Journal article
Isolation and characterization of a structurally unique β-hairpin venom peptide from the predatory ant Anochetus emarginatus
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects, Vol.1860(11, Part A), pp.2553-2562
2016
Abstract
Background: Most ant venoms consist predominantly of small linear peptides, although some contain disulfide-linked peptides as minor components. However, in striking contrast to other ant species, some Anochetus venoms are composed primarily of disulfide-rich peptides. In this study, we investigated the venom of the ant Anochetus emarginatus with the aim of exploring these novel disulfide-rich peptides. Methods The venom peptidome was initially investigated using a combination of reversed-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry, then the amino acid sequences of the major peptides were determined using a combination of Edman degradation and de novo MS/MS sequencing. We focused on one of these peptides, U1-PONTX-Ae1a (Ae1a), because of its novel sequence, which we predicted would form a novel 3D fold. Ae1a was chemically synthesized using Fmoc chemistry and its 3D structure was elucidated using NMR spectroscopy. The peptide was then tested for insecticidal activity and its effect on a range of human ion channels. Results Seven peptides named poneritoxins (PONTXs) were isolated and sequenced. The three-dimensional structure of synthetic Ae1a revealed a novel, compact scaffold in which a C-terminal β-hairpin is connected to the N-terminal region via two disulfide bonds. Synthetic Ae1a reversibly paralyzed blowflies and inhibited human L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV1). Conclusions: Poneritoxins from Anochetus emarginatus venom are a novel class of toxins that are structurally unique among animal venoms. General significance This study demonstrates that Anochetus ant venoms are a rich source of novel ion channel modulating peptides, some of which might be useful leads for the development of biopesticides.
Details
- Title
- Isolation and characterization of a structurally unique β-hairpin venom peptide from the predatory ant Anochetus emarginatus
- Authors
- A Touchard (Author)A Brust (Author) - University of QueenslandF C Cardoso (Author) - University of QueenslandY K Y Chin (Author) - University of QueenslandVolker Herzig (Author) - University of QueenslandA H Jin (Author) - University of QueenslandA Dejean (Author)P F Alewood (Author) - University of QueenslandG F King (Author) - University of QueenslandJ Orivel (Author)P Escoubas (Author)
- Publication details
- Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects, Vol.1860(11, Part A), pp.2553-2562
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.07.027
- ISSN
- 0304-4165
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2016. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451319202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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