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Samat R, Sen S, Jash M, Ghosh S, Garg S, Sarkar J, Ghosh S. Venom: A Promising Avenue for Antimicrobial Therapeutics. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:3098-3125. [PMID: 39137302 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00314] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Venom in medicine is well documented in the chronicles of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire and persisted into the Renaissance and even into the modern era. Venoms were not always associated with detrimental consequences. Since ancient times, the curative capacity of venom has been recognized, portraying venom as a metaphor for pharmacy and medicine. Venom proteins and peptides' antimicrobial potential has not undergone systematic exploration despite the huge literature on natural antimicrobials. In light of the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance and the diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics, there is a pressing need for innovative antimicrobials capable of effectively addressing illnesses caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This review adds to our understanding of the effectiveness of different venom components against a host of pathogenic microorganisms. The aim is to illuminate the various antimicrobials present in venom and venom peptides, thereby emphasizing the unexplored medicinal potential for antimicrobial properties. We have presented a concise summary of the molecular examination of the venom peptides' functioning processes, as well as the current clinical and preclinical progress of venom antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkamal Samat
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Samya Sen
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- iHUB Drishti Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Moumita Jash
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Satyajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Shubham Garg
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Jayita Sarkar
- Centre for Research and Development of Scientific Instruments (CRDSI), Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- iHUB Drishti Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
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2
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Chen J, Yu CG, Zhou MM, Zhang GJ, Su HL, Ding GH, Wei L, Lin ZH, Ma L. An esculentin-1 homolog from a dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) possesses antibacterial and immunoregulatory properties. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:164. [PMID: 38678277 PMCID: PMC11055230 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04013-y] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esculentin-1, initially discovered in the skin secretions of pool frogs (Pelophylax lessonae), has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; however, its immunomodulatory properties have received little attention. RESULTS In the present study, esculentin-1 cDNA was identified by analysing the skin transcriptome of the dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus). Esculentin-1 from this species (esculentin-1PN) encompasses a signal peptide, an acidic spacer peptide, and a mature peptide. Sequence alignments with other amphibian esculentins-1 demonstrated conservation of the peptide, and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed its closest genetic affinity to esculentin-1P, derived from the Fukien gold-striped pond frog (Pelophylax fukienensis). Esculentin-1PN transcripts were observed in various tissues, with the skin exhibiting the highest mRNA levels. Synthetic esculentin-1PN demonstrated antibacterial activity against various pathogens, and esculentin-1PN exhibited bactericidal activity by disrupting cell membrane integrity and hydrolyzing genomic DNA. Esculentin-1PN did not stimulate chemotaxis in RAW264.7, a murine leukemic monocyte/macrophage cell line. However, it amplified the respiratory burst and augmented the pro-inflammatory cytokine gene (TNF-α and IL-1β) expression in RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS This novel finding highlights the immunomodulatory activity of esculentin-1PN on immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Ci-Gang Yu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Min-Min Zhou
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Gao-Jian Zhang
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Hai-Long Su
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Guo-Hua Ding
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Li Wei
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
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3
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Scotti R, Casciaro B, Stringaro A, Maggi F, Colone M, Gabbianelli R. Fighting Microbial Infections from Escherichia coli O157:H7: The Combined Use of Three Essential Oils of the Cymbopogon Genus and a Derivative of Esculentin-1a Peptide. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:86. [PMID: 38247645 PMCID: PMC10812396 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010086] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The absence of effective therapy against Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections has led to the need to develop new antimicrobial agents. As the use of synergistic combinations of natural antimicrobial compounds is growing as a new weapon in the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria, here, we have tested new synergistic combinations of natural agents. Notably, we investigated a possible synergistic effect of combinations of essential oils and natural peptides to counteract the formation of biofilm. We chose three essential oils (i.e., Cymbopogon citratus, C. flexuosus and C. martinii) and one peptide already studied in our previous works. We determined the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) by analyzing the combination of the peptide derived from esculentin-1a, Esc(1-21), with the three essential oils. We also studied the effects of combinations by time-kill curves, scanning electron microscopy on biofilm and Sytox Green on cell membrane permeability. Finally, we analyzed the expression of different genes implicated in motility, biofilm formation and stress responses. The results showed a different pattern of gene expression in bacteria treated with the mixtures compared to those treated with the peptide or the single C. citratus essential oil. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the three essential oils used in combination with the peptide showed synergy against the E. coli O157:H7, proving attractive as an alternative strategy against E. coli pathogen infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Scotti
- Biological Service, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Filippo Maggi
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Marisa Colone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Roberta Gabbianelli
- Biological Service, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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4
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Chen X, Su S, Yan Y, Yin L, Liu L. Anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity of natural antimicrobial peptides when used alone or in combination with antibiotics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1239540. [PMID: 37731929 PMCID: PMC10508351 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1239540] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has recently published a list of 12 drug-resistant bacteria that posed a significant threat to human health, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was among them. In China, P. aeruginosa is a common pathogen in hospital acquired pneumonia, accounting for 16.9-22.0%. It is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that can infect individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to hospital-acquired acute and systemic infections. The excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of various mechanisms in P. aeruginosa to resist conventional drugs. Thus, there is an emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, posing a major challenge to conventional antibiotics and therapeutic approaches. Antimicrobial peptides are an integral component of host defense and have been found in many living organisms. Most antimicrobial peptides are characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates, making them become promising for use as antimicrobial products. This review particularly focuses on summarizing the inhibitory activity of natural antimicrobial peptides against P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilms, as well as the drug interactions when these peptides used in combination with conventional antibiotics. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of these antimicrobial peptides against P. aeruginosa strains was mainly related to destroy the membrane structure through interacting with LPS or increasing ROS levels, or targeting cellular components, leaded to cell lysis. Hopefully, this analysis will provide valuable experimental data on developing novel compounds to combat P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Cappiello F, Verma S, Lin X, Moreno IY, Casciaro B, Dutta D, McDermott AM, Willcox M, Coulson-Thomas VJ, Mangoni ML. Novel Peptides with Dual Properties for Treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis: Antibacterial and Corneal Wound Healing. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1028. [PMID: 37509064 PMCID: PMC10377436 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is a layer in the anterior part of eye that contributes to light refraction onto the retina and to the ocular immune defense. Although an intact corneal epithelium is an excellent barrier against microbial pathogens and injuries, corneal abrasions can lead to devastating eye infections. Among them, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-associated keratitis often results in severe deterioration of the corneal tissue and even blindness. Hence, the discovery of new drugs able not only to eradicate ocular infections, which are often resistant to antibiotics, but also to elicit corneal wound repair is highly demanded. Recently, we demonstrated the potent antipseudomonal activity of two peptides, Esc(1-21) and its diastereomer Esc(1-21)-1c. In this study, by means of a mouse model of P. aeruginosa keratitis and an in vivo corneal debridement wound, we discovered the efficacy of these peptides, particularly Esc(1-21)-1c, to cure keratitis and to promote corneal wound healing. This latter property was also supported by in vitro cell scratch and ELISA assays. Overall, the current study highlights Esc peptides as novel ophthalmic agents for treating corneal infection and injury, being able to display a dual function, antimicrobial and wound healing, rarely identified in a single peptide at the same micromolar concentration range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-2020, USA; (S.V.); (X.L.); (I.Y.M.); (A.M.M.); (V.J.C.-T.)
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-2020, USA; (S.V.); (X.L.); (I.Y.M.); (A.M.M.); (V.J.C.-T.)
| | - Isabel Y. Moreno
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-2020, USA; (S.V.); (X.L.); (I.Y.M.); (A.M.M.); (V.J.C.-T.)
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Debarun Dutta
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia; (D.D.); (M.W.)
- School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Alison M. McDermott
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-2020, USA; (S.V.); (X.L.); (I.Y.M.); (A.M.M.); (V.J.C.-T.)
| | - Mark Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia; (D.D.); (M.W.)
| | - Vivien J. Coulson-Thomas
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-2020, USA; (S.V.); (X.L.); (I.Y.M.); (A.M.M.); (V.J.C.-T.)
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (B.C.)
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Li X, Xu C, Liang B, Kastelic JP, Han B, Tong X, Gao J. Alternatives to antibiotics for treatment of mastitis in dairy cows. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1160350. [PMID: 37404775 PMCID: PMC10315858 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1160350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mastitis is considered the costliest disease on dairy farms and also adversely affects animal welfare. As treatment (and to a lesser extent prevention) of mastitis rely heavily on antibiotics, there are increasing concerns in veterinary and human medicine regarding development of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, with genes conferring resistance being capable of transfer to heterologous strains, reducing resistance in strains of animal origin should have positive impacts on humans. This article briefly reviews potential roles of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), herbal medicines, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), bacteriophages and their lytic enzymes, vaccination and other emerging therapies for prevention and treatment of mastitis in dairy cows. Although many of these approaches currently lack proven therapeutic efficacy, at least some may gradually replace antibiotics, especially as drug-resistant bacteria are proliferating globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuang Xu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingchun Liang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - John P. Kastelic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofang Tong
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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7
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Wu F, Song L, Gong Y, Wang Y, Li H, Zhang S. Antimicrobial Peptide Pt5‐1c Promotes Keratinocyte Migration and Proliferation via EGFR‐mediated Akt/MAPK/STAT3 pathways. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wu
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Lili Song
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Yi Gong
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Yubing Wang
- School of life science and technology Weifang Medical University Weifang 261053 China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao) Qingdao 266003 China
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8
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Guadalupe Armas GDC, Martel-Benítez CJ, Alayón-Afonso R, Clavo B, Bordes Benítez A, González-Martín JM, Torres-Mata LB, Martín-Barrasa JL. In vitro antimicrobial activity of ozonated sunflower oil in milk against Escherichia coli: comparative study in cow, goat and sheep. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2022.2147186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria del Carmen Guadalupe Armas
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Carlos José Martel-Benítez
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Group of Fish Health and Infectious Diseases, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Spain
| | - Rafael Alayón-Afonso
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Group of Fish Health and Infectious Diseases, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Spain
| | - Bernardino Clavo
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- BioPharm Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Bordes Benítez
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jesús María González-Martín
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura B Torres-Mata
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- BioPharm Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Chemical Engineering & Materials Department, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Martín-Barrasa
- Research Unit Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Group of Fish Health and Infectious Diseases, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Spain
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Facility, Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Casciaro B, Loffredo MR, Cappiello F, O’Sullivan N, Tortora C, Manzer R, Karmakar S, Haskell A, Hasan SK, Mangoni ML. KDEON WK-11: A short antipseudomonal peptide with promising potential. Front Chem 2022; 10:1000765. [PMID: 36465859 PMCID: PMC9713011 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The plight of antimicrobial resistance continues to limit the availability of antibiotic treatment effective in combating resistant bacterial infections. Despite efforts made to rectify this issue and minimise its effects on both patients and the wider community, progress in this area remains minimal. Here, we de-novo designed a peptide named KDEON WK-11, building on previous work establishing effective residues and structures active in distinguished antimicrobial peptides such as lactoferrin. We assessed its antimicrobial activity against an array of bacterial strains and identified its most potent effect, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an MIC value of 3.12 μM, lower than its counterparts developed with similar residues and chain lengths. We then determined its anti-biofilm properties, potential mechanism of action and in vitro cytotoxicity. We identified that KDEON WK-11 had a broad range of antimicrobial activity and specific capabilities to fight Pseudomonas aeruginosa with low in vitro cytotoxicity and promising potential to express anti-lipopolysaccharide qualities, which could be exploited to expand its properties into an anti-sepsis agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Niamh O’Sullivan
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carola Tortora
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rizwan Manzer
- Iuventis Technologies Inc. (DBA Immunotrex Biologics), Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Sougata Karmakar
- Iuventis Technologies Inc. (DBA Immunotrex Biologics), Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Alan Haskell
- Iuventis Technologies Inc. (DBA Immunotrex Biologics), Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Syed K. Hasan
- Iuventis Technologies Inc. (DBA Immunotrex Biologics), Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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10
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The Inhibition of DNA Viruses by the Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptide Temporin G: A Virological Study Addressing HSV-1 and JPCyV. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137194. [PMID: 35806198 PMCID: PMC9266403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and John Cunningham polyomavirus (JCPyV) are widely distributed DNA viruses causing mainly asymptomatic infection, but also mild to very severe diseases, especially when these viruses reach the brain. Some drugs have been developed to inhibit HSV-1 replication in host cells, but their prolonged use may induce resistance phenomena. In contrast, to date, there is no cure for JCPyV. The search for alternative drugs that can reduce viral infections without undermining the host cell is moving toward antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of natural occurrence. These include amphibian AMPs belonging to the temporin family. Herein, we focus on temporin G (TG), showing that it strongly affects HSV-1 replication by acting either during the earliest stages of its life cycle or directly on the virion. Computational studies have revealed the ability of TG to interact with HSV-1 glycoprotein B. We also found that TG reduced JCPyV infection, probably affecting both the earliest phases of its life cycle and the viral particle, likely through an interaction with the viral capsid protein VP1. Overall, our results are promising for the development of short naturally occurring peptides as antiviral agents used to counteract diseases related to HSV-1 and JCPyV.
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11
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Derivatives of Esculentin-1 Peptides as Promising Candidates for Fighting Infections from Escherichia coli O157:H7. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050656. [PMID: 35625300 PMCID: PMC9137543 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050656] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
New strategies are needed to fight the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria caused by an overuse of antibiotics in medical and veterinary fields. Due to the importance of biofilms in clinical infections, antibiofilm peptides have a great potential to treat infections. In recent years, an increased interest has emerged in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). One of the richest sources of AMPs is represented by amphibian skin. In the present work, we investigated the effects of two peptides derived from the frog skin AMP esculentin-1, namely, Esc(1-21) and Esc(1-18), on the growth, biofilm formation, and gene expression of the non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strain K12 and of enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7. Both peptides showed minimal bactericidal concentrations ranging from 4 to 8 µM for Esc(1-21) and from 32 to 64 µM for Esc(1-18). They also, at sub-MIC doses, reduced the formation of biofilm, as supported by both microbiological assays and scanning electron microscopy, while they displayed no marked activity against the planktonic form of the bacteria. Transcriptional analysis in E. coli O157:H7 showed that both AMPs induced the expression of several genes involved in the regulation of formation and dispersal of biofilm, as well as in the stress response. In conclusion, we demonstrated that these AMPs affect E. coli O157:H7 growth and biofilm formation, thus suggesting a great potential to be developed as novel therapeutics against infections caused by bacterial biofilms.
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12
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Wasp Venom Peptide (Polybia MP-1) Shows Antimicrobial Activity Against Multi Drug Resistant Bacteria Isolated from Mastitic Cow Milk. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10355-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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13
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Esc peptides as novel potentiators of defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator: an unprecedented property of antimicrobial peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:67. [PMID: 34971429 PMCID: PMC8752549 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04030-2] [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: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein lead to persistent lung bacterial infections, mainly due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causing loss of respiratory function and finally death of people affected by CF. Unfortunately, even in the era of CFTR modulation therapies, management of pulmonary infections in CF remains highly challenging especially for patients with advanced stages of lung disease. Recently, we identified antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), namely Esc peptides, with potent antipseudomonal activity. In this study, by means of electrophysiological techniques and computational studies we discovered their ability to increase the CFTR-controlled ion currents, by direct interaction with the F508del-CFTR mutant. Remarkably, this property was not explored previously with any AMPs or peptides in general. More interestingly, in contrast with clinically used CFTR modulators, Esc peptides would give particular benefit to CF patients by combining their capability to eradicate lung infections and to act as promoters of airway wound repair with their ability to ameliorate the activity of the channel with conductance defects. Overall, our findings not only highlighted Esc peptides as the first characterized AMPs with a novel property, that is the potentiator activity of CFTR, but also paved the avenue to investigate the functions of AMPs and/or other peptide molecules, for a new up-and-coming pharmacological approach to address CF lung disease.
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14
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Sadiq IZ, Muhammad A, Mada SB, Ibrahim B, Umar UA. Biotherapeutic effect of cell-penetrating peptides against microbial agents: a review. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1995285. [PMID: 34694961 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1995285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective permeability of biological membranes represents a significant barrier to the delivery of therapeutic substances into both microorganisms and mammalian cells, restricting the access of drugs into intracellular pathogens. Cell-penetrating peptides usually 5-30 amino acids with the characteristic ability to penetrate biological membranes have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents for treating infections as well as an effective delivery modality for biological conjugates such as nucleic acids, drugs, vaccines, nanoparticles, and therapeutic antibodies. However, several factors such as antimicrobial resistance and poor drug delivery of the existing medications justify the urgent need for developing a new class of antimicrobials. Herein, we review cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) used to treat microbial infections. Although these peptides are biologically active for infections, effective transduction into membranes and cargo transport, serum stability, and half-life must be improved for optimum functions and development of next-generation antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idris Zubairu Sadiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Sanusi Bello Mada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Bashiru Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Umar Aliyu Umar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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15
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Antimicrobial Peptide Brevinin-1RL1 from Frog Skin Secretion Induces Apoptosis and Necrosis of Tumor Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26072059. [PMID: 33916789 PMCID: PMC8038347 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has always been one of the most common malignant diseases in the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find potent agents with selective antitumor activity against cancer cells. It has been reported that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can selectively target tumor cells. In this study, we focused on the anti-tumor activity and mechanism of Brevivin-1RL1, a cationic α-helical AMP isolated from frog Rana limnocharis skin secretions. We found that Brevivin-1RL1 preferentially inhibits tumor cells rather than non-tumor cells with slight hemolytic activity. Cell viability assay demonstrated the intermolecular disulfide bridge contributes to the inhibitory activity of the peptide as the antitumor activity was abolished when the disulfide bridge reduced. Further mechanism studies revealed that both necrosis and apoptosis are involved in Brevivin-1RL1 mediated tumor cells death. Moreover, Brevivin-1RL1 induced extrinsic and mitochondria intrinsic apoptosis is caspases dependent, as the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-FMK rescued Brevinin-1RL1 induced tumor cell proliferative inhibition. Immunohistology staining showed Brevivin-1RL1 mainly aggregated on the surface of the tumor cells. These results together suggested that Brevivin-1RL1 preferentially converges on the cancer cells to trigger necrosis and caspase-dependent apoptosis and Brevivin-1RL1 could be considered as a pharmacological candidate for further development as anti-cancer agent.
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16
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Buccini DF, Cardoso MH, Franco OL. Antimicrobial Peptides and Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Treating Intracellular Bacterial Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:612931. [PMID: 33614528 PMCID: PMC7892433 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.612931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections caused by intracellular pathogens are difficult to control. Conventional antibiotic therapies are often ineffective, as high doses are needed to increase the number of antibiotics that will cross the host cell membrane to act on the intracellular bacterium. Moreover, higher doses of antibiotics may lead to elevated severe toxic effects against host cells. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have shown great potential to treat such infections by acting directly on the intracellular pathogenic bacterium or performing the delivery of cargos with antibacterial activities. Therefore, in this mini-review, we cover the main AMPs and CPPs described to date, aiming at intracellular bacterial infection treatment. Moreover, we discuss some of the proposed mechanisms of action for these peptide classes and their conjugation with other antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danieli F Buccini
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Marlon H Cardoso
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octavio L Franco
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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17
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Kapil S, Sharma V. d-Amino acids in antimicrobial peptides: a potential approach to treat and combat antimicrobial resistance. Can J Microbiol 2020; 67:119-137. [PMID: 32783775 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2020-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the leading challenges in the human healthcare segment. Advances in antimicrobial resistance have triggered exploration of natural alternatives to stabilize its seriousness. Antimicrobial peptides are small, positively charged oligopeptides that are as potent as commercially available antibiotics against a wide spectrum of organisms, such as Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, and fungal strains. In addition to their antibiotic capabilities, these peptides possess anticancer activity, activate the immune response, and regulate inflammation. Peptides have distinct modes of action and fall into various categories due to their amino acid composition. Although antimicrobial peptides specifically target the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, they can also target the cell nucleus and protein synthesis. Owing to the increasing demand for novel treatments against the threat of antimicrobial resistance, naturally synthesized peptides are a beneficial development concept. Antimicrobial peptides are pervasive and can easily be modified using de-novo synthesis technology. Antimicrobial peptides can be isolated from natural resources such as humans, plants, bacteria, and fungi. This review gives a brief overview of antimicrobial peptides and their diastereomeric composition. Other current trends, the future scope of antimicrobial peptides, and the role of d-amino acids are also discussed, with a specific emphasis on the design and development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Kapil
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali, Punjab 140413, India.,University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Vipasha Sharma
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali, Punjab 140413, India.,University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali, Punjab 140413, India
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18
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Frog Skin-Derived Peptides Against Corynebacterium jeikeium: Correlation between Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080448. [PMID: 32722535 PMCID: PMC7459541 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Corynebacterium jeikeium is a commensal bacterium that colonizes human skin, and it is part of the normal bacterial flora. In non-risk subjects, it can be the cause of bad body smell due to the generation of volatile odorous metabolites, especially in the wet parts of the body that this bacterium often colonizes (i.e., groin and axillary regions). Importantly, in the last few decades, there have been increasing cases of serious infections provoked by this bacterium, especially in immunocompromised or hospitalized patients who have undergone installation of prostheses or catheters. The ease in developing resistance to commonly-used antibiotics (i.e., glycopeptides) has made the search for new antimicrobial compounds of clinical importance. Here, for the first time, we characterize the antimicrobial activity of some selected frog skin-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against C. jeikeium by determining their minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) by a microdilution method. The results highlight esculentin-1b(1-18) [Esc(1-18)] and esculentin-1a(1-21) [Esc(1-21)] as the most active AMPs with MIC and MBC of 4-8 and 0.125-0.25 µM, respectively, along with a non-toxic profile after a short- and long-term (40 min and 24 h) treatment of mammalian cells. Overall, these findings indicate the high potentiality of Esc(1-18) and Esc(1-21) as (i) alternative antimicrobials against C. jeikeium infections and/or as (ii) additives in cosmetic products (creams, deodorants) to reduce the production of bad body odor.
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19
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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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20
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Casciaro B, Cappiello F, Loffredo MR, Ghirga F, Mangoni ML. The Potential of Frog Skin Peptides for Anti-Infective Therapies: The Case of Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1405-1419. [PMID: 31333082 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190722095408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are the key effectors of the innate immunity and represent promising molecules for the development of new antibacterial drugs. However, to achieve this goal, some problems need to be overcome: (i) the cytotoxic effects at high concentrations; (ii) the poor biostability and (iii) the difficulty in reaching the target site. Frog skin is one of the richest natural storehouses of AMPs, and over the years, many peptides have been isolated from it, characterized and classified into several families encompassing temporins, brevinins, nigrocins and esculentins. In this review, we summarized how the isolation/characterization of peptides belonging to the esculentin-1 family drove us to the design of an analogue, i.e. esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, with a powerful antimicrobial action and immunomodulatory properties. The peptide had a wide spectrum of activity, especially against the opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We described the structural features and the in vitro/in vivo biological characterization of this peptide as well as the strategies used to improve its biological properties. Among them: (i) the design of a diastereomer carrying Damino acids in order to reduce the peptide's cytotoxicity and improve its half-life; (ii) the covalent conjugation of the peptide to gold nanoparticles or its encapsulation into poly(lactide- co-glycolide) nanoparticles; and (iii) the peptide immobilization to biomedical devices (such as silicon hydrogel contact lenses) to obtain an antibacterial surface able to reduce microbial growth and attachment. Summing up the best results obtained so far, this review traces all the steps that led these frog-skin AMPs to the direction of peptide-based drugs for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@ Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@ Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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21
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New bacteriocin-like substances produced by Streptomyces species with activity against pathogens. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2020; 65:669-678. [PMID: 31953748 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-020-00770-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Streptomyces spp. are Gram-positive bacteria well-known for their ability to produce antibiotics and other metabolites, but few studies on bacteriocins produced by these bacteria have been reported. We tested eight Streptomyces strains against different pathogenic bacteria, and selected S. griseus, S. nigrescens, S. bottroprensis, and S. violaceoruber for further study based on their inhibitory effects against bacteria, including human pathogens. S. bottropensis reached its highest activity at 312 h and was higher than the activities of S. violaceoruber and S. nigrescens. The best condition for bacteriocin precipitation was using diammonium sulfate at 50% saturation. Bacteriocins were susceptible to proteinase treatments and stable at high temperature (up to 100 °C). The highest inhibitory activities were observed between pH 5 and 6. Cross-activity assays indicated that each Streptomyces strain produced different bacteriocins. When preparations of S. griseus and S. nigrescens were subjected to SDS-PAGE, bands of inhibition were observed in the gel overlay assay at a position corresponding to ~ 2 and 3 kDa, respectively, suggesting that both strains are potential sources for novel bacteriocins.
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22
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Bronchial epithelium repair by Esculentin-1a-derived antimicrobial peptides: involvement of metalloproteinase-9 and interleukin-8, and evaluation of peptides' immunogenicity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18988. [PMID: 31831857 PMCID: PMC6908641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55426-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The airway epithelium is seriously damaged upon pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, especially in cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers. Therefore, the discovery of novel anti-infective agents accelerating healing of infected injured tissues is crucial. The antipseudomonal peptides esculentin-1a(1–21)NH2 and its diastereomer Esc(1–21)-1c (Esc peptides) hold promise in this respect. In fact, they stimulate airway epithelial wound repair, but no mechanistic insights are available. Here we demonstrated that this process occurs through promotion of cell migration by an indirect activation of epidermal growth factor receptor mediated by metalloproteinases. Furthermore, we showed an increased expression of metalloproteinase 9, at both gene and protein levels, in peptide-treated bronchial epithelial cells with a functional or mutated form of CF transmembrane conductance regulator. In addition, the two peptides counteracted the inhibitory effect of Pseudomonas lipopolysaccharide (mimicking an infection condition) on the wound healing activity of the airway epithelium, and they enhanced the production of interleukin-8 from both types of cells. Finally, no immunogenicity was discovered for Esc peptides, suggesting their potential safety for clinical usage. Besides representing a step forward in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the peptide-induced wound healing activity, these studies have contributed to highlight Esc peptides as valuable therapeutics with multiple functions.
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23
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Patocka J, Nepovimova E, Klimova B, Wu Q, Kuca K. Antimicrobial Peptides: Amphibian Host Defense Peptides. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:5924-5946. [PMID: 30009702 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180713125314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are one of the most common components of the innate immune system that protect multicellular organisms against microbial invasion. The vast majority of AMPs are isolated from the frog skin. Anuran (frogs and toads) skin contains abundant AMPs that can be developed therapeutically. Such peptides are a unique but diverse group of molecules. In general, more than 50% of the amino acid residues form the hydrophobic part of the molecule. Normally, there are no conserved structural motifs responsible for activity, although the vast majority of the AMPs are cationic due to the presence of multiple lysine residues; this cationicity has a close relationship with antibacterial activity. Notably, recent evidence suggests that synthesis of AMPs in frog skin may confer an advantage on a particular species, although they are not essential for survival. Frog skin AMPs exert potent activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, and fungi by permeating and destroying the plasma membrane and inactivating intracellular targets. Importantly, since they do not bind to a specific receptor, AMPs are less likely to induce resistance mechanisms. Currently, the best known amphibian AMPs are esculentins, brevinins, ranacyclins, ranatuerins, nigrocin-2, magainins, dermaseptins, bombinins, temporins, and japonicins-1 and -2, and palustrin-2. This review focuses on these frog skin AMPs and the mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activity. We hope that this review will provide further information that will facilitate further study of AMPs and cast new light on novel and safer microbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Patocka
- Department of Radiology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia Ceske Budejovice, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Klimova
- Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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24
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Casciaro B, Calcaterra A, Cappiello F, Mori M, Loffredo MR, Ghirga F, Mangoni ML, Botta B, Quaglio D. Nigritanine as a New Potential Antimicrobial Alkaloid for the Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Infections. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090511. [PMID: 31480508 PMCID: PMC6783983 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen causing a wide range of nosocomial infections including pulmonary, urinary, and skin infections. Notably, the emergence of bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics has prompted researchers to find new compounds capable of killing these pathogens. Nature is undoubtedly an invaluable source of bioactive molecules characterized by an ample chemical diversity. They can act as unique platform providing new scaffolds for further chemical modifications in order to obtain compounds with optimized biological activity. A class of natural compounds with a variety of biological activities is represented by alkaloids, important secondary metabolites produced by a large number of organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. In this work, starting from the screening of 39 alkaloids retrieved from a unique in-house library, we identified a heterodimer -carboline alkaloid, nigritanine, with a potent anti-Staphylococcus action. Nigritanine, isolated from Strychnos nigritana, was characterized for its antimicrobial activity against a reference and three clinical isolates of S. aureus. Its potential cytotoxicity was also evaluated at short and long term against mammalian red blood cells and human keratinocytes, respectively. Nigritanine showed a remarkable antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration of 128 µM) without being toxic in vitro to both tested cells. The analysis of the antibacterial activity related to the nigritanine scaffold furnished new insights in the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of -carboline, confirming that dimerization improves its antibacterial activity. Taking into account these interesting results, nigritanine can be considered as a promising candidate for the development of new antimicrobial molecules for the treatment of S. aureus-induced infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy.
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
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25
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Casciaro B, Lin Q, Afonin S, Loffredo MR, de Turris V, Middel V, Ulrich AS, Di YP, Mangoni ML. Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and expression of virulence genes by selective epimerization in the peptide Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH 2. FEBS J 2019; 286:3874-3891. [PMID: 31144441 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium known to cause serious human infections, especially in immune-compromised patients. This is due to its unique ability to transform from a drug-tolerant planktonic to a more dangerous and treatment-resistant sessile life form, called biofilm. Recently, two derivatives of the frog skin antimicrobial peptide esculentin-1a, i.e. Esc(1-21) and its D-amino acids containing diastereomer Esc(1-21)-1c, were characterized for their powerful anti-Pseudomonal activity against both forms. Prevention of biofilm formation already in its early stages could be even more advantageous for counteracting infections induced by this bacterium. In this work, we studied how the diastereomer Esc(1-21)-1c can inhibit Pseudomonas biofilm formation in comparison to the parent peptide and two clinically-used conventional antibiotics, i.e. colistin and aztreonam, when applied at dosages below the minimal growth inhibitory concentration. Biofilm prevention was correlated to the peptides' ability to inhibit Pseudomonas motility and to reduce the production of virulent metabolites, for example, pyoverdine and rhamnolipids. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism underlying these activities was evaluated by studying the peptides' effect on the expression of key genes involved in the virulence and motility of bacteria, as well as by monitoring the peptides' binding to the bacterial signaling nucleotide ppGpp. Our results demonstrate that the presence of only two D-amino acids in Esc(1-21)-1c is sufficient to downregulate ppGpp-mediated expression of biofilm-associated genes, presumably as a result of higher peptide stability and therefore prolonged interaction with the nucleotide. Overall, these studies should assist efficient design and optimization of new anti-infective agents with multiple pharmacologically beneficial properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Qiao Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sergii Afonin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria de Turris
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Volker Middel
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics (ITG), KIT, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anne S Ulrich
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.,Institute of Organic Chemistry, KIT, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - YuanPu Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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26
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Zeng B, Chai J, Deng Z, Ye T, Chen W, Li D, Chen X, Chen M, Xu X. Functional Characterization of a Novel Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Peptide in Vitro and in Vivo. J Med Chem 2018; 61:10709-10723. [PMID: 30427189 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are key components of host immune defense of vertebrates against microbial invasions. Here, we report a new AMP (esculentin-1GN) characterized from the skin of the frog Hylarana guentheri. Esculentin-1GN (GLFSKKGGKGGKSWIKGVFKGIKGIGKEVGGDVIRTGIEIAACKIKGEC) with high amphipathic α-helical structure in membrane-mimetic environments has the microbial-killing activity by destruction of the cell membrane. Moreover, esculentin-1GN inhibits LPS-induced expression of proinflammatory nitric oxide, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor while it enhances expression of interleukin-10. Furthermore, esculentin-1GN can bind to d-(+)-galacturonic acid and LPS. Meanwhile, esculentin-1GN suppresses the activation of inflammatory response pathway induced by LPS. In addition, esculentin-1GN significantly reduces acute inflammation in carrageenan-induced mice paw. Taken together, the novel LPS-binding esculentin-1GN with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities will be an excellent temple for designing new antibiotic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baishuang Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510515 , China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510515 , China
| | - Zhenhui Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510515 , China
| | - Tiaofei Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510515 , China
| | - Wenbin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510515 , China
| | - Dan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510515 , China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine , Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510282 , China
| | - Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory for the Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy , Guangxi Normal University , Guilin 541004 , China
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou 510515 , China
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27
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A novel antimicrobial peptide, Ranatuerin-2PLx, showing therapeutic potential in inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20180710. [PMID: 30279210 PMCID: PMC6239254 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20180710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a promising resource for developing novel antibiotic and even anticancer drugs. Here, a 28-mer polypeptide, Ranatuerin-2PLx (R2PLx), was identified from lyophilised skin secretions. The chemically synthetic replicates exhibited moderate and broadspectrum antimicrobial effect against various microorganisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, minimal inhibitory concentration = 256 µM). In addition, R2PLx was found to inhibit the proliferation of several tumour cells, especially showing more potent effect on prostate cancer cell, PC-3. The early cell apoptosis was observed in 6 h by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, as well as the activation of Caspase-3 at 5 µM peptide concentration. R2PLx may therefore be promising for developing new therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Moreover, the artificial deficiency of conserved rana-box loop or net positive charge in C-terminal domain notably reduced the biological activities of the truncated and substituted isoforms, respectively, suggesting for maintaining their biological potency of ranatuerin family requires both cysteine-bridged segment and cationincity within the loop domain in C-terminus.
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28
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Hollmann A, Martinez M, Maturana P, Semorile LC, Maffia PC. Antimicrobial Peptides: Interaction With Model and Biological Membranes and Synergism With Chemical Antibiotics. Front Chem 2018; 6:204. [PMID: 29922648 PMCID: PMC5996110 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising novel antibiotics since they have shown antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial species, including multiresistant bacteria; however, toxicity is the major barrier to convert antimicrobial peptides into active drugs. A profound and proper understanding of the complex interactions between these peptides and biological membranes using biophysical tools and model membranes seems to be a key factor in the race to develop a suitable antimicrobial peptide therapy for clinical use. In the search for such therapy, different combined approaches with conventional antibiotics have been evaluated in recent years and demonstrated to improve the therapeutic potential of AMPs. Some of these approaches have revealed promising additive or synergistic activity between AMPs and chemical antibiotics. This review will give an insight into the possibilities that physicochemical tools can give in the AMPs research and also address the state of the art on the current promising combined therapies between AMPs and conventional antibiotics, which appear to be a plausible future opportunity for AMPs treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Hollmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina.,Centro de Investigación en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and National University of Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melina Martinez
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Maturana
- Centro de Investigación en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and National University of Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana C Semorile
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina
| | - Paulo C Maffia
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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29
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Musale V, Abdel-Wahab YHA, Flatt PR, Conlon JM, Mangoni ML. Insulinotropic, glucose-lowering, and beta-cell anti-apoptotic actions of peptides related to esculentin-1a(1-21).NH2. Amino Acids 2018; 50:723-734. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2551-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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30
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Sharma C, Rokana N, Chandra M, Singh BP, Gulhane RD, Gill JPS, Ray P, Puniya AK, Panwar H. Antimicrobial Resistance: Its Surveillance, Impact, and Alternative Management Strategies in Dairy Animals. Front Vet Sci 2018; 4:237. [PMID: 29359135 PMCID: PMC5766636 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one among the most common priority areas identified by both national and international agencies, is mushrooming as a silent pandemic. The advancement in public health care through introduction of antibiotics against infectious agents is now being threatened by global development of multidrug-resistant strains. These strains are product of both continuous evolution and un-checked antimicrobial usage (AMU). Though antibiotic application in livestock has largely contributed toward health and productivity, it has also played significant role in evolution of resistant strains. Although, a significant emphasis has been given to AMR in humans, trends in animals, on other hand, are not much emphasized. Dairy farming involves surplus use of antibiotics as prophylactic and growth promoting agents. This non-therapeutic application of antibiotics, their dosage, and withdrawal period needs to be re-evaluated and rationally defined. A dairy animal also poses a serious risk of transmission of resistant strains to humans and environment. Outlining the scope of the problem is necessary for formulating and monitoring an active response to AMR. Effective and commendably connected surveillance programs at multidisciplinary level can contribute to better understand and minimize the emergence of resistance. Besides, it requires a renewed emphasis on investments into research for finding alternate, safe, cost effective, and innovative strategies, parallel to discovery of new antibiotics. Nevertheless, numerous direct or indirect novel approaches based on host-microbial interaction and molecular mechanisms of pathogens are also being developed and corroborated by researchers to combat the threat of resistance. This review places a concerted effort to club the current outline of AMU and AMR in dairy animals; ongoing global surveillance and monitoring programs; its impact at animal human interface; and strategies for combating resistance with an extensive overview on possible alternates to current day antibiotics that could be implemented in livestock sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan Sharma
- Department of Dairy Microbiology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India
| | - Namita Rokana
- Department of Dairy Microbiology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India
| | - Mudit Chandra
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India
| | - Brij Pal Singh
- Department of Dairy Microbiology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India
| | - Rohini Devidas Gulhane
- Department of Dairy Microbiology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India
| | - Jatinder Paul Singh Gill
- School of Public Health and Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India
| | - Pallab Ray
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Anil Kumar Puniya
- Department of Dairy Microbiology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India
| | - Harsh Panwar
- Department of Dairy Microbiology, College of Dairy Science and Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India
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31
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Loffredo MR, Ghosh A, Harmouche N, Casciaro B, Luca V, Bortolotti A, Cappiello F, Stella L, Bhunia A, Bechinger B, Mangoni ML. Membrane perturbing activities and structural properties of the frog-skin derived peptide Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2 and its Diastereomer Esc(1-21)-1c: Correlation with their antipseudomonal and cytotoxic activity. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:2327-2339. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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32
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Casciaro B, Dutta D, Loffredo MR, Marcheggiani S, McDermott AM, Willcox MD, Mangoni ML. Esculentin-1a derived peptides kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm on soft contact lenses and retain antibacterial activity upon immobilization to the lens surface. Biopolymers 2017; 110. [PMID: 29086910 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Contact lens (CL) wear is a risk factor for development of microbial keratitis, a vision threatening infection of the eye. Adverse events associated with colonization of lenses, especially by the multi-drug resistant and biofilm forming bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa remain a major safety issue. Therefore, novel strategies and compounds to reduce the onset of CL-associated ocular infections are needed. Recently, the activity of the frog skin-derived antimicrobial peptide Esc(1-21) and its diastereomer Esc(1-21)-1c was evaluated against both planktonic and sessile forms of this pathogen. Furthermore, Esc(1-21) was found to significantly reduce the severity of P. aeruginosa keratitis in a mouse model and preserve antipseudomonal activity in the presence of human basal tears. Here, we have analyzed the activity of the peptides on P. aeruginosa biofilm formed on soft CLs. Microbiological assays and scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the peptides were able to disrupt the bacterial biofilm, with the diastereomer having the greater efficacy (up to 85% killing vs no killing at 4 μM for some strains). Furthermore, upon covalent immobilization to the CL, the two peptides were found to cause more than four log reduction in the number of bacterial cells within 20 minutes and to reduce bacterial adhesion to the CL surface (77%-97% reduction) in 24 hours. Importantly, peptide immobilization was not toxic to mammalian cells and did not affect the lens characteristics. Overall, our data suggest that both peptides have great potential to be developed as novel pharmaceuticals for prevention and treatment of CL-associated P. aeruginosa keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Debarun Dutta
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alison M McDermott
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Dp Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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33
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Chen C, Mangoni ML, Di YP. In vivo therapeutic efficacy of frog skin-derived peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced pulmonary infection. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8548. [PMID: 28819175 PMCID: PMC5561116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic and frequently drug-resistant pulmonary pathogen especially in cystic fibrosis sufferers. Recently, the frog skin-derived antimicrobial peptide (AMP) Esc(1-21) and its diastereomer Esc(1-21)-1c were found to possess potent in vitro antipseudomonal activity. Here, they were first shown to preserve the barrier integrity of airway epithelial cells better than the human AMP LL-37. Furthermore, Esc(1-21)-1c was more efficacious than Esc(1-21) and LL-37 in protecting host from pulmonary bacterial infection after a single intra-tracheal instillation at a very low dosage of 0.1 mg/kg. The protection was evidenced by 2-log reduction of lung bacterial burden and was accompanied by less leukocytes recruitment and attenuated inflammatory response. In addition, the diastereomer was more efficient in reducing the systemic dissemination of bacterial cells. Importantly, in contrast to what reported for other AMPs, the peptide was administered at 2 hours after bacterial challenge to better reflect the real life infectious conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is also the first study investigating the effect of AMPs on airway-epithelia associated genes upon administration to infected lungs. Overall, our data highly support advanced preclinical studies for the development of Esc(1-21)-1c as an efficacious therapeutic alternative against pulmonary P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy.
| | - Y Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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34
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Casciaro B, Cappiello F, Cacciafesta M, Mangoni ML. Promising Approaches to Optimize the Biological Properties of the Antimicrobial Peptide Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH 2: Amino Acids Substitution and Conjugation to Nanoparticles. Front Chem 2017; 5:26. [PMID: 28487853 PMCID: PMC5404639 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an interesting class of molecules with expanding biological properties which make them a viable alternative for the development of future antibiotic drugs. However, for this purpose, some limitations must be overcome: (i) the poor biostability due to enzymatic degradation; (ii) the cytotoxicity at concentrations slightly higher than the therapeutic dosages; and (iii) the inefficient delivery to the target site at effective concentrations. Recently, a derivative of the frog skin AMP esculentin-1a, named esculentin-1a(1–21)NH2, [Esc(1–21): GIFSKLAGKKIKNLLISGLKG-NH2] has been found to have a potent activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa; a slightly weaker activity against Gram-positive bacteria and interesting immunomodulatory properties. With the aim to optimize the antimicrobial features of Esc(1–21) and to circumvent the limitations described above, two different approaches were followed: (i) substitutions by non-coded amino acids, i.e., α-aminoisobutyric acid or d-amino acids; and (ii) peptide conjugation to gold nanoparticles. In this mini-review, we summarized the structural and functional properties of the resulting Esc(1–21)-derived compounds. Overall, our data may assist researchers in the rational design and optimization of AMPs for the development of future drugs to fight the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Mauro Cacciafesta
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Anesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of RomeRome, Italy
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35
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Chen X, Wang H, Wang L, Zhou M, Chen T, Shaw C. Identification of Miscellaneous Peptides from the Skin Secretion of the European Edible Frog, Pelophylax kl. Esculentus. Protein J 2017; 35:291-9. [PMID: 27402449 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-016-9672-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The chemical compounds synthesised and secreted from the dermal glands of amphibian have diverse bioactivities that play key roles in the hosts' innate immune system and in causing diverse pharmacological effects in predators that may ingest the defensive skin secretions. As new biotechnological methods have developed, increasing numbers of novel peptides with novel activities have been discovered from this source of natural compounds. In this study, a number of defensive skin secretion peptide sequences were obtained from the European edible frog, P. kl. esculentus, using a 'shotgun' cloning technique developed previously within our laboratory. Some of these sequences have been previously reported but had either obtained from other species or were isolated using different methods. Two new skin peptides are described here for the first time. Esculentin-2c and Brevinin-2Tbe belong to the Esculentin-2 and Brevinin-2 families, respectively, and both are very similar to their respective analogues but with a few amino acid differences. Further, [Asn-3, Lys-6, Phe-13] 3-14-bombesin isolated previously from the skin of the marsh frog, Rana ridibunda, was identified here in the skin of P. kl. esculentus. Studies such as this can provide a rapid elucidation of peptide and corresponding DNA sequences from unstudied species of frogs and can rapidly provide a basis for related scientific studies such as those involved in systematic or the evolution of a large diverse gene family and usage by biomedical researchers as a source of potential novel drug leads or pharmacological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - He Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Medicine Natural Peptide Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- Medicine Natural Peptide Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Medicine Natural Peptide Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- Medicine Natural Peptide Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
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36
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Savini F, Luca V, Bocedi A, Massoud R, Park Y, Mangoni ML, Stella L. Cell-Density Dependence of Host-Defense Peptide Activity and Selectivity in the Presence of Host Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:52-56. [PMID: 27935673 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Host-defense peptides (HDPs) are promising compounds against multidrug-resistant microbes. In vitro, their bactericidal and toxic concentrations are significantly different, but this might be due to the use of separate assays, with different cell densities. For experiments with a single cell type, the cell-density dependence of the active concentration of the DNS-PMAP23 HDP could be predicted based on the water/cell-membrane partition equilibrium and exhibited a lower bound at low cell counts. On the basis of these data, in the simultaneous presence of both bacteria and an excess of human cells, one would expect no significant toxicity, but also inhibition of the bactericidal activity due to peptide sequestration by host cells. However, this inhibition did not take place in assays with mixed cell populations, showing that for the HDP esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, a range of bactericidal, nontoxic concentrations exists and confirming the effective selectivity of HDPs. Mixed-cell assays might be necessary to effectively asses HDP selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Luca
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Istituto
Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Yoonkyung Park
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chosun University, 501−759 Gwangju, Korea
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Istituto
Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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37
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Casciaro B, Moros M, Rivera-Fernández S, Bellelli A, de la Fuente JM, Mangoni ML. Gold-nanoparticles coated with the antimicrobial peptide esculentin-1a(1-21)NH 2 as a reliable strategy for antipseudomonal drugs. Acta Biomater 2017; 47:170-181. [PMID: 27693686 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as future therapeutics against multidrug resistant microorganisms. Recently, we have discovered that a derivative of the frog skin AMP esculentin-1a, Esc(1-21), is highly potent against both free living and biofilm forms of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, bringing AMPs into clinics requires to overcome their low stability, high toxicity and inefficient delivery to the target site at high concentrations. Importantly, peptide conjugation to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which are among the most applied inorganic nanocarriers in biomedical sciences, represents a valuable strategy to solve these problems. Here we report that covalent conjugation of Esc(1-21) to soluble AuNPs [AuNPs@Esc(1-21)] via a poly(ethylene glycol) linker increased by ∼15-fold the activity of the free peptide against the motile and sessile forms of P. aeruginosa without being toxic to human keratinocytes. Furthermore, AuNPs@Esc(1-21) resulted to be significantly more resistant to proteolytic digestion and to disintegrate the bacterial membrane at very low concentration (5nM). Finally, we demonstrated for the first time the capability of peptide-coated AuNPs to display a wound healing activity on a keratinocytes monolayer. Overall, these findings suggest that our engineered AuNPs can serve as attractive novel biological-derived material for topical treatment of epithelial infections and healing of the injured tissue. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Despite conjugation of AMPs to AuNPs represents a worthwhile solution to face some limitations for their development as new therapeutics, only a very limited number of studies is available on peptide-coated AuNPs. Importantly, this is the first report showing that a covalent binding of a linear AMP via a poly(ethylene glycol) linker to AuNPs highly enhances antipseudomonal activity, preserving the same mode of action of the free peptide, without being harmful. Furthermore, AuNPs@Esc(1-21) are expected to accelerate recovery of an injured skin layer. All together, these findings suggest our peptide-coated AuNPs as attractive novel nanoscale formulation to treat bacterial infections and to heal the injured tissue.
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Esculentin-1a-Derived Peptides Promote Clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Internalized in Bronchial Cells of Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Lung Cell Migration: Biochemical Properties and a Plausible Mode of Action. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:7252-7262. [PMID: 27671059 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00904-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the major microorganism colonizing the respiratory epithelium in cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers. The widespread use of available antibiotics has drastically reduced their efficacy, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising alternative. Among them, the frog skin-derived AMPs, i.e., Esc(1-21) and its diastereomer, Esc(1-21)-1c, have recently shown potent activity against free-living and sessile forms of P. aeruginosa Importantly, this pathogen also escapes antibiotics treatment by invading airway epithelial cells. Here, we demonstrate that both AMPs kill Pseudomonas once internalized into bronchial cells which express either the functional or the ΔF508 mutant of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator. A higher efficacy is displayed by Esc(1-21)-1c (90% killing at 15 μM in 1 h). We also show the peptides' ability to stimulate migration of these cells and restore the induction of cell migration that is inhibited by Pseudomonas lipopolysaccharide when used at concentrations mimicking lung infection. This property of AMPs was not investigated before. Our findings suggest new therapeutics that not only eliminate bacteria but also can promote reepithelialization of the injured infected tissue. Confocal microscopy indicated that both peptides are intracellularly localized with a different distribution. Biochemical analyses highlighted that Esc(1-21)-1c is significantly more resistant than the all-l peptide to bacterial and human elastase, which is abundant in CF lungs. Besides proposing a plausible mechanism underlying the properties of the two AMPs, we discuss the data with regard to differences between them and suggest Esc(1-21)-1c as a candidate for the development of a new multifunctional drug against Pseudomonas respiratory infections.
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Effects of Aib residues insertion on the structural–functional properties of the frog skin-derived peptide esculentin-1a(1–21)NH2. Amino Acids 2016; 49:139-150. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2341-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Hassan STS, Berchová-Bímová K, Petráš J. Plumbagin, a Plant-Derived Compound, Exhibits Antifungal Combinatory Effect with Amphotericin B against Candida albicans Clinical Isolates and Anti-hepatitis C Virus Activity. Phytother Res 2016; 30:1487-92. [PMID: 27215409 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), the major active constituent of Plumbago indica L., has been shown to be effective against a wide range of infectious microbes. In this study, plumbagin has been evaluated in vitro for its antifungal combinatory effect with amphotericin B against Candida albicans (C. albicans) clinical isolates and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity. Antifungal activity was determined by broth microdilution method, and combinatory effect was evaluated by checkerboard assay according to ΣFIC indices, while cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. Anti-HCV activity was determined in infected Huh7.5 cells using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Plumbagin exerted inhibitory effect against all C. albicans strains with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 7.41 to 11.24 µg/mL. The additive effect of plumbagin when combined with amphotericin B at concentrations of (0.12, 0.13 and 0.19, 1.81 µg/mL, respectively) was obtained against five of seven strains tested with ΣFIC ranging from 0.62 to 0.91. In addition, plumbagin was found to be used safely for topical application when combined with amphotericin B at concentrations corresponding to the additive effect. Plumbagin exerted anti-HCV activity compared with that of telaprevir with IC50 values of 0.57 and 0.01 μM/L, respectively, and selectivity indices SI = 53.7 and SI = 2127, respectively. Our results present plumbagin as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of C. albicans and HCV infections. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherif T S Hassan
- Department of Natural Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6 - Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Berchová-Bímová
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6 - Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Petráš
- Department of Natural Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
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Ghosh A, Bera S, Shai Y, Mangoni ML, Bhunia A. NMR structure and binding of esculentin-1a (1–21)NH 2 and its diastereomer to lipopolysaccharide: Correlation with biological functions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:800-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Mangoni ML, McDermott AM, Zasloff M. Antimicrobial peptides and wound healing: biological and therapeutic considerations. Exp Dermatol 2016; 25:167-73. [PMID: 26738772 PMCID: PMC4789108 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Repair of tissue wounds is a fundamental process to re-establish tissue integrity and regular function. Importantly, infection is a major factor that hinders wound healing. Multicellular organisms have evolved an arsenal of host-defense molecules, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), aimed at controlling microbial proliferation and at modulating the host's immune response to a variety of biological or physical insults. In this brief review, we provide the evidence for a role of AMPs as endogenous mediators of wound healing and their promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of non-life-threatening skin and other epithelial injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, IT
| | - Alison M. McDermott
- The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Zasloff
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA
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Lakshmaiah Narayana J, Chen JY. Antimicrobial peptides: Possible anti-infective agents. Peptides 2015; 72:88-94. [PMID: 26048089 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections are major health threats. The Infectious Diseases Society of America has expressed concern on the decrease of pharmaceutical companies working on antibiotic research and development. However, small companies, along with academic research institutes, are stepping forward to develop novel therapeutic methods to overcome the present healthcare situation. Among the leading alternatives to current drugs are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are abundantly distributed in nature. AMPs exhibit broad-spectrum activity against a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, and even cancerous cells. They also show potential immunomodulatory properties, and are highly responsive to infectious agents and innate immuno-stimulatory molecules. In recent years, many AMPs have undergone or are undergoing clinical development, and a few are commercially available for topical and other applications. In this review, we outline selected anion and cationic AMPs which are at various stages of development, from preliminary analysis to clinical drug development. Moreover, we also consider current production methods and delivery tools for AMPs, which must be improved for the effective use of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Cellular and Orgasmic Biology, Academia Sinica and National Sun-Yat Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Orgasmic Biology, Academia Sinica, Jiaushi, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Orgasmic Biology, Academia Sinica, Jiaushi, Ilan, Taiwan.
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Mangoni ML, Luca V, McDermott AM. Fighting microbial infections: A lesson from amphibian skin-derived esculentin-1 peptides. Peptides 2015; 71:286-95. [PMID: 25959536 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Due to the growing emergence of resistance to commercially available antibiotics/antimycotics in virtually all clinical microbial pathogens, the discovery of alternative anti-infective agents, is greatly needed. Gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as novel therapeutics. In particular, amphibian skin is one of the richest storehouses of AMPs, especially that of the genus Rana, with esculentins-1 being among the longest (46 amino acids) AMPs found in nature to date. Here, we report on the recently discovered in vitro and in vivo activities and mechanism of action of two derivatives of the N-terminal part of esculentin-1a and -1b peptides, primarily against two relevant opportunistic microorganisms causing a large number of life-threatening infections worldwide; i.e. the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the yeast Candida albicans. Because of distinct advantages compared to several mammalian AMPs, the two selected frog skin AMP-derivatives represent attractive candidates for the development of new antimicrobial compounds with expanded properties, for both human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5-00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Luca
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alison M McDermott
- The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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D-Amino acids incorporation in the frog skin-derived peptide esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2 is beneficial for its multiple functions. Amino Acids 2015; 47:2505-19. [PMID: 26162435 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2041-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising future antibiotics. We have previously isolated esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, a short peptide derived from the frog skin AMP esculentin-1a, with a potent anti-Pseudomonal activity. Here, we investigated additional functions of the peptide and properties responsible for these activities. For that purpose, we synthesized the peptide, as well as its structurally altered analog containing two D-amino acids. The peptides were then biophysically and biologically investigated for their cytotoxicity and immunomodulating activities. The data revealed that compared to the wild-type, the diastereomer: (1) is significantly less toxic towards mammalian cells, in agreement with its lower α-helical structure, as determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy; (2) is more effective against the biofilm form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (responsible for lung infections in cystic fibrosis sufferers), while maintaining a high activity against the free-living form of this important pathogen; (3) is more stable in serum; (4) has a higher activity in promoting migration of lung epithelial cells, and presumably in healing damaged lung tissue, and (5) disaggregates and detoxifies the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), albeit less than the wild-type. Light scattering studies revealed a correlation between anti-LPS activity and the ability to disaggregate the LPS. Besides shedding light on the multifunction properties of esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, the D-amino acid containing isomer may serve as an attractive template for the development of new anti-Pseudomonal compounds with additional beneficial properties. Furthermore, together with other studies, incorporation of D-amino acids may serve as a general approach to optimize the future design of new AMPs.
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The Frog Skin-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2 Promotes the Migration of Human HaCaT Keratinocytes in an EGF Receptor-Dependent Manner: A Novel Promoter of Human Skin Wound Healing? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128663. [PMID: 26068861 PMCID: PMC4466536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the many functions of skin is to protect the organism against a wide range of pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by the skin epithelium provide an effective chemical shield against microbial pathogens. However, whereas antibacterial/antifungal activities of AMPs have been extensively characterized, much less is known regarding their wound healing-modulatory properties. By using an in vitro re-epithelialisation assay employing special cell-culture inserts, we detected that a derivative of the frog-skin AMP esculentin-1a, named esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, significantly stimulates migration of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) over a wide range of peptide concentrations (0.025–4 μM), and this notably more efficiently than human cathelicidin (LL-37). This activity is preserved in primary human epidermal keratinocytes. By using appropriate inhibitors and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we found that the peptide-induced cell migration involves activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and STAT3 protein. These results suggest that esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2 now deserves to be tested in standard wound healing assays as a novel candidate promoter of skin re-epithelialisation. The established ability of esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2 to kill microbes without harming mammalian cells, namely its high anti-Pseudomonal activity, makes this AMP a particularly attractive candidate wound healing promoter, especially in the management of chronic, often Pseudomonas-infected, skin ulcers.
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47
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Tabbene O, Di Grazia A, Azaiez S, Ben Slimene I, Elkahoui S, Alfeddy MN, Casciaro B, Luca V, Limam F, Mangoni ML. Synergistic fungicidal activity of the lipopeptide bacillomycin D with amphotericin B against pathogenic Candida species. FEMS Yeast Res 2015; 15:fov022. [PMID: 25956541 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fov022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the synergism of the lipopeptide bacillomycin D in combination with the polyene amphotericin B against pathogenic Candida species is described along with their potential cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Bacillomycin D inhibited the growth of various Candida species at minimal concentrations from 12.5 to 25 μg ml(-1). Furthermore, it showed a synergistic effect with the antifungal drug amphotericin B in inhibiting the growth of Candida strains, with fractional inhibitory concentration indices ranging from 0.28 to 0.5. Time killing studies revealed a >2-log reduction in the viability of Candida albicans ATCC 10231 cells after 3 h incubation with the combination amphotericin B plus bacillomycin D, at their subinhibitory concentration. Interestingly, when the two drugs were used together at those dosages displaying a synergism in the anti-Candida activity, no cytotoxic effect was observed against mammalian cells. Therefore, the combination bacillomycin D/amphotericin B may represent a valid alternative to conventional antifungals for topical treatment of C. albicans infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the in vitro interaction between the antifungal drug amphotericin B and bacillomycin D against pathogenic Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfa Tabbene
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology, Ecopark of Borj Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Antonio Di Grazia
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Sana Azaiez
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology, Ecopark of Borj Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Imen Ben Slimene
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology, Ecopark of Borj Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Salem Elkahoui
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology, Ecopark of Borj Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Najib Alfeddy
- Laboratory of Phytobacteriology, National Institute for Agricultural Research, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Luca
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Ferid Limam
- Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology, Ecopark of Borj Cedria, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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48
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Kolar SSN, Luca V, Baidouri H, Mannino G, McDermott AM, Mangoni ML. Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2: a frog skin-derived peptide for microbial keratitis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 72:617-627. [PMID: 25086859 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1694-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the primary bacterial pathogen causing contact lens related keratitis. Available ophthalmic agents have reduced efficacy and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as future antibiotics. Here we investigated the in vitro and in vivo anti-Pseudomonal activity of esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, derived from a frog skin AMP. The data revealed a minimum inhibitory concentration between 2 and 16 μM against reference strains or drug-resistant clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa without showing toxicity to human corneal epithelial cells up to 50 μM. At 1 μM the peptide rapidly killed bacterial cells and this activity was fully retained in 150 mM sodium chloride and 70 % (v/v) human basal tears, particularly against the virulent ATCC 19660 strain. Furthermore, its dropwise administration at 40 μM to the ocular surface in a murine model of P. aeruginosa keratitis (three times daily, for 5 days post-infection) resulted in a significant reduction of infection. The mean clinical score was 2.89 ± 0.26 compared to 3.92 ± 0.08 for the vehicle control. In addition, the corneal level of viable bacteria in the peptide treated animals was significantly lower with a difference of 4 log10 colony counts, compared to 7.7 log10 cells recovered in the control. In parallel, recruitment of inflammatory cells was reduced by half compared to that found in the untreated eyes. Similar results were obtained when esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2 was applied prior to induction of keratitis. Overall, our findings highlight esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2 as an attractive candidate for the development of novel topical pharmaceuticals against Pseudomonas keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya Sree N Kolar
- College of Optometry, The Ocular Surface Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vincenzo Luca
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 9, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Hasna Baidouri
- College of Optometry, The Ocular Surface Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giuseppe Mannino
- Ophthalmology Unit, NESMOS Department, S. Andrea Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alison M McDermott
- College of Optometry, The Ocular Surface Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 9, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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49
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Di Grazia A, Luca V, Segev-Zarko LAT, Shai Y, Mangoni ML. Temporins A and B stimulate migration of HaCaT keratinocytes and kill intracellular Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:2520-7. [PMID: 24514087 PMCID: PMC3993219 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02801-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing number of microbial pathogens resistant to available antibiotics is a serious threat to human life. Among them is the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which colonizes keratinocytes, the most abundant cell type in the epidermis. Its intracellular accumulation complicates treatments against resulting infections, mainly due to the limited diffusion of conventional drugs into the cells. Temporins A (Ta) and B (Tb) are short frog skin antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Despite extensive studies regarding their antimicrobial activity, very little is known about their activity on infected cells or involvement in various immunomodulatory functions. Here we show that Tb kills both ATCC-derived and multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of S. aureus within infected HaCaT keratinocytes (80% and 40% bacterial mortality, respectively) at a nontoxic concentration, i.e., 16 μM, whereas a weaker effect is displayed by Ta. Furthermore, the peptides prevent killing of keratinocytes by the invading bacteria. Further studies revealed that both temporins promote wound healing in a monolayer of HaCaT cells, with front speed migrations of 19 μm/h and 12 μm/h for Ta and Tb, respectively. Migration is inhibited by mitomycin C and involves the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway. Finally, confocal fluorescence microscopy indicated that the peptides diffuse into the cells. By combining antibacterial and wound-healing activities, Ta and Tb may act as multifunctional mediators of innate immunity in humans. Particularly, their nonendogenous origin may reduce microbial resistance to them as well as the risk of autoimmune diseases in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Di Grazia
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli,” Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Luca
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli,” Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Yechiel Shai
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli,” Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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50
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Luca V, Stringaro A, Colone M, Pini A, Mangoni ML. Esculentin(1-21), an amphibian skin membrane-active peptide with potent activity on both planktonic and biofilm cells of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:2773-86. [PMID: 23503622 PMCID: PMC11113931 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Revised: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that forms sessile communities, named biofilms. The non-motile forms are very difficult to eradicate and are often associated with the establishment of persistent infections, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis. The resistance of P. aeruginosa to conventional antibiotics has become a growing health concern worldwide and has prompted the search for new anti-infective agents with new modes of action. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising future template candidates. Here we report on the potent activity and membrane-perturbing effects of the amphibian AMP esculentin(1-21), on both the free-living and sessile forms of P. aeruginosa, as a possible mechanism for biofilm disruption. Furthermore, the findings that esculentin(1-21) is able to prolong survival of animals in models of sepsis and pulmonary infection indicate that this peptide can be a promising template for the generation of new antibiotic formulations to advance care of infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Luca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Colone
- Dipartimento di Tecnologie e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche “A. Rossi Fanelli”, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, La Sapienza University, Via degli Apuli 9, 00185 Rome, Italy
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