ABSTRACT
Fire ant venom is a complex mixture consisting of basic piperidine alkaloids, various biologically active peptides and protein components, including a variety of major allergenic proteins. Tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata is an important stinging ant species that causes anaphylaxis and serious medical problems. Although the biological activities of allergenic venom proteins that are unique to ant venom, particularly Solenopsis 2 and 4, are still unknown, these proteins are believed to play important roles in mediating the effects of the piperidine derivatives in the venom. Methods: In the present study, the cDNA cloning, sequencing and three-dimensional structure of Sol g 4.1 venom protein are described. The recombinant Sol g 4.1 protein (rSol g 4.1) was produced in E. coli , and its possible function as a hydrophobic binding protein was characterized by paralyzing crickets using the 50% piperidine dose (PD50). Moreover, an antiserum was produced in mice to determine the allergenic properties of Sol g 4.1, and the antiserum was capable of binding to Sol g 4.1, as determined by Western blotting. Results: The molecular weight of Sol g 4.1 protein is 16 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The complete cDNA is 414 bp in length and contains a leader sequence of 19 amino acids. The protein consists of six cysteines that presumably form three disulfide bonds, based on a predicted three-dimensional model, creating the interior hydrophobic pocket and stabilizing the structure. The rSol g 4.1 protein was expressed in inclusion bodies, as determined by SDS-PAGE. Dialysis techniques were used to refold the recombinant protein into the native form. Its secondary structure, which primarily consists of α-helices, was confirmed by circular dichroism analysis, and the three-dimensional model was also verified. The results of allergenic analysis performed on mice showed that the obtained protein was predicted to be allergenically active. Moreover, we report on the possible role of the Sol g 4.1 venom protein, which significantly reduced the PD50 from 0.027 to 0.013% in paralyzed crickets via synergistic effects after interactions with piperidine alkaloids. Conclusions: The primary structure of Sol g 4.1 showed high similarity to that of venom proteins in the Solenopsis 2 and 4 family. Those proteins are life-threatening and produce IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals. The possible function of this protein is the binding of the interior hydrophobic pockets with piperidine alkaloids, as determined by the analysis of the structural model and PD50 test.(AU)
Subject(s)
Biological Products , Recombinant Proteins , Ant VenomsABSTRACT
Background: Fire ant venom is a complex mixture consisting of basic piperidine alkaloids, various biologically active peptides and protein components, including a variety of major allergenic proteins. Tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata is an important stinging ant species that causes anaphylaxis and serious medical problems. Although the biological activities of allergenic venom proteins that are unique to ant venom, particularly Solenopsis 2 and 4, are still unknown, these proteins are believed to play important roles in mediating the effects of the piperidine derivatives in the venom. Methods: In the present study, the cDNA cloning, sequencing and three-dimensional structure of Sol g 4.1 venom protein are described. The recombinant Sol g 4.1 protein (rSol g 4.1) was produced in E. coli , and its possible function as a hydrophobic binding protein was characterized by paralyzing crickets using the 50% piperidine dose (PD50). Moreover, an antiserum was produced in mice to determine the allergenic properties of Sol g 4.1, and the antiserum was capable of binding to Sol g 4.1, as determined by Western blotting. Results: The molecular weight of Sol g 4.1 protein is 16 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The complete cDNA is 414 bp in length and contains a leader sequence of 19 amino acids. The protein consists of six cysteines that presumably form three disulfide bonds, based on a predicted three-dimensional model, creating the interior hydrophobic pocket and stabilizing the structure. The rSol g 4.1 protein was expressed in inclusion bodies, as determined by SDS-PAGE. Dialysis techniques were used to refold the recombinant protein into the native form. Its secondary structure, which primarily consists of -helices, was confirmed by circular dichroism analysis, and the three-dimensional model was also verified. The results of allergenic analysis performed on mice showed that the...
Subject(s)
Animals , Allergens , Ants/chemistry , Proteins/chemistry , Ant Venoms/chemistryABSTRACT
AIM:To explore the role of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and activator protein-1(AP-1)signaling pathway in the inhibitory effects of Agkistrodon acutivirus protein C activator(PCA)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced tissue factor(TF)expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).METHODS: The viability of the HUVECs was measured by MTT assay.The protein distribution of tumor necrosis factor-associated factor 6(TRAF6)in the cells was detected by immunohistochemical staining.The protein expression of NF-κB p65,TF,c-Fos and c-Jun was deter-mined by Western blot.The mRNA expression of TF in the HUVECs was detected by qPCR.The content of TF in the me-dium of each group was measured by ELISA.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the viability of the HUVECs in LPS group decreased significantly(P<0.01), obvious yellow dye particles appeared in the cytoplasm, cytoplasmic stai-ning deepened,and the average absorbance of TRAF6 was increased(P<0.01).The protein expression of NF-κB p65, c-Jun and c-Fos were significantly increased(P<0.01).The expression of TF at mRNA and protein levels were signifi-cantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the LPS group,the cell viability in PCA +LPS group was slightly increased (P<0.05),the cell morphology was normal,cytoplasmic yellow dye particles were not obvious, and the average absor-bance of TRAF6 was significantly lower than that in LPS group(P<0.01).The protein expression of NF-κB, c-Jun and c-Fos was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of TF at mRNA and protein levels were decreased(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:PCA significantly reduces the damage of HUVECs induced by LPS.The mechanism may be a-chieved by reducing the activation of TRAF 6,NF-κB and AP-1 nuclear transcription factors,thereby reducing the release of tissue factor.
ABSTRACT
Red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus or Buthus tamulus) venom samples were collected at different regions of India: western (Chiplun and Ahmednagar from Maharashtra State) and southern (Ratnagiri and Chennai from Tamil Nadu State). The action of whole venoms on the blood sodium levels of mice was assessed using flame photometry. Seven peptides were common to all venom samples. They were separated using the native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) technique and their activities were also studied using flame photometry. There was a decrease in the concentration of sodium ions in the serum, which suggested the blockage of such ions by scorpion venom toxins. Among the 10 protein bands isolated, the band at 79.6 kDa presented maximum activity in decreasing serum sodium ions concentration. Whole venom from Chiplun region also showed maximum activity. The western blotting technique demonstrated that the anti-scorpion venom sera produced by Haffkine Biopharmaceuticals Corporation Ltd., India, neutralized all four venom samples.(AU)
Subject(s)
Scorpion Venoms/chemistry , Biological Products , Blood Chemical Analysis , Proteins , SodiumABSTRACT
Purpose:To study the analgesic role of Shikangning(SKN) injection (containing scorpion venom protein) on cancer pain. Methods:In the clinical trial, controls were used(41 cases,who were divided into two groups by the use of randomized double blind methed: SKN group 21 cases and placebo group 20 cases) and the open test (total of 88 cases, 67cases were given drug for 7 days, and 21 cases, for 14 days). Results:In the controlled trial, pain intensity difference(PID) and sum pain intensity difference(SPID) level of SKN group were higher than those in the placebo group ( P
ABSTRACT
To review the study progresses in venom protein, peptide and amino acids in natural drug. The study progresses were reviewed on the basis of analying the collected articles. Concerning the distribution, chemical structure, property, pharmacology and toxicity of ricin, abrin, riscotoxin, snake venom, bee venom and buthotoxin. These compounds have certain toxicity and biological activity to animals, It's worth exploiting and utilizing them in conjunction with the achievement in modern chemistry and pharmacology.