Characterization of two peptides isolated from the venom of social wasp Chartergellus communis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): Influence of multiple alanine residues and C-terminal amidation on biological effects

Abstract

Chatergellus communis is a wasp species endemic to the neotropical region and its venom constituents have never been described. In this study, two peptides from C. communis venom, denominated Communis and Communis-AAAA, were chemically and biologically characterized. In respect to the chemical characterization, the following amino acid sequences and molecular masses were identified: Communis: Ile-Asn-Trp-Lys-Ala-Ile-Leu-Gly-Lys-Ile-Gly-Lys-COOH (1340.9Da) Communis-AAAA: Ile-Asn-Trp-Lys-Ala-Ile-Leu-Gly-Lys-Ile-Gly-Lys-Ala-Ala-Ala-Ala-Val-Xle-NH (1836.3Da). Furthermore, their biological effects were compared, accounting for the differences in structural characteristics between the two peptides. To this end, three biological assays were performed in order to evaluate the hyperalgesic, edematogenic and hemolytic effects of these molecules. Communis-AAAA, unlike Communis, showed a potent hemolytic activity with EC=142.6μM. Moreover, the highest dose of Communis-AAAA (2nmol/animal) induced hyperalgesia in mice. On the other hand, Communis (10nmol/animal) was able to induce edema but did not present hemolytic or hyperalgesic activity. Although both peptides have similarities in linear structures, we demonstrated the distinct biological effects of Communis and Communis-AAAA. This is the first study with Chartegellus communis venom, and both Communis and Communis-AAAA are unpublished peptides.

Antimicrobial activity and partial chemical structure of acylpolyamines isolated from the venom of the spider Acanthoscurria natalensis

“…The hemolytic activity of ApAn728, Ap614a, ApAn614b, ApAn742 and ApAn756 was tested against erythrocytes of SWISS mice [ 24 ] (approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use, of the University of Brasilia (CEUA-UnB), under protocol UnBDoc number 44/2017). Erythrocytes were washed with Krebs solution (113 mM NaCl, 1.2 mM KH 2 PO 4 , 4.0 mM KCl, 1.2 mM MgSO 4 , 2.5 mM CaCl 2 , 25 mM NaHCO 3 , 11.1 mM C 6 H 12 O 6 , pH 7.…”

Mutualistic Relationships between Microorganisms and Eusocial Wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

“…Mastoparans can cause many different effects on biological organisms and possess cytolytic and antimicrobial activity. Various types have been described in the venom of social wasps belonging to several species of Stenogastrinae [ 15 ], Vespinae ( Vespa tropica —[ 21 ]; V. magnifica , V. orientalis , V. nigrithorax —[ 22 ]; Vespula vulgaris —[ 23 ]; Dolichovespula saxonica —[ 24 ]) and Polistinae ( Agelaia pallipes pallipes —[ 25 ]; Polybia paulista —[ 26 ]; Polybia dymorpha —[ 27 ]; Chartergellus communis —[ 28 ]; Sinoeca surinama —[ 29 ]; Polistes dominula [ 30 ]; P. major major and P. dorsalis dorsalis —[ 31 ]; and P. wattii —[ 32 ]). Moreover, targets of the antimicrobial activity span from bacteria to fungi and even viruses.…”

Hymenoptera Toxins: Biological Activity, Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Uses

“…These could be used as good source for new insecticidal compounds for making new, highly potent drugs. Several insecticidal peptides or polyamine-like compounds have been purified and characterized from the venom of arachnids and hymenopterans [122]. These are used as bioinsecticides for insect control [123].…”