1
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Lin H, Song L, Zhou S, Fan C, Zhang M, Huang R, Zhou R, Qiu J, Ma S, He J. A Hybrid Antimicrobial Peptide Targeting Staphylococcus aureus with a Dual Function of Inhibiting Quorum Sensing Signaling and an Antibacterial Effect. J Med Chem 2023; 66:17105-17117. [PMID: 38099725 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is now a major cause of bacterial infection. Antivirulence therapy does not stimulate evolution of a pathogen toward a resistant phenotype, providing a novel method to treat infectious diseases. Here, we used a cyclic peptide of CP7, an AIP-III variant that specifically inhibited the virulence and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in a nonbiocidal manner, to conjugate with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide (AMP) via two N-termini to obtain a hybrid AMP called CP7-FP13-2. This peptide not only specifically inhibited the production of virulence of S. aureus at low micromolar concentrations but also killed S. aureus, including MRSA, by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. In addition, CP7-FP13-2 inhibited the formation of the S. aureus biofilm and showed good antimicrobial efficacy against the S. aureus-infected Kunming mice model. Therefore, this study provides a promising strategy against the resistance and virulence of S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixing Lin
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
- Department of Urology, Tongren Municipal People's Hospital, 120 Taoyuan Avenue, Tongren, Guizhou 554300, P. R. China
| | - Li Song
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Shaofen Zhou
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Cuiqiong Fan
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Minna Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Tongren Municipal People's Hospital, 120 Taoyuan Avenue, Tongren, Guizhou 554300, P. R. China
| | - Ruifeng Huang
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Runhong Zhou
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jingnan Qiu
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Shuaiqi Ma
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jian He
- Group of peptides and natural products Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
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2
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West KHJ, Ma SV, Pensinger DA, Tucholski T, Tiambeng TN, Eisenbraun EL, Yehuda A, Hayouka Z, Ge Y, Sauer JD, Blackwell HE. Characterization of an Autoinducing Peptide Signal Reveals Highly Efficacious Synthetic Inhibitors and Activators of Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation in Listeria monocytogenes. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2878-2892. [PMID: 37699554 PMCID: PMC10676741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria can use chemical signals to assess their local population density in a process called quorum sensing (QS). Many of these bacteria are common pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria that utilize agr QS systems regulated by macrocyclic autoinducing peptide (AIP) signals. Listeria monocytogenes, an important foodborne pathogen, uses an agr system to regulate a variety of virulence factors and biofilm formation, yet little is known about the specific roles of agr in Listeria infection and its persistence in various environments. Herein, we report synthetic peptide tools that will enable the study of QS in Listeria. We identified a 6-mer AIP signal in L. monocytogenes supernatants and selected it as a scaffold around which a collection of non-native AIP mimics was designed and synthesized. These peptides were evaluated in cell-based agr reporter assays to generate structure-activity relationships for AIP-based agonism and antagonism in L. monocytogenes. We discovered synthetic agonists with increased potency relative to native AIP and a synthetic antagonist capable of reducing agr activity to basal levels. Notably, the latter peptide was able to reduce biofilm formation by over 90%, a first for a synthetic QS modulator in wild-type L. monocytogenes. The lead agr agonist and antagonist in L. monocytogenes were also capable of antagonizing agr signaling in the related pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, further extending their utility and suggesting different mechanisms of agr activation in these two pathogens. This study represents an important first step in the application of chemical methods to modulate QS and concomitant virulence outcomes in L. monocytogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korbin H J West
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Stella V Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Daniel A Pensinger
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Trisha Tucholski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Timothy N Tiambeng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Emma L Eisenbraun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Avishag Yehuda
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Zvi Hayouka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - John-Demian Sauer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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3
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Williams P, Hill P, Bonev B, Chan WC. Quorum-sensing, intra- and inter-species competition in the staphylococci. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001381. [PMID: 37578829 PMCID: PMC10482373 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
In Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), the accessory gene regulator (agr) is a highly conserved but polymorphic quorum-sensing system involved in colonization, virulence and biofilm development. Signalling via agr depends on the interaction of an autoinducing peptide (AIP) with AgrC, a transmembrane sensor kinase that, once phosphorylated activates the response regulator AgrA. This in turn autoinduces AIP biosynthesis and drives target gene expression directly via AgrA or via the post-transcriptional regulator, RNAIII. In this review we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying the agr-mediated generation of, and response to, AIPs and the molecular basis of AIP-dependent activation and inhibition of AgrC. How the environment impacts on agr functionality is considered and the consequences of agr dysfunction for infection explored. We also discuss the concept of AIP-driven competitive interference between S. aureus and the CoNS and its anti-infective potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Williams
- Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Phil Hill
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Boyan Bonev
- Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Weng C. Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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4
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Qin J, Yu L, Peng F, Ye X, Li G, Sun C, Cheng F, Peng C, Xie X. Tannin extracted from Penthorum chinense Pursh, a potential drug with antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1134207. [PMID: 37465024 PMCID: PMC10351983 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1134207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen. Due to the widespread use and abuse of antibiotics, various drug-resistant strains of S. aureus have emerged, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being the most prevalent. Bacterial biofilm is a significant contributor to bacterial infection and drug resistance. Consequently, bacterial biofilm formation has emerged as a therapeutic strategy. In this study, the chemical constituents, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of tannins isolated from Penthorum chinense Pursh (TPCP) were investigated. In vitro, TPCP exhibited antimicrobial properties. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA were 156.25 and 312.5 μg/mL, and 312.5 and 625 μg/mL, respectively. According to the growth curves, TPCP significantly inhibited the growth of MSSA and MRSA. The results of the crystal violet biofilm assay in conjunction with confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that TPCP destroyed preformed MSSA and MRSA biofilms. TPCP significantly decreased the secretion of exopolysaccharides and extracellular DNA. Subsequently, the mechanism was investigated using RT-PCR. Examining the expression of icaA, cidA, sigB, agrA, and sarA genes in MRSA, we discovered that TPCP inhibited biofilm formation by affecting the quorum-sensing system in bacteria. Our study demonstrates that TPCP exerts antibacterial effects by disrupting the formation of bacterial biofilms, suggesting that TPCP has clinical potential as a novel antibacterial agent for the prevention and treatment of MSSA and MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Gangmin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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5
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Polaske TJ, West KHJ, Zhao K, Widner DL, York JT, Blackwell HE. Chemical and biomolecular insights into the Staphylococcus aureus agr quorum sensing system: Current progress and ongoing challenges. Isr J Chem 2023; 63:e202200096. [PMID: 38765792 PMCID: PMC11101167 DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous bacterium that has become a major threat to human health due to its extensive toxin production and tremendous capacity for antibiotic resistance (e.g., MRSA "superbug" infections). Amid a worsening antibiotic resistance crisis, new strategies to combat this deadly microbe that remove the selective pressure of traditional approaches are in high demand. S. aureus utilizes an accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing network to monitor its local cellular population and trigger a devastating communal attack, like an invading horde, once a threshold cell density has been reached. The role of the agr system in a range of disease types is still being unraveled. Herein, we discuss the present-day biochemical understanding of agr along with unresolved details, describe its connection to the progression of infection, and review how chemical strategies have been implemented to study and intercept this signaling pathway. This research is illuminating the potential of agr as an anti-virulence target in S. aureus and should inform the study of similar, yet less studied, agr systems in related bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Polaske
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Korbin H. J. West
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Ke Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Danielle L. Widner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Jordan T. York
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
| | - Helen E. Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 USA
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6
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Ongpipattanakul C, Desormeaux EK, DiCaprio A, van der Donk WA, Mitchell DA, Nair SK. Mechanism of Action of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-Translationally Modified Peptides. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14722-14814. [PMID: 36049139 PMCID: PMC9897510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a natural product class that has undergone significant expansion due to the rapid growth in genome sequencing data and recognition that they are made by biosynthetic pathways that share many characteristic features. Their mode of actions cover a wide range of biological processes and include binding to membranes, receptors, enzymes, lipids, RNA, and metals as well as use as cofactors and signaling molecules. This review covers the currently known modes of action (MOA) of RiPPs. In turn, the mechanisms by which these molecules interact with their natural targets provide a rich set of molecular paradigms that can be used for the design or evolution of new or improved activities given the relative ease of engineering RiPPs. In this review, coverage is limited to RiPPs originating from bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayanid Ongpipattanakul
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Emily K. Desormeaux
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Adam DiCaprio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Wilfred A. van der Donk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Department of Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Corresponding authors Wilfred A. van der Donk, , 217-244-5360, Douglas A. Mitchell, , 217-333-1345, Satish K. Nair, , 217-333-0641
| | - Douglas A. Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Corresponding authors Wilfred A. van der Donk, , 217-244-5360, Douglas A. Mitchell, , 217-333-1345, Satish K. Nair, , 217-333-0641
| | - Satish K. Nair
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.,Corresponding authors Wilfred A. van der Donk, , 217-244-5360, Douglas A. Mitchell, , 217-333-1345, Satish K. Nair, , 217-333-0641
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7
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Nagano M, Ishida S, Suga H. Inner residues of macrothiolactone in autoinducer peptides-I/IV circumvents S-to-O acyl transfer to the upstream serine residue. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:295-300. [PMID: 35359496 PMCID: PMC8905530 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00225b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoinducing peptides I and IV (AIP-I/IV) are naturally occurring cyclic thiodepsipeptides (CTPs) bearing a Ser–Thr–Cys–Asp/Tyr (STC[D/Y]) tetrapeptide motif, where the Cys thiol (HSC) in the side-chain is linked to the Met C-terminal carboxylic acid (MCOOH) to form 5-residue macrothiolactones,−SC(D/Y)FIMCO−. We have recently reported that CTPs containing SX1CX2 motifs spontaneously undergo macrolactonization to yield cyclic depsipeptides (CDPs) by an unprecedented rapid S-to-O acyl transfer to the upstream Ser hydroxyl group. Interestingly, even though the STC[D/Y] motif in AIP-I/IV is a member of the SX1CX2 motif family, it maintains the CTP form. This suggests that AIP-I/IV have a structural or chemical motive for avoiding such an S-to-O acyl transfer, thus retaining the CTP form intact. Here we have used genetic code reprogramming to ribosomally synthesize various AIP-I analogs and studied what the determinant is to control the formation of CTP vs. CDP products. The study revealed that a Gly substitution of the inner Asp/Tyr or Met residues in the thiolactone drastically alters the resistance to the promotion of the S-to-O acyl transfer, giving the corresponding CDP product. This suggests that the steric hindrances originating from the α-substituted sidechain in these two amino acids in the AIP-I/IV thiolactone likely play a critical role in controlling the resistance against macrolactone rearrangement to the upstream Ser residue. In AIP-I/IV, single Gly mutation at the thiolactone induces S-to-O acyl shift to yield a corresponding ring-expanded lactone form.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Nagano
- Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo 113-0033 Japan
| | - Satoshi Ishida
- Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo 113-0033 Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo 113-0033 Japan
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8
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Xie Q, Wiedmann MM, Zhao A, Pagan IR, Novick RP, Suga H, Muir TW. Discovery of quorum quenchers targeting the membrane-embedded sensor domain of the Staphylococcus aureus receptor histidine kinase, AgrC. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 56:11223-11226. [PMID: 32820778 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc04873a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We combined mRNA display technology with lipid-nanodisc based selections and identified high-affinity ligands targeting the integral membrane sensor domain of the histidine kinase AgrC as potent inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus quorum sensing-modulated virulence. Our study highlights the potential of this integrated approach for identifying functional modulators of integral membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xie
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Mareike M Wiedmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Aishan Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Ivelisse R Pagan
- Skirball Institute, Department of Microbiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard P Novick
- Skirball Institute, Department of Microbiology, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tom W Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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9
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Shang L, Li J, Song C, Nina Z, Li Q, Chou S, Wang Z, Shan A. Hybrid Antimicrobial Peptide Targeting Staphylococcus aureus and Displaying Anti-infective Activity in a Murine Model. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1767. [PMID: 33042031 PMCID: PMC7516806 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) kill bacteria indiscriminately, increasing the possibility of an ecological imbalance in the microbiota. To solve this problem, new types of AMPs, which kill pathogenic bacteria without breaking the micro-ecological balance of the body, were proposed. Here, we successfully designed a targeting AMP, S2, which is a fusion peptide composed of a species-specific targeting domain and broad-spectrum AMP domain. In the current study, S2 showed specific killing activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and almost no resistance induced compared to penicillin. Mechanism studies indicated that S2 killed S. aureus by destroying the bacterial membrane. Meanwhile, S2 possessed excellent salt-tolerance properties and biocompatibility. Importantly, S2 exhibited perfect treatment efficacy against an S. aureus subcutaneous infection model and remained nontoxic. In conclusion, this study provides a promising strategy for designing specific AMPs against growing bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Shang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunsheng Song
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zaytseva Nina
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qiuke Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuli Chou
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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10
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Jones DD, Caesar LK, Pelzer CV, Crandall WJ, Jenul C, Todd DA, Horswill AR, Cech NB. Targeted and untargeted analysis of secondary metabolites to monitor growth and quorum sensing inhibition for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). J Microbiol Methods 2020; 176:106000. [PMID: 32649968 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistant infections are an increasing problem world-wide, responsible for an estimated 700,000 annual mortalities. The use of antibiotics to treat such infections has resulted in the development of resistant bacterial pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). One potential alternative strategy for treating drug resistant bacterial infections is to inhibit the production of toxins, thereby making the bacteria less harmful to the host, a so called "anti-virulence" approach. In MRSA, the agr quorum sensing system is one of the major regulators of toxin production, and quorum sensing inhibitors that target this system are a promising anti-virulence strategy. With this study, we developed a method that enables the activity of quorum sensing inhibitors to be measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). This method is an improvement over existing methods because it can be employed to distinguish antimicrobial activity from quorum sensing inhibition activity based on the UPLC-MS data. This is possible by simultaneously tracking production of metabolites regulated by the agr quorum sensing system (AIP-I and formylated δ-toxin) and a metabolite that appears not to be agr regulated under the conditions of this study (aureusimine B). The newly developed method provides more nuanced indication of how metabolite production changes over time and in response to quorum sensing or growth inhibition than is possible with commonly employed spectroscopic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derick D Jones
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Lindsay K Caesar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Chantal V Pelzer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - William J Crandall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Christian Jenul
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Daniel A Todd
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Alexander R Horswill
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nadja B Cech
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
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11
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Gordon CP. Synthetic strategies to access staphylococcus auto-inducing peptides as quorum sensing modulators. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:379-390. [PMID: 31844862 DOI: 10.1039/c9ob02038a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum-sensing system is arguably the most important regulator of staphylococcus virulence and has been the focus of tremendous interest in the development of effective therapies for pathogenic bacterial infections. With regards to chemotherapeutic based strategies, the significant proportion of currently reported agr-system modulating molecules are mimics of the native ArgC substrate, which is a thioester-based macrocyclic peptide know as the auto-inducing peptide. Over the past two decades, more than two-hundred synthetic analogues have been reported. This review traces the development of the synthetic strategies employed to synthesise these analogues with a particular focus on macrocyclisation. At present these synthetic approaches can be clustered into five broad categories (1) solution-phase cyclisation, (2) immobilised carbodiimide assisted cyclisation, (3) concomitant on-resin cleavage and macrocyclisation, (4) Boc-compatible chemoselective thioesterification, and (5) Fmoc-compatible chemoselective thioesterification. The advantages and limitation provided by each of the approaches are compared and contrasted with a view towards potential reaction scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Gordon
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 2751, Australia.
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12
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Vasquez JK, West KHJ, Yang T, Polaske TJ, Cornilescu G, Tonelli M, Blackwell HE. Conformational Switch to a β-Turn in a Staphylococcal Quorum Sensing Signal Peptide Causes a Dramatic Increase in Potency. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:750-761. [PMID: 31859506 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b05513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We report the solution-phase structures of native signal peptides and related analogs capable of either strongly agonizing or antagonizing the AgrC quorum sensing (QS) receptor in the emerging pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis. Chronic S. epidermidis infections are often recalcitrant to traditional therapies due to antibiotic resistance and formation of robust biofilms. The accessory gene regulator (agr) QS system plays an important role in biofilm formation in this opportunistic pathogen, and the binding of an autoinducing peptide (AIP) signal to its cognate transmembrane receptor (AgrC) is responsible for controlling agr. Small molecules or peptides capable of modulating this binding event are of significant interest as probes to investigate both the agr system and QS as a potential antivirulence target. We used NMR spectroscopy to characterize the structures of the three native S. epidermidis AIP signals and five non-native analogs with distinct activity profiles in the AgrC-I receptor from S. epidermidis. These studies revealed a suite of structural motifs critical for ligand activity. Interestingly, a unique β-turn was present in the macrocycles of the two most potent AgrC-I modulators, in both an agonist and an antagonist, which was distinct from the macrocycle conformation in the less-potent AgrC-I modulators and in the native AIP-I itself. This previously unknown β-turn provides a structural rationale for these ligands' respective biological activity profiles. Development of analogs to reinforce the β-turn resulted in our first antagonist with subnanomolar potency in AgrC-I, while analogs designed to contain a disrupted β-turn were dramatically less potent relative to their parent compounds. Collectively, these studies provide new insights into the AIP:AgrC interactions crucial for QS activation in S. epidermidis and advance the understanding of QS at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Vasquez
- Department of Chemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Korbin H J West
- Department of Chemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Chemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Thomas J Polaske
- Department of Chemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Gabriel Cornilescu
- National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Marco Tonelli
- National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
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13
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Horswill AR, Gordon CP. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Small Molecule Modulators of the Staphylococcal Accessory Gene Regulator. J Med Chem 2019; 63:2705-2730. [PMID: 31658413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum-sensing system is arguably the most important regulator of Staphylococcus virulence. The agr-system serves a crucial role in pathogenesis by triggering substantive gene expression alterations to up-regulate the production of a wide variety of virulence determinants such as exoenzymes (proteases, lipases, nucleases) and downregulate the expression of surface binding proteins. Accordingly, the agr-system represents a compelling target for the development of antivirulence therapeutics as potential adjuncts, or alternatives, to conventional bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics. Despite this potential, to date, no agr-system inhibitors have progressed to the clinic; however, several promising lead compounds have been identified through screens of synthetic and natural product libraries. On the basis of the molecular components within the agr-system, the current contingent of regulating compounds can be clustered into three broad groups, AgrA-P3 activation inhibitors, AgrB-AgrD processing inhibitors, and AgrC-AIP interaction inhibitors. This review aims to provide an overview of the development, structure-activity-relationships, and limitations of compounds within each of these groups in addition to the current opportunities for developing next-generation anologs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Horswill
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Christopher P Gordon
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 2751, Australia.,Molecular Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Westerm Sydney University, Building 30, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia
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14
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Gless BH, Bojer MS, Peng P, Baldry M, Ingmer H, Olsen CA. Identification of autoinducing thiodepsipeptides from staphylococci enabled by native chemical ligation. Nat Chem 2019; 11:463-469. [PMID: 31011175 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-019-0256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococci secrete autoinducing peptides (AIPs) as signalling molecules to regulate population-wide behaviour. AIPs from non-Staphylococcus aureus staphylococci have received attention as potential antivirulence agents to inhibit quorum sensing and virulence gene expression in the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. However, only a limited number of AIP structures from non-S. aureus staphylococci have been identified to date, as the minute amounts secreted in complex media render it difficult. Here, we report a method for the identification of AIPs by exploiting their thiolactone functionality for chemoselective trapping and enrichment of the compounds from the bacterial supernatant. Standard liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis, guided by genome sequencing data, then readily provides the AIP identities. Using this approach, we confirm the identity of five known AIPs and identify the AIPs of eleven non-S. aureus species, and we expect that the method should be extendable to AIP-expressing Gram-positive bacteria beyond the Staphylococcus genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengt H Gless
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin S Bojer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pai Peng
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mara Baldry
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Ingmer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian A Olsen
- Center for Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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15
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Vasquez JK, Blackwell HE. Simplified Autoinducing Peptide Mimetics with Single-Nanomolar Activity Against the Staphylococcus aureus AgrC Quorum Sensing Receptor. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:484-492. [PMID: 30817121 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide, and cases of community-acquired infections are becoming more prevalent. The production of numerous virulence factors in S. aureus is under the control of the accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing (QS) system. S. aureus upregulates agr at high cell density by secreting a peptide pheromone, or autoinducing peptide (AIP), which is detected by its cognate transmembrane receptor, AgrC. The extracellular AIP binding site of AgrC represents an attractive target for inhibition of the agr system and, thereby, QS-controlled virulence in S. aureus. Nonnative peptides and, more recently, peptidomimetics have been reported to inhibit the AgrC receptor and represent useful chemical tools to study the role of QS in S. aureus infections. We seek to expand beyond peptide-like scaffolds to generate AgrC modulators with enhanced stability, solubility, and synthetic accessibility relative to these compounds, while maintaining their high potencies. Toward this goal, we report herein a study of the structure-activity relationships responsible for the activity of a recently reported simplified AIP mimetic and AgrC antagonist, n7OFF, and the discovery of a new AIP mimetic, Bnc3, which has low- to sub-nanomolar inhibitory activity in all four S. aureus agr specificity groups. NMR structural studies of Bnc3 revealed hydrophobic and hydrophilic faces that are likely critical for AgrC antagonism, in agreement with prior studies of peptide-derived inhibitors. Bnc3 represents an important transition compound toward the development of small-molecule AgrC antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K. Vasquez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Helen E. Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin−Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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16
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Xie Q, Zhao A, Jeffrey PD, Kim MK, Bassler BL, Stone HA, Novick RP, Muir TW. Identification of a Molecular Latch that Regulates Staphylococcal Virulence. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:548-558.e4. [PMID: 30773482 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Virulence induction in the Staphylococcus aureus is under the control of a quorum sensing (QS) circuit encoded by the accessory gene regulator (agr) locus. Allelic variation within agr produces four QS specificity groups, each producing a unique secreted autoinducer peptide (AIP) and receptor histidine kinase (RHK), AgrC. Cognate AIP-AgrC interactions activate virulence through a two-component signaling cascade, whereas non-cognate pairs are generally inhibitory. Here we pinpoint a key hydrogen-bonding interaction within AgrC that acts as a switch to convert helical motions propagating from the receptor sensor domain into changes in inter-domain association within the kinase module. AgrC mutants lacking this interaction are constitutively active in vitro and in vivo, the latter leading to a pronounced attenuation of S. aureus biofilm formation. Thus, our work sheds light on the regulation of this biomedically important RHK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xie
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-0015, USA
| | - Aishan Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-0015, USA
| | - Philip D Jeffrey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Schultz Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Minyoung Kevin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-0015, USA
| | - Bonnie L Bassler
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Schultz Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Howard A Stone
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Engineering Quadrangle, Olden Street, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Richard P Novick
- Skirball Institute, Department of Microbiology, NYU Medical Center, 540-562 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tom W Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-0015, USA.
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17
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Mull RW, Harrington A, Sanchez LA, Tal-Gan Y. Cyclic Peptides that Govern Signal Transduction Pathways: From Prokaryotes to Multi-Cellular Organisms. Curr Top Med Chem 2018; 18:625-644. [PMID: 29773060 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666180518090705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic peptide scaffolds are key components of signal transduction pathways in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms since they act as chemical messengers that activate or inhibit specific cognate receptors. In prokaryotic organisms these peptides are utilized in non-essential pathways, such as quorum sensing, that are responsible for virulence and pathogenicity. In the more evolved eukaryotic systems, cyclic peptide hormones play a key role in the regulation of the overall function of multicellular organisms, mainly through the endocrine system. This review will highlight several prokaryote and eukaryote systems that use cyclic peptides as their primary signals and the potential associated with utilizing these scaffolds for the discovery of novel therapeutics for a wide range of diseases and illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W Mull
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Anthony Harrington
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Lucia A Sanchez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
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18
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Hansen AM, Peng P, Baldry M, Perez-Gassol I, Christensen SB, Vinther JMO, Ingmer H, Franzyk H. Lactam hybrid analogues of solonamide B and autoinducing peptides as potent S. aureus AgrC antagonists. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 152:370-376. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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19
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Tan L, Li SR, Jiang B, Hu XM, Li S. Therapeutic Targeting of the Staphylococcus aureus Accessory Gene Regulator ( agr) System. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:55. [PMID: 29422887 PMCID: PMC5789755 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus can cause numerous different diseases, which has been attributed to its large repertoire of virulence factors, many of which are under the control of the accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing system. Under conditions of high cell density, agr increases the production of many virulence factors, decreases expression of several colonization factors, and is intimately associated with the pathogenesis and biofilm formation of S. aureus. This review summarizes our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying agr quorum sensing and the regulation of agr expression. The discussion also examines subgroups of agr and their association with different diseases, and concludes with an analysis of strategies for designing drugs and vaccines that target agr to combat S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Tan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Si Rui Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Mei Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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20
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Vasquez JK, Tal-Gan Y, Cornilescu G, Tyler KA, Blackwell HE. Simplified AIP-II Peptidomimetics Are Potent Inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus AgrC Quorum Sensing Receptors. Chembiochem 2017; 18:413-423. [PMID: 28006082 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201600516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus controls many aspects of virulence by using the accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing (QS) system. The agr system is activated by a macrocyclic peptide signal known as an autoinducing peptide (AIP). We sought to develop structurally simplified mimetics of AIPs for use as chemical tools to study QS in S. aureus. Herein, we report new peptidomimetic AgrC receptor inhibitors based on a tail-truncated AIP-II peptide that have almost analogous inhibitory activities to the parent peptide. Structural comparison of one of these peptidomimetics to the parent peptide and a highly potent, all-peptide-derived, S. aureus agr inhibitor (AIP-III D4A) revealed a conserved hydrophobic motif and overall amphipathic nature. Our results suggest that the AIP scaffold is amenable to structural mimicry and minimization for the development of synthetic agr inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Vasquez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Present address: Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Gabriel Cornilescu
- National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison, University of Wisconsin, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Kimberly A Tyler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Helen E Blackwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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21
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Wang B, Zhao A, Xie Q, Olinares PD, Chait BT, Novick RP, Muir TW. Functional Plasticity of the AgrC Receptor Histidine Kinase Required for Staphylococcal Virulence. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 24:76-86. [PMID: 28065658 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus employs the receptor histidine kinase (RHK), AgrC, to detect quorum-sensing (QS) pheromones, the autoinducer peptides (AIPs), which regulate the virulence of the bacterium. Variation in the QS circuit divides S. aureus into four subgroups, each producing a specific AIP-AgrC pair. While the timing of QS induction is known to differ among these subgroups, the molecular basis of this phenomenon is unknown. Here, we report the successful reconstitution of several AgrC variants and show that the agonist-induced activity of the receptors varies in a manner that accounts for these temporal differences in QS induction. Our studies also reveal a key regulatory hotspot on AgrC that controls the basal activity of RHK as well as the responsiveness of the system to ligand inputs. Collectively, these studies offer insights into the capacity of the RHK for adaptive evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-0015, USA; Graduate Program, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Aishan Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-0015, USA
| | - Qian Xie
- Department of Chemistry, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-0015, USA
| | - Paul Dominic Olinares
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Brian T Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Richard P Novick
- Department of Microbiology, Skirball Institute, NYU Medical Center, 540-562 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tom W Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544-0015, USA.
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22
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Wang B, Muir TW. Regulation of Virulence in Staphylococcus aureus: Molecular Mechanisms and Remaining Puzzles. Cell Chem Biol 2016; 23:214-224. [PMID: 26971873 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The agr locus encodes a quorum-sensing (QS) circuit required for the virulence of a spectrum of Gram-positive pathogens and is, therefore, regarded as an important target for the development of chemotherapeutics. In recent years, many of the biochemical events in the Staphylococcus aureus agr circuit have been reconstituted and subject to quantitative analysis in vitro. This work, in conjunction with structural studies on several key players in the signaling circuit, has furnished mechanistic insights into the regulation and evolution of the agr QS system. Here, we review this progress and discuss the remaining open questions in the area. We also highlight advances in the discovery of small-molecule agr modulators and how the newly available biochemical and structural information might be leveraged for the design of next-generation therapeutics targeting the agr system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Wang
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Graduate Program, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tom W Muir
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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23
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Wilbs J, Middendorp SJ, Heinis C. Improving the Binding Affinity of in-Vitro-Evolved Cyclic Peptides by Inserting Atoms into the Macrocycle Backbone. Chembiochem 2016; 17:2299-2303. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201600336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Wilbs
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering; Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne; EPFL); 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Simon J. Middendorp
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering; Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne; EPFL); 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Christian Heinis
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering; Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne; EPFL); 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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24
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Yang T, Tal-Gan Y, Paharik AE, Horswill AR, Blackwell HE. Structure-Function Analyses of a Staphylococcus epidermidis Autoinducing Peptide Reveals Motifs Critical for AgrC-type Receptor Modulation. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:1982-91. [PMID: 27159024 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is frequently implicated in human infections associated with indwelling medical devices due to its ubiquity in the skin flora and formation of robust biofilms. The accessory gene regulator (agr) quorum sensing (QS) system plays a prominent role in the establishment of biofilms and infection by this bacterium. Agr activation is mediated by the binding of a peptide signal (or autoinducing peptide, AIP) to its cognate AgrC receptor. Many questions remain about the role of QS in S. epidermidis infections, as well as in mixed-microbial populations on a host, and chemical modulators of its agr system could provide novel insights into this signaling network. The AIP ligand provides an initial scaffold for the development of such probes; however, the structure-activity relationships (SARs) for activation of S. epidermidis AgrC receptors by AIPs are largely unknown. Herein, we report the first SAR analyses of an S. epidermidis AIP by performing systematic alanine and d-amino acid scans of the S. epidermidis AIP-I. On the basis of these results, we designed and identified potent, pan-group inhibitors of the AgrC receptors in the three S. epidermidis agr groups, as well as a set of AIP-I analogs capable of selective AgrC inhibition in either specific S. epidermidis agr groups or in another common staphylococcal species, S. aureus. In addition, we uncovered a non-native peptide agonist of AgrC-I that can strongly inhibit S. epidermidis biofilm growth. Together, these synthetic analogs represent new and readily accessible probes for investigating the roles of QS in S. epidermidis colonization and infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Alexandra E. Paharik
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 431 Newton Rd., Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Alexander R. Horswill
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 431 Newton Rd., Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Helen E. Blackwell
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin—Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
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25
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Quorum Quenching Strategy Targeting Gram-Positive Pathogenic Bacteria. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 901:109-30. [PMID: 27167409 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2016_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell density-dependent regulatory system that orchestrates the group behavior of unicellular organisms by synchronizing the expression of certain gene(s) within the clonal community of same species. Bacterial pathogens often employ QS system to establish efficiently an infection. A large part of low GC Gram-positive bacteria belonging to phylum Firmicutes use thiolactone/lactone peptides as communication signals so-called autoinducing peptides (AIPs) to coordinate QS circuit. In particular, QS of staphylococci, enterococci, and clostridia have been intensively studied in terms of alternative target of anti-pathogenic chemotherapy independent of bactericidal antibiotics. Thus far, a number of quorum quenching (QQ) agents that targeting the QS circuit of these Gram-positive pathogens have been developed by random screening of natural compounds or rationale design of AIP antagonists. This review summarizes those QQ agents and previews their potential as post-antibiotic drugs.
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26
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Tal-Gan Y, Ivancic M, Cornilescu G, Blackwell HE. Characterization of structural elements in native autoinducing peptides and non-native analogues that permit the differential modulation of AgrC-type quorum sensing receptors in Staphylococcus aureus. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 14:113-21. [PMID: 26416476 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob01735a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus uses short macrocyclic peptides (i.e., autoinducing peptides, or AIPs) to assess its local population density in a cell-cell signaling mechanism called quorum sensing (QS). At high cell numbers, this pathogen can initiate many virulent behaviors that allow for the establishment of infection. Binding of the AIP signal to its cognate transmembrane AgrC-type receptor is a critical event in the QS signaling cascade; consequently, interference of AIP:receptor interactions may have the potential to prevent and eradicate certain S. aureus infections. To date, four pairs of AIP:AgrC receptors have been identified in S. aureus, each pair being utilized by a specific S. aureus group (I-IV). Other staphylococcal species also use closely related, but distinct, AIP:AgrC pairs to control QS. We seek to develop non-native ligands capable of intercepting AIP:AgrC binding in each S. aureus group and in related species. As these bacteria may use their respective AIP signal to attenuate the QS systems of other groups/species, such ligands would provide valuable chemical tools to probe possible interference mechanisms in a range of contexts. In the current study, we used solution-phase NMR techniques to characterize the 3-D structures of a set of known native and non-native peptides that have differential modulatory activity in certain AgrC receptors. Analysis of these structures revealed several distinct structural motifs that belay differential activity in selected S. aureus AgrC receptors (i.e., AgrC-I, AgrC-II, and AgrC-III). The results of this study can be leveraged for the design of new synthetic ligands with enhanced selectivities and potencies for these AgrC receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yftah Tal-Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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