A neutralizing recombinant single chain antibody, scFv, against BaP1, A P-I hemorrhagic metalloproteinase from Bothrops asper snake venom.

BaP1 is a P-I class snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP) relevant in the local tissue damage associated with envenomings by Bothrops asper, a medically important snake species in Central America and parts of South and North America. The main treatment for these accidents is the passive immunotherapy using antibodies raised in horses. In order to obtain more specific and batch-to-batch consistent antivenons, recombinant antibodies are considered a good option compared to animal immunization. We constructed a recombinant single chain variable fragment (scFv) from a monoclonal antibody against BaP1 (MABaP1) formerly secreted by a hybridoma clone. This recombinant antibody was cloned into pMST3 vector in fusion with SUMO protein and contains VH and VL domains linked by a flexible (G4S)3 polypeptide (scFvBaP1). The aim of this work was to produce scFvBaP1 and to evaluate its potential concerning the neutralization of biologically important activities of BaP1. The cytoplasmic expression of this construct was successfully achieved in C43 (DE3) bacteria. Our results showed that scFvBaP1-SUMO fusion protein presented an electrophoretic band of around 43 kDa from which SUMO alone corresponded to 13.6 kDa, and only the scFv was able to recognize BaP1 as well as the whole venom by ELISA. In contrast, neither an irrelevant scFv anti-LDL nor its MoAb partner recognized it. BaP1-induced fibrinolysis was significantly neutralized by scFvBaP1, but not by SUMO, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, scFvBaP1, as well as MaBaP1, completely neutralized in vivo hemorrhage, muscle necrosis, and inflammation induced by the toxin. Docking analyses revealed possible modes of interaction of the recombinant antibody with BaP1. Our data showed that scFv recognized BaP1 and whole B. asper venom, and neutralized biological effects of this SVMP. This scFv antibody can be used for understanding the molecular mechanisms of neutralization of SVMPs, and for exploring the potential of recombinant antibody fragments for improving the neutralization of local tissue damage in snakebite envenoming.

Biomechanical responses of different rat tendons to nandrolone decanoate and load exercise.

Androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) have been associated with an increased incidence of tendon rupture. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of the rat calcaneal tendon (CT), superficial flexor tendon (SFT), and deep flexor tendon (DFT), and to determine the effect of jump training in association with AAS. Animals were separated into four groups: sedentary, trained, AAS-treated sedentary rats (AAS), and AAS-treated and trained animals. Mechanical testing showed that the CT differed from the DFT and SFT, which showed similar mechanical properties. Jump caused the CT to exhibit an extended toe region, an increased resistance to tensional load, and a decreased elastic modulus, characteristics of an elastic tendon capable of storing energy. AAS caused the tendons to be less compliant, and the effects were reinforced by simultaneous training. The DFT was the most affected by training, AAS, and the interaction of both, likely because of its involvement in the toe-off step of jumping, which we suggest is related to the rapid transmission of force as opposed to energy storage. In conclusion, tendons are differently adapted to exercise, but responded equally to AAS, showing reduced flexibility, which is suggested to increase the risk of tendon rupture in AAS consumers.

Immunochemical and biological characterization of monoclonal antibodies against BaP1, a metalloproteinase from Bothrops asper snake venom.

BaP1 is a P-I class of Snake Venom Metalloproteinase (SVMP) relevant in the local tissue damage associated with envenomations by Bothrops asper, a medically-important species in Central America and parts of South America. Six monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against BaP1 (MABaP1) were produced and characterized regarding their isotype, dissociation constant (K(d)), specificity and ability to neutralize BaP1-induced hemorrhagic and proteolytic activity. Two MABaP1 are IgM, three are IgG1 and one is IgG2b. The K(d)s of IgG MoAbs were in the nM range. All IgG MoAbs recognized conformational epitopes of BaP1 and B. asper venom components but failed to recognize venoms from 27 species of Viperidae, Colubridae and Elapidae families. Clone 7 cross-reacted with three P-I SVMPs tested (moojeni protease, insularinase and neuwiedase). BaP1-induced hemorrhage was totally neutralized by clones 3, 6 and 8 but not by clone 7. Inhibition of BaP1 enzymatic activity on a synthetic substrate by MABaP1 was totally achieved by clones 3 and 6, and partially by clone 8, but not by clone 7. In conclusion, these neutralizing MoAbs against BaP1 may become important tools to understand structure-function relationships of BaP1 and the role of P-I class SVMP in snakebite envenomation.

A new Factor Xa inhibitor from Amblyomma cajennense with a unique domain composition.

Bioactive compounds of great interest are found in the saliva of hematophagous organisms. While exploring a cDNA library derived from the salivary glands of the tick Amblyomma cajennense, a transcript that codes for a protein with unique structure (containing an N-terminal Kunitz-type domain and a C-terminus with no homology to any annotated sequences) was found. The recombinant mature form of this protein ( approximately 13.5kDa) was produced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and it was able to inhibit Factor Xa (FXa) and extend global blood clotting times in vitro and ex vivo. Static and dynamic predictions of its tertiary structure indicate regions that may be related to its FXa inhibitor function.

Attenuated atherosclerosis upon IL-17R signaling disruption in LDLr deficient mice.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the influx of macrophages and T cells and IL-17 may connect innate and adaptive immune responses involved in atherogenesis. We investigated the role of IL-17 receptor signaling in atherosclerosis and transplanted LDLr deficient recipient mice with IL-17R deficient bone marrow. Induction of atherosclerosis by Western-type diet induced a 46% reduction in lesion size in the aortic root and the plaque composition revealed no significant changes in collagen content and neutrophil counts, but a reduction in mast cell number and an increase in macrophage number. In addition, we observed a decrease in anti-oxLDL antibodies of the IgG class upon IL-17R BMT, while introduction of IL-17R deficient bone marrow resulted in a reduced IL-6 production and an increased IL-10 production. In conclusion, signaling via the IL-17 receptor in bone marrow derived cells enhances the process of atherosclerosis.

Collagen binding is a key factor for the hemorrhagic activity of snake venom metalloproteinases.

Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are multifunctional enzymes involved in several symptoms following snakebite, such as severe local hemorrhage. Multidomain P-III SVMPs are strongly hemorrhagic, whereas single domain P-I SVMPs are not. This indicates that disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich domains allocate motifs that enable catalytic degradation of ECM components leading to disruption of capillary vessels. Interestingly, some P-III SVMPs are completely devoid of hemorrhagic activity despite their highly conserved disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich domains. This observation was approached in the present study by comparing the effects of jararhagin, a hemorrhagic P-III SVMP, and berythractivase, a pro-coagulant and non-hemorrhagic P-III SVMP. Both toxins inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation, but only jararhagin was able to bind to collagen I with high affinity. The monoclonal antibody MAJar 3, that neutralizes the hemorrhagic effect of Bothrops venoms and jararhagin binding to collagen, did not react with berythractivase. The three-dimensional structures of jararhagin and berythractivase were compared to explain the differential binding to collagen and MAJar 3. Thereby, we pinpointed a motif within the Da disintegrin subdomain located opposite to the catalytic domain. Jararhagin binds to both collagen I and IV in a triple helix-dependent manner and inhibited in vitro fibrillogenesis. The jararhagin-collagen complex retained the catalytic activity of the toxin as observed by hydrolysis of fibrin. Thus, we suggest that binding of hemorrhagic SVMPs to collagens I and IV occurs through a motif located in the Da subdomain. This allows accumulation of toxin molecules at the site of injection, close to capillary vessels, where their catalytic activity leads to a local hemorrhage. Toxins devoid of this motif would be more available for vascular internalization leading to systemic pro-coagulant effects. This reveals a novel function of the disintegrin domain in hemorrhage formation.

Early remodeling of rat cardiac muscle induced by swimming training.

The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of acute swimming training with an anaerobic component on matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) activity and myosin heavy chain gene expression in the rat myocardium. Animals (male Wistar rats, weighing approximately 180 g) were trained for 6 h/day in 3 sessions of 2 h each for 1 to 5 consecutive days (N = 5 rats per group). Rats swam in basins 47 cm in diameter and 60 cm deep filled with water at 33 to 35 degrees C. After the training period a significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the heart weight normalized to body weight by about 22 and 35% in the groups that trained for 96 and 120 h, respectively. Blood lactate levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in all groups after all training sessions, confirming an anaerobic component. However, lactate levels decreased (P < 0.05) with days of training, suggesting that the animals became adapted to this protocol. Myosin heavy chain-beta gene expression, analyzed by real time PCR and normalized with GAPDH gene expression, showed a significant two-fold increase (P < 0.01) after 5 days of training. Zymography analysis of myocardium extracts indicated a single approximately 60-kDa activity band that was significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 72, 96, and 120 h, indicating an increased expression of MMP-2 and suggesting precocious remodeling. Furthermore, the presence of MMP-2 was confirmed by Western blot analysis, but not the presence of MMP-1 and MMP-3. Taken together, our results indicate that in these training conditions, the rat heart undergoes early biochemical and functional changes required for the adaptation to the new physiological condition by tissue remodeling.

Early remodeling of rat cardiac muscle induced by swimming training

The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of acute swimming training with an anaerobic component on matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) activity and myosin heavy chain gene expression in the rat myocardium. Animals (male Wistar rats, weighing approximately 180 g) were trained for 6 h/day in 3 sessions of 2 h each for 1 to 5 consecutive days (N = 5 rats per group). Rats swam in basins 47 cm in diameter and 60 cm deep filled with water at 33 to 35°C. After the training period a significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the heart weight normalized to body weight by about 22 and 35 percent in the groups that trained for 96 and 120 h, respectively. Blood lactate levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in all groups after all training sessions, confirming an anaerobic component. However, lactate levels decreased (P < 0.05) with days of training, suggesting that the animals became adapted to this protocol. Myosin heavy chain-ß gene expression, analyzed by real time PCR and normalized with GAPDH gene expression, showed a significant two-fold increase (P < 0.01) after 5 days of training. Zymography analysis of myocardium extracts indicated a single ~60-kDa activity band that was significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 72, 96, and 120 h, indicating an increased expression of MMP-2 and suggesting precocious remodeling. Furthermore, the presence of MMP-2 was confirmed by Western blot analysis, but not the presence of MMP-1 and MMP-3. Taken together, our results indicate that in these training conditions, the rat heart undergoes early biochemical and functional changes required for the adaptation to the new physiological condition by tissue remodeling.

Snake venom metalloproteases--structure and function of catalytic and disintegrin domains.

Snake venoms are relevant sources of toxins that have evolved towards the engineering of highly active compounds. In the last years, research efforts have produced great advance in their understanding and uses. Metalloproteases with disintegrin domains are among the most abundant toxins in many Viperidae snake venoms. This review will focus on the structure, function and possible applications of the metalloprotease and disintegrin domains.

Comparative analysis of the catalytic domain of hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic snake venom metallopeptidases using bioinformatic tools.

Snake venom metalloproteases (SVMPs) are a set of interesting enzymes that are one of the major components of venom affecting hemostasis. A great challenge since their discovery has been to find molecular features responsible for their hemorrhagic potency and many attempts have been made without any consistent result. Here we describe a series of comparisons between the catalytic domains of hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic SVMPs made with the help of bioinformatics. These involved sequence and structure-based multiple alignments, phylogenetic reconstruction, predicted physical and chemical properties, motif scanning and structural analyses. Although hemorrhagic activity seems to be complex, involving multiple factors, we found some molecular characteristics that may influence the toxic effects. Among these findings, it was possible to use a molecular surface feature to subdivide the P-I class in hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic SVMPs. It was also possible to suggest a role for the conserved Asp148 and Ser176 residues in the stabilization of the active site.

The effect of post-translational modifications on the hemorrhagic activity of snake venom metalloproteinases.

Metalloproteinases (MPs) are Zn(+)-dependent endoproteolytic enzymes, abundant in crotalid and viperid snake venoms. Most snake venom metalloproteinases (svMPs) are active on extracellular matrix components and this effect is thought to result in bleeding as a consequence of the basement membrane disruption in capillaries. Jararhagin and ACLH are hemorrhagic svMPs from Bothrops jararaca and Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus venom, respectively. Both enzymes demonstrate proteolytic activity on fibrinogen and fibronectin and jararhagin inhibits collagen-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. This work describes the expression, purification and successful refolding of the recombinant ACLH zymogen (rPRO-ACLH) as well as the catalytic domain of jararhagin (rCDJARA). The heterologous proteins were produced in E. coli, an in vivo expression system that does not make post-translational modifications. The recombinant refolded proteins did not show any hemorrhagic activity in mice skin, as well as the native deglycosylated jararhagin and ACLH. However, they preserved their proteolytic activity on fibrinogen and fibronectin. It seems that the hemorrhagic properties of these hemorrhagins are dependent on post-translational modifications, whereas their proteolytic activity is not dependent on such modifications.

Effects of a myotoxic Asp49 phospholipase A2 (ACL-I PLA2) isolated from Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus snake venom on water transport in the isolated toad urinary bladder.

An Asp49 PLA2 (ACL-I PLA2) was purified from the venom of Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus by gel filtration and cation-exchange chromatography. It has a relative molecular mass of 14,000, and its N-terminal sequence has more than 65% of identity with other snake venom PLA2s. ACL-I PLA2 injected into the Tibialis anterior muscle of rats and mice at doses of 0.3 and 1.6 mg/kg, respectively, induced muscle fiber necrosis, cellular infiltration and edema 3 and 48 h after injection. The effect of the purified enzyme on water permeability was tested in the isolated toad urinary bladder. Water flow through the membrane was measured gravimetrically in bag preparations of the bladder. ACL-I PLA2 (20 nM) did not significantly alter the water permeability in the bladder preparations, whereas ACL myotoxin (ACLMT), a Lys49 PLA2 isolated from the same venom, at similar concentration significantly increased (81%) the water permeability. However, both toxins inhibited the AVP-stimulated water permeability. These results strongly suggest that PLA2 activity is not involved in the ACLMT effect on water transport and the effect of ACL-I PLA2 myotoxin on membrane permeability is mediated by mechanisms that are different in comparison to ACLMT.

Identification of metalloprotease gene families in sugarcane

Metaloproteases exercem papéis importantes em muitos processos fisiológicos em mamíferos tais como migraçäo celular, remodelamento tecidual e processamento de fatores de crescimento. Estas enzimas estäo envolvidas também na pato-fisiologia de um grande número de doenças humanas como hipertensäo e câncer. Muitas bactérias patogênicas dependem de proteases para infectar o hospedeiro. Diversas classes de metaloproteases foram descritas em seres humanos, bactérias, venenos de serpentes e insetos. No entanto, a presença e a caracterizaçäo de metaloproteases em plantas estäo pouco descritas na literatura. Neste trabalho, foi pesquisada a biblioteca de cDNA de etiquetas de seqüências expressas da cana-de-açúcar (SUCEST) para identificar, por homologia com seqüências depositadas em outros bancos de dados, famílias gênicas de metaloproteases expressas em diferentes condições. Foram utilizadas seqüências protéicas de Arabidopis thaliana e Glycine max e seqüências de nucleotídeos de Sorghum bicolor. Regiões conservadas correspondentes aos diferentes domínios e motivos de seqüência de metaloproteases foram identificadas nos cDNAs de cana-de-açúcar para caracterizar cada grupo de enzimas. Pelo menos quatro classes de metaloproteases foram identificadas na cana-de-açúcar, a saber, metaloproteases de matriz extracelular, zincinas, inverzincinas e metaloproteases dependentes de ATP. Cada uma destas classes foi analisada quanto a sua expressäo nas diferentes condições e tecidos utilizados na construçäo das bibliotecas de cDNA.

[Influence of proles vegetable enzymes on meat]. / Influência da ação de enzimas vegetais proteolíticas sobre a carne

Studies on the enzymatic digestion of food proteins are being carried out "in vitro" in order to prepare protein hydrolysates to be added to specific diet. The digested product is lyophilized to preserve its solubility characteristics.