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Thapa BB, Huo C, Budhathoki R, Chaudhary P, Joshi S, Poudel PB, Magar RT, Parajuli N, Kim KH, Sohng JK. Metabolic Comparison and Molecular Networking of Antimicrobials in Streptomyces Species. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4193. [PMID: 38673777 PMCID: PMC11050201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084193] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptomyces are well-known for producing bioactive secondary metabolites, with numerous antimicrobials essential to fight against infectious diseases. Globally, multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms significantly challenge human and veterinary diseases. To tackle this issue, there is an urgent need for alternative antimicrobials. In the search for potent agents, we have isolated four Streptomyces species PC1, BT1, BT2, and BT3 from soils collected from various geographical regions of the Himalayan country Nepal, which were then identified based on morphology and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The relationship of soil microbes with different Streptomyces species has been shown in phylogenetic trees. Antimicrobial potency of isolates was carried out against Staphylococcus aureus American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 43300, Shigella sonnei ATCC 25931, Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Among them, Streptomyces species PC1 showed the highest zone of inhibition against tested pathogens. Furthermore, ethyl acetate extracts of shake flask fermentation of these Streptomyces strains were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) analysis for their metabolic comparison and Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) web-based molecular networking. We found very similar metabolite composition in four strains, despite their geographical variation. In addition, we have identified thirty-seven metabolites using LC-MS/MS analysis, with the majority belonging to the diketopiperazine class. Among these, to the best of our knowledge, four metabolites, namely cyclo-(Ile-Ser), 2-n-hexyl-5-n-propylresorcinol, 3-[(6-methylpyrazin-2-yl) methyl]-1H-indole, and cyclo-(d-Leu-l-Trp), were detected for the first time in Streptomyces species. Besides these, other 23 metabolites including surfactin B, surfactin C, surfactin D, and valinomycin were identified with the help of GNPS-based molecular networking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijaya Bahadur Thapa
- Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur 44618, Kathmandu, Nepal; (B.B.T.); (R.B.); (P.C.); (S.J.); (N.P.)
| | - Chen Huo
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea;
| | - Rabin Budhathoki
- Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur 44618, Kathmandu, Nepal; (B.B.T.); (R.B.); (P.C.); (S.J.); (N.P.)
| | - Pratiksha Chaudhary
- Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur 44618, Kathmandu, Nepal; (B.B.T.); (R.B.); (P.C.); (S.J.); (N.P.)
| | - Soniya Joshi
- Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur 44618, Kathmandu, Nepal; (B.B.T.); (R.B.); (P.C.); (S.J.); (N.P.)
| | - Purna Bahadur Poudel
- Institute of Biomolecule Reconstruction (iBR), Department of Life Science and Biochemical Engineering, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea; (P.B.P.); (R.T.M.)
| | - Rubin Thapa Magar
- Institute of Biomolecule Reconstruction (iBR), Department of Life Science and Biochemical Engineering, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea; (P.B.P.); (R.T.M.)
| | - Niranjan Parajuli
- Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur 44618, Kathmandu, Nepal; (B.B.T.); (R.B.); (P.C.); (S.J.); (N.P.)
- Institute of Biomolecule Reconstruction (iBR), Department of Life Science and Biochemical Engineering, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea; (P.B.P.); (R.T.M.)
| | - Ki Hyun Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jae Kyung Sohng
- Institute of Biomolecule Reconstruction (iBR), Department of Life Science and Biochemical Engineering, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea; (P.B.P.); (R.T.M.)
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2
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Asokan K, Zahir Hussain A, Ilangovan A. Efficient amidation of weak amines: synthesis, chiral separation by SFC, and antimicrobial activity of N-(9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl) carboxamide. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:309-319. [PMID: 38059916 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01774e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
An effective and straightforward method for the synthesis of 1-aminoanthracene-9,10-dione carboxamides by coupling a weakly reactive amine, 1-aminoanthracene-9,10-dione, and sterically hindered carboxylic acids was achieved using COMU as the coupling agent. Furthermore, making use of the advantages associated with the super-critical fluid chromatography (SFC) technique, a simplified and straightforward method for the chiral separation of optically active amide derivatives from the impurities associated with the reaction mixture, in a single step, was demonstrated. The antimicrobial activity of selected 1-aminoanthracene-9,10-dione carboxamides was studied. Advanced NMR and other spectral techniques were used for the thorough characterization of all the compounds. This study provides a general and simplified method for coupling a weak amine with a sterically hindered acid using COMU as a coupling agent, and demonstrates the separation of optically pure compounds from reaction related impurities in a single step using SFC, and identification of amide derivatives of 1-aminoanthracene-9,10-dione as potential antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathiravan Asokan
- Aragen Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, Bengaluru-562106, India
- Department of Chemistry, Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu-620020, India
- School of Chemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu-620024, India.
| | - A Zahir Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, Jamal Mohamed College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu-620020, India
| | - Andivelu Ilangovan
- School of Chemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu-620024, India.
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3
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Loffredo MR, Nencioni L, Mangoni ML, Casciaro B. Antimicrobial peptides for novel antiviral strategies in the current post-COVID-19 pandemic. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3534. [PMID: 37501572 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3534] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted how urgent and necessary the discovery of new antiviral compounds is for novel therapeutic approaches. Among the various classes of molecules with antiviral activity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate immunity are among the most promising ones, mainly due to their different mechanisms of action against viruses and additional biological properties. In this review, the main physicochemical characteristics of AMPs are described, with particular interest toward peptides derived from amphibian skin. Living in aquatic and terrestrial environments, amphibians are one of the richest sources of AMPs with different primary and secondary structures. Besides describing the various antiviral activities of these peptides and the underlying mechanism, this review aims at emphasizing the high potential of these small molecules for the development of new antiviral agents that likely reduce the selection of resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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4
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Goda MS, El-Kattan N, Abdel-Azeem MA, Allam KAM, Badr JM, Nassar NA, Almalki AJ, Alharbi M, Elhady SS, Eltamany EE. Antimicrobial Potential of Different Isolates of Chaetomium globosum Combined with Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Chemical Profiling. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1683. [PMID: 38136556 PMCID: PMC10742071 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121683] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic microorganisms against commercial drugs has become a major problem worldwide. This study is the first of its kind to be carried out in Egypt to produce antimicrobial pharmaceuticals from isolated native taxa of the fungal Chaetomium, followed by a chemical investigation of the existing bioactive metabolites. Here, of the 155 clinical specimens in total, 100 pathogenic microbial isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The Chaetomium isolates were recovered from different soil samples, and wild host plants collected from Egypt showed strong inhibitory activity against MDR isolates. Chaetomium isolates displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against C. albicans, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative bacteria, with inhibition zones of 11.3 to 25.6 mm, 10.4 to 26.0 mm, and 10.5 to 26.5 mm, respectively. As a consecutive result, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of Chaetomium isolates ranged from 3.9 to 62.5 µg/mL. Liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was performed for selected Chaetomium isolates with the most promising antimicrobial potential against MDR bacteria. The LC-MS/MS analysis of Chaetomium species isolated from cultivated soil at Assuit Governate, Upper Egypt (3), and the host plant Zygophyllum album grown in Wadi El-Arbaein, Saint Katherine, South Sinai (5), revealed the presence of alkaloids as the predominant bioactive metabolites. Most detected bioactive metabolites previously displayed antimicrobial activity, confirming the antibacterial potential of selected isolates. Therefore, the Chaetomium isolates recovered from harsh habitats in Egypt are rich sources of antimicrobial metabolites, which will be a possible solution to the multi-drug resistant bacteria tragedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa S. Goda
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; (M.S.G.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Noura El-Kattan
- Department of Microbiology, Research Institute of Medical Entomology, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes, Giza 11562, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed A. Abdel-Azeem
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Industries, Sinai University, Al-Arish, North Sinai 45511, Egypt;
| | - Kamilia A. M. Allam
- Department of Epidemiology, Research Institute of Medical Entomology, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes, Giza 11562, Egypt;
| | - Jihan M. Badr
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; (M.S.G.); (J.M.B.)
| | | | - Ahmad J. Almalki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.J.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Majed Alharbi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (A.J.A.); (M.A.)
| | - Sameh S. Elhady
- Department of Natural Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas E. Eltamany
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; (M.S.G.); (J.M.B.)
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Hilpert K, Munshi T, López-Pérez PM, Sequeira-Garcia J, Hofmann S, Bull TJ. Discovery of Antimicrobial Peptides That Can Accelerate Culture Diagnostics of Slow-Growing Mycobacteria Including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2225. [PMID: 37764069 PMCID: PMC10536189 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092225] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can directly kill Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses, and parasites. At sublethal concentrations, some AMPs and also conventional antibiotics can stimulate bacterial response increasing their resilience, also called the hormetic response. This includes stimulation of growth, mobility, and biofilm production. Here, we describe the discovery of AMPs that stimulate the growth of certain mycobacteria. Peptide 14 showed a growth stimulating effect on Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB), M. bovis, M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), M. marinum, M. avium-intracellulare, M. celatum, and M. abscessus. The effect was more pronounced at low bacterial inocula. The peptides induce a faster transition from the lag phase to the log phase and keep the bacteria longer in the log phase before entering stationary phase when compared to nontreated controls. In some cases, an increase in the division rate was observed. An initial screen using MAP and a collection of 75 peptides revealed 13 peptides with a hormetic effect. For MTB, a collection of 25 artificial peptides were screened and 13 were found to reduce the time to positivity (TTP) by at least 5%, improving growth. A screen of 43 naturally occurring peptides, 11 fragments of naturally occurring peptides and 5 designed peptides, all taken from the database APD3, identified a further 44 peptides that also lowered TTP by at least 5%. Lasioglossin LL-III (Bee) and Ranacyclin E (Frog) were the most active natural peptides, and the human cathelicidin LL37 fragment GF-17 and a porcine cathelicidin protegrin-1 fragment were the most active fragments of naturally occurring peptides. Peptide 14 showed growth-stimulating activity between 10 ng/mL and 10 µg/mL, whereas the stability-optimised Peptide 14D had a narrow activity range of 0.1-1 µg/mL. Peptides identified in this study are currently in commercial use to improve recovery and culture for the diagnostics of mycobacteria in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hilpert
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK (T.J.B.)
| | - Tulika Munshi
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK (T.J.B.)
| | | | | | - Sven Hofmann
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK (T.J.B.)
| | - Tim J. Bull
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK (T.J.B.)
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6
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Koller TO, Morici M, Berger M, Safdari HA, Lele DS, Beckert B, Kaur KJ, Wilson DN. Structural basis for translation inhibition by the glycosylated drosocin peptide. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:1072-1081. [PMID: 36997646 PMCID: PMC10449632 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01293-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The proline-rich antimicrobial peptide (PrAMP) drosocin is produced by Drosophila species to combat bacterial infection. Unlike many PrAMPs, drosocin is O-glycosylated at threonine 11, a post-translation modification that enhances its antimicrobial activity. Here we demonstrate that the O-glycosylation not only influences cellular uptake of the peptide but also interacts with its intracellular target, the ribosome. Cryogenic electron microscopy structures of glycosylated drosocin on the ribosome at 2.0-2.8-Å resolution reveal that the peptide interferes with translation termination by binding within the polypeptide exit tunnel and trapping RF1 on the ribosome, reminiscent of that reported for the PrAMP apidaecin. The glycosylation of drosocin enables multiple interactions with U2609 of the 23S rRNA, leading to conformational changes that break the canonical base pair with A752. Collectively, our study reveals novel molecular insights into the interaction of O-glycosylated drosocin with the ribosome, which provide a structural basis for future development of this class of antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timm O Koller
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martino Morici
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Max Berger
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Haaris A Safdari
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Deepti S Lele
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Bertrand Beckert
- Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI) at EPFL, EPFL SB IPHYS DCI, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kanwal J Kaur
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Daniel N Wilson
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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7
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Hilpert K, Rumancev C, Gani J, Collis DWP, Lopez-Perez PM, Garamus VM, Mikut R, Rosenhahn A. Can BioSAXS detect ultrastructural changes of antifungal compounds in Candida albicans?-an exploratory study. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1141785. [PMID: 37533629 PMCID: PMC10393279 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1141785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic yeast Candida albicans is the most common cause of candidiasis. With only four classes of antifungal drugs on the market, resistance is becoming a problem in the treatment of fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. The development of novel antifungal drugs with different modes of action is urgent. In 2016, we developed a groundbreaking new medium-throughput method to distinguish the effects of antibacterial agents. Using small-angle X-ray scattering for biological samples (BioSAXS), it is now possible to screen hundreds of new antibacterial compounds and select those with the highest probability for a novel mode of action. However, yeast (eukaryotic) cells are highly structured compared to bacteria. The fundamental question to answer was if the ultrastructural changes induced by the action of an antifungal drug can be detected even when most structures in the cell stay unchanged. In this exploratory work, BioSAXS was used to measure the ultrastructural changes of C. albicans that were directly or indirectly induced by antifungal compounds. For this, the well-characterized antifungal drug Flucytosine was used. BioSAXS measurements were performed on the synchrotron P12 BioSAXS beamline, EMBL (DESY, Hamburg) on treated and untreated yeast C. albicans. BioSAXS curves were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA showed that Flucytosine-treated and untreated yeast were separated. Based on that success further measurements were performed on five antifungal peptides {1. Cecropin A-melittin hybrid [CA (1-7) M (2-9)], KWKLFKKIGAVLKVL; 2. Lasioglossin LL-III, VNWKKILGKIIKVVK; 3. Mastoparan M, INLKAIAALAKKLL; 4. Bmkn2, FIGAIARLLSKIFGKR; and 5. optP7, KRRVRWIIW}. The ultrastructural changes of C. albicans indicate that the peptides may have different modes of action compared to Flucytosine as well as to each other, except for the Cecropin A-melittin hybrid [CA (1-7) M (2-9)] and optP7, showing very similar effects on C. albicans. This very first study demonstrates that BioSAXS shows promise to be used for antifungal drug development. However, this first study has limitations and further experiments are necessary to establish this application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hilpert
- Institute of Infection and Immunology, St. George’s, University of London (SGUL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Rumancev
- Laboratory Analytical Chemistry—Biointerfaces, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jurnorain Gani
- Institute of Infection and Immunology, St. George’s, University of London (SGUL), London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Axel Rosenhahn
- Laboratory Analytical Chemistry—Biointerfaces, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Rao KU, Li P, Welinder C, Tenland E, Gourdon P, Sturegård E, Ho JCS, Godaly G. Mechanisms of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Active Peptide. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020540. [PMID: 36839864 PMCID: PMC9958537 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR) continues to pose a threat to public health. Previously, we identified a cationic host defense peptide with activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vivo and with a bactericidal effect against MDR M. tuberculosis at therapeutic concentrations. To understand the mechanisms of this peptide, we investigated its interactions with live M. tuberculosis and liposomes as a model. Peptide interactions with M. tuberculosis inner membranes induced tube-shaped membranous structures and massive vesicle formation, thus leading to bubbling cell death and ghost cell formation. Liposomal studies revealed that peptide insertion into inner membranes induced changes in the peptides' secondary structure and that the membranes were pulled such that they aggregated without permeabilization, suggesting that the peptide has a strong inner membrane affinity. Finally, the peptide targeted essential proteins in M. tuberculosis, such as 60 kDa chaperonins and elongation factor Tu, that are involved in mycolic acid synthesis and protein folding, which had an impact on bacterial proliferation. The observed multifaceted targeting provides additional support for the therapeutic potential of this peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Umashankar Rao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institution of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Welinder
- Swedish National Infrastructure for Biological Mass Spectrometry, Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Tenland
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institution of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Pontus Gourdon
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Sturegård
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Institution of Translational Medicine, Lund University, SE-21428 Malmö, Sweden
| | - James C. S. Ho
- Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637553, Singapore
| | - Gabriela Godaly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institution of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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9
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Host–Bacterial Interactions: Outcomes of Antimicrobial Peptide Applications. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12070715. [PMID: 35877918 PMCID: PMC9317001 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial membrane is part of a secretion system which plays an integral role to secrete proteins responsible for cell viability and pathogenicity; pathogenic bacteria, for example, secrete virulence factors and other membrane-associated proteins to invade the host cells through various types of secretion systems (Type I to Type IX). The bacterial membrane can also mediate microbial communities’ communication through quorum sensing (QS), by secreting auto-stimulants to coordinate gene expression. QS plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes, including bacterial biofilm formation while providing increased virulence, subsequently leading to antimicrobial resistance. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria have emerged as a threat to global health, and various strategies targeting QS and biofilm formation have been explored by researchers worldwide. Since the bacterial secretion systems play such a crucial role in host–bacterial interactions, this review intends to outline current understanding of bacterial membrane systems, which may provide new insights for designing approaches aimed at antimicrobials discovery. Various mechanisms pertaining interaction of the bacterial membrane with host cells and antimicrobial agents will be highlighted, as well as the evolution of bacterial membranes in evasion of antimicrobial agents. Finally, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a cellular device for bacterial secretion systems will be discussed as emerging potential candidates for the treatment of multidrug resistance infections.
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10
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Wieland M, Holm M, Rundlet EJ, Morici M, Koller TO, Maviza TP, Pogorevc D, Osterman IA, Müller R, Blanchard SC, Wilson DN. The cyclic octapeptide antibiotic argyrin B inhibits translation by trapping EF-G on the ribosome during translocation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114214119. [PMID: 35500116 PMCID: PMC9171646 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114214119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Argyrins are a family of naturally produced octapeptides that display promising antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Argyrin B (ArgB) has been shown to interact with an elongated form of the translation elongation factor G (EF-G), leading to the suggestion that argyrins inhibit protein synthesis by interfering with EF-G binding to the ribosome. Here, using a combination of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET), we demonstrate that rather than interfering with ribosome binding, ArgB rapidly and specifically binds EF-G on the ribosome to inhibit intermediate steps of the translocation mechanism. Our data support that ArgB inhibits conformational changes within EF-G after GTP hydrolysis required for translocation and factor dissociation, analogous to the mechanism of fusidic acid, a chemically distinct antibiotic that binds a different region of EF-G. These findings shed light on the mechanism of action of the argyrin-class antibiotics on protein synthesis as well as the nature and importance of rate-limiting, intramolecular conformational events within the EF-G-bound ribosome during late-steps of translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliane Wieland
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mikael Holm
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105
| | - Emily J. Rundlet
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10065
| | - Martino Morici
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Timm O. Koller
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tinashe P. Maviza
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Domen Pogorevc
- Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken,Germany
| | - Ilya A. Osterman
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Rolf Müller
- Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken,Germany
| | | | - Daniel N. Wilson
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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11
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Houston S, Schovanek E, Conway KME, Mustafa S, Gomez A, Ramaswamy R, Haimour A, Boulanger MJ, Reynolds LA, Cameron CE. Identification and Functional Characterization of Peptides With Antimicrobial Activity From the Syphilis Spirochete, Treponema pallidum. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:888525. [PMID: 35722306 PMCID: PMC9200625 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.888525] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiological agent of syphilis, Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum, is a highly invasive “stealth” pathogen that can evade the host immune response and persist within the host for decades. This obligate human pathogen is adept at establishing infection and surviving at sites within the host that have a multitude of competing microbes, sometimes including pathogens. One survival strategy employed by bacteria found at polymicrobial sites is elimination of competing microorganisms by production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Antimicrobial peptides are low molecular weight proteins (miniproteins) that function directly via inhibition and killing of microbes and/or indirectly via modulation of the host immune response, which can facilitate immune evasion. In the current study, we used bioinformatics to show that approximately 7% of the T. pallidum proteome is comprised of miniproteins of 150 amino acids or less with unknown functions. To investigate the possibility that AMP production is an unrecognized defense strategy used by T. pallidum during infection, we developed a bioinformatics pipeline to analyze the complement of T. pallidum miniproteins of unknown function for the identification of potential AMPs. This analysis identified 45 T. pallidum AMP candidates; of these, Tp0451a and Tp0749 were subjected to further bioinformatic analyses to identify AMP critical core regions (AMPCCRs). Four potential AMPCCRs from the two predicted AMPs were identified and peptides corresponding to these AMPCCRs were experimentally confirmed to exhibit bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against a panel of biologically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Immunomodulation assays performed under inflammatory conditions demonstrated that one of the AMPCCRs was also capable of differentially regulating expression of two pro-inflammatory chemokines [monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)]. These findings demonstrate proof-of-concept for our developed AMP identification pipeline and are consistent with the novel concept that T. pallidum expresses AMPs to defend against competing microbes and modulate the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Houston
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ethan Schovanek
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kate M. E. Conway
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Alloysius Gomez
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Raghavendran Ramaswamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ayman Haimour
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Martin J. Boulanger
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa A. Reynolds
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Caroline E. Cameron
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Caroline E. Cameron,
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12
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Dewangan RP, Verma DP, Verma NK, Gupta A, Pant G, Mitra K, Habib S, Ghosh JK. Spermine-Conjugated Short Proline-Rich Lipopeptides as Broad-Spectrum Intracellular Targeting Antibacterial Agents. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5433-5448. [PMID: 35297625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Toward the design of new proline-rich peptidomimetics, a short peptide segment, present in several proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), was selected. Fatty acids of varying lengths and spermine were conjugated at the N- and C-terminals of the peptide, respectively. Spermine-conjugated lipopeptides, C10-PR-Spn and C12-PR-Spn, exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations within 1.5-6.2 μM against the tested pathogens including resistant bacteria and insignificant hemolytic activity against human red blood cells up to 100 μM concentrations and demonstrated resistance against trypsin digestion. C10-PR-Spn and C12-PR-Spn showed synergistic antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with several tested antibiotics. These lipopeptides did not permeabilize bacterial membrane-mimetic lipid vesicles or damage the Escherichia coli membrane like the nonmembrane-lytic AMP, buforin-II. The results suggested that C10-PR-Spn and C12-PR-Spn could interact with the 70S ribosome of E. coli and inhibit its protein synthesis. C10-PR-Spn and C12-PR-Spn demonstrated superior clearance of bacteria from the spleen, liver, and kidneys of mice, infected with S. aureus ATCC 25923 compared to levofloxacin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikeshwer Prasad Dewangan
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
| | - Devesh Pratap Verma
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
| | - Neeraj Kumar Verma
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
| | - Ankit Gupta
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
| | - Garima Pant
- Electron Microscopy Unit, SAIF Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Kalyan Mitra
- Electron Microscopy Unit, SAIF Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Saman Habib
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
| | - Jimut Kanti Ghosh
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226031, India
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13
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Escobar‐Salom M, Torrens G, Jordana‐Lluch E, Oliver A, Juan C. Mammals' humoral immune proteins and peptides targeting the bacterial envelope: from natural protection to therapeutic applications against multidrug‐resistant
Gram
‐negatives. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1005-1037. [PMID: 35043558 PMCID: PMC9304279 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian innate immunity employs several humoral ‘weapons’ that target the bacterial envelope. The threats posed by the multidrug‐resistant ‘ESKAPE’ Gram‐negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) are forcing researchers to explore new therapeutic options, including the use of these immune elements. Here we review bacterial envelope‐targeting (peptidoglycan and/or membrane‐targeting) proteins/peptides of the mammalian immune system that are most likely to have therapeutic applications. Firstly we discuss their general features and protective activity against ESKAPE Gram‐negatives in the host. We then gather, integrate, and discuss recent research on experimental therapeutics harnessing their bactericidal power, based on their exogenous administration and also on the discovery of bacterial and/or host targets that improve the performance of this endogenous immunity, as a novel therapeutic concept. We identify weak points and knowledge gaps in current research in this field and suggest areas for future work to obtain successful envelope‐targeting therapeutic options to tackle the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Escobar‐Salom
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Gabriel Torrens
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Elena Jordana‐Lluch
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Antonio Oliver
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Carlos Juan
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
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14
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Hilpert K, Gani J, Rumancev C, Simpson N, Lopez-Perez PM, Garamus VM, von Gundlach AR, Markov P, Scocchi M, Mikut R, Rosenhahn A. Rational Designed Hybrid Peptides Show up to a 6-Fold Increase in Antimicrobial Activity and Demonstrate Different Ultrastructural Changes as the Parental Peptides Measured by BioSAXS. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:769739. [PMID: 34966279 PMCID: PMC8711299 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.769739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising class of compounds being developed against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Hybridization has been reported to increase antimicrobial activity. Here, two proline-rich peptides (consP1: VRKPPYLPRPRPRPL-CONH2 and Bac5-v291: RWRRPIRRRPIRPPFWR-CONH2) were combined with two arginine-isoleucine-rich peptides (optP1: KIILRIRWR-CONH2 and optP7: KRRVRWIIW-CONH2). Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) are known to inhibit the bacterial ribosome, shown also for Bac5-v291, whereas it is hypothesized a “dirty drug” model for the arginine-isoleucine-rich peptides. That hypothesis was underpinned by transmission electron microscopy and biological small-angle X-ray scattering (BioSAXS). The strength of BioSAXS is the power to detect ultrastructural changes in millions of cells in a short time (seconds) in a high-throughput manner. This information can be used to classify antimicrobial compounds into groups according to the ultrastructural changes they inflict on bacteria and how the bacteria react towards that assault. Based on previous studies, this correlates very well with different modes of action. Due to the novelty of this approach direct identification of the target of the antimicrobial compound is not yet fully established, more research is needed. More research is needed to address this limitation. The hybrid peptides showed a stronger antimicrobial activity compared to the proline-rich peptides, except when compared to Bac5-v291 against E. coli. The increase in activity compared to the arginine-isoleucine-rich peptides was up to 6-fold, however, it was not a general increase but was dependent on the combination of peptides and bacteria. BioSAXS experiments revealed that proline-rich peptides and arginine-isoleucine-rich peptides induce very different ultrastructural changes in E. coli, whereas a hybrid peptide (hyP7B5GK) shows changes, different to both parental peptides and the untreated control. These different ultrastructural changes indicated that the mode of action of the parental peptides might be different from each other as well as from the hybrid peptide hyP7B5GK. All peptides showed very low haemolytic activity, some of them showed a 100-fold or larger therapeutic window, demonstrating the potential for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hilpert
- Institute of Infection and Immunology, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jurnorain Gani
- Institute of Infection and Immunology, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Rumancev
- Laboratory Analytical Chemistry - Biointerfaces, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nathan Simpson
- Institute of Infection and Immunology, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Petar Markov
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Outstation, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marco Scocchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Axel Rosenhahn
- Laboratory Analytical Chemistry - Biointerfaces, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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15
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Zouhir A, Semmar N. Structure-activity trend analysis between amino-acids and minimal inhibitory concentration of antimicrobial peptides. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 99:438-455. [PMID: 34965022 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide large structural libraries of molecules with high variability of constitutional amino-acids (AAs). Highlighting structural organization and structure-activity trends in such molecular systems provide key information on structural associations and functional conditions that could usefully help for drug design. This work presents link analyses between minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and different types of constitutional AAs of anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa AMPs. This scope was based on a dataset of 328 published molecules. Regulation levels of AAs in AMPs were statistically ordinated by correspondence analysis helping for classification of the 328 AMPs into nine structurally homogeneous peptide clusters (PCs 1-9) characterized by high/low relative occurrences of different AAs. Within each PC, negative trends between MIC and AAs were highlighted by iterated multiple linear regression models built by bootstrap processes (bagging). MIC-decrease was linked to different AAs that varied with PCs: alcohol type AAs (Thr, Ser) in Cys-rich and low Arg PCs (PCs 1-3); basic AAs (Lys, Arg) in Pro-rich and low Val PCs (PCs 4-8); Trp (heterocyclic AA) in Arg-rich PCs (PCs 6, 7, 9). Aliphatic AAs (more particularly Gly) showed MIC-reduction effects in different PCs essentially under interactive forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmajid Zouhir
- University of Tunis El Manar, Institut Supérieur des Sciences Biologiques Appliquées de Tunis
| | - Nabil Semmar
- University of Tunis El Manar, Laboratory of BioInformatics, bioMathematics and bioStatistics (BIMS), Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunisia
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16
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Natural and Synthetic Halogenated Amino Acids-Structural and Bioactive Features in Antimicrobial Peptides and Peptidomimetics. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237401. [PMID: 34885985 PMCID: PMC8659048 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The 3D structure and surface characteristics of proteins and peptides are crucial for interactions with receptors or ligands and can be modified to some extent to modulate their biological roles and pharmacological activities. The introduction of halogen atoms on the side-chains of amino acids is a powerful tool for effecting this type of tuning, influencing both the physico-chemical and structural properties of the modified polypeptides, helping to first dissect and then rationally modify features that affect their mode of action. This review provides examples of the influence of different types of halogenation in amino acids that replace native residues in proteins and peptides. Examples of synthetic strategies for obtaining halogenated amino acids are also provided, focusing on some representative compounds and their biological effects. The role of halogenation in native and designed antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their mimetics is then discussed. These are in the spotlight for the development of new antimicrobial drugs to counter the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. AMPs represent an interesting model to study the role that natural halogenation has on their mode of action and also to understand how artificially halogenated residues can be used to rationally modify and optimize AMPs for pharmaceutical purposes.
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17
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Armas F, Di Stasi A, Mardirossian M, Romani AA, Benincasa M, Scocchi M. Effects of Lipidation on a Proline-Rich Antibacterial Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7959. [PMID: 34360723 PMCID: PMC8347091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a worldwide health problem. Antimicrobial peptides have been recognized as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics, but still require optimization. The proline-rich antimicrobial peptide Bac7(1-16) is active against only a limited number of Gram-negative bacteria. It kills bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis after its internalization, which is mainly supported by the bacterial transporter SbmA. In this study, we tested two different lipidated forms of Bac7(1-16) with the aim of extending its activity against those bacterial species that lack SbmA. We linked a C12-alkyl chain or an ultrashort cationic lipopeptide Lp-I to the C-terminus of Bac7(1-16). Both the lipidated Bac-C12 and Bac-Lp-I forms acquired activity at low micromolar MIC values against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, unlike Bac7(1-16), Bac-C12, and Bac-Lp-I did not select resistant mutants in E. coli after 14 times of exposure to sub-MIC concentrations of the respective peptide. We demonstrated that the extended spectrum of activity and absence of de novo resistance are likely related to the acquired capability of the peptides to permeabilize cell membranes. These results indicate that C-terminal lipidation of a short proline-rich peptide profoundly alters its function and mode of action and provides useful insights into the design of novel broad-spectrum antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Armas
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (F.A.); (A.D.S.); (M.M.); (M.B.)
- Area Science Park, Padriciano, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Adriana Di Stasi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (F.A.); (A.D.S.); (M.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Mario Mardirossian
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (F.A.); (A.D.S.); (M.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Monica Benincasa
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (F.A.); (A.D.S.); (M.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Scocchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (F.A.); (A.D.S.); (M.M.); (M.B.)
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18
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Comparison of a Short Linear Antimicrobial Peptide with Its Disulfide-Cyclized and Cyclotide-Grafted Variants against Clinically Relevant Pathogens. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061249. [PMID: 34201398 PMCID: PMC8228819 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the development of resistance against antibiotics by microbes is one of the most pressing health concerns. The situation will intensify since only a few pharmacological companies are currently developing novel antimicrobial compounds. Discovery and development of novel antimicrobial compounds with new modes of action are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are known to be able to kill multidrug-resistant bacteria and, therefore, of interest to be developed into antimicrobial drugs. Proteolytic stability and toxicities of these peptides are challenges to overcome, and one strategy frequently used to address stability is cyclization. Here we introduced a disulfide-bond to cyclize a potent and nontoxic 9mer peptide and, in addition, as a proof-of-concept study, grafted this peptide into loop 6 of the cyclotide MCoTI-II. This is the first time an antimicrobial peptide has been successfully grafted onto the cyclotide scaffold. The disulfide-cyclized and grafted cyclotide showed moderate activity in broth and strong activity in 1/5 broth against clinically relevant resistant pathogens. The linear peptide showed superior activity in both conditions. The half-life time in 100% human serum was determined, for the linear peptide, to be 13 min, for the simple disulfide-cyclized peptide, 9 min, and, for the grafted cyclotide 7 h 15 min. The addition of 10% human serum led to a loss of antimicrobial activity for the different organisms, ranging from 1 to >8-fold for the cyclotide. For the disulfide-cyclized version and the linear version, activity also dropped to different degrees, 2 to 18-fold, and 1 to 30-fold respectively. Despite the massive difference in stability, the linear peptide still showed superior antimicrobial activity. The cyclotide and the disulfide-cyclized version demonstrated a slower bactericidal effect than the linear version. All three peptides were stable at high and low pH, and had very low hemolytic and cytotoxic activity.
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19
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Roque-Borda CA, da Silva PB, Rodrigues MC, Azevedo RB, Di Filippo L, Duarte JL, Chorilli M, Festozo Vicente E, Pavan FR. Challenge in the Discovery of New Drugs: Antimicrobial Peptides against WHO-List of Critical and High-Priority Bacteria. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:773. [PMID: 34064302 PMCID: PMC8224320 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial resistance has intensified in recent years due to the uncontrolled use of conventional drugs, and new bacterial strains with multiple resistance have been reported. This problem may be solved by using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which fulfill their bactericidal activity without developing much bacterial resistance. The rapid interaction between AMPs and the bacterial cell membrane means that the bacteria cannot easily develop resistance mechanisms. In addition, various drugs for clinical use have lost their effect as a conventional treatment; however, the synergistic effect of AMPs with these drugs would help to reactivate and enhance antimicrobial activity. Their efficiency against multi-resistant and extensively resistant bacteria has positioned them as promising molecules to replace or improve conventional drugs. In this review, we examined the importance of antimicrobial peptides and their successful activity against critical and high-priority bacteria published in the WHO list.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Augusto Roque-Borda
- Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil;
| | - Patricia Bento da Silva
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (P.B.d.S.); (M.C.R.); (R.B.A.)
| | - Mosar Corrêa Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (P.B.d.S.); (M.C.R.); (R.B.A.)
| | - Ricardo Bentes Azevedo
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (P.B.d.S.); (M.C.R.); (R.B.A.)
| | - Leonardo Di Filippo
- Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (L.D.F.); (J.L.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Jonatas L. Duarte
- Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (L.D.F.); (J.L.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil; (L.D.F.); (J.L.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Eduardo Festozo Vicente
- School of Sciences and Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Tupã 17602-496, Brazil;
| | - Fernando Rogério Pavan
- Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-903, Brazil;
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20
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Welch NG, Li W, Hossain MA, Separovic F, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Wade JD. (Re)Defining the Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptide Family and the Identification of Putative New Members. Front Chem 2020; 8:607769. [PMID: 33335890 PMCID: PMC7736402 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.607769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
As we rapidly approach a post-antibiotic era in which multi-drug resistant bacteria are ever-pervasive, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising class of compounds to help address this global issue. AMPs are best-known for their membrane-disruptive mode of action leading to bacteria cell lysis and death. However, many AMPs are also known to be non-lytic and have intracellular modes of action. Proline-rich AMPs (PrAMPs) are one such class, that are generally membrane permeable and inhibit protein synthesis leading to a bactericidal outcome. PrAMPs are highly effective against Gram-negative bacteria and yet show very low toxicity against eukaryotic cells. Here, we review both the PrAMP family and the past and current definitions for this class of peptides. Computational analysis of known AMPs within the DRAMP database (http://dramp.cpu-bioinfor.org/) and assessment of their PrAMP-like properties have led us to develop a revised definition of the PrAMP class. As a result, we subsequently identified a number of unknown and unclassified peptides containing motifs of striking similarity to known PrAMP-based DnaK inhibitors and propose a series of new sequences for experimental evaluation and subsequent addition to the PrAMP family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G Welch
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wenyi Li
- Centre for Oral Health Research, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Centre for Oral Health Research, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John D Wade
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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21
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Kopeikin PM, Zharkova MS, Kolobov AA, Smirnova MP, Sukhareva MS, Umnyakova ES, Kokryakov VN, Orlov DS, Milman BL, Balandin SV, Panteleev PV, Ovchinnikova TV, Komlev AS, Tossi A, Shamova OV. Caprine Bactenecins as Promising Tools for Developing New Antimicrobial and Antitumor Drugs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:552905. [PMID: 33194795 PMCID: PMC7604311 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.552905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PR-AMPs) having a potent antimicrobial activity predominantly toward Gram-negative bacteria and negligible toxicity toward host cells, are attracting attention as new templates for developing antibiotic drugs. We have previously isolated and characterized several bactenecins that are promising in this respect, from the leukocytes of the domestic goat Capra hircus: ChBac5, miniChBac7.5N-α, and -β, as well as ChBac3.4. Unlike the others, ChBac3.4 shows a somewhat unusual pattern of activities for a mammalian PR-AMP: it is more active against bacterial membranes as well as tumor and, to the lesser extent, normal cells. Here we describe a SAR study of ChBac3.4 (RFRLPFRRPPIRIHPPPFYPPFRRFL-NH2) which elucidates its peculiarities and evaluates its potential as a lead for antimicrobial or anticancer drugs based on this peptide. A set of designed structural analogues of ChBac3.4 was explored for antibacterial activity toward drug-resistant clinical isolates and antitumor properties. The N-terminal region was found to be important for the antimicrobial action, but not responsible for the toxicity toward mammalian cells. A shortened variant with the best selectivity index toward bacteria demonstrated a pronounced synergy in combination with antibiotics against Gram-negative strains, albeit with a somewhat reduced ability to inhibit biofilm formation compared to native peptide. C-terminal amidation was examined for some analogues, which did not affect antimicrobial activity, but somewhat altered the cytotoxicity toward host cells. Interestingly, non-amidated peptides showed a slight delay in their impact on bacterial membrane integrity. Peptides with enhanced hydrophobicity showed increased toxicity, but in most cases their selectivity toward tumor cells also improved. While most analogues lacked hemolytic properties, a ChBac3.4 variant with two additional tryptophan residues demonstrated an appreciable activity toward human erythrocytes. The variant demonstrating the best tumor/nontumor cell selectivity was found to more actively initiate apoptosis in target cells, though its action was slower than that of the native ChBac3.4. Its antitumor effectiveness was successfully verified in vivo in a murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of structural modification to manage caprine bactenecins’ selectivity and activity spectrum and confirm that they are promising prototypes for antimicrobial and anticancer drugs design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel M Kopeikin
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria S Zharkova
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander A Kolobov
- Laboratory of Peptide Chemistry, State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria P Smirnova
- Laboratory of Peptide Chemistry, State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria S Sukhareva
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina S Umnyakova
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Kokryakov
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitriy S Orlov
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Boris L Milman
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey V Balandin
- Science-Educational Center, M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel V Panteleev
- Science-Educational Center, M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Ovchinnikova
- Science-Educational Center, M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Biotechnology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksey S Komlev
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alessandro Tossi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Olga V Shamova
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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22
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Huan Y, Kong Q, Mou H, Yi H. Antimicrobial Peptides: Classification, Design, Application and Research Progress in Multiple Fields. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:582779. [PMID: 33178164 PMCID: PMC7596191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.582779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 578] [Impact Index Per Article: 144.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of small peptides that widely exist in nature and they are an important part of the innate immune system of different organisms. AMPs have a wide range of inhibitory effects against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and the increasing of concerns about the use of antibiotics resulted in the development of AMPs, which have a good application prospect in medicine, food, animal husbandry, agriculture and aquaculture. This review introduces the progress of research on AMPs comprehensively and systematically, including their classification, mechanism of action, design methods, environmental factors affecting their activity, application status, prospects in various fields and problems to be solved. The research progress on antivirus peptides, especially anti-coronavirus (COVID-19) peptides, has been introduced given the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qing Kong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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23
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Mardirossian M, Sola R, Beckert B, Valencic E, Collis DWP, Borišek J, Armas F, Di Stasi A, Buchmann J, Syroegin EA, Polikanov YS, Magistrato A, Hilpert K, Wilson DN, Scocchi M. Peptide Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis with Broad Spectrum and SbmA-Independent Bactericidal Activity against Clinical Pathogens. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9590-9602. [PMID: 32787108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) are promising lead compounds for developing new antimicrobials; however, their narrow spectrum of action is limiting. PrAMPs kill bacteria binding to their ribosomes and inhibiting protein synthesis. In this study, 133 derivatives of the PrAMP Bac7(1-16) were synthesized to identify the crucial residues for ribosome inactivation and antimicrobial activity. Then, five new Bac7(1-16) derivatives were conceived and characterized by antibacterial and membrane permeabilization assays, X-ray crystallography, and molecular dynamics simulations. Some derivatives displayed broad spectrum activity, encompassing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Two peptides out of five acquired a weak membrane-perturbing activity while maintaining the ability to inhibit protein synthesis. These derivatives became independent of the SbmA transporter, commonly used by native PrAMPs, suggesting that they obtained a novel route to enter bacterial cells. PrAMP-derived compounds could become new-generation antimicrobials to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mardirossian
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34125 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sola
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bertrand Beckert
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Erica Valencic
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 30137 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Federica Armas
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Adriana Di Stasi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Jan Buchmann
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Egor A Syroegin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Yury S Polikanov
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | | | - Kai Hilpert
- Institute of Infection and Immunology, St. George's, University of London, SW 17 0RE London, U.K
| | - Daniel N Wilson
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marco Scocchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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24
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André C, Veillard F, Wolff P, Lobstein AM, Compain G, Monsarrat C, Reichhart JM, Noûs C, Burnouf DY, Guichard G, Wagner JE. Antibacterial activity of a dual peptide targeting the Escherichia coli sliding clamp and the ribosome. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:137-147. [PMID: 34458754 PMCID: PMC8341878 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00060d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial processivity factor, or sliding clamp (SC), is a target of choice for new antibacterial drugs development. We have previously developed peptides that target Escherichia coli SC and block its interaction with DNA polymerases in vitro. Here, one such SC binding peptide was fused to a Proline-rich AntiMicrobial Peptide (PrAMP) to allow its internalization into E. coli cells. Co-immunoprecipitation assays with a N-terminally modified bifunctional peptide that still enters the bacteria but fails to interact with the bacterial ribosome, the major target of PrAMPs, demonstrate that it actually interacts with the bacterial SC. Moreover, when compared to SC non-binding controls, this peptide induces a ten-fold higher antibacterial activity against E. coli, showing that the observed antimicrobial activity is linked to SC binding. Finally, an unmodified bifunctional compound significantly increases the survival of Drosophila melanogaster flies challenged by an E. coli infection. Our study demonstrates the potential of PrAMPs to transport antibiotics into the bacterial cytoplasm and validates the development of drugs targeting the bacterial processivity factor of Gram-negative bacteria as a promising new class of antibiotics. Bifunctional peptides targeting both the translation and the replication machineries have been developed and shown to act as new antimicrobials.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe André
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie 2 rue Robert Escarpit F-33607 Pessac France
| | - Florian Veillard
- Insect Models of Innate Immunity, UPR 9022-CNRS, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Philippe Wolff
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Anne-Marie Lobstein
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Guillaume Compain
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie 2 rue Robert Escarpit F-33607 Pessac France
| | - Clément Monsarrat
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie 2 rue Robert Escarpit F-33607 Pessac France
| | - Jean-Marc Reichhart
- Insect Models of Innate Immunity, UPR 9022-CNRS, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Camille Noûs
- Laboratoire Cogitamus 1 3/4 rue Descartes 75005 Paris France
| | - Dominique Y Burnouf
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Gilles Guichard
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie 2 rue Robert Escarpit F-33607 Pessac France
| | - Jérôme E Wagner
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 7242, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg 67400 Illkirch France
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25
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Ting DSJ, Beuerman RW, Dua HS, Lakshminarayanan R, Mohammed I. Strategies in Translating the Therapeutic Potentials of Host Defense Peptides. Front Immunol 2020; 11:983. [PMID: 32528474 PMCID: PMC7256188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The golden era of antibiotics, heralded by the discovery of penicillin, has long been challenged by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Host defense peptides (HDPs), previously known as antimicrobial peptides, are emerging as a group of promising antimicrobial candidates for combatting AMR due to their rapid and unique antimicrobial action. Decades of research have advanced our understanding of the relationship between the physicochemical properties of HDPs and their underlying antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial functions, including immunomodulatory, anti-biofilm, and wound healing properties. However, the mission of translating novel HDP-derived molecules from bench to bedside has yet to be fully accomplished, primarily attributed to their intricate structure-activity relationship, toxicity, instability in host and microbial environment, lack of correlation between in vitro and in vivo efficacies, and dwindling interest from large pharmaceutical companies. Based on our previous experience and the expanding knowledge gleaned from the literature, this review aims to summarize the novel strategies that have been employed to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy, proteolytic stability, and cell selectivity, which are all crucial factors for bench-to-bedside translation of HDP-based treatment. Strategies such as residues substitution with natural and/or unnatural amino acids, hybridization, L-to-D heterochiral isomerization, C- and N-terminal modification, cyclization, incorporation with nanoparticles, and "smart design" using artificial intelligence technology, will be discussed. We also provide an overview of HDP-based treatment that are currently in the development pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Shu Jeng Ting
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger W Beuerman
- Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harminder S Dua
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rajamani Lakshminarayanan
- Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Imran Mohammed
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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26
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Mardirossian M, Sola R, Beckert B, Collis DWP, Di Stasi A, Armas F, Hilpert K, Wilson DN, Scocchi M. Proline-Rich Peptides with Improved Antimicrobial Activity against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:2025-2033. [PMID: 31692278 PMCID: PMC6973051 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) are promising agents to combat multi-drug resistant pathogens due to a high antimicrobial activity, yet low cytotoxicity. A library of derivatives of the PrAMP Bac5(1-17) was synthesized and screened to identify which residues are relevant for its activity. In this way, we discovered that two central motifs -PIRXP- cannot be modified, while residues at N- and C- termini tolerated some variations. We found five Bac5(1-17) derivatives bearing 1-5 substitutions, with an increased number of arginine and/or tryptophan residues, exhibiting improved antimicrobial activity and broader spectrum of activity while retaining low cytotoxicity toward eukaryotic cells. Transcription/translation and bacterial membrane permeabilization assays showed that these new derivatives still retained the ability to strongly inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, but also acquired permeabilizing activity to different degrees. These new Bac5(1-17) derivatives therefore show a dual mode of action which could hinder the selection of bacterial resistance against these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riccardo Sola
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of Trieste34128TriesteItaly
| | - Bertrand Beckert
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Hamburg20146HamburgGermany
| | | | - Adriana Di Stasi
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of Trieste34128TriesteItaly
| | - Federica Armas
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of Trieste34128TriesteItaly
| | - Kai Hilpert
- St GeorgesUniversity of LondonLondonSW17 0REUK
| | - Daniel N. Wilson
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Hamburg20146HamburgGermany
| | - Marco Scocchi
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of Trieste34128TriesteItaly
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27
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Ruden S, Rieder A, Chis Ster I, Schwartz T, Mikut R, Hilpert K. Synergy Pattern of Short Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides Against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2740. [PMID: 31849888 PMCID: PMC6901909 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rise of various multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria, worldwide health care is under pressure to respond. Conventional antibiotics are failing and the development of novel classes and alternative strategies is a major priority. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) cannot only kill MDR bacteria, but also can be used synergistically with conventional antibiotics. We selected 30 short AMPs from different origins and measured their synergy in combination with polymyxin B, piperacillin, ceftazidime, cefepime, meropenem, imipenem, tetracycline, erythromycin, kanamycin, tobramycin, amikacin, gentamycin, and ciprofloxacin. In total, 403 unique combinations were tested against an MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate (PA910). As a measure of the synergistic effects, fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) were determined using microdilution assays with FICs ranges between 0.25 and 2. A high number of combinations between peptides and polymyxin B, erythromycin, and tetracycline were found to be synergistic. Novel variants of indolicidin also showed a high frequency in synergist interaction. Single amino acid substitutions within the peptides can have a very strong effect on the ability to synergize, making it possible to optimize future drugs toward synergistic interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Ruden
- Institute of Biological Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.,Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Annika Rieder
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Irina Chis Ster
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Schwartz
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Kai Hilpert
- Institute of Functional Interfaces, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.,Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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