Research

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13 pages, 2059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Venom-Derived Peptide for Brachytherapy of Glioblastoma: Preclinical Studies in Mice

by Steve Swenson, Radu O. Minea, Cao Duc Tuan, Thu-Zan Thein, Thomas C. Chen and Francis S. Markland

Molecules 2018, 23(11), 2918; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23112918 - 08 Nov 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4117

Abstract

We developed a bacterial expression system to produce a recombinant disintegrin, vicrostatin (VCN), whose structure is based on a natural disintegrin isolated from southern copperhead snake venom. Our goal is to develop VCN for potential clinical translation as an anti-cancer agent. VCN is [...] Read more.

We developed a bacterial expression system to produce a recombinant disintegrin, vicrostatin (VCN), whose structure is based on a natural disintegrin isolated from southern copperhead snake venom. Our goal is to develop VCN for potential clinical translation as an anti-cancer agent. VCN is a peptide of 69 amino acids with a single tyrosine residue. We have employed VCN as integrin-targeted radionuclide therapy (brachytherapy) for treatment of glioblastoma (GBM, glioma). GBM is a deadly brain cancer that doesn’t discriminate between sexes and knows no age limit. We established that the tyrosine residue in VCN can be radioiodinated with full retention of bioactivity. ¹³¹I-VCN was utilized for integrin-targeted radionuclide therapy using mouse models of glioma. The combination of radioiodinated VCN plus temozolomide (a DNA alkylating agent) significantly prolonged survival of glioma-bearing mice. We also obtained similar results using an immunocompetent mouse model and a murine glioma cell line. In summary, as demonstrated in studies reported here we have shown that VCN as targeted radionuclide therapy for GBM has significant translational potential for therapy of this deadly disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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12 pages, 1847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NMR Structure of μ-Conotoxin GIIIC: Leucine 18 Induces Local Repacking of the N-Terminus Resulting in Reduced Na_V Channel Potency

by Peta J. Harvey, Nyoman D. Kurniawan, Rocio K. Finol-Urdaneta, Jeffrey R. McArthur, Dorien Van Lysebetten, Thomas S. Dash, Justine M. Hill, David J. Adams, Thomas Durek and David J. Craik

Molecules 2018, 23(10), 2715; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102715 - 22 Oct 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3654

Abstract

μ-Conotoxins are potent and highly specific peptide blockers of voltage-gated sodium channels. In this study, the solution structure of μ-conotoxin GIIIC was determined using 2D NMR spectroscopy and simulated annealing calculations. Despite high sequence similarity, GIIIC adopts a three-dimensional structure that differs from [...] Read more.

μ-Conotoxins are potent and highly specific peptide blockers of voltage-gated sodium channels. In this study, the solution structure of μ-conotoxin GIIIC was determined using 2D NMR spectroscopy and simulated annealing calculations. Despite high sequence similarity, GIIIC adopts a three-dimensional structure that differs from the previously observed conformation of μ-conotoxins GIIIA and GIIIB due to the presence of a bulky, non-polar leucine residue at position 18. The side chain of L18 is oriented towards the core of the molecule and consequently the N-terminus is re-modeled and located closer to L18. The functional characterization of GIIIC defines it as a canonical μ-conotoxin that displays substantial selectivity towards skeletal muscle sodium channels (Na_V), albeit with ~2.5-fold lower potency than GIIIA. GIIIC exhibited a lower potency of inhibition of Na_V1.4 channels, but the same Na_V selectivity profile when compared to GIIIA. These observations suggest that single amino acid differences that significantly affect the structure of the peptide do in fact alter its functional properties. Our work highlights the importance of structural factors, beyond the disulfide pattern and electrostatic interactions, in the understanding of the functional properties of bioactive peptides. The latter thus needs to be considered when designing analogues for further applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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11 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inactivation of Venom PLA₂ Alleviates Myonecrosis and Facilitates Muscle Regeneration in Envenomed Mice: A Time Course Observation

by Huixiang Xiao, Haoran Li, Denghong Zhang, Yuanyuan Li, Shimin Sun and Chunhong Huang

Molecules 2018, 23(8), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23081911 - 31 Jul 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4188

Abstract

Snake venom is a complex cocktail of toxins which induces a series of clinical and pathophysiological manifestations in victims, including severe local tissue damage and systemic alterations. Deinagkistrodon acutus (D. acutus) ranks among the “big four” life-threatening venomous species in China, [...] Read more.

Snake venom is a complex cocktail of toxins which induces a series of clinical and pathophysiological manifestations in victims, including severe local tissue damage and systemic alterations. Deinagkistrodon acutus (D. acutus) ranks among the “big four” life-threatening venomous species in China, whose venom possesses strong myotoxicity and hematotoxicity that often lead to permanent disability or muscle atrophy. Varespladib, an inhibitor of mammalian phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂), has been recently reproposed as an effective antidote against snakebite envenomation. The present study aimed at evaluating the protective role of varespladib on muscle regeneration in envenomed mice. Mice were grouped and subjected to inoculation with D. acutus venom or a mixture of venom and varespladib or control vehicle in the gastrocnemius muscle. Local injuries including hemorrhage, myonecrosis, ulceration, and systemic damages including general dysfunction, visceral failure, and inflammatory responses were observed at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. The results indicated that most of the muscle myonecrosis and hemorrhage were alleviated by varespladib. Besides, the pretreated mice recovered rapidly with lesser atrophy and muscle fibrosis. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that varespladib is an effective antidote that could neutralize D. acutus venom and allow for earlier and improved rehabilitation outcome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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18 pages, 2605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Snake Venomics of the Okinawa Habu Pit Viper, Protobothrops flavoviridis, by Complementary Mass Spectrometry-Guided Approaches

by Maik Damm, Benjamin-Florian Hempel, Ayse Nalbantsoy and Roderich D. Süssmuth

Molecules 2018, 23(8), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23081893 - 29 Jul 2018

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6752

Abstract

The Asian world is home to a multitude of venomous and dangerous snakes, which are used to induce various medical effects in the preparation of traditional snake tinctures and alcoholics, like the Japanese snake wine, named Habushu. The aim of this work was [...] Read more.

The Asian world is home to a multitude of venomous and dangerous snakes, which are used to induce various medical effects in the preparation of traditional snake tinctures and alcoholics, like the Japanese snake wine, named Habushu. The aim of this work was to perform the first quantitative proteomic analysis of the Protobothrops flavoviridis pit viper venom. Accordingly, the venom was analyzed by complimentary bottom-up and top-down mass spectrometry techniques. The mass spectrometry-based snake venomics approach revealed that more than half of the venom is composed of different phospholipases A2 (PLA₂). The combination of this approach and an intact mass profiling led to the identification of the three main Habu PLA₂s. Furthermore, nearly one-third of the total venom consists of snake venom metalloproteinases and disintegrins, and several minor represented toxin families were detected: C-type lectin-like proteins (CTL), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP), snake venom serine proteases (svSP), l-amino acid oxidases (LAAO), phosphodiesterase (PDE) and 5′-nucleotidase. Finally, the venom of P. flavoviridis contains certain bradykinin-potentiating peptides and related peptides, like the svMP inhibitors, pEKW, pEQW, pEEW and pENW. In preliminary MTT cytotoxicity assays, the highest cancerous-cytotoxicity of crude venom was measured against human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and shows disintegrin-like effects in some fractions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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14 pages, 511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A3, a Scorpion Venom Derived Peptide Analogue with Potent Antimicrobial and Potential Antibiofilm Activity against Clinical Isolates of Multi-Drug Resistant Gram Positive Bacteria

by Ammar Almaaytah, Ahmad Farajallah, Ahmad Abualhaijaa and Qosay Al-Balas

Molecules 2018, 23(7), 1603; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071603 - 02 Jul 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4332

Abstract

Current research in the field of antimicrobials is focused on developing novel antimicrobial agents to counteract the huge dilemma that the human population is mainly facing in regards to the rise of bacterial resistance and biofilm infections. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are a [...] Read more.

Current research in the field of antimicrobials is focused on developing novel antimicrobial agents to counteract the huge dilemma that the human population is mainly facing in regards to the rise of bacterial resistance and biofilm infections. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are a promising group of molecules for antimicrobial development as they display several attractive features suitable for antimicrobial activity, including their broad spectrum of activity and potency against bacteria. AamAP1 is a novel HDP that belongs to the venom of the North African scorpion Androctonus amoeruxi. In vitro antimicrobial assays revealed that the peptide displays moderate activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the peptide proved to be highly hemolytic and displayed significantly high toxicity against mammalian cells. In our study, a novel synthetic peptide analogue named A3 was synthetically modified from AamAP1 in order to enhance its activity and toxicity profile. The design strategy depended on modifying the amino acid sequence of AamAP1 in order to alter its net positive charge, percentage helicity and modify other parameters that are involved theoretically in HDPs activity. Accordingly, A3 was evaluated for its in vitro antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity individually and in combination with four different types of conventional antibiotics against clinical isolates of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-positive bacteria. A3 was also evaluated for its cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. A3 managed to selectively inhibit the growth of a wide range of resistant strains of Gram-positive bacteria. Our results also showed that combining A3 with conventional antibiotics caused a synergistic antimicrobial behavior that resulted in decreasing the MIC value for A3 peptide as low as 0.125 µM. At the concentrations needed to inhibit bacterial growth, A3 displayed minimal mammalian cell toxicity. In conclusion, A3 exhibits enhanced activity and selectivity when compared with the parent natural scorpion venom peptide. The combination of A3 with conventional antibiotics could provide researchers in the antimicrobial drug development field with a potential alternative for conventional antibiotics against MDR bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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10 pages, 2614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mouse β-Defensin 3, A Defensin Inhibitor of Both Its Endogenous and Exogenous Potassium Channels

by Yaoyun Zhang, Yonghui Zhao, Hongyue Liu, Weiwei Yu, Fan Yang, Wenhua Li, Zhijian Cao and Yingliang Wu

Molecules 2018, 23(6), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23061489 - 20 Jun 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3923

Abstract

The human defensins are recently discovered to inhibit potassium channels, which are classical targets of the animal toxins. Whether other vertebrate defensins are potassium channel inhibitors remains unknown. In this work, we reported that the mouse β-defensin 3 (mBD3) was a novel inhibitor [...] Read more.

The human defensins are recently discovered to inhibit potassium channels, which are classical targets of the animal toxins. Whether other vertebrate defensins are potassium channel inhibitors remains unknown. In this work, we reported that the mouse β-defensin 3 (mBD3) was a novel inhibitor of both endogenous and exogenous potassium channels. The structural analysis showed that mBD3 is the most identical to human Kv1.3 channel-sensitive human β-defensin 2 (hBD2). However, the pharmacological profiles indicated that the recombinant mBD3 (rmBD3) weakly inhibited the mouse and human Kv1.3 channels. Different from the pharmacological features of human β-defensins, mBD3 more selectively inhibited the mouse Kv1.6 and human KCNQ1/KCNE1 channels with IC₅₀ values of 0.6 ± 0.4 μM and 1.2 ± 0.8 μM, respectively. The site directed mutagenesis experiments indicated that the extracellular pore region of mouse Kv1.6 channel was the interaction site of rmBD3. In addition, the minor effect on the channel conductance-voltage relationship curves implied that mBD3 might bind the extracellular transmembrane helices S1-S2 linker and/or S3-S4 linker of mouse Kv1.6 channel. Together, these findings not only revealed mBD3 as a novel inhibitor of both endogenous and exogenous potassium channels, but also provided a clue to investigate the role of mBD3-Kv1.6 channel interaction in the physiological and pathological field in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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16 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cytotoxic, Anti-Proliferative and Apoptosis Activity of l-Amino Acid Oxidase from Malaysian Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus (CP-LAAO) Venom on Human Colon Cancer Cells

by Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin, Pathmanathan Rajadurai, Md. Ezharul Hoque Chowdhury, Iekhsan Othman and Rakesh Naidu

Molecules 2018, 23(6), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23061388 - 08 Jun 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4401

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential anti-cancer activity of l-amino acid oxidase (CP-LAAO) purified from the venom of Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus on SW480 and SW620 human colon cancer cells. Mass spectrometry guided purification was able to identify and purify [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential anti-cancer activity of l-amino acid oxidase (CP-LAAO) purified from the venom of Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus on SW480 and SW620 human colon cancer cells. Mass spectrometry guided purification was able to identify and purify CP-LAAO. Amino acid variations identified from the partial protein sequence of CP-LAAO may suggest novel variants of these proteins. The activity of the purified CP-LAAO was confirmed with o-phenyldiamine (OPD)-based spectrophotometric assay. CP-LAAO demonstrated time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic activity and the EC₅₀ value was determined at 13 µg/mL for both SW480 and SW620 cells. Significant increase of caspase-3 activity, reduction of Bcl-2 levels, as well as morphological changes consistent with apoptosis were demonstrated by CP-LAAO. Overall, these data provide evidence on the potential anti-cancer activity of CP-LAAO from the venom of Malaysian C. purpureomaculatus for therapeutic intervention of human colon cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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15 pages, 39278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Localization of Crotamine with Internal Membranes and Accentuated Accumulation in Tumor Cells

by Nicole Caroline Mambelli-Lisboa, Juliana Mozer Sciani, Alvaro Rossan Brandão Prieto da Silva and Irina Kerkis

Molecules 2018, 23(4), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040968 - 20 Apr 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5765

Abstract

Crotamine is a highly cationic; cysteine rich, cross-linked, low molecular mass cell penetrating peptide (CPP) from the venom of the South American rattlesnake. Potential application of crotamine in biomedicine may require its large-scale purification. To overcome difficulties related with the purification of natural [...] Read more.

Crotamine is a highly cationic; cysteine rich, cross-linked, low molecular mass cell penetrating peptide (CPP) from the venom of the South American rattlesnake. Potential application of crotamine in biomedicine may require its large-scale purification. To overcome difficulties related with the purification of natural crotamine (nCrot) we aimed in the present study to synthesize and characterize a crotamine analog (sCrot) as well investigate its CPP activity. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrates that sCrot and nCrot have equal molecular mass and biological function—the capacity to induce spastic paralysis in the hind limbs in mice. sCrot CPP activity was evaluated in a wide range of tumor and non-tumor cell tests performed at different time points. We demonstrate that sCrot-Cy3 showed distinct co-localization patterns with intracellular membranes inside the tumor and non-tumor cells. Time-lapse microscopy and quantification of sCrot-Cy3 fluorescence signalss in living tumor versus non-tumor cells revealed a significant statistical difference in the fluorescence intensity observed in tumor cells. These data suggest a possible use of sCrot as a molecular probe for tumor cells, as well as, for the selective delivery of anticancer molecules into these tumors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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13 pages, 3556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration of the Inhibitory Potential of Varespladib for Snakebite Envenomation

by Yiding Wang, Jing Zhang, Denghong Zhang, Huixiang Xiao, Shengwei Xiong and Chunhong Huang

Molecules 2018, 23(2), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23020391 - 12 Feb 2018

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 5544 | Correction

Abstract

Phospholipase A₂s (PLA₂) is a major component of snake venom with diverse pathologic toxicities and, therefore, a potential target for antivenom therapy. Varespladib was initially designed as an inhibitor of mammal PLA₂s, and was recently repurposed to [...] Read more.

Phospholipase A₂s (PLA₂) is a major component of snake venom with diverse pathologic toxicities and, therefore, a potential target for antivenom therapy. Varespladib was initially designed as an inhibitor of mammal PLA₂s, and was recently repurposed to a broad-spectrum inhibitor of PLA₂ in snake venom. To evaluate the protective abilities of varespladib to hemorrhage, myonecrosis, and systemic toxicities that are inflicted by different crude snake venoms, subcutaneous ecchymosis, muscle damage, and biochemical variation in serum enzymes derived from the envenomed mice were determined, respectively. Varespladib treatment showed a significant inhibitory effect to snake venom PLA₂, which was estimated by IC₅₀ in vitro and ED₅₀ in vivo. In animal models, the severely hemorrhagic toxicity of D. acutus and A. halys venom was almost fully inhibited after administration of varespladib. Moreover, signs of edema in gastrocnemius muscle were remarkably attenuated by administration of varespladib, with a reduced loss of myonecrosis and desmin. Serum levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 1, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase were down-regulated after treatment with varespladib, which indicated the protection to viscera injury. In conclusion, varespladib may be a potential first-line drug candidate in snakebite envenomation first aid or clinical therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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10 pages, 1438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Melittin on Porphyromonas Gingivalis LPS-Stimulated Human Keratinocytes

by Woon-Hae Kim, Hyun-Jin An, Jung-Yeon Kim, Mi-Gyeong Gwon, Hyemin Gu, Minji Jeon, Min-Kyung Kim, Sang-Mi Han and Kwan-Kyu Park

Molecules 2018, 23(2), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23020332 - 05 Feb 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 7413

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that contributes to the destruction of the gingiva. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can cause periodontitis via its pathogenic lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. [...] Read more.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that contributes to the destruction of the gingiva. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can cause periodontitis via its pathogenic lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, the role of melittin in the inflammatory response has not been elucidated in periodontitis-like human keratinocytes. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin on a P. gingivalis LPS (PgLPS)-treated HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line. The cytotoxicity of melittin was measured using a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, and a Cell Counting Kit-8. The effect of melittin on PgLPS-induced inflammation was determined with Western blot, real-time quantitative PCT, and immunofluorescence. PgLPS increased the expression of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Moreover, PgLPS induced activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B/Akt. Melittin also inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by suppressing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, ERK, and Akt. Melittin attenuates the PgLPS-induced inflammatory response and could therefore be applied in the treatment of periodontitis for anti-inflammatory effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 761 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Vipers of the Middle East: A Rich Source of Bioactive Molecules

by Mohamad Rima, Seyedeh Maryam Alavi Naini, Marc Karam, Riyad Sadek, Jean-Marc Sabatier and Ziad Fajloun

Molecules 2018, 23(10), 2721; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102721 - 22 Oct 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6030

Abstract

Snake venom serves as a tool of defense against threat and helps in prey digestion. It consists of a mixture of enzymes, such as phospholipase A2, metalloproteases, and l-amino acid oxidase, and toxins, including neurotoxins and cytotoxins. Beside their toxicity, venom components [...] Read more.

Snake venom serves as a tool of defense against threat and helps in prey digestion. It consists of a mixture of enzymes, such as phospholipase A2, metalloproteases, and l-amino acid oxidase, and toxins, including neurotoxins and cytotoxins. Beside their toxicity, venom components possess many pharmacological effects and have been used to design drugs and as biomarkers of diseases. Viperidae is one family of venomous snakes that is found nearly worldwide. However, three main vipers exist in the Middle Eastern region: Montivipera bornmuelleri, Macrovipera lebetina, and Vipera (Daboia) palaestinae. The venoms of these vipers have been the subject of many studies and are considered as a promising source of bioactive molecules. In this review, we present an overview of these three vipers, with a special focus on their venom composition as well as their biological activities, and we discuss further frameworks for the exploration of each venom. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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19 pages, 570 KiB

Open AccessReview

Response of Cellular Innate Immunity to Cnidarian Pore-Forming Toxins

by Wei Yuen Yap and Jung Shan Hwang

Molecules 2018, 23(10), 2537; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102537 - 04 Oct 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4486

Abstract

A group of stable, water-soluble and membrane-bound proteins constitute the pore forming toxins (PFTs) in cnidarians. They interact with membranes to physically alter the membrane structure and permeability, resulting in the formation of pores. These lesions on the plasma membrane causes an imbalance [...] Read more.

A group of stable, water-soluble and membrane-bound proteins constitute the pore forming toxins (PFTs) in cnidarians. They interact with membranes to physically alter the membrane structure and permeability, resulting in the formation of pores. These lesions on the plasma membrane causes an imbalance of cellular ionic gradients, resulting in swelling of the cell and eventually its rupture. Of all cnidarian PFTs, actinoporins are by far the best studied subgroup with established knowledge of their molecular structure and their mode of pore-forming action. However, the current view of necrotic action by actinoporins may not be the only mechanism that induces cell death since there is increasing evidence showing that pore-forming toxins can induce either necrosis or apoptosis in a cell-type, receptor and dose-dependent manner. In this review, we focus on the response of the cellular immune system to the cnidarian pore-forming toxins and the signaling pathways that might be involved in these cellular responses. Since PFTs represent potential candidates for targeted toxin therapy for the treatment of numerous cancers, we also address the challenge to overcoming the immunogenicity of these toxins when used as therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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19 pages, 3199 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Biological and Biophysical Properties of the Spider Peptide Gomesin

by John D. Tanner, Evelyne Deplazes and Ricardo L. Mancera

Molecules 2018, 23(7), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071733 - 16 Jul 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4810

Abstract

This review summarises the current knowledge of Gomesin (Gm), an 18-residue long, cationic anti-microbial peptide originally isolated from the haemocytes of the Brazilian tarantula Acanthoscurria gomesiana. The peptide shows potent cytotoxic activity against clinically relevant microbes including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and [...] Read more.

This review summarises the current knowledge of Gomesin (Gm), an 18-residue long, cationic anti-microbial peptide originally isolated from the haemocytes of the Brazilian tarantula Acanthoscurria gomesiana. The peptide shows potent cytotoxic activity against clinically relevant microbes including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition, Gm shows in-vitro and in-vivo anti-cancer activities against several human and murine cancers. The peptide exerts its cytotoxic activity by permeabilising cell membranes, but the underlying molecular mechanism of action is still unclear. Due to its potential as a therapeutic agent, the structure and membrane-binding properties, as well as the leakage and cytotoxic activities of Gm have been studied using a range of techniques. This review provides a summary of these studies, with a particular focus on biophysical characterisation studies of peptide variants that have attempted to establish a structure-activity relationship. Future studies are still needed to rationalise the binding affinity and cell-type-specific selectivity of Gm and its variants, while more pre-clinical studies are required to develop Gm into a therapeutically useful peptide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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21 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anticancer Activity of Toxins from Bee and Snake Venom—An Overview on Ovarian Cancer

by Marius Alexandru Moga, Oana Gabriela Dimienescu, Cristian Andrei Arvătescu, Petru Ifteni and Liana Pleş

Molecules 2018, 23(3), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23030692 - 19 Mar 2018

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9141

Abstract

Cancer represents the disease of the millennium, a major problem in public health. The proliferation of tumor cells, angiogenesis, and the relationship between the cancer cells and the components of the extracellular matrix are important in the events of carcinogenesis, and these pathways [...] Read more.

Cancer represents the disease of the millennium, a major problem in public health. The proliferation of tumor cells, angiogenesis, and the relationship between the cancer cells and the components of the extracellular matrix are important in the events of carcinogenesis, and these pathways are being used as targets for new anticancer treatments. Various venoms and their toxins have shown possible anticancer effects on human cancer cell lines, providing new perspectives in drug development. In this review, we observed the effects of natural toxins from bee and snake venom and the mechanisms through which they can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. We also researched how several types of natural molecules from venom can sensitize ovarian cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy, with many toxins being helpful for developing new anticancer drugs. This approach could improve the efficiency of standard therapies and could allow the administration of decreased doses of chemotherapy. Natural toxins from bee and snake venom could become potential candidates for the future treatment of different types of cancer. It is important to continue these studies concerning therapeutic drugs from natural resource and, more importantly, to investigate their mechanism of action on cancer cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Toxins/Molecules (and Derivatives) from Animal Venoms: From Basic Research to Therapeutic Applications)

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