Tick salivary gland as potential natural source for the discovery of promising antitumor drug candidates

Author(s)

Chudzinski-Tavassi, Ana Marisa ^[1] ; Morais, Katia L. P. ^{[1, 2]} ; Fernandes Pacheco, Mario Thiego ^[1] ; Mesquita Pasqualoto, Kerly Fernanda ^[1] ; de Souza, Jean Gabriel ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Butantan Inst, Biochem & Biophys Lab, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biochem, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY; v. 77, p. 14-19, FEB 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

Nowadays, the relationship between cancer blood coagulation is well established. Regarding biodiversity and bioprospection, the tick biology has become quite attractive natural source for coagulation inhibitors, since its saliva has a very rich variety of bioactive molecules. For instance, a Kunitz-type FXa inhibitor, named Amblyomin-X, was found through transcriptome of the salivary gland of the Amblyomma cajennense. tick. This TFPI-like inhibitor, after obtained as recombinant protein, has presented anticoagulant, antigionenic, and antitumor properties. Although its effects on blood coagulation could be relevant for antitumor effect, Amblyomin-X acts by non-hemostatic mechanisms, such as proteasome inhibition and autophagy inhibition. Notably, cytotoxicity was not observed on non-tumor cells treated with this protein, suggesting some selectivity for tumor cells. Considering the current efforts in order to develop effective anticancer therapies, the findings presented in this review strongly suggest Amblyomin-X as a promising novel antitumor drug candidate. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07467-1 - CeTICS - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling
• Grantee: Hugo Aguirre Armelin
• Support type: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 11/05969-4 - Investigating the role of dynein in the mechanism of antitumor action of Amblyomin-X in melanoma cells and pancreatic adenocarcinoma
• Grantee: Mario Thiego Fernandes Pacheco
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 10/07958-7 - EVALUATION OF THE PRO-APOPTOTIC MECHANISM OF ACTION OF THE AMBLYOMIN-X
• Grantee: Kátia Luciano Pereira Morais
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 98/14307-9 - Center for Applied Toxinology
• Grantee: Hugo Aguirre Armelin
• Support type: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC