1
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Feng C, Wei H, Li X, Feng B, Xu C, Zhu X, Liu R. A stacking-based algorithm for antifreeze protein identification using combined physicochemical, pseudo amino acid composition, and reduction property features. Comput Biol Med 2024; 176:108534. [PMID: 38754217 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins have wide applications in the medical and food industries. In this study, we propose a stacking-based classifier that can effectively identify antifreeze proteins. Initially, feature extraction was performed in three aspects: reduction properties, scalable pseudo amino acid composition, and physicochemical properties. A hybrid feature set comprised of the combined information from these three categories was obtained. Subsequently, we trained the training set based on LightGBM, XGBoost, and RandomForest algorithms, and the training outcomes were passed to the Logistic algorithm for matching, thereby establishing a stacking algorithm. The proposed algorithm was tested on the test set and an independent validation set. Experimental data indicates that the algorithm achieved a recognition accuracy of 98.3 %, and an accuracy of 98.5 % on the validation set. Lastly, we analyzed the reasons why numerical features achieved high recognition capabilities from multiple aspects. Data dimensionality reduction and the analysis from two-dimensional and three-dimensional views revealed separability between positive and negative samples, and the protein three-dimensional structure further demonstrated significant differences in related features between the two samples. Analysis of the classifier revealed that Hr*Hr, HrHr, and Sc-PseAAC_1, 188D(152,116,57,183) were among the seven most important numerical features affecting algorithm recognition. For Hr*Hr and HrHr, supportive sequence level evidence for the reduction dictionary was found in terms of conservation area analysis, multiple sequence alignment, and amino acid conservative substitution. Moreover, the importance of the reduction dictionary was recognized through a comparative analysis of importance before and after the reduction, realizing the effectiveness of the dictionary in improving feature importance. A decision tree model has been utilized to discern the distinctions between dipeptides associated with the physical and chemical properties of His(H), Iso(I), Leu(L), and Lys(K) and other dipeptides. We finally analyzed the other seven features of importance, and data analysis confirmed that hydrophobicity, secondary structure, charge properties, van der Waals forces, and solvent accessibility are also factors affecting the antifreeze capability of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changli Feng
- Department of Information Science and Technology, Taishan University, Taian, 271000, China.
| | - Haiyan Wei
- Department of Information Science and Technology, Taishan University, Taian, 271000, China.
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Information Science and Technology, Taishan University, Taian, 271000, China.
| | - Bin Feng
- Department of Information Science and Technology, Taishan University, Taian, 271000, China.
| | - Chugui Xu
- Department of Information Science and Technology, Taishan University, Taian, 271000, China.
| | - Xiaorong Zhu
- Department of Information Science and Technology, Taishan University, Taian, 271000, China.
| | - Ruijun Liu
- School of Software, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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2
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Scarel E, De Corti M, Polentarutti M, Pierri G, Tedesco C, Marchesan S. Self-assembly of heterochiral, aliphatic dipeptides with Leu. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3559. [PMID: 38111175 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
This work describes the self-assembly behavior of heterochiral, aliphatic dipeptides, l-Leu-d-Xaa (Xaa = Ala, Val, Ile, Leu), in green solvents such as acetonitrile (MeCN) and buffered water at neutral pH. Interestingly, water plays a structuring role because at 1% v/v, it enables dipeptide self-assembly in MeCN to yield organogels, which then undergo transition towards crystals. Other organic solvents and oils were tested for gelation, and metastable gels were formed in tetrahydrofuran, although at high peptide concentration (80 mM). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the dipeptides' supramolecular packing modes in amphipathic layers, as opposed to water channels reported for the homochiral Leu-Leu, or hydrophobic columns reported for homochiral Leu-Val and Leu-Ile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Scarel
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco De Corti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Pierri
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Consiglia Tedesco
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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3
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Bellotto O, Scarel E, Pierri G, Rozhin P, Kralj S, Polentarutti M, Bandiera A, Rossi B, Vargiu AV, Tedesco C, Marchesan S. Supramolecular Hydrogels and Water Channels of Differing Diameters from Dipeptide Isomers. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2476-2485. [PMID: 38551400 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01439] [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: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Dipeptides stereoisomers and regioisomers composed of norleucine (Nle) and phenylalanine (Phe) self-assemble into hydrogels under physiological conditions that are suitable for cell culture. The supramolecular behavior, however, differs as the packing modes comprise amphipathic layers or water channels, whose diameter is defined by either four or six dipeptide molecules. A variety of spectroscopy, microscopy, and synchrotron-radiation-based techniques unveil fine details of intermolecular interactions that pinpoint the relationship between the chemical structure and ability to form supramolecular architectures that define soft biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Erica Scarel
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pierri
- Department Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Petr Rozhin
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Department Materials Synthesis, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Antonella Bandiera
- Department Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department Physics, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria S.P. 8 km. 0.7, 09042 Monserrato, CA Italy
| | - Consiglia Tedesco
- Department Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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4
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Monti M, Scarel E, Hassanali A, Stener M, Marchesan S. Diverging conformations guide dipeptide self-assembly into crystals or hydrogels. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:10948-10951. [PMID: 37605851 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02682e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The prediction of dipeptide assembly into crystals or gels is challenging. This work reveals the diverging conformational landscape that guides self-organization towards different outcomes. In silico and experimental data enabled deciphering of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of self-assembling dipeptides to reveal folded or extended conformers as key players.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Monti
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - E Scarel
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - A Hassanali
- The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, Trieste 34151, Italy
| | - M Stener
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
| | - S Marchesan
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy.
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5
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Bellotto O, D'Andrea P, Marchesan S. Nanotubes and water-channels from self-assembling dipeptides. J Mater Chem B 2023. [PMID: 36790014 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02643k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Dipeptides are attractive building blocks for biomaterials in light of their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and simplicity of preparation. Since the discovery of diphenylalanine (Phe-Phe) self-assembling ability into nanotubes, research efforts have been devoted towards the identification of other dipeptide sequences capable of forming these interesting nanomorphologies, although design rules towards nanotube formation are still elusive. In this review, we analyze the dipeptide sequences reported thus far for their ability to form nanotubes, which often feature water-filled supramolecular channels as revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, as well as their properties, and their potential biological applications, which span from drug delivery and regenerative medicine, to bioelectronics and bioimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Paola D'Andrea
- Life Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via Weiss 2, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy. .,INSTM, Unit of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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6
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Self-Assembly and Gelation Study of Dipeptide Isomers with Norvaline and Phenylalanine. CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/chemistry4040093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dipeptides have emerged as attractive building blocks for supramolecular materials thanks to their low-cost, inherent biocompatibility, ease of preparation, and environmental friendliness as they do not persist in the environment. In particular, hydrophobic amino acids are ideal candidates for self-assembly in polar and green solvents, as a certain level of hydrophobicity is required to favor their aggregation and reduce the peptide solubility. In this work, we analyzed the ability to self-assemble and the gel of dipeptides based on the amino acids norvaline (Nva) and phenylalanine (Phe), studying all their combinations and not yielding to enantiomers, which display the same physicochemical properties, and hence the same self-assembly behavior in achiral environments as those studied herein. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction of all the compounds revealed fine details over their molecular packing and non-covalent interactions.
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7
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Mondal B, Gupta VK, Hansda B, Bhoumik A, Mondal T, Majumder HK, Edwards-Gayle CJC, Hamley IW, Jaisankar P, Banerjee A. Amino acid containing amphiphilic hydrogelators with antibacterial and antiparasitic activities. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:7201-7216. [PMID: 36098333 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00562j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale self-assembly of peptide constructs represents a promising means to present bioactive motifs to develop new functional materials. Here, we present a series of peptide amphiphiles which form hydrogels based on β-sheet nanofibril networks, several of which have very promising anti-microbial and anti-parasitic activities, in particular against multiple strains of Leishmania including drug-resistant ones. Aromatic amino acid based amphiphilic supramolecular gelators C14-Phe-CONH-(CH2)n-NH2 (n = 6 for P1 and n = 2 for P3) and C14-Trp-CONH-(CH2)n-NH2 (n = 6 for P2 and n = 2 for P4) have been synthesized and characterized, and their self-assembly and gelation behaviour have been investigated in the presence of ultrapure water (P1, P2, and P4) or 2% DMSO(v/v) in ultrapure water (P3). The rheological, morphological and structural properties of the gels have been comprehensively examined. The amphiphilic gelators (P1 and P3) were found to be active against both Gram-positive bacteria B. subtilis and Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, amphiphiles P1 and P3 containing an L-phenylalanine residue show both antibacterial and antiparasitic activities. Herein, we report that synthetic amphiphiles with an amino acid residue exhibit a potent anti-protozoan activity and are cytotoxic towards a wide array of protozoal parasites, which includes Indian varieties of Leishmania donovani and also kill resistant parasitic strains including BHU-575, MILR and CPTR cells. These gelators are highly cytotoxic to promastigotes of Leishmania and trigger apoptotic-like events inside the parasite. The mechanism of killing the parasite is shown and these gelators are non-cytotoxic to host macrophage cells indicating the potential use of these gels as therapeutic agents against multiple forms of leishmaniasis in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplab Mondal
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Chemical Biology, Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, India.
| | - Biswanath Hansda
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Arpita Bhoumik
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, India
| | - Tanushree Mondal
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Hemanta K Majumder
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, India
| | | | - Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Parasuraman Jaisankar
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Chemical Biology, Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, India.
| | - Arindam Banerjee
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
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8
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Biswas S, Vasudevan A, Yadav N, Yadav S, Rawal P, Kaur I, Tripathi DM, Kaur S, Chauhan VS. Chemically Modified Dipeptide Based Hydrogel Supports Three-Dimensional Growth and Functions of Primary Hepatocytes. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:4354-4365. [PMID: 35994753 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A huge shortage of organ donors, particularly in the case of liver, has necessitated the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Primary hepatocytes (pHCs) transplantation has made a considerable transition from bench to bedside, but the short-term viability and functionality of pHCs in in vitro limit their use for clinical applications. Different cell culture strategies are required to maintain the proliferation of pHCs for extended periods. Here, we described the formation of a hybrid scaffold based on a modified dipeptide for the culture of pHCs. First, the dipeptide (Dp), isoleucine-α,β-dehydrophenylalanine (IΔF) was synthesized, purified, and fully characterized. IΔF readily formed a highly stable hydrogel, which was also characterized by CD, TEM, and thioflavin T assay. The addition of soluble liver extracellular matrix (sLEM) to the dipeptide readily formed a hybrid scaffold that was characterized by TEM, and its mechanical strength was determined by rheology experiments. The hybrid scaffold was translucent, biocompatible, and proteolytically stable and, with its mechanical strength, closely mimicked that of the native liver. LEM1-Dp matrix exhibited high biocompatibility in the readily available adherent liver cell line Huh7 and primary rat hepatocyte cells (pHCs). pHCs cultured on LEM1-Dp matrix also maintained significantly higher cell viability and an escalated expression of markers related to the hepatocytes such as albumin as compared to that observed in cells cultured on collagen type I (Col I)-coated substrate plate (col-TCTP). Z-stacking of confocal laser microscopy's volume view clearly indicated pHCs seeded on top of the hydrogel matrix migrated toward the Z direction showing 3D growth. Our results indicated that low molecular weight dipeptide hydrogel along with sLEM can resemble biomimetic 3D-like microenvironments for improved pHCs proliferation, differentiation, and function. This hybrid scaffold is also easy to scale up, which makes it suitable for several downstream applications of hepatocytes, including drug development, pHCs transplantation, and liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Biswas
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ashwini Vasudevan
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | - Nitin Yadav
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Saurabh Yadav
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Preety Rawal
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | - Impreet Kaur
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | - Dinesh M Tripathi
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | - Savneet Kaur
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | - Virander Singh Chauhan
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
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9
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Self-Assembled Peptide Nanostructures for ECM Biomimicry. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12132147. [PMID: 35807982 PMCID: PMC9268130 DOI: 10.3390/nano12132147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are functional building blocks of living organisms that exert a wide variety of functions, but their synthesis and industrial production can be cumbersome and expensive. By contrast, short peptides are very convenient to prepare at a low cost on a large scale, and their self-assembly into nanostructures and gels is a popular avenue for protein biomimicry. In this Review, we will analyze the last 5-year progress on the incorporation of bioactive motifs into self-assembling peptides to mimic functional proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and guide cell fate inside hydrogel scaffolds.
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10
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Bellotto O, Pierri G, Rozhin P, Polentarutti M, Kralj S, D'Andrea P, Tedesco C, Marchesan S. Dipeptide self-assembly into water-channels and gel biomaterial. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:6211-6218. [PMID: 35575102 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00622g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dipeptides are convenient building blocks for supramolecular gel biomaterials that can be produced on a large scale at low cost and do not persist in the environment. In the case of unprotected sequences, hydrophobicity is a key requirement to enable gelation, with Phe-Phe standing out for its self-assembling ability. Conversely, more hydrophilic sequences such as homochiral dipeptides Phe-Val and Val-Phe neither fibrillate nor gel aqueous buffers and their crystal structures reveal amphipathic layers. In this work, we test emerging rules for the design of self-assembling dipeptides using heterochiral Phe-Val and Val-Phe. Each dipeptide is characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR, LC-MS, circular dichroism, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, rheology, electron microscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In particular, D-Phe-L-Val is the first heterochiral dipeptide to self-assemble into supramolecular water-channels whose cavity is defined by four peptide molecules arranged head-to-tail. This minimalistic sequence is devoid of amyloid character as probed by thioflavin T fluorescence and it displays excellent biocompatibility in vitro. The dataset provided, through comparison with the literature, significantly advances the definition of molecular design rules for minimalistic unprotected dipeptides that self-assemble into water-channels and biocompatible gels, to assist with the future development of supramolecular biomaterials with fine control over nanomorphological features for a variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Pierri
- University of Salerno, Dept. of Chemistry & Biologi "A. Zambelli", Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| | - Petr Rozhin
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | | | - Slavko Kralj
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Materials Synthesis Dept., Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,University of Ljubljana, Pharmaceutical Technology Dept., Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Paola D'Andrea
- University of Trieste, Life Sciences Dept., Via L. Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Consiglia Tedesco
- University of Salerno, Dept. of Chemistry & Biologi "A. Zambelli", Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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11
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Araki Y, Shirakata H, Nakagawa T, Ubukata T, Yokoyama Y, Kawamura I. Fluorescent hydrogel based on self-assembling acridonylalanine-phenylalanine. CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1246/cl.220170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzuha Araki
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shirakata
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Ubukata
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yokoyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Izuru Kawamura
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5, Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
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12
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Picci G, Marchesan S, Caltagirone C. Ion Channels and Transporters as Therapeutic Agents: From Biomolecules to Supramolecular Medicinal Chemistry. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040885. [PMID: 35453638 PMCID: PMC9032600 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels and transporters typically consist of biomolecules that play key roles in a large variety of physiological and pathological processes. Traditional therapies include many ion-channel blockers, and some activators, although the exact biochemical pathways and mechanisms that regulate ion homeostasis are yet to be fully elucidated. An emerging area of research with great innovative potential in biomedicine pertains the design and development of synthetic ion channels and transporters, which may provide unexplored therapeutic opportunities. However, most studies in this challenging and multidisciplinary area are still at a fundamental level. In this review, we discuss the progress that has been made over the last five years on ion channels and transporters, touching upon biomolecules and synthetic supramolecules that are relevant to biological use. We conclude with the identification of therapeutic opportunities for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Picci
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Claudia Caltagirone
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (C.C.)
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13
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Scarel E, Bellotto O, Rozhin P, Kralj S, Tortora M, Vargiu AV, De Zorzi R, Rossi B, Marchesan S. Single-atom substitution enables supramolecular diversity from dipeptide building blocks. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:2129-2136. [PMID: 35179536 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01824h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dipeptides are popular building blocks for supramolecular gels that do not persist in the environment and may find various applications. In this work, we show that a simple substitution on the aromatic side-chain of phenylalanine with either fluorine or iodine enables supramolecular diversity upon self-assembly at neutral pH, leading to hydrogels or crystals. Each building block is characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, LC-MS, circular dichroism, and molecular models. The supramolecular behaviour is monitored with a variety of techniques, including circular dichroism, oscillatory rheology, transmission electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, visible Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron-radiation single-crystal X-ray diffraction and UV Resonance Raman spectroscopy, allowing key differences to be pinpointed amongst the halogenated analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Scarel
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Ottavia Bellotto
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Petr Rozhin
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Materials Synthesis Dept., Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Pharmaceutical Technology Dept., Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mariagrazia Tortora
- Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- University of Cagliari, Physics Dept., 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rita De Zorzi
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 114 km 163.5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- University of Trieste, Chem. Pharm. Sc. Dept., Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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14
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Bellotto O, Semeraro S, Bandiera A, Tramer F, Pavan N, Marchesan S. Polymer Conjugates of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) with d-Amino Acids (d-aa): State of the Art and Future Opportunities. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020446. [PMID: 35214178 PMCID: PMC8879212 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have enjoyed a renaissance, as the world is currently facing an emergency in terms of severe infections that evade antibiotics’ treatment. This is due to the increasing emergence and spread of resistance mechanisms. Covalent conjugation with polymers is an interesting strategy to modulate the pharmacokinetic profile of AMPs and enhance their biocompatibility profile. It can also be an effective approach to develop active coatings for medical implants and devices, and to avoid biofilm formation on their surface. In this concise review, we focus on the last 5 years’ progress in this area, pertaining in particular to AMPs that contain d-amino acids, as well as their role, and the advantages that may arise from their introduction into AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavia Bellotto
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (O.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Sabrina Semeraro
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (O.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Antonella Bandiera
- Life Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (F.T.)
| | - Federica Tramer
- Life Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.); (F.T.)
| | - Nicola Pavan
- Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (O.B.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
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