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Functional Evaluation of Biological Neurotoxins in Networked Cultures of Stem Cell-derived Central Nervous System Neurons

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Engineering V-type nerve agents detoxifying enzymes using computationally focused libraries.

Izhack Cherny¹, Per Greisen, Yacov Ashani

¹Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science , Rehovot 76100, Israel.

ACS Chemical Biology

|September 18, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers enhanced an enzyme, phosphotriesterase (PTE), to rapidly detoxify V-agents like VX, RVX, and CVX, which are highly toxic nerve agents. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for broad-spectrum nerve agent detoxification.

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Multi-enzyme Screening Using a High-throughput Genetic Enzyme Screening System

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Enzyme Engineering
Toxicology

Background:

VX and its analogues (RVX, CVX) are highly toxic organophosphate nerve agents.
These agents rapidly inactivate acetylcholinesterase and are poorly hydrolyzed by natural enzymes.
Developing effective detoxification methods for these agents is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

To significantly enhance the detoxification rate of Brevundimonas diminuta phosphotriesterase (PTE) against V-agents.
To engineer PTE variants with improved catalytic efficiency for nerve agent hydrolysis.
To establish a basis for broad-spectrum nerve agent detoxification strategies.

Main Methods:

Integrated computational modeling and experimental approaches were employed.
Computational models of PTE-V-agent complexes guided active site redesign.
Directed evolution and screening of enzyme libraries were performed using direct detoxification assays.
Iterative refinement of computational models based on experimental feedback.

Main Results:

Achieved a 5000-fold increase in PTE's detoxification rate for V-agents.
Engineered PTE variants efficiently hydrolyze toxic SP isomers of VX, RVX, and CVX.
Observed catalytic efficiencies (kcat/KM) up to 5 × 10(6) M(-1) min(-1).
Developed variants also demonstrate efficient detoxification of G-agents.

Conclusions:

Successful engineering of PTE provides highly efficient catalysts for V-agent detoxification.
The developed enzyme variants offer a promising foundation for broad-spectrum nerve agent detoxification.
This integrated computational-experimental strategy is effective for enzyme optimization.