While the short-chain noncysteine-containing AMPs have attracted much attention as templates for drug development, the antimicrobial potential of long-chain noncysteine-containing AMPs has been largely overlooked. Here, by using the online HeliQuest server, we designed and analyzed a series of 14-residue fragments of Smp43, a 43-residue long-chain noncysteine-containing AMP identified from the venom of Scorpio maurus palmatus. We found that Smp43(1-14) shows high antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and is nontoxic to mammalian cells at the antimicrobial dosage. Sequence alignments showed that the designed Smp43(1-14) displays a unique primary structure that is different from other natural short-chain noncysteine-containing AMPs from scorpions, such as Uy17, Uy192 and IsCT. Moreover, the peptide Smp43(1-14) caused concentration-dependent fluorescence increases in the bacteria for all of the tested dyes, propidium iodide, SYTOXTM Green and DiSC3-5, suggesting that the peptide may kill the bacteria through the formation of pore structures in the plasma membrane. Taken together, our work sheds light on a new avenue for the design of novel short-chain noncysteine-containing AMPs and provides a good peptide template with a unique sequence for the development of novel drugs for use against bacterial infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Fangyan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Huiwen Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhiwen Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.L.); (L.D.); (X.Y.); (W.Z.); (K.Z.); (F.L.); (H.J.); (Z.Z.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-(0)-719-8469073
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Daniele-Silva A, Rodrigues SDCS, Dos Santos ECG, Queiroz Neto MFD, Rocha HADO, Silva-Júnior AAD, Resende JM, Araújo RM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. NMR three-dimensional structure of the cationic peptide Stigmurin from Tityus stigmurus scorpion venom: In vitro antioxidant and in vivo antibacterial and healing activity. Peptides 2021; 137:170478. [PMID: 33359395 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases and the rapid development of pathogens resistant to conventional drugs are a serious global public health problem, which motivates the search for new pharmacological agents. In this context, cationic peptides without disulfide bridges from different species of scorpion venom have been the target of scientific studies due to their multifunctional activities. Stigmurin is a linear peptide composed of 17 amino acid residues (Phe-Phe-Ser-Leu-Ile-Pro-Ser-Leu-Val-Gly-Gly-Leu-Ile-Ser-Ala-Phe-Lys-NH2), which is present in the venom gland of the scorpion Tityus stigmurus. Here we present investigations of the in vitro antioxidant action of Stigmurin together with the in vivo antibacterial and healing activity of this peptide in a wound infection model induced by Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, we have reports for the first time of the three-dimensional structure determined by NMR spectroscopy of a peptide without disulfide bridges present in scorpion venom from the Tityus genus. Stigmurin showed hydroxyl radical scavenging above 70 % at 10 μM and antibiotic action in the skin wound, reducing the number of viable microorganisms by 67.2 % on the 7 day after infection. Stigmurin (1 μg / μL) increased the retraction rate of the lesion, with wound area reduction of 43 % on the second day after skin injury, which indicates its ability to induce tissue repair. Stigmurin in trifluoroethanol:water exhibited a random conformation at the N-terminus region (Phe1 to Pro6), with a helical structure from Ser7 to Phe16. This structural information, allied with the multifunctional activity of Stigmurin, makes it an attractive candidate for the design of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Suedson de Carvalho Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Isolamento e Síntese de Compostos Orgânicos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Moacir Fernandes de Queiroz Neto
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Polímeros Naturais, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Hugo Alexandre de Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Polímeros Naturais, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Magalhães Resende
- Laboratório de Síntese e Estrutura de Peptídeos, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renata Mendonça Araújo
- Laboratório de Isolamento e Síntese de Compostos Orgânicos, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Gao S, Liang H, Shou Z, Yao Y, Lv Y, Shang J, Lu W, Jia C, Liu Q, Zhang H, Xiao L. De novo transcriptomic and proteomic analysis and potential toxin screening of Mesobuthus martensii samples from four different provinces. J Ethnopharmacol 2021; 265:113268. [PMID: 32810618 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE As well-known medicinal materials in traditional Chinese medicine, scorpions, commonly called as Quanxie () in Chinese, have been widely used to treat several diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, apoplexy, epilepsy and chronic pain for more than a thousand years. Not only in the ancient times, the scorpions have also been recorded nowadays in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China since 1963. AIM OF STUDY This study aims to explore the differences in composition of the venom of scorpions from different regions by using the method of transcriptomics and proteomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Whole de novo transcriptomes, proteomics and their bioinformatic analyses were performed on samples of the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii and their venoms from four different provinces with clear geographical boundaries, including Hebei, Henan, Shandong and Shanxi. RESULTS The four captured samples had the same morphology, and the conserved CO-1 sequence matched that of M. martensii. A total of 141,003 of 174,653 transcripts were identified as unigenes, of which we successfully annotated 51,627 (36.61%), 21,970 (15.58%), 7,168 (5.08%), and 45,263 (32.10%) unigenes with the NR, GO, KEGG and SWISSPROT databases, respectively, while a total of 427 proteins were collected from the protein extracted from venoms. Both GO and KEGG annotations exhibited only slight differences among the four samples while the expression level of gene and protein was quite different. A total of 249 toxin-related unigenes were successfully screened, including 41 serine proteases and serine protease inhibitors, 39 potassium channel toxins, 38 phospholipases, 16 host defense peptides, 9 metalloproteases, and 50 other toxins. Although the toxin species were similar among the four samples, the gene expression of each toxin varied considerably, for example, the scorpion from HB province has the most abundant expression quality in sequences c48391_g1, c55239_g1 and c47749_g1 while the lowest expressions of c51178_g1, c62033_g3 and c63754_g2. CONCLUSION The regional differences in the transcriptomes and proteomes of M. martensii are mainly from expression levels e.g. toxins rather than expression species, of which the method can be further extended to evaluate the qualities of traditional Chinese medicines obtained from different regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyu Gao
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Hongyu Liang
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
| | - Zhaoyong Shou
- Faculty of Health Service, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Yuzhe Yao
- School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Yang Lv
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jing Shang
- School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Wei Lu
- 905th Hospital of PLA Navy, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200052, China.
| | - Changliang Jia
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, ShanXi Agricultural University, ShanXi, TaiGu, 030801, China.
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Health Care, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Liang Xiao
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Borges A, Rojas de Arias A, de Almeida Lima S, Lomonte B, Díaz C, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Graham MR, Kalapothakis E, Coronel C, de Roodt AR. Genetic and toxinological divergence among populations of Tityus trivittatus Kraepelin, 1898 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) inhabiting Paraguay and Argentina. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008899. [PMID: 33315884 PMCID: PMC7769620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008899] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Envenoming by scorpions in genus Tityus is a public health problem in Tropical America. One of the most medically significant species is Tityus trivittatus, which is known to occur from southwest Brazil to central-northern and eastern Argentina. In this work, we studied the lethality, composition, antigenicity, and enzymatic activity of venom from a T. trivittatus population found further north in urban areas of eastern Paraguay, where it has caused serious envenomation of children. Our results indicate that the population is of medical importance as it produces a potently toxic venom with an LD50 around 1.19 mg/kg. Venom neutralization in preliminary mouse bioassays was complete when using Brazilian anti-T. serrulatus antivenom but only partial when using Argentinean anti-T. trivittatus antivenom. Venom competitive solid-phase enzyme immunoassays and immunoblotting from Argentinean and Paraguayan T. trivittatus populations indicated that antigenic differences exist across the species range. SDS-PAGE showed variations in type and relative amounts of venom proteins between T. trivitattus samples from Argentina and Paraguay. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry indicated that while some sodium channel toxins are shared, including β-toxin Tt1g, others are population-specific. Proteolytic activity by zymography and peptide identification through nESI-MS/MS also point out that population-specific proteases may exist in T. trivitattus, which are postulated to be involved in the envenoming process. A time-calibrated molecular phylogeny of mitochondrial COI sequences revealed a significant (8.14%) genetic differentiation between the Argentinean and Paraguayan populations, which appeared to have diverged between the mid Miocene and early Pliocene. Altogether, toxinological and genetic evidence indicate that T. trivitattus populations from Paraguay and Argentina correspond to distinct, unique cryptic species, and suggest that further venom and taxonomic diversity exists in synanthropic southern South American Tityus than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Borges
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica (CEDIC), Asunción, Paraguay
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Toxinas y Receptores, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Sabrina de Almeida Lima
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquimica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Inmunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Bruno Lomonte
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Cecilia Díaz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquimica, Departamento de Bioquímica e Inmunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Matthew R. Graham
- Department of Biology, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Evanguedes Kalapothakis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Cathia Coronel
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica (CEDIC), Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Adolfo R. de Roodt
- Instituto Nacional de Producción de Biológicos “Carlos G. Malbrán”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Delinois LJ, Peón H, Villalobos-Santos JC, Ramírez-Paz J, Miller J, Griebenow KH, Tinoco AD. A Cytochrome c-Chlorotoxin Hybrid Protein as a Possible Antiglioma Drug. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2185-2192. [PMID: 32918396 PMCID: PMC7722079 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000373] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are the most lethal form of primary brain tumors. Despite advances in cancer therapy, the prognosis of glioma patients has remained poor. Cytochrome c (Cytc), an endogenous heme-based protein, holds tremendous potential to treat gliomas because of its innate capacity to trigger apoptosis. To this end, a hybrid cytochrome c-chlorotoxin (Cytc-CTX) protein was biosynthesized to enable cellular uptake of the cell impenetrable Cytc using CTX transporters. A nucleotide sequence containing 1 : 1 Cytc and CTX was constructed and separated by a hexahistidine-tag and an enterokinase cleavage site. The sequence was cloned into a pBTR1 plasmid, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified via 2-dimensional chromatography. The identity and size of the protein were determined by Western blot and mass spectrometry. Cytc in this soluble hybrid protein has similar structure and stability as human Cytc and the hybrid protein is endocytosed into a glioma cell line, while displaying potent cytotoxicity and a favorable therapeutic index. Its facile, low-cost, and high yield synthesis, biocompatibility, and robustness suggest that the hybrid protein is a promising candidate for antiglioma drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J Delinois
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00925, USA
| | - Harold Peón
- Academia del Perpetuo Socorro High School, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00907, USA
| | - Juan C Villalobos-Santos
- Biology Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00925, USA
| | - Josell Ramírez-Paz
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00925, USA
| | - Jennifer Miller
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00925, USA
| | - Kai H Griebenow
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00925, USA
| | - Arthur D Tinoco
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00925, USA
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Cota-Arce JM, Zazueta-Favela D, Díaz-Castillo F, Jiménez S, Bernáldez-Sarabia J, Caram-Salas NL, Dan KWL, Escobedo G, Licea-Navarro AF, Possani LD, De León-Nava MA. Venom components of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus modulate cytokine expression by T helper lymphocytes: Identification of ion channel-related toxins by mass spectrometry. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 84:106505. [PMID: 32380407 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106505] [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: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The study of the effector mechanisms of T helper cells has revealed different phenotypic characteristics that can be manipulated for designing new therapeutic schemes in different pathological scenarios. Ion channels are significant targets in T lymphocyte modulation since they are closely related to their effector activity. Remarkably, some toxins produced by scorpions specifically affect the function of these membrane proteins. For that reason, these toxins are important candidates in the search for new immunomodulators. Here, the effect of two venom fractions of the scorpion Centruroides limpidus was assessed on T lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. The venom fractions ClF8 and ClF9 were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and cultured at 25 and 35 µg/ml with murine T lymphocytes. The results indicate that the fraction ClF8 increased both production and secretion levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17A and IL-10 by CD4+ T cells at 24 h. In contrast, fraction ClF9 only promoted the secretion of IL-17A and IL-10 at its highest concentration (35 µg/ml). Both fractions did not show any effect on T cell proliferation. Subsequent analyses by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed seventeen toxins in the fraction ClF8 and five toxins in the fraction ClF9, most of them with voltage-gated sodium (NaScTx) and potassium (KScTx) channels as molecular targets. These toxins might probably interact with ion channels involved in T lymphocyte activity. Our findings suggest that the difference in composition between the two fractions could be related to the observed effects, and the components identified could be isolated to search for possible immunomodulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián M Cota-Arce
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México
| | - Daniela Zazueta-Favela
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México
| | - Fernando Díaz-Castillo
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México
| | - Samanta Jiménez
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México
| | - Johanna Bernáldez-Sarabia
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México
| | - Nadia L Caram-Salas
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México; Cátedra CONACYT/Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, CICESE, México
| | - Kee W L Dan
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México
| | - Galileo Escobedo
- Laboratorio de Proteómica y Metabolómica, Dirección de Investigación, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Ciudad de México, C.P. 06720, México
| | - Alexei F Licea-Navarro
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C.P. 62210, México
| | - Marco A De León-Nava
- Departamento de Innovación Biomédica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Baja California, C.P. 22860, México.
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Yoshimoto Y, Tanaka M, Miyashita M, Abdel-Wahab M, Megaly AMA, Nakagawa Y, Miyagawa H. A Fluorescent Compound from the Exuviae of the Scorpion, Liocheles australasiae. J Nat Prod 2020; 83:542-546. [PMID: 32009395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00972] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Most scorpions fluoresce under UV light. To date, two types of fluorescent compounds have been identified in scorpions, but it has been assumed that other unknown compounds may be responsible for the fluorescence. In this study, we isolated a fluorescent compound from the exuviae of the scorpion Liocheles australasiae identified as a macrocyclic diphthalate ester with a molecular mass of 496.2 Da. The same compound was also detected in extracts from four other scorpion species. This suggests that this compound is shared by multiple scorpion species, although its contribution to the cuticle fluorescence may be relatively small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Yoshimoto
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto 606-8502 , Japan
| | - Masato Tanaka
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto 606-8502 , Japan
| | - Masahiro Miyashita
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto 606-8502 , Japan
| | | | - Alhussin M A Megaly
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto 606-8502 , Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto 606-8502 , Japan
| | - Hisashi Miyagawa
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture , Kyoto University , Kyoto 606-8502 , Japan
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Li S, Sunchen S, He D, Qin C, Zuo Z, Shen B, Cao Z, Hong W, Miao L. ImKTx96, a peptide blocker of the Kv1.2 ion channel from the venom of the scorpion Isometrus maculates. Peptides 2020; 123:170172. [PMID: 31626826 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170172] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains diverse bioactive peptides that can recognize and interact with membrane proteins such as ion channels. These natural toxins are believed to be useful tools for exploring the structure and function of ion channels. In this study, we characterized a K+-channel toxin gene, ImKTx96, from the venom gland cDNA library of the scorpion Isometrus maculates. The peptide deduced from the ImKTx96 precursor nucleotide sequence contains a signal peptide of 27 amino acid residues and a mature peptide of 29 residues with three disulfide bridges. Multiple sequence alignment indicated that ImKTx96 is similar with the scorpion toxins that typically target K+-channels. The recombined ImKTx96 peptide (rImKTx96) was expressed in the Escherichia coli system, and purified by GST-affinity chromatography and RP-HPLC. Results from whole-cell patch-clamp experiments revealed that rImKTx96 can inhibit the current of the Kv1.2 ion channel expressed in HEK293 cells. The 3D structure of ImKTx96 was constructed by molecular modeling, and the complex formed by ImKTx96 interacting with the Kv1.2 ion channel was obtained by molecular docking. Based on its structural features and pharmacological functions, ImKTx96 was identified as one member of K+-channel scorpion toxin α-KTx10 group and may be useful as a molecular probe for investigating the structure and function of the Kv1.2 ion channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipian Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Shuwen Sunchen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Chenhu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Bingzheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research, Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Wei Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
| | - Lixia Miao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
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Cesa-Luna C, Muñoz-Rojas J, Saab-Rincon G, Baez A, Morales-García YE, Juárez-González VR, Quintero-Hernández V. Structural characterization of scorpion peptides and their bactericidal activity against clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant bacteria. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222438. [PMID: 31710627 PMCID: PMC6844485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom peptides represent a novel source of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with broad-spectrum activity. In this study, we determined the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of three scorpion AMPs, Uy234, Uy17, and Uy192, which are found in the venomous glands of the Urodacus yaschenkoi scorpion, against the clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. In addition, we tested the activity of a consensus AMP designed in our laboratory based on some previously reported IsCT-type (cytotoxic linear peptide) AMPs with the aim of obtaining higher antimicrobial activity. All peptides tested showed high antimicrobial activity against MDR clinical isolates, with the highest activity against β-hemolytic Streptococcus strains. The hemolytic activity was determined against human red blood cells and was significantly lower than that of previously reported AMPs. The α-helical structure of the four AMPs was confirmed by circular dichroism (CD). These results suggest that the four peptides can be valuable tools for the design and development of AMPs for use in the inhibition of MDR pathogenic bacteria. A clear index of synergism and additivity was found for the combination of QnCs-BUAP + Uy234, which makes these peptides the most promising candidates against pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Cesa-Luna
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Jesús Muñoz-Rojas
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Gloria Saab-Rincon
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Antonino Baez
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Yolanda Elizabeth Morales-García
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
- Licenciatura en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, BUAP, Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Víctor Rivelino Juárez-González
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mor., México
| | - Verónica Quintero-Hernández
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
- CONACYT-ESMG, LEMM, CICM, IC, BUAP, Puebla, Puebla, México
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Stephen ZR, Chiarelli PA, Revia RA, Wang K, Kievit F, Dayringer C, Jeon M, Ellenbogen R, Zhang M. Time-Resolved MRI Assessment of Convection-Enhanced Delivery by Targeted and Nontargeted Nanoparticles in a Human Glioblastoma Mouse Model. Cancer Res 2019; 79:4776-4786. [PMID: 31331912 PMCID: PMC6744959 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) provides direct access of infusates to brain tumors; however, clinical translation of this technology has not been realized because of the inability to accurately visualize infusates in real-time and lack of targeting modalities against diffuse cancer cells. In this study, we use time-resolved MRI to reveal the kinetics of CED processes in a glioblastoma (GBM) model using iron oxide nanoparticles (NP) modified with a glioma-targeting ligand, chlorotoxin (CTX). Mice bearing orthotopic human GBM tumors were administered a single dose of targeted CTX-conjugated NP (NPCP-CTX) or nontargeted NP (NPCP) via CED. High-resolution T2-weighted, T2*-weighted, and quantitative T2 MRI were utilized to image NP delivery in real time and determined the volume of distribution (VD) of NPs at multiple time points over the first 48 hours post-CED. GBM-specific targeting was evaluated by flow cytometry and intracellular NP localization by histologic assessment. NPCP-CTX produced a VD of 121 ± 39 mm3 at 24 hours, a significant increase compared with NPCP, while exhibiting GBM specificity and localization to cell nuclei. Notably, CED of NPCP-CTX resulted in a sustained expansion of VD well after infusion, suggesting a possible active transport mechanism, which was further supported by the presence of NPs in endothelial and red blood cells. In summary, we show that time-resolved MRI is a suitable modality to study CED kinetics, and CTX-mediated CED facilitates extensive distribution of infusate and specific targeting of tumor cells. SIGNIFICANCE: MRI is used to monitor convection-enhanced delivery in real time using a nanoparticle-based contrast agent, and glioma-specific targeting significantly improves the volume of distribution in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Stephen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Peter A Chiarelli
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Richard A Revia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kui Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Forrest Kievit
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Chris Dayringer
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mike Jeon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Richard Ellenbogen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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45
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Kazemi SM, Sabatier JM. Venoms of Iranian Scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones) and Their Potential for Drug Discovery. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24142670. [PMID: 31340554 PMCID: PMC6680535 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24142670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpions, a characteristic group of arthropods, are among the earliest diverging arachnids, dating back almost 440 million years. One of the many interesting aspects of scorpions is that they have venom arsenals for capturing prey and defending against predators, which may play a critical role in their evolutionary success. Unfortunately, however, scorpion envenomation represents a serious health problem in several countries, including Iran. Iran is acknowledged as an area with a high richness of scorpion species and families. The diversity of the scorpion fauna in Iran is the subject of this review, in which we report a total of 78 species and subspecies in 19 genera and four families. We also list some of the toxins or genes studied from five species, including Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta zagrosensis, Mesobuthus phillipsi, Odontobuthus doriae, and Hemiscorpius lepturus, in the Buthidae and Hemiscorpiidae families. Lastly, we review the diverse functions of typical toxins from the Iranian scorpion species, including their medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mahdi Kazemi
- Zagros Herpetological Institute, No 12, Somayyeh 14 Avenue, 3715688415 Qom, Iran.
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Institute of NeuroPhysiopathology, UMR 7051, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, 51, Boulevard Pierre Dramard-CS80011, 13344-Marseille Cedex 15, France
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Delgado-Prudencio G, Possani LD, Becerril B, Ortiz E. The Dual α-Amidation System in Scorpion Venom Glands. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11070425. [PMID: 31330798 PMCID: PMC6669573 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11070425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many peptides in scorpion venoms are amidated at their C-termini. This post-translational modification is paramount for the correct biological function of ion channel toxins and antimicrobial peptides, among others. The discovery of canonical amidation sequences in transcriptome-derived scorpion proproteins suggests that a conserved enzymatic α-amidation system must be responsible for this modification of scorpion peptides. A transcriptomic approach was employed to identify sequences putatively encoding enzymes of the α-amidation pathway. A dual enzymatic α-amidation system was found, consisting of the membrane-anchored, bifunctional, peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) and its paralogs, soluble monofunctional peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHMm) and peptidyl-α-hydroxyglycine α-amidating lyase (PALm). Independent genes encode these three enzymes. Amino acid residues responsible for ion coordination and enzymatic activity are conserved in these sequences, suggesting that the enzymes are functional. Potential endoproteolytic recognition sites for proprotein convertases in the PAM sequence indicate that PAM-derived soluble isoforms may also be expressed. Sequences potentially encoding proprotein convertases (PC1 and PC2), carboxypeptidase E (CPE), and other enzymes of the α-amidation pathway, were also found, confirming the presence of this pathway in scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Delgado-Prudencio
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Baltazar Becerril
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 2001, Colonia Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.
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47
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Sumino A, Sumikama T, Uchihashi T, Oiki S. High-speed AFM reveals accelerated binding of agitoxin-2 to a K + channel by induced fit. Sci Adv 2019; 5:eaax0495. [PMID: 31281899 PMCID: PMC6609221 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Agitoxin-2 (AgTx2) from scorpion venom is a potent blocker of K+ channels. The docking model has been elucidated, but it remains unclear whether binding dynamics are described by a two-state model (AgTx2-bound and AgTx2-unbound) or a more complicated mechanism, such as induced fit or conformational selection. Here, we observed the binding dynamics of AgTx2 to the KcsA channel using high-speed atomic force microscopy. From images of repeated binding and dissociation of AgTx2 to the channel, single-molecule kinetic analyses revealed that the affinity of the channel for AgTx2 increased during persistent binding and decreased during persistent dissociation. We propose a four-state model, including high- and low-affinity states of the channel, with relevant rate constants. An induced-fit pathway was dominant and accelerated binding by 400 times. This is the first analytical imaging of scorpion toxin binding in real time, which is applicable to various biological dynamics including channel ligands, DNA-modifier proteins, and antigen-antibody complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Sumino
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Saitama 332-0012, Japan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - T. Sumikama
- Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - T. Uchihashi
- Department of Physics and Structural Biology Research Center, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institute of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - S. Oiki
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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Gurrola GB, Guijarro JI, Delepierre M, Mendoza RLL, Cid-Uribe JI, Coronas FV, Possani LD. Cn29, a novel orphan peptide found in the venom of the scorpion Centruroides noxius: Structure and function. Toxicon 2019; 167:184-191. [PMID: 31226259 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.013] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A peptide (Cn29) from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides noxius (about 2% of the soluble venom) was purified and its primary and three-dimensional structures were determined. The peptide contains 27 amino acids with primary sequence: LCLSCRGGDYDCRVKGTCENGKCVCGS. The peptide is tightly packed by three disulfide linkages formed between C2-C23, C5-C18 and C12-C25. Since the native peptide was obtained in limited amounts, the full synthetic peptide was prepared using the standard F-moc-based solid phase synthesis method of Merrifield. The native and synthetic peptides were shown to be identical by sequencing, HPLC separation and mass spectrometry. The solution structure of the peptide solved from NMR data shows that it consists of a well-defined N-terminal region without regular secondary structure extending from Leu 1 to Asp 9, followed by a short helical fragment from Tyr10 to Val14 and two short β strands (Thr17-Glu19 and Lys22-Val24). The primary and tertiary structures of Cn29 are different from all other scorpion peptides described in the literature. Transcriptome analysis of RNA obtained from C. noxius confirmed the expression of a gene coding for Cn29 in its venom gland. Initial experiments were conducted to identify its possible function: lethality tests in mice and insects as well as ion-channel binding using in vitro electrophysiological assays. None of the physiological or biological tests displayed any activity for this peptide, which at present is considered to be another orphan peptide found in scorpion venoms. The peptide is thus the first example of a novel structural component present in scorpion venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G B Gurrola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Av, Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - J I Guijarro
- Biological NMR Technological Platform, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3528, Paris, France
| | | | - R L L Mendoza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Av, Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - J I Cid-Uribe
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Av, Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - F V Coronas
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Av, Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - L D Possani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Av, Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
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49
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Teerapo K, Roytrakul S, Sistayanarain A, Kunthalert D. A scorpion venom peptide derivative BmKn‒22 with potent antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218479. [PMID: 31199859 PMCID: PMC6568410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of nosocomial and serious life-threatening infections and infections caused by this bacterium continue to pose a major medical challenge worldwide. The ability of P. aeruginosa to produce multiple virulence factors and in particular to form biofilms makes this bacterium resistant to all known antibiotics. As a consequence, standard antibiotic therapy are increasingly become ineffective to clear such infections associated with biofilms. In search for novel effective agents to combat P. aeruginosa biofilm infections, a series of the BmKn‒2 scorpion venom peptide and its truncated derivatives were synthesized and their antibiofilm activities assessed. Among the peptides tested, BmKn‒22 peptide, which was a modified peptide of the parental BmKn‒2 scorpion venom peptide, clearly demonstrated the most potential inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa biofilms without affecting the bacterial growth. This peptide was not only capable of inhibiting the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms, but also disrupting the established biofilms of P. aeruginosa. Additionally, BmKn‒22 peptide was able to inhibit the production of key virulence factor pyocyanin of P. aeruginosa. Our results also showed that BmKn‒22 peptide significantly reduced lasI and rhlR expression, and suggested that BmKn‒22 peptide-mediated inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilms and virulence factors was achieved through the components of quorum-sensing systems. Combination of BmKn‒22 peptide with azithromycin resulted in a remarkable reduction P. aeruginosa biofilms. Since this peptide exhibited low toxicity to mammalian cells, all our results therefore indicate that the BmKn‒22 peptide is a promising antibiofilm agent against P. aeruginosa and warrant further development of this peptide as a novel therapeutic for treatment of P. aeruginosa‒associated biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittitat Teerapo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Genome Institute, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Sistayanarain
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Duangkamol Kunthalert
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- * E-mail: ,
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50
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Patil R, Galstyan A, Sun T, Shatalova ES, Butte P, Mamelak AN, Carico C, Kittle DS, Grodzinski ZB, Chiechi A, Ding H, Black KL, Ljubimova JY, Holler E. Polymalic acid chlorotoxin nanoconjugate for near-infrared fluorescence guided resection of glioblastoma multiforme. Biomaterials 2019; 206:146-159. [PMID: 30933776 PMCID: PMC6574176 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Maximal surgical resection of glioma remains the single most effective treatment. Tools to guide the resection while avoiding removal of normal brain tissues can aid surgeons in achieving optimal results. One strategy to achieve this goal is to rely upon interoperative fluorescence staining of tumor cells in vivo, that can be visualized by the surgeon during resection. Towards this goal we have designed a biodegradable fluorescent mini nano imaging agent (NIA) with high specificity for U87MG glioma cells and previously unmet high light emission. The NIA is the conjugate of polymalic acid (PMLA) with chlorotoxin for tumor targeting, indocyanine green (ICG) for NIR fluorescence and the tri-leucin peptide as fluorescence enhancer. PMLA as a multivalent platform carries several molecules of ICG and the other ligands. The NIA recognizes multiple sites on glioma cell surface, demonstrated by the effects of single and combined competitors. Systemic IV injection into xenogeneic mouse model carrying human U87MG glioblastoma indicated vivid tumor cell binding and internalization of NIA resulting in intensive and long-lasting tumor fluorescence. The NIA is shown to greatly improve tumor removal supporting its utility in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameshwar Patil
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anna Galstyan
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tao Sun
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ekaterina S Shatalova
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pramod Butte
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Adam N Mamelak
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christine Carico
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - David S Kittle
- Blaze Bioscience, Inc. Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Zachary B Grodzinski
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Antonella Chiechi
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Hui Ding
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Keith L Black
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Julia Y Ljubimova
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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