Recombinant conotoxin, TxVIA, produced in yeast has insecticidal activity

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Conotoxins are peptides from Conus snails targeting ion channels.
• Pharmaceutical applications are hindered by difficulties in obtaining active conotoxins.
• Current production methods like chemical synthesis or prokaryotic expression often require additional folding steps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce biologically active recombinant conotoxin TxVIA from Conus textile using Pichia pastoris.
• To investigate the role of the pro-peptide in TxVIA expression and activity.
• To determine the activity spectrum of recombinant TxVIA against different organisms.

Main Methods:

• Recombinant expression of TxVIA in the yeast Pichia pastoris.
• Assessment of biological activity through injection into various larvae and slugs.
• Analysis of the necessity of the pro-peptide for active conotoxin production.

Main Results:

• Biologically active recombinant TxVIA was successfully produced in Pichia pastoris.
• The presence of the pro-peptide was essential for the expression of active TxVIA.
• TxVIA demonstrated insecticidal activity against lepidopteran and dipteran larvae.
• TxVIA showed no molluscicidal activity against Deroceras reticulatum.

Conclusions:

• Pichia pastoris is a suitable host for producing biologically active conotoxin TxVIA.
• The pro-peptide is crucial for the proper expression and activity of TxVIA.
• TxVIA possesses insecticidal activity, suggesting broader applications beyond mollusc targets.