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Sommer A, Fries A, Cornelsen I, Speck N, Koch-Nolte F, Gimpl G, Andrä J, Bhakdi S, Reiss K. Melittin modulates keratinocyte function through P2 receptor-dependent ADAM activation. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:23678-89. [PMID: 22613720 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.362756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin, the major component of the bee venom, is an amphipathic, cationic peptide with a wide spectrum of biological properties that is being considered as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. It modulates multiple cellular functions but the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. Here, we report that melittin activates disintegrin-like metalloproteases (ADAMs) and that downstream events likely contribute to the biological effects evoked by the peptide. Melittin stimulated the proteolysis of ADAM10 and ADAM17 substrates in human neutrophil granulocytes, endothelial cells and murine fibroblasts. In human HaCaT keratinocytes, melittin induced shedding of the adhesion molecule E-cadherin and release of TGF-α, which was accompanied by transactivation of the EGF receptor and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. This was followed by functional consequences such as increased keratinocyte proliferation and enhanced cell migration. Evidence is provided that ATP release and activation of purinergic P2 receptors are involved in melittin-induced ADAM activation. E-cadherin shedding and EGFR phosphorylation were dose-dependently reduced in the presence of ATPases or P2 receptor antagonists. The involvement of P2 receptors was underscored in experiments with HEK cells, which lack the P2X7 receptor and showed strikingly increased response to melittin stimulation after transfection with this receptor. Our study provides new insight into the mechanism of melittin function which should be of interest particularly in the context of its potential use as an anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselm Sommer
- Department of Dermatology, Christian-Albrecht University Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
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52
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Hood JL, Jallouk AP, Campbell N, Ratner L, Wickline SA. Cytolytic nanoparticles attenuate HIV-1 infectivity. Antivir Ther 2012; 18:95-103. [DOI: 10.3851/imp2346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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53
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Harris F, Dennison SR, Singh J, Phoenix DA. On the selectivity and efficacy of defense peptides with respect to cancer cells. Med Res Rev 2011; 33:190-234. [PMID: 21922503 DOI: 10.1002/med.20252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we review potential determinants of the anticancer efficacy of innate immune peptides (ACPs) for cancer cells. These determinants include membrane-based factors, such as receptors, phosphatidylserine, sialic acid residues, and sulfated glycans, and peptide-based factors, such as residue composition, sequence length, net charge, hydrophobic arc size, hydrophobicity, and amphiphilicity. Each of these factors may contribute to the anticancer action of ACPs, but no single factor(s) makes an overriding contribution to their overall selectivity and toxicity. Differences between the anticancer actions of ACPs seem to relate to different levels of interplay between these peptide and membrane-based factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Harris
- School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
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54
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Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Bee venom induced cytogenetic damage and decreased cell viability in human white blood cells after treatment in vitro: a multi-biomarker approach. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2011; 32:201-211. [PMID: 21843800 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate cytogenotoxic effects of bee venom to human lymphocytes and take a look into the mechanisms behind them. Bee venom was tested in concentrations ranging from 0.1μg/ml to 20μg/ml over different lengths of time. Cell viability, type of the cell death, and morphological alterations were evaluated using phase-contrast and fluorescent microscopy in addition to DNA diffusion assay, whereas cytogenotoxic effects were assessed with the micronucleus test. DNA damage and its relation to oxidative stress were evaluated combining the standard alkaline and the Fpg-modified comet assay. Our results showed lower cell viability, morphological cell alterations, cytogenotoxicity, and dominantly necrotic type of cell death in human lymphocytes after treatment with bee venom. All the effects were time- and dose-dependent. These results provide an insight into the effects of bee venom on the cell structure that could be relevant for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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55
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Walsh EG, Maher S, Devocelle M, O'Brien PJ, Baird AW, Brayden DJ. High content analysis to determine cytotoxicity of the antimicrobial peptide, melittin and selected structural analogs. Peptides 2011; 32:1764-73. [PMID: 21703316 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring entities with potential as pharmaceutical candidates and/or food additives. They are present in many organisms including bacteria, insects, fish and mammals. While their antimicrobial activity is equipotent with many commercial antibiotics, current limitations are poor pharmacokinetics, stability and potential toxicology issues. Most elicit antimicrobial action via perturbation of bacterial membranes. Consequently, associated cytotoxicity in human cells is reflected by their capacity to lyse erythrocytes. However, more rigorous toxicological assessment of AMPs is required in order to predict potential failure at a later stage of development. We describe a high-content analysis (HCA) screening protocol recently established for determination and prediction of safety in pharmaceutical drug discovery. HCA is a powerful, multi-parameter bioanalytical tool that amalgamates the actions of fluorescence microscopy with automated cell analysis software in order to understand multiple changes in cellular health. We describe the application of HCA in assessing cytotoxicity of the cytolytic α-helical peptide, melittin, and selected structural analogs. The data shows that structural modification of melittin reduces its cytotoxic action and that HCA is suitable for rapidly identifying cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin G Walsh
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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56
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Fadnes B, Uhlin-Hansen L, Lindin I, Rekdal Ø. Small lytic peptides escape the inhibitory effect of heparan sulfate on the surface of cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:116. [PMID: 21453492 PMCID: PMC3080343 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several naturally occurring cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs), including bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB), display promising anticancer activities. These peptides are unaffected by multidrug resistance mechanisms and have been shown to induce a protective immune response against solid tumors, thus making them interesting candidates for developing novel lead structures for anticancer treatment. Recently, we showed that the anticancer activity by LfcinB was inhibited by the presence of heparan sulfate (HS) on the surface of tumor cells. Based on extensive structure-activity relationship studies performed on LfcinB, shorter and more potent peptides have been constructed. In the present study, we have investigated the anticancer activity of three chemically modified 9-mer peptides and the influence of HS and chondroitin sulfate (CS) on their cytotoxic activity. Methods Various cell lines and red blood cells were used to investigate the anticancer activity and selectivity of the peptides. The cytotoxic effect of the peptides against the different cell lines was measured by use of a colorimetric MTT viability assay. The influence of HS and CS on their cytotoxic activity was evaluated by using HS/CS expressing and HS/CS deficient cell lines. The ability of soluble HS and CS to inhibit the cytotoxic activity of the peptides and the peptides' affinity for HS and CS were also investigated. Results The 9-mer peptides displayed selective anticancer activity. Cells expressing HS/CS were equally or more susceptible to the peptides than cells not expressing HS/CS. The peptides displayed a higher affinity for HS compared to CS, and exogenously added HS inhibited the cytotoxic effect of the peptides. Conclusions In contrast to the previously reported inhibitory effect of HS on LfcinB, the present study shows that the cytotoxic activity of small lytic peptides was increased or not affected by cell surface HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodil Fadnes
- Institute of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Norway.
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57
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Florea A, Puică C, Vinţan M, Benga I, Crăciun C. Electrophysiological and structural aspects in the frontal cortex after the bee (Apis mellifera) venom experimental treatment. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2011; 31:701-14. [PMID: 21359542 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-011-9667-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the bioelectrical and structural-functional changes in frontal cortex after the bee venom (BV) experimental treatments simulating both an acute envenomation and a subchronic BV therapy. Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected once with three different BV doses: 700 μg/kg (T(1) group), 2100 μg/kg (T(3) group), and 62 mg/kg (sublethal dose-in T(SL) group), and repeated for 30 days with the lowest dose (700 μg/kg-in T(S) group). BV effects were assessed by electrophysiological, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural methods. Single BV doses produced discharges of negative and biphasic sharp waves, and epileptiform spike-wave complexes. The increasing frequency of these elements suggested a dose-dependent neuronal hyperexcitation or irritation. As compared to the lower doses, the sublethal dose was responsible for a pronounced toxic effect, confirmed by ultrastructural data in both neurons and glial cells that underwent extensive, irreversible changes, triggering the cellular death. Subchronic BV treatment in T(S) group resulted in a slower frequency and increased amplitude of cortical activity suggesting neuronal loss. However, neurons were still stimulated by the last BV dose. Structural-functional data showed a reduced cellular density in frontal cortex of animals in this group, while the remaining neurons displayed both specific (stimulation of neuronal activity) and unspecific modifications (moderate alterations to necrotic phenomena). Molecular mechanisms involved in BV interactions with the nervous tissue are also discussed. We consider all these data very important for clinicians who manage patients with multiple bee stings, or who intend to set an appropriate BV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, "Iuliu Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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58
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Huang YB, Wang XF, Wang HY, Liu Y, Chen Y. Studies on mechanism of action of anticancer peptides by modulation of hydrophobicity within a defined structural framework. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:416-26. [PMID: 21252288 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-0811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the hydrophobicity of a 26-residue α-helical peptide (peptide P) was altered to study the effects of peptide hydrophobicity on the mechanism of action of cationic anticancer peptides. Hydrophobicity of the nonpolar face of the peptides was shown to correlate with peptide helicity. The self-association ability of peptides in aqueous environment, determined by the reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography temperature profiling, showed strong influence on anticancer activity. The peptide analogues with greater hydrophobicity showed stronger anticancer activity determined by IC(50) values with a necrotic-like membrane disruption mechanism. Peptide analogues exhibited high specificity against cancer cells and much higher anticancer activity than widely-used anticancer chemical drugs. The mechanism of action of anticancer peptides was also investigated. The hydrophobicity of peptides plays a crucial role in the mechanism of action against cancer cells, which could present a way, using a de novo design approach, to create anticancer peptides as potential therapeutics in clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Bing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Rm. 244, No. 3 Tang Ao-qing Bldg., 2699 Qianjin St., Changchun, Jilin, China
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Hou Z, Lu J, Fang C, Zhou Y, Bai H, Zhang X, Xue X, Chen Y, Luo X. Underlying mechanism of in vivo and in vitro activity of C-terminal-amidated thanatin against clinical isolates of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. J Infect Dis 2010; 203:273-82. [PMID: 21288828 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiq029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) have developed resistance to current therapies. Therefore, the underlying mechanisms of in vivo and in vitro activity of C-terminal-amidated thanatin (A-thanatin) against clinical isolates of ESBL-EC were studied in an attempt to resolve this problem. METHODS A-thanatin was synthesized to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and kill curve for ESBL-EC. The hemolytic toxicity, stability, and resistance induction of A-thanatin were determined. ESBL-EC-infected mice were used to determine the in vivo activity of A-thanatin. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy were used to study the underlying mechanism of A-thanatin. RESULTS A-thanatin is highly effective against ESBL-EC in vitro, with MIC values ≤4 μg/mL. It has been confirmed that A-thanatin has little hemolysis and relative high stability in plasma. Excellent in vivo therapeutic effects were also observed in a septicemic animal model, with survival rates of 50.0%, 66.7%, and 91.7% in the low-dose, middle-dose, and high-dose groups, respectively. Membrane permeabilization may be a major biological action of A-thanatin. CONCLUSIONS Because the development of multidrug resistance limits the available therapeutic options, A-thanatin may provide a novel strategy for treating ESBL-EC infection and other infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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60
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Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Increased frequency of sister chromatid exchanges and decrease in cell viability and proliferation kinetics in human peripheral blood lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to whole bee venom. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2010; 45:1654-1659. [PMID: 20730658 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2010.506144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of bee venom on frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and viability in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro. In addition, the proportion of lymphocytes that undergo one, two or three cell divisions as well as proliferative rate index (PRI) have been determined. Aqueous solution of whole bee venom was added to whole blood samples in concentrations ranging from 0.1 microg/mL to 20 microg/mL in different lengths of time. Results showed that whole bee venom inhibited cell viability, resulting in a 22.86 +/- 1.14% and 51.21 +/- 0.58% reduction of viable cells at 1 hour and 6 hours, respectively. The mean SCE per cell in all the exposed samples was significantly higher than in the corresponding controls. In addition, the percentage of high frequency cells (HFC) for each sample was estimated using the pooled distribution of all SCE measurements. This parameter was also significantly higher compared to the control. Inhibition of proliferation was statistically significant for both exposure times and concentrations and was time and dose dependent. These data indicate that whole bee venom inhibited cell proliferation, resulting in a 36.87 +/- 5.89% and 38.43 +/- 1.96% reduction of proliferation at 1 hour and 6 hours, respectively. In conclusion, this report demonstrated that whole bee venom is capable of inducing DNA alterations by virtue of increasing sister chromatid exchanges in addition to the cell viability decrease and inhibition of proliferation kinetics in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, Zagreb, Croatia.
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61
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Impact of amino acid replacements on in vitro permeation enhancement and cytotoxicity of the intestinal absorption promoter, melittin. Int J Pharm 2010; 387:154-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Revised: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Maher S, Kennelly R, Bzik VA, Baird AW, Wang X, Winter D, Brayden DJ. Evaluation of intestinal absorption enhancement and local mucosal toxicity of two promoters. I. Studies in isolated rat and human colonic mucosae. Eur J Pharm Sci 2009; 38:291-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2009.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2009] [Revised: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Maher S, Wang X, Bzik V, McClean S, Brayden DJ. Evaluation of intestinal absorption and mucosal toxicity using two promoters. II. Rat instillation and perfusion studies. Eur J Pharm Sci 2009; 38:301-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2009.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2009] [Revised: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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