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Resende LM, de Oliveira Mello É, Zeraik AE, Oliveira APBF, Souza TAM, Taveira GB, Moreira FF, Seabra SH, Ferreira AT, Perales J, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Rodrigues R, Gomes VM. Defensin-like peptides from Capsicum chinense induce increased ROS, loss of mitochondrial functionality, and reduced growth of the fungus Colletotrichum scovillei. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:3567-3577. [PMID: 38459870 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, we identified and characterized two defensin-like peptides in an antifungal fraction obtained from Capsicum chinense pepper fruits and inhibited the growth of Colletotrichum scovillei, which causes anthracnose. AMPs were extracted from the pericarp of C. chinense peppers and subjected to ion exchange, molecular exclusion, and reversed-phase in a high-performance liquid chromatography system. We investigated the endogenous increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), the loss of mitochondrial functioning, and the ultrastructure of hyphae. The peptides obtained from the G3 fraction through molecular exclusion chromatography were subsequently fractionated using reverse-phase chromatography, resulting in the isolation of fractions F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5. The F1-Fraction suppressed C. scovillei growth by 90, 70.4, and 44% at 100, 50, and 25 μg mL-1, respectively. At 24 h, the IC50 and minimum inhibitory concentration were 21.5 μg mL-1 and 200 μg mL-1, respectively. We found an increase in ROS, which may have resulted in an oxidative burst, loss of mitochondrial functioning, and cytoplasm retraction, as well as an increase in autophagic vacuoles. MS/MS analysis of the F1-Fraction indicated the presence of two defensin-like proteins, and we were able to identify the expression of three defensin sequences in our C. chinense fruit extract. The F1-Fraction was also found to inhibit the activity of insect α-amylases. In summary, the F1-Fraction of C. chinense exhibits antifungal activity against a major pepper pathogen that causes anthracnose. These defensin-like compounds are promising prospects for further research into antifungal and insecticide biotechnology applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Maximano Resende
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Érica de Oliveira Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Ana Eliza Zeraik
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteinas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Arielle Pinheiro Bessiati Fava Oliveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Thaynã Amanda Melo Souza
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Felipe Figueiroa Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Henrique Seabra
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | | | - Jonas Perales
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
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Finkina EI, Shevchenko OV, Fateeva SI, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV. Antifungal Plant Defensins as an Alternative Tool to Combat Candidiasis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1499. [PMID: 38891308 PMCID: PMC11174490 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the spread of fungal infections is becoming an urgent problem. Fungi of the Candida genus are opportunistic microorganisms that cause superficial and life-threatening systemic candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. The list of antifungal drugs for the treatment of candidiasis is very limited, while the prevalence of resistant strains is growing rapidly. Therefore, the search for new antimycotics, including those exhibiting immunomodulatory properties, is of great importance. Plenty of natural compounds with antifungal activities may be extremely useful in solving this problem. This review evaluates the features of natural antimicrobial peptides, namely plant defensins as possible prototypes of new anticandidal agents. Plant defensins are important components of the innate immune system, which provides the first line of defense against pathogens. The introduction presents a brief summary regarding pathogenic Candida species, the pathogenesis of candidiasis, and the mechanisms of antimycotic resistance. Then, the structural features of plant defensins, their anticandidal activities, their mechanisms of action on yeast-like fungi, their ability to prevent adhesion and biofilm formation, and their combined action with conventional antimycotics are described. The possible mechanisms of fungal resistance to plant defensins, their cytotoxic activity, and their effectiveness in in vivo experiments are also discussed. In addition, for the first time for plant defensins, knowledge about their immunomodulatory effects is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina I. Finkina
- M. M. Shemyakin & Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia (T.V.O.)
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Silva MSD, Taveira GB, Silva Gebara RD, Azevedo Dos Santos LD, Cherene MB, Souza TAM, Moreira FF, Rodrigues PS, Motta OV, Seabra SH, Oliveira Carvalho AD, Rodrigues R, Gomes VM. Understanding the mechanism of action of protease inhibitors in controlling the growth of the Candida Genus: potential candidates for development of new antifungal molecules. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:257. [PMID: 38734773 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03993-7] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing imperative for research into alternative compounds for the treatment of the fungal infections. Thus, many studies have focused on the analysis of antifungal proteins and peptides from different plant sources. Among these molecules are protease inhibitors (PIs). Previously, PIs present in the peptide-rich fractions called PEF1, PEF2 and PEF3 were identified from Capsicum chinense seeds, which have strong activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of action and antimicrobial activity of PIs from PEF2 and PEF3 on the growth of yeasts of the genus Candida. In this work, analyses of their antimicrobial activity and cell viability were carried out. Subsequently, the mechanism of action by which the PIs cause the death of the yeasts was evaluated. Cytotoxicity was assessed in vitro by erythrocytes lysis and in vivo in Galleria mellonella larvae. PEF2 and PEF3 caused 100% of the growth inhibition of C. tropicalis and C. buinensis. For C. albicans inhibition was approximately 60% for both fractions. The PEF2 and PEF3 caused a reduction in mitochondrial functionality of 54% and 46% for C. albicans, 26% and 30% for C. tropicalis, and 71% and 68% for C. buinensis, respectively. These fractions induced morphological alterations, led to membrane permeabilization, elevated ROS levels, and resulted in necrotic cell death in C. tropicalis, whilst demonstrating low toxicity toward host cells. From the results obtained here, we intend to contribute to the understanding of the action of PIs in the control of fungal diseases of medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Silva Gebara
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Layrana de Azevedo Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Milena Bellei Cherene
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thaynã Amanda Melo Souza
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Figueirôa Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro Souto Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olney Vieira Motta
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento e Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil.
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Lucas DR, Damica FZ, Toledo EB, Cogo AJD, Okorokova-Façanha AL, Gomes VM, de Oliveira Carvalho A. Bioinspired peptides induce different cell death mechanisms against opportunistic yeasts. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:649-672. [PMID: 37076595 PMCID: PMC10115610 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10064-8] [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] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The management of fungal diseases imposes an urgent need for the development of effective antifungal drugs. Among new drug candidates are the antimicrobial peptides, and especially their derivatives. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of action of three bioinspired peptides against the opportunistic yeasts Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans. We assessed morphological changes, mitochondrial functionality, chromatin condensation, ROS production, activation of metacaspases, and the occurrence of cell death. Our results indicated that the peptides induced sharply contrasting death kinetics, of 6 h for RR and 3 h for D-RR to C. tropicalis and 1 h for WR to C. albicans. Both peptide-treated yeasts exhibited increased ROS levels, mitochondrial hyperpolarization, cell size reduction, and chromatin condensation. RR and WR induced necrosis in C. tropicalis and C. albicans, but not D-RR in C. tropicalis. The antioxidant ascorbic acid reverted the toxic effect of RR and D-RR, but not WR, suggesting that instead of ROS there is a second signal triggered that leads to yeast death. Our data suggest that RR induced a regulated accidental cell death in C. tropicalis, D-RR induced a programmed cell death metacaspase-independent in C. tropicalis, while WR induced an accidental cell death in C. albicans. Our results were obtained with the LD100 and within the time that the peptides induce the yeast death. Within this temporal frame, our results allow us to gain clarity on the events triggered by the peptide-cell interaction and their temporal order, providing a better understanding of the death process induced by them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Ribeiro Lucas
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, nº 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Filipe Zaniratti Damica
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, nº 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Estefany Braz Toledo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, nº 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Antônio Jesus Dorighetto Cogo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, nº 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Anna Lvovna Okorokova-Façanha
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, nº 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, nº 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, nº 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
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Sreelakshmi KP, Madhuri M, Swetha R, Rangarajan V, Roy U. Microbial lipopeptides: their pharmaceutical and biotechnological potential, applications, and way forward. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:135. [PMID: 38489053 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03908-0] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
As lead molecules, cyclic lipopeptides with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties have garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Because of their potential, cyclic lipopeptides have earned recognition as a significant class of antimicrobial compounds with applications in pharmacology and biotechnology. These lipopeptides, often with biosurfactant properties, are amphiphilic, consisting of a hydrophilic moiety, like a carboxyl group, peptide backbone, or carbohydrates, and a hydrophobic moiety, mostly a fatty acid. Besides, several lipopeptides also have cationic groups that play an important role in biological activities. Antimicrobial lipopeptides can be considered as possible substitutes for antibiotics that are conventional to address the current drug-resistant issues as pharmaceutical industries modify the parent antibiotic molecules to render them more effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi, leading to the development of more resistant microbial strains. Bacillus species produce lipopeptides, which are secondary metabolites that are amphiphilic and are typically synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). They have been identified as potential biocontrol agents as they exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. A further benefit of lipopeptides is that they can be produced and purified biotechnologically or biochemically in a sustainable manner using readily available, affordable, renewable sources without harming the environment. In this review, we discuss the biochemical and functional characterization of antifungal lipopeptides, as well as their various modes of action, method of production and purification (in brief), and potential applications as novel antibiotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Sreelakshmi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India
| | - M Madhuri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India
| | - R Swetha
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India
| | - Vivek Rangarajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India
| | - Utpal Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-KK Birla Goa Campus Goa, NH 17 B Bypass Rd., Goa, 403726, India.
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de Lima Silva MG, de Lima LF, Alencar Fonseca VJ, Santos da Silva LY, Calixto Donelardy AC, de Almeida RS, de Morais Oliveira-Tintino CD, Pereira Bezerra Martins AOB, Ribeiro-Filho J, Bezerra Morais-Braga MF, Tintino SR, Alencar de Menezes IR. Enhancing the Antifungal Efficacy of Fluconazole with a Diterpene: Abietic Acid as a Promising Adjuvant to Combat Antifungal Resistance in Candida spp. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1565. [PMID: 37998767 PMCID: PMC10668680 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing antifungal resistance rates against conventional drugs reveal the urgent need to search for new therapeutic alternatives. In this context, natural bioactive compounds have a critical role in antifungal drug development. Since evidence demonstrates that abietic acid, a diterpene found in Pinus species, has significant antimicrobial properties, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of abietic acid against Candida spp and its ability to potentiate the activity of fluconazole. Abietic acid was tested both individually and in combination with fluconazole against Candida albicans (CA INCQS 40006), Candida krusei (CK INCQS 40095), and Candida tropicalis (CT INCQS 40042). The microdilution method was used to determine the IC50 and the cell viability curve. Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by subculture in a solid medium. The plasma membrane permeability was measured using a fluorescent SYTOX Green probe. While the IC50 of the drugs alone ranged between 1065 and 3255 μg/mL, the IC50 resulting from the combination of abietic acid and fluconazole ranged between 7563 and 160.1 μg/mL. Whether used in combination with fluconazole or isolated, abietic acid exhibited Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values exceeding 1024 μg/mL against Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. However, it was observed that the antifungal effect of fluconazole was enhanced when used in combination with abietic acid against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. These findings suggest that while abietic acid alone has limited inherent antifungal activity, it can enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, thereby reducing antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriely de Lima Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Luciene Ferreira de Lima
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Victor Juno Alencar Fonseca
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Lucas Yure Santos da Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Ana Cecília Calixto Donelardy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Ray Silva de Almeida
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (LMBM), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (R.S.d.A.); (C.D.d.M.O.-T.)
| | | | - Anita Oliveira Brito Pereira Bezerra Martins
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
| | - Jaime Ribeiro-Filho
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Fiocruz Ceará, Eusébio 61773-270, Ceará, Brazil;
| | - Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga
- Laboratory of Applied Mycology of Cariri (LMAC), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (L.F.d.L.); (V.J.A.F.); (M.F.B.M.-B.)
| | - Saulo Relison Tintino
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (LMBM), Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (R.S.d.A.); (C.D.d.M.O.-T.)
| | - Irwin Rose Alencar de Menezes
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Chemistry (LFQM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato 63105-000, Ceará, Brazil; (M.G.d.L.S.); (L.Y.S.d.S.); (A.C.C.D.); (A.O.B.P.B.M.)
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Ribeiro MC, Gebara RS, Taveira GB, de O Carvalho A, Rodrigues R, Mello EO, Nagano CS, Chaves RP, Gomes VM. Anti-Candida Potential of Peptides from Immature and Ripe Fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1124-1136. [PMID: 35841476 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-09968-8] [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] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to purify and evaluate the antifungal potential of peptides present in immature and ripe fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (accession UENF 1706) on the medical importance yeasts. Initially the proteins of these seedless fruits were extracted, precipitated with ammonium sulfate at 70% saturation, followed by heating at 80 °C. Subsequently, the peptide-rich extract was fractionated by DEAE-Sepharose anion exchange. The whole process was monitored by tricine-SDS-PAGE. The results revealed that the fraction retained in anion exchange column, called D2, of immature and ripe fruits significantly inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and C. tropicalis yeasts. Due to the higher yield, the D2 fraction of immature fruits was selected for further purification by reverse phase chromatography on HPLC, where sixteen different fractions (H1-H16) were obtained and these were subjected to antifungal assay at 50 µg mL-1. Although almost all fractions tested had significant growth inhibition, the HI9 fraction inhibit 99% of the two yeasts tested. The effect of treatment with HI3, HI8, HI9, and HI14 fractions on the viability of yeast cells was analyzed due to their strong growth inhibition. We observed that only 50 μg mL-1 of the HI9 fraction is the lethal dose for 100% of the cells of C. albicans and C. tropicalis in the original assay. Although the HI9 fraction had a fungicidal effect on both tested yeasts, we only observed membrane permeabilization for C. tropicalis cells treated with 50 µg mL-1 of this fraction. Through mass spectrometry, we identified that the 6 kDa peptide band of HI9 fraction showed similarity with antimicrobial peptides belonging to the plant defensin family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilucia C Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S Gebara
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel B Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Erica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Celso S Nagano
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Marinha, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Renata P Chaves
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Marinha, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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8
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Tang R, Tan H, Dai Y, Li L, Huang Y, Yao H, Cai Y, Yu G. Application of antimicrobial peptides in plant protection: making use of the overlooked merits. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1139539. [PMID: 37538059 PMCID: PMC10394246 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1139539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Pathogen infection is one of the major causes of yield loss in the crop field. The rapid increase of antimicrobial resistance in plant pathogens has urged researchers to develop both new pesticides and management strategies for plant protection. The antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) showed potential on eliminating plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Here, we first summarize several overlooked advantages and merits of AMPs, which includes the steep dose-response relations, fast killing ability, broad synergism, slow resistance selection. We then discuss the possible application of AMPs for plant protection with above merits, and highlight how AMPs can be incorporated into a more efficient integrated management system that both increases the crop yield and reduce resistance evolution of pathogens.
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Cherene MB, Taveira GB, Almeida-Silva F, da Silva MS, Cavaco MC, da Silva-Ferreira AT, Perales JEA, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Venâncio TM, da Motta OV, Rodrigues R, Castanho MARB, Gomes VM. Structural and Biochemical Characterization of Three Antimicrobial Peptides from Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum Leaves for Anti-Candida Use. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023:10.1007/s12602-023-10112-3. [PMID: 37365421 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10112-3] [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] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of resistant microorganisms has reduced the effectiveness of currently available antimicrobials, necessitating the development of new strategies. Plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for novel drug development. In this study, we aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate the antimicrobial activities of AMPs isolated from Capsicum annuum. The antifungal potential was tested against Candida species. Three AMPs from C. annuum leaves were isolated and characterized: a protease inhibitor, a defensin-like protein, and a lipid transporter protein, respectively named CaCPin-II, CaCDef-like, and CaCLTP2. All three peptides had a molecular mass between 3.5 and 6.5 kDa and caused morphological and physiological changes in four different species of the genus Candida, such as pseudohyphae formation, cell swelling and agglutination, growth inhibition, reduced cell viability, oxidative stress, membrane permeabilization, and metacaspase activation. Except for CaCPin-II, the peptides showed low or no hemolytic activity at the concentrations used in the yeast assays. CaCPin-II inhibited α-amylase activity. Together, these results suggest that these peptides have the potential as antimicrobial agents against species of the genus Candida and can serve as scaffolds for the development of synthetic peptides for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Bellei Cherene
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Almeida-Silva
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marco Calvinho Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Thiago Motta Venâncio
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Olney Vieira da Motta
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento e Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | | | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
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10
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Shahmiri M, Bleackley MR, Dawson CS, van der Weerden NL, Anderson MA, Mechler A. Membrane binding properties of plant defensins. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 209:113618. [PMID: 36828099 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The membrane interaction characteristics of five antifungal plant defensin peptides: NaD1, and the related HXP4 and L5, as well as NaD2 and the related ZmD32 were studied. These peptides were chosen to cover a broad range of cationic charges with little structural variations, allowing for assessment of the role of charge in their membrane interactions. Membrane permeabilizing activity against C. albicans was confirmed and quantified for benchmarking purposes. Viscoelastic characteristics of the membrane interactions were studied in typical neutral and charged model membranes using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D. Frequency-dissipation fingerprinting analysis of the QCM-D results revealed that all of the peptides were able to bind to all studied model membranes albeit with slightly different viscoelastic character for each membrane type. However, characteristic disruption patterns were not observed suggesting that the membrane disrupting activity of these defensins is mostly specific to fungal membranes, and that increasing the peptide charge does not enhance their action. The results also show that the presence of specific sterols has a profound effect on the ability of the peptides to disrupt the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Shahmiri
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, 3086, Australia; Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine (SATiM), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mark R Bleackley
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, 3086, Australia
| | - Charlotte S Dawson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, 3086, Australia
| | - Nicole L van der Weerden
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, 3086, Australia
| | - Marilyn A Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, 3086, Australia
| | - Adam Mechler
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic, 3086, Australia.
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11
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Mulla JA, Tamhane VA. Novel insights into plant defensin ingestion induced metabolic responses in the polyphagous insect pest Helicoverpa armigera. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3151. [PMID: 36823197 PMCID: PMC9950371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29250-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Lepidopteran insect pest Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most destructive pests of crop plants and several biotechnological approaches are being developed for its control. Plant defensins are small cationic and cysteine-rich peptides that play a role in plant defense. Ingestion of a defensin from Capsicum annuum (CanDef-20) induced a dose-dependent reduction in larval and pupal mass, delayed metamorphosis and also severely reduced fecundity and fertility in H. armigera. To understand the molecular mechanisms of CanDef-20 ingestion-mediated antibiosis in H. armigera larvae, a comparative transcriptomics analysis was carried out. Predominant downregulation of GOs represents serine-type endopeptidases, structural constituents of ribosomes and integral membrane components and differential upregulation of ATP binding, nucleus and translation, while up-regulation of nucleic acid binding represented by transposable elements, were detected. Different isoforms of lipase, serine endopeptidase, glutathione S-transferase, cadherin, alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidases were found to be upregulated as a compensatory response to CanDef-20 ingestion. In vitro enzyme assays and qPCR analysis of some representative genes associated with vital cellular processes like metamorphosis, food digestion and gut membrane indicated adaptive differential regulations in CanDef-20 fed H. armigera larvae. We conclude that CanDef-20 ingestion affects insect metabolism in a number of ways through its interaction with cell membrane, enzymes, cytoplasmic proteins and triggering transposon mobilization which are linked to growth retardation and adaptive strategies in H. armigera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed A. Mulla
- grid.32056.320000 0001 2190 9326Department of Biotechnology (Jointly Merged With Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (IBB)), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007 India
| | - Vaijayanti A. Tamhane
- grid.32056.320000 0001 2190 9326Department of Biotechnology (Jointly Merged With Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (IBB)), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007 India
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12
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Gómez-Gaviria M, Ramírez-Sotelo U, Mora-Montes HM. Non- albicans Candida Species: Immune Response, Evasion Mechanisms, and New Plant-Derived Alternative Therapies. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010011. [PMID: 36675832 PMCID: PMC9862154 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections caused by Candida species have become a constant threat to public health, especially for immunocompromised patients, who are considered susceptible to this type of opportunistic infections. Candida albicans is known as the most common etiological agent of candidiasis; however, other species, such as Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Nakaseomyces glabrata (previously known as Candida glabrata), Candida auris, Candida guilliermondii, and Pichia kudriavzevii (previously named as Candida krusei), have also gained great importance in recent years. The increasing frequency of the isolation of this non-albicans Candida species is associated with different factors, such as constant exposure to antifungal drugs, the use of catheters in hospitalized patients, cancer, age, and geographic distribution. The main concerns for the control of these pathogens include their ability to evade the mechanisms of action of different drugs, thus developing resistance to antifungal drugs, and it has also been shown that some of these species also manage to evade the host's immunity. These biological traits make candidiasis treatment a challenging task. In this review manuscript, a detailed update of the recent literature on the six most relevant non-albicans Candida species is provided, focusing on the immune response, evasion mechanisms, and new plant-derived compounds with antifungal properties.
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Botcazon C, Bergia T, Lecouturier D, Dupuis C, Rochex A, Acket S, Nicot P, Leclère V, Sarazin C, Rippa S. Rhamnolipids and fengycins, very promising amphiphilic antifungal compounds from bacteria secretomes, act on Sclerotiniaceae fungi through different mechanisms. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:977633. [PMID: 36246282 PMCID: PMC9557291 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.977633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhamnolipids (RLs) and fengycins (FGs) are amphiphilic lipid compounds from bacteria secretomes proposed to replace synthetic pesticides for crop protection. They both display plant defense triggering properties and direct antimicrobial activities. In particular, they have well reported antifungal effects against phytopathogenic fungi. RLs and FGs are considered to act through a direct interaction with membrane lipids and a destabilization of microorganism plasma membrane, thereby limiting the risk of resistance emergence. The main objective of this work was to gain insights in the antimycelial mode of action of these metabolites to promote them as environment and human health friendly biocontrol solutions. Their biocidal effects were studied on two Sclerotiniaceae fungi responsible for diseases in numerous plant species worldwide. We show here that different strains of Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum have opposite sensitivities to RLs and FGs on plate experiments. Overall, B. cinerea is more sensitive to FGs while S. sclerotiorum is more sensitive to RLs. Electron microscopy observations demonstrated that RLs induce mycelial destructuring by asperities emergence and hyphal fusions whereas FGs promote swelling and formation of vesicle-like structures due to vacuole fusions and autophagy. Permeability studies, phosphatidylserine externalization and reactive oxygen species production assessments showed a programmed cell death triggering by RLs at medium concentrations (until 50 μg mL−1) and necrosis characteristics at higher concentration. Programmed cell death was always observed on hyphae treated with FGs. Quantifications of mycelial ergosterol content indicated that a higher ergosterol rate in S. sclerotiorum correlates with increasing sensitivity to RLs. Oppositely, a lower ergosterol rate in B. cinerea correlates with increasing sensitivity to FGs, which was confirmed by ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition with tebuconazole. This gain of knowledge will help to better understand the mode of action of RLs and FGs to fight specific plant fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Botcazon
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7025, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Compiègne, France
| | - Thomas Bergia
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7025, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Compiègne, France
| | - Didier Lecouturier
- Charles Viollette Institute, UMRt BioEcoAgro 1158-INRAe, Métabolites Secondaires d’Origine Microbienne, Université de Lille, Université de Liège, Lille, France
| | - Chloé Dupuis
- Charles Viollette Institute, UMRt BioEcoAgro 1158-INRAe, Métabolites Secondaires d’Origine Microbienne, Université de Lille, Université de Liège, Lille, France
| | - Alice Rochex
- Charles Viollette Institute, UMRt BioEcoAgro 1158-INRAe, Métabolites Secondaires d’Origine Microbienne, Université de Lille, Université de Liège, Lille, France
| | - Sébastien Acket
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7025, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Compiègne, France
| | - Philippe Nicot
- Centre de Recherche PACA, Domaine Saint Maurice, Unité de Pathologie Végétale, INRAe, Avignon, France
| | - Valérie Leclère
- Charles Viollette Institute, UMRt BioEcoAgro 1158-INRAe, Métabolites Secondaires d’Origine Microbienne, Université de Lille, Université de Liège, Lille, France
| | - Catherine Sarazin
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7025, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Sonia Rippa
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7025, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Compiègne, France
- *Correspondence: Sonia Rippa,
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14
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Perez-Rodriguez A, Eraso E, Quindós G, Mateo E. Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Candida Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169264. [PMID: 36012523 PMCID: PMC9409312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoses are accountable for millions of infections yearly worldwide. Invasive candidiasis is the most usual, presenting a high morbidity and mortality. Candida albicans remains the prevalent etiologic agent, but the incidence of other species such as Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida auris keeps increasing. These pathogens frequently show a reduced susceptibility to commonly used antifungal drugs, including polyenes, triazoles and echinocandins, and the incidence of emerging multi-drug-resistant strains of these species continues to increase. Therefore, the need to search for new molecules that target these pathogenic species in a different manner is now more urgent than ever. Nature is an almost endless source of interesting new molecules that could meet this need. Among these molecules, antimicrobial peptides, present in different sources in nature, possess some advantages over conventional antifungal agents, even with their own drawbacks, and are considered as a promising pharmacological option against a wide range of microbial infections. In this review, we describe 20 antimicrobial peptides from different origins that possess an activity against Candida.
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A new bioinspired peptide on defensin from C. annuum fruits: Antimicrobial activity, mechanisms of action and therapeutical potential. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130218. [PMID: 35905923 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130218] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides, natural or synthetic, appear as promising molecules for antimicrobial therapy because of their both broad antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action. Herein, we determine the anti-Candida and antimycobacterial activities, mechanism of action on yeasts, and cytotoxicity on mammalian cells in the presence of the bioinspired peptide CaDef2.1G27-K44. METHODS CaDef2.1G27-K44 was designed to attain the following criteria: high positive net charge; low molecular weight (<3000 Da); Boman index ≤2.5; and total hydrophobic ratio ≥ 40%. The mechanism of action was studied by growth inhibition, plasma membrane permeabilization, ROS induction, mitochondrial functionality, and metacaspase activity assays. The cytotoxicity on macrophages, monocytes, and erythrocytes were also determined. RESULTS CaDef2.1G27-K44 showed inhibitory activity against Candida spp. with MIC100 values ranging from 25 to 50 μM and the standard and clinical isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC50 of 33.2 and 55.4 μM, respectively. We demonstrate that CaDef2.1G27-K44 is active against yeasts at different salt concentrations, induced morphological alterations, caused membrane permeabilization, increased ROS, causes loss of mitochondrial functionality, and activation of metacaspases. CaDef2.1G27-K44 has low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained showed that CaDef2.1G27-K44 has great antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. and M. tuberculosis with low toxicity to host cells. For Candida spp., the treatment with CaDef2.1G27-K44 induces a process of regulated cell death with apoptosis-like features. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE We show a new AMP bioinspired with physicochemical characteristics important for selectivity and antimicrobial activity, which is a promising candidate for drug development, mainly to control Candida infections.
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16
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Anurans against SARS-CoV-2: A review of the potential antiviral action of anurans cutaneous peptides. Virus Res 2022; 315:198769. [PMID: 35430319 PMCID: PMC9008983 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
At the end of 2019, in China, clinical signs and symptoms of unknown etiology have been reported in several patients whose sample sequencing revealed pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 is a disease triggered by this virus, and in 2020, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. Since then, efforts have been made to find effective therapeutic agents against this disease. Identifying novel natural antiviral drugs can be an alternative to treatment. For this reason, antimicrobial peptides secreted by anurans' skin have gained attention for showing a promissory antiviral effect. Hence, this review aimed to elucidate how and which peptides secreted by anurans' skin can be considered therapeutic agents to treat or prevent human viral infectious diseases. Through a literature review, we attempted to identify potential antiviral frogs' peptides to combat COVID-19. As a result, the Magainin-1 and -2 peptides, from the Magainin family, the Dermaseptin-S9, from the Dermaseptin family, and Caerin 1.6 and 1.10, from the Caerin family, are molecules that already showed antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in silico. In addition to these peptides, this review suggests that future studies should use other families that already have antiviral action against other viruses, such as Brevinins, Maculatins, Esculentins, Temporins, and Urumins. To apply these peptides as therapeutic agents, experimental studies with peptides already tested in silico and new studies with other families not tested yet should be considered.
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17
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Jin L, Dong H, Sun D, Wang L, Qu L, Lin S, Yang Q, Zhang X. Biological Functions and Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2022; 23:226-247. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203723666220519155942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Despite antimicrobial resistance, which is attributed to the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics,
antibiotics can indiscriminately kill pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. These events
disrupt the delicate microbial balance in both humans and animals, leading to secondary infections
and other negative effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are functional natural biopolymers in
plants and animals. Due to their excellent antimicrobial activities and absence of microbial resistance,
AMPs have attracted enormous research attention. We reviewed the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,
antiparasitic, as well as antitumor properties of AMPs and research progress on AMPs. In addition,
we highlighted various recommendations and potential research areas for their progress and
challenges in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Hao Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118,
China
| | - Da Sun
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Linkai Qu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118,
China
| | - Sue Lin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology
and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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18
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Effect of Quinoline on the Phospholipid Profile of Curvularia lunata and Its Microbial Detoxification. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072081. [PMID: 35408479 PMCID: PMC9000216 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Quinoline is an N-heterocyclic compound commonly found in wastewater, especially that derived from coal processing, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. In the present study, the microscopic fungus Curvularia lunata IM 4417, which is known to degrade various xenobiotics, was used. The aim of the research was to study the elimination of quinoline and its influence on fungal phospholipids, which are considered to be excellent indicators of environmental monitoring. Quinoline biodegradation products and phospholipid contents were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. C. lunata IM 4417 degraded quinoline, which led to the formation of conjugates of glucose with hydroxylated derivatives of the compound. Toxicity tests (Artoxkit M and Microtox assay) indicated that the elimination of lower concentrations of quinoline was efficient and led to a reduction in sample toxicity. The presence of quinoline also significantly affected the profile of fatty acids and phospholipids. The addition of quinoline to a culture of C. lunata IM 4417 caused an increase in the content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and a decrease in the amount of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two major structural lipids. Additionally, decreases in the contents of phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS), which are responsible for tolerance to toxic substances, cell viability, and signal transduction, were noted. Thus, it can be concluded that the presence of quinoline modifies the membrane composition, and this change may be an important indicator of the presence of N-heterocyclic compounds or other toxins in the environment.
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Ceballo Y, Gonzalez C, Ramos O, Tiel K, Limonta L, Piloto S, Lopez A, Hernandez A. Production of Soluble Bioactive NmDef02 Plant Defensin in Escherichia coli. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10338-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Antifungal Peptides and Proteins to Control Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413261. [PMID: 34948059 PMCID: PMC8703302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The global challenge to prevent fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination on food and feed requires the development of new antifungal strategies. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) with antifungal activity are gaining much interest as natural antifungal compounds due to their properties such as structure diversity and function, antifungal spectrum, mechanism of action, high stability and the availability of biotechnological production methods. Given their multistep mode of action, the development of fungal resistance to AMPs is presumed to be slow or delayed compared to conventional fungicides. Interestingly, AMPs also accomplish important biological functions other than antifungal activity, including anti-mycotoxin biosynthesis activity, which opens novel aspects for their future use in agriculture and food industry to fight mycotoxin contamination. AMPs can reach intracellular targets and exert their activity by mechanisms other than membrane permeabilization. The mechanisms through which AMPs affect mycotoxin production are varied and complex, ranging from oxidative stress to specific inhibition of enzymatic components of mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways. This review presents natural and synthetic antifungal AMPs from different origins which are effective against mycotoxin-producing fungi, and aims at summarizing current knowledge concerning their additional effects on mycotoxin biosynthesis. Antifungal AMPs properties and mechanisms of action are also discussed.
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Isolation and characterization of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MQ01, a bifunctional biocontrol bacterium with antagonistic activity against Fusarium graminearum and biodegradation capacity of zearalenone. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Inhibition of Serine Protease, α-Amylase and Growth of Phytopathogenic Fungi by Antimicrobial Peptides from Capsicum chinense Fruits. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 15:502-515. [PMID: 34671924 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-021-09865-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Plant fungal diseases cause major problems for the global economy. Antimicrobial peptides have aroused great interest in the control of phytopathogens, as they are natural molecules and have a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity. Herein, we have tried to identify and characterize antimicrobial peptides present in fruits of Capsicum chinense and to evaluate their enzymatic and antifungal activities. The retained fraction obtained in the anion exchange chromatography with strong antifungal activity was subjected to molecular exclusion chromatography and obtained four fractions named G1, G2, G3, and G4. The 6.0-kDa protein band of G2 showed similarity with protease inhibitors type II, and it was able to inhibit 100% of trypsin and α-amylase activities. The protein band with approximately 6.5 kDa of G3 showed similarity with sequences of protease inhibitors from genus Capsicum and showed growth inhibition of 48% for Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, 49% for Fusarium lateritium, and 51% for F. solani and F. oxysporum. Additionally, G3 causes morphological changes, membrane permeabilization, and ROS increase in F. oxysporum cells. The 9-kDa protein band of G4 fraction was similar to a nsLTP type 1, and a protein band of 6.5 kDa was similar to a nsLTP type 2. The G4 fraction was able to inhibit 100% of the activities of glycosidases tested and showed growth inhibition of 35 and 50% of F. oxysporum and C. lindemuthianum, respectively. C. chinense fruits have peptides with antifungal activity and enzyme inhibition with biotechnological potential.
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Identification and Characterization of Two Defensins from Capsicum annuum Fruits that Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 12:1253-1265. [PMID: 32221795 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-020-09647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scientific advances have not been enough to combat the growing resistance to antimicrobial medicines. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effector molecules of the innate immune defense system in plants and could provide an important source of new antimicrobial drugs. The aim of this work was to extract, purify, characterize, and evaluate the antifungal activities present in fractions obtained from Capsicum annum fruits through reversed-phase chromatography. The fractions named F2 and F3 presented the highest inhibitory activity against Candida and Mycobacterium tuberculosis species. In addition, we identified two sequences of AMPs in the F2 and F3 fractions through mass spectrometry that showed similarity to an already well-characterized family of plant defensins. A plasma membrane permeabilization assay demonstrated that the peptides present in F2, F3, and F4 fractions induced changes in the membrane of some yeast strains, culminating in permeabilization. The production of reactive oxygen species was induced by the fractions in some yeast strains. Fractions F2, F3, and F4 also did not show toxicity in macrophage or monocyte cultures. In conclusion, the obtained data demonstrate that the AMPs, especially those present in the fractions F2 and F3, are promising antimicrobial agents that may be useful to enhance the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases.
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Chemical Composition and Bioactive Properties of Purple French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as Affected by Water Deficit Irrigation and Biostimulants Application. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13126869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Biostimulants are a novel and eco-friendly agronomic tool with practical applications in alleviating negative effects of environmental stressors. The present work studied the effects of three biostimulant products (Nomoren (N), Twin-Antistress (TW), and X-Stress (XS)) under normal irrigation (W+) and water deficit irrigation conditions (W−) on the nutritional, chemical composition and bioactive properties of common bean fresh pods. A variable effect of biostimulants and water deficit irrigation was observed on nutritional value parameters, while fructose and sucrose were the main detected sugars, especially in NW+ and CW− treatments. Oxalic, malic, and citric acid were the main detected organic acids, while γ- and total tocopherol content was the highest in TWW+. (+)-Catechin and (−)-epicatechin were the most abundant phenolic compounds, especially in the NW− treatment. A variable antioxidant capacity was observed for the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Oxidative Haemolysis assays (OxHLIA), while TWW+ extracts showed the best overall results against the tested fungi. In conclusion, the tested biostimulants had a positive effect on chemical composition and bioactivities of purple bean depending on the irrigation regime.
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Moretta A, Scieuzo C, Petrone AM, Salvia R, Manniello MD, Franco A, Lucchetti D, Vassallo A, Vogel H, Sgambato A, Falabella P. Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Hope in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Fields. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:668632. [PMID: 34195099 PMCID: PMC8238046 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.668632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are essential drugs used to treat pathogenic bacteria, but their prolonged use contributes to the development and spread of drug-resistant microorganisms. Antibiotic resistance is a serious challenge and has led to the need for new alternative molecules less prone to bacterial resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have aroused great interest as potential next-generation antibiotics, since they are bioactive small proteins, naturally produced by all living organisms, and representing the first line of defense against fungi, viruses and bacteria. AMPs are commonly classified according to their sources, which are represented by microorganisms, plants and animals, as well as to their secondary structure, their biosynthesis and their mechanism of action. They find application in different fields such as agriculture, food industry and medicine, on which we focused our attention in this review. Particularly, we examined AMP potential applicability in wound healing, skin infections and metabolic syndrome, considering their ability to act as potential Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme I and pancreatic lipase inhibitory peptides as well as antioxidant peptides. Moreover, we argued about the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic approaches to develop new antibiotics, the drug development strategies and the formulation approaches which need to be taken into account in developing clinically suitable AMP applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Moretta
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Franco
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Donatella Lucchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Vassallo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Alessandro Sgambato
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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Mani-López E, Palou E, López-Malo A. Legume proteins, peptides, water extracts, and crude protein extracts as antifungals for food applications. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lima PG, Oliveira JTA, Amaral JL, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides: Characteristics, design, and potential as alternative molecules to overcome microbial resistance. Life Sci 2021; 278:119647. [PMID: 34043990 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the dramatic emergence of antimicrobial resistance has received attention from World Health Organization. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) are considered new weapons to fight against infections caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens. Here, the authors provide an overview of the current research on SAMPs. The focus is SAMPs, how to design them, which features must be considered during design, and comparison with natural peptides. This review also includes a discussion about the natural AMPs, mechanisms of action and applications as new drugs or even as adjuvants molecules to enhance commercial drugs activity. The advances in chemical synthesis have reduced the cost to produce synthetic peptides open ways to achieve new antimicrobial agents. Therefore, synthetic peptides are new promising molecules to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia G Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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Tick defensin γ-core reduces Fusarium graminearum growth and abrogates mycotoxins production with high efficiency. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7962. [PMID: 33846413 PMCID: PMC8042122 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86904-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium graminearum is a major fungal pathogen affecting crops of worldwide importance. F. graminearum produces type B trichothecene mycotoxins (TCTB), which are not fully eliminated during food and feed processing. Therefore, the best way to minimize TCTB contamination is to develop prevention strategies. Herein we show that treatment with the reduced form of the γ-core of the tick defensin DefMT3, referred to as TickCore3 (TC3), decreases F. graminearum growth and abrogates TCTB production. The oxidized form of TC3 loses antifungal activity, but retains anti-mycotoxin activity. Molecular dynamics show that TC3 is recruited by specific membrane phospholipids in F. graminearum and that membrane binding of the oxidized form of TC3 is unstable. Capping each of the three cysteine residues of TC3 with methyl groups reduces its inhibitory efficacy. Substitutions of the positively-charged residues lysine (Lys) 6 or arginine 7 by threonine had the highest and the lesser impact, respectively, on the anti-mycotoxin activity of TC3. We conclude that the binding of linear TC3 to F. graminearum membrane phospholipids is required for the antifungal activity of the reduced peptide. Besides, Lys6 appears essential for the anti-mycotoxin activity of the reduced peptide. Our results provide foundation for developing novel and environment-friendly strategies for controlling F. graminearum.
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da Silva MS, Gomes VM, Taveira GB, de Azevedo Dos Santos L, Maracahipes ÁC, Rodrigues R, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Fernandes KVS, Oliveira AEA. Bifunctional Inhibitors from Capsicum chinense Seeds with Antimicrobial Activity and Specific Mechanism of Action Against Phytopathogenic Fungi. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 28:149-163. [PMID: 32552632 DOI: 10.2174/0929866527666200617124221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in the defense system in virtually all life forms, being present in many, if not all, plant species. OBJECTIVE The present work evaluated the antimicrobial, enzymatic activity and mechanism of action of the PEF2 fraction from Capsicum chinense Jack. seeds against phytopathogenic fungi. METHODS Peptides were extracted from C. chinense seeds and subjected to reverse-phase chromatography on an HPLC system using a C18 column coupled to a C8 guard column, then the obtained PEF2 fraction was rechromatographed using a C2/C18 column. Two fractions, named PEF2A and PEF2B, were obtained. The fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani. Trypsin inhibition assays, reverse zymographic detection of protease inhibition and α-amylase activity assays were also performed. The mechanism of action by which PEF2 acts on filamentous fungi was studied through analysis of membrane permeability and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, we investigated mitochondrial functionality and caspase activation in fungal cells. RESULTS It is possible to observe that PEF2 significantly inhibited trypsin activity and T. molitor larval α-amylase activity. The PEF2 fraction was able to inhibit the growth of C. gloeosporioides, C. lindemuthianum and F. oxysporum. PEF2A inhibited the growth of C. lindemuthianum (75%) and F. solani (43%). PEF2B inhibited C. lindemuthianum growth (66%) and F. solani (94%). PEF2 permeabilized F. solani cell membranes and induced ROS in F. oxysporum and F. solani. PEF2 could dissipate mitochondrial membrane potential but did not cause the activation of caspases in all studied fungi. CONCLUSION The results may contribute to the biotechnological application of these AMPs in the control of pathogenic microorganisms in plants of agronomic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Layrana de Azevedo Dos Santos
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Álan C Maracahipes
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratorio de Melhoramento e Genetica Vegetal, Centro de Ciencias e Tecnologias Agropecuarias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Katia Valevski S Fernandes
- Laboratorio de Quimica e Funcao de Proteinas e Peptideos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonia Elenir A Oliveira
- Laboratorio de Quimica e Funcao de Proteinas e Peptideos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
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Struyfs C, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Membrane-Interacting Antifungal Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649875. [PMID: 33912564 PMCID: PMC8074791 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing worldwide, resulting in more than 1.6 million deaths every year. Due to growing antifungal drug resistance and the limited number of currently used antimycotics, there is a clear need for novel antifungal strategies. In this context, great potential is attributed to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are part of the innate immune system of organisms. These peptides are known for their broad-spectrum activity that can be directed toward bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or even cancer cells. Some AMPs act via rapid physical disruption of microbial cell membranes at high concentrations causing cell leakage and cell death. However, more complex mechanisms are also observed, such as interaction with specific lipids, production of reactive oxygen species, programmed cell death, and autophagy. This review summarizes the structure and mode of action of antifungal AMPs, thereby focusing on their interaction with fungal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Struyfs
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bruno P A Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Aguieiras MCL, Resende LM, Souza TAM, Nagano CS, Chaves RP, Taveira GB, Carvalho AO, Rodrigues R, Gomes VM, Mello ÉO. Potent Anti-Candida Fraction Isolated from Capsicum chinense Fruits Contains an Antimicrobial Peptide That is Similar to Plant Defensin and is Able to Inhibit the Activity of Different α-Amylase Enzymes. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 13:862-872. [PMID: 33454869 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-020-09739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules present in several life forms, possess broad-spectrum of inhibitory activity against pathogenic microorganisms, and are a promising alternative to combat the multidrug resistant pathogens. The aim of this work was to identify and characterize AMPs from Capsicum chinense fruits and to evaluate their inhibitory activities against yeasts of the genus Candida and α-amylases. Initially, after protein extraction from fruits, the extract was submitted to anion exchange chromatography resulting two fractions. Fraction D1 was further fractionated by molecular exclusion chromatography, and three fractions were obtained. These fractions showed low molecular mass peptides, and in fraction F3, only two protein bands of approximately 6.5 kDa were observed. Through mass spectrometry, we identified that the lowest molecular mass protein band of fraction F3 showed similarity with AMPs from plant defensin family. We named this peptide CcDef3 (Capsicum chinense defensin 3). The antifungal activity of these fractions was analyzed against yeasts of the genus Candida. At 200 μg/mL, fraction F1 inhibited the growth of C. tropicalis by 26%, fraction F2 inhibited 35% of the growth of C. buinensis, and fraction F3 inhibited all tested yeasts, exhibiting greater inhibition activity on the growth of the yeast C. albicans (86%) followed by C. buinensis (69%) and C. tropicalis (21%). Fractions F1 and F2 promoted membrane permeabilization of all tested yeasts and increased the endogenous induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. buinensis and C. tropicalis, respectively. We also observed that fraction F3 at a concentration of 50 µg/mL inhibited the α-amylase activities of Tenebrio molitor larvae by 96% and human salivary by 100%. Thus, our results show that fraction F3, which contains CcDef3, is a very promising protein fraction because it has antifungal potential and is able to inhibit the activity of different α-amylase enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C L Aguieiras
- Laboratório de Fisiologia E Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Larissa M Resende
- Laboratório de Fisiologia E Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thaynã A M Souza
- Laboratório de Fisiologia E Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Celso S Nagano
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Marinha, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Renata P Chaves
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Marinha, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Gabriel B Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia E Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia E Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento E Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências E Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia E Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Érica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia E Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil.
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections in humans are generally associated with high mortality, making the choice of antifungal drug crucial for the outcome of the patient. The limited spectrum of antifungals available and the development of drug resistance represent the main concerns for the current antifungal treatments, requiring alternative strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), expressed in several organisms and used as first-line defenses against microbial infections, have emerged as potential candidates for developing new antifungal therapies, characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates. Most of the current literature focuses on peptides with antibacterial activity, but there are fewer studies of their antifungal properties. This review focuses on AMPs with antifungal effects, including their in vitro and in vivo activities, with the biological repercussions on the fungal cells, when known. The classification of the peptides is based on their mode of action: although the majority of AMPs exert their activity through the interaction with membranes, other mechanisms have been identified, including cell wall inhibition and nucleic acid binding. In addition, antifungal compounds with unknown modes of action are also described. The elucidation of such mechanisms can be useful to identify novel drug targets and, possibly, to serve as the templates for the synthesis of new antimicrobial compounds with increased activity and reduced host toxicity.
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Characterization and antifungal activity of a plant peptide expressed in the interaction between Capsicum annuum fruits and the anthracnose fungus. Biosci Rep 2020; 39:221423. [PMID: 31804672 PMCID: PMC6923331 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192803] [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: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant defensins are low molecular weight basic peptides ranging from 5 to 7 kDa, with capacity of inhibiting various pathogens, including fungi. They are present in different tissues of plants, including floral parts and fruits of Capsicum sp. The IIF48 extract, present in immature fruits of Capsicum annuum inoculated with C. gloeosporioides, was able to inhibit up to 100% growth ‘in vitro’ of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The main objective of this work was the purification and antifungal activity characterization of a defense-related plant defensin-like isolated of the IIF48 immature fruits extract. The IIF48 extract was subjected to HPLC purification and 13 fractions were obtained, followed by a tricine gel electrophoresis to obtain the protein profile. The different fractions were submitted to a growth inhibition assay against C. gloeosporioides fungus. Fraction 7 (F7) was the most active causing 73% inhibition. Because of the higher F7 activity and the presence of only a peptide of approximately 5 kDa this fraction was subjected to N-terminal sequencing. F7 fraction was carried out plasma membrane permeabilization assays, induction of intracellular ROS production analysis and investigated mitochondrial membrane potential. The F7 fraction showed significant inhibitory activity on the tested fungus, besides promoting membrane permeabilization, induction of endogenous ROS production in Colletotrichum cells and impairing mitochondrial functionality. The first 18 amino acid sequence of the F7 fraction peptide suggests homology to plant-like defensin and was named IIFF7Ca. We also concluded that IIFF7Ca peptide has an effective antimicrobial action against the fungus C. gloeosporioides.
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Skalska J, Andrade VM, Cena GL, Harvey PJ, Gaspar D, Mello ÉO, Henriques ST, Valle J, Gomes VM, Conceição K, Castanho MARB, Andreu D. Synthesis, Structure, and Activity of the Antifungal Plant Defensin PvD 1. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9391-9402. [PMID: 32787086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Available treatments for invasive fungal infections have limitations, including toxicity and the emergence of resistant strains. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative solutions. Because of their unique mode of action and high selectivity, plant defensins (PDs) are worthy therapeutic candidates. Chemical synthesis remains a preferred method for the production of many peptide-based therapeutics. Given the relatively long sequence of PDs, as well as their complicated posttranslational modifications, the synthetic route can be considered challenging. Here, we describe a total synthesis of PvD1, the defensin from the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris. Analytical, structural, and functional characterization revealed that both natural and synthetic peptides fold into a canonical CSαβ motif stabilized by conserved disulfide bonds. Moreover, synthetic PvD1 retained the biological activity against four different Candida species and showed no toxicity in vivo. Adding the high resistance of synthetic PvD1 to proteolytic degradation, we claim that conditions are now met to consider PDs druggable biologicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Skalska
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vitor M Andrade
- Laboratório de Bioquı́mica de Peptı́deos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 12231-280 São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle L Cena
- Laboratório de Bioquı́mica de Peptı́deos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 12231-280 São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Érica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquı́mica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologı́a, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquı́mica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologı́a, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Katia Conceição
- Laboratório de Bioquı́mica de Peptı́deos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 12231-280 São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Antimicrobial peptides from Capsicum chinense fruits: agronomic alternatives against phytopathogenic fungi. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:226054. [PMID: 32785580 PMCID: PMC7442975 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the antimicrobial activity of peptides isolated from a wide variety of organs from plant species has been reported. However, a few studies have investigated the potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found in fruits, especially Capsicum chinense (pepper). The present study aimed to purify and characterize peptides from Capsicum chinense fruits and evaluate their inhibitory activities against different phytopathogenic fungi and also analyze the possible mechanisms of action involved in microbial inhibition. After fruit protein extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), different fractions were obtained, named F1 to F10. Peptides in the F4 and F5 fractions were sequenced and revealed similarity with the plant antimicrobial peptides like non-specific lipid transfer proteins and defensin-like peptide. The F4 and F5 fractions presented strong antimicrobial activity against the fungus Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum, causing toxic effects on these fungi, leading to membrane permeabilization, endogenous reactive oxygen species increase, activation of metacaspase and loss of mitochondrial function.
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Almeida LHDO, Oliveira CFRD, Rodrigues MDS, Neto SM, Boleti APDA, Taveira GB, Mello ÉDO, Gomes VM, Santos ELD, Crusca E, Franco OL, Cardoso MHES, Macedo MLR. Adepamycin: design, synthesis and biological properties of a new peptide with antimicrobial properties. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 691:108487. [PMID: 32710881 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are molecules with a broad spectrum of activities that have been identified in most living organisms. In addition, synthetic AMPs designed from natural polypeptides have been largely investigated. Here, we designed a novel AMP using the amino acid sequence of a plant trypsin inhibitor from Adenanthera pavonina seeds (ApTI) as a template. The 176 amino acid residues ApTI sequence was cleaved in silico using the Collection of Antimicrobial Peptides (CAMPR3), through the sliding-window method. Further improvements in AMP structure were carried out, resulting in adepamycin, an AMP designed from ApTI. Adepamycin showed antimicrobial activity from 0.9 to 3.6 μM against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus strains. Moreover, this peptide also displayed activity against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. No toxic effects were observed on healthy human cells. Studies on the mechanism of action of adepamycin were carried out using an E. coli and C. tropicalis. Adepamycin triggers membrane disturbances, leading to intracellular nucleic acids release in E. coli. For C. tropicalis, an initial interference with the plasma membrane integrity is followed by the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to apoptosis. Structurally, adepamycin was submitted to circular dichroism spectroscopy, molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, revealing an environment-dependent α-helical structure in the presence of 2,2,2- trifluoroethanol (TFE) and in contact with mimetic vesicles/membranes. Therefore, adepamycin represents a novel lytic AMP with dual antibacterial and antifungal properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Henrique de Oliveira Almeida
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e suas Funções Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, 79.070-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | | | - Mayara de Souza Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e suas Funções Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, 79.070-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Simone Maria Neto
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e suas Funções Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, 79.070-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | | | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Microrganismos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28.013-602, Campo dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Érica de Oliveira Mello
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Microrganismos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28.013-602, Campo dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Microrganismos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28.013-602, Campo dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Edson Lucas Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, 79.804-970, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Edson Crusca
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, 14.800-060, Araraquara, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, 70.790-160, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79.117-010, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Marlon Henrique E Silva Cardoso
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, 70.790-160, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79.117-010, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Maria Lígia Rodrigues Macedo
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e suas Funções Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, 79.070-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
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Seyedjavadi SS, Khani S, Eslamifar A, Ajdary S, Goudarzi M, Halabian R, Akbari R, Zare-Zardini H, Imani Fooladi AA, Amani J, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. The Antifungal Peptide MCh-AMP1 Derived From Matricaria chamomilla Inhibits Candida albicans Growth via Inducing ROS Generation and Altering Fungal Cell Membrane Permeability. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3150. [PMID: 32038583 PMCID: PMC6985553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of antifungal drug resistance in Candida species responsible for life threatening candidiasis is considered as an increasing challenge for the public health. MCh-AMP1 has previously been reported as a natural peptide from Matricaria chamomilla L. flowers with broad-spectrum antifungal activity against human pathogenic molds and yeasts. In the current study, the mode of action of synthetic MCh-AMP1 was investigated against Candida albicans, the major etiologic agent of life-threatening nosocomial candidiasis at cellular and molecular levels. Candida albicans ATCC 10231 was cultured in presence of various concentrations of MCh-AMP1 (16-64 μg/mL) and its mode of action was investigated using plasma membrane permeabilization assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, potassium ion leakage and ultrastructural analyses by electron microscopy. MCh-AMP1 showed fungicidal activity against Candida albicans at the concentrations of 32 and 64 μg/mL. The peptide increased fungal cell membrane permeability as evidenced by elevating of PI uptake and induced potassium leakage from the yeast cells. ROS production was induced by the peptide inside the fungal cells to a maximum of 64.8% at the concentration of 64 μg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed cell deformation as shrinkage and folding of treated yeast cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed detachment of plasma membrane from the cell wall, cell depletion and massive destruction of intracellular organelles and cell membrane of the fungal cells. Our results demonstrated that MCh-AMP1 caused Candida albicans cell death via increasing cell membrane permeability and inducing ROS production. Therefore, MCh-AMP1 could be considered as a promising therapeutic agent to combat Candida albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soghra Khani
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Eslamifar
- Department of Clinical Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Halabian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Akbari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare-Zardini
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Imani Fooladi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Amani
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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da Silva Neto JX, da Costa HPS, Vasconcelos IM, Pereira ML, Oliveira JTA, Lopes TDP, Dias LP, Araújo NMS, Moura LFWG, Van Tilburg MF, Guedes MIF, Lopes LA, Morais EG, de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa D. Role of membrane sterol and redox system in the anti-candida activity reported for Mo-CBP 2, a protein from Moringa oleifera seeds. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 143:814-824. [PMID: 31734363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Plant proteins are emerging as an alternative to conventional treatments against candidiasis. The aim of this study was to better understand the mechanism of action of Mo-CBP2 against Candida spp, evaluating redox system activity, lipid peroxidation, DNA degradation, cytochrome c release, medium acidification, and membrane interaction. Anti-candida activity of Mo-CBP2 decreased in the presence of ergosterol, which was not observed with antioxidant agents. C. albicans treated with Mo-CBP2 also had catalase and peroxidase activities inhibited, while superoxide dismutase was increased. Mo-CBP2 increased the lipid peroxidation, but it did not alter the ergosterol profile in live cells. External medium acidification was strongly inhibited, and cytochrome c release and DNA degradation were detected. Mo-CBP2 interacts with cell membrane constituents, changes redox system enzymes in C. albicans and causes lipid peroxidation by ROS overproduction. DNA degradation and cytochrome c release suggest apoptotic or DNAse activity. Lipid peroxidation and H+-ATPases inhibition may induce the process of apoptosis. Finally, Mo-CBP2 did not have a cytotoxic effect in mammalian Vero cells. This study highlights the biotechnological potential of Mo-CBP2 as a promising molecule with low toxicity and potent activity. Further studies should be performed to better understand its mode of action and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Xavier da Silva Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Jose Tadeu Abreu Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Pinheiro Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mauricio Fraga Van Tilburg
- Northeast Biotechnology Network, Graduate Program of Biotechnology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria Izabel Florindo Guedes
- Northeast Biotechnology Network, Graduate Program of Biotechnology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Larissa Alves Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Eva Gomes Morais
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Tan P, Lai Z, Jian Q, Shao C, Zhu Y, Li G, Shan A. Design of Heptad Repeat Amphiphiles Based on Database Filtering and Structure-Function Relationships to Combat Drug-Resistant Fungi and Biofilms. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:2129-2144. [PMID: 31887002 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b19927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to the emergence of reports of multidrug-resistant fungi, infections caused by multidrug-resistant fungi and biofilms are considered to be a global threat to human health due to the lack of effective broad-spectrum drugs. Here, we developed a series heptad repeat sequences based on an antimicrobial peptide database (APD) and structure-function relationships. Among the developed peptides, the target peptide ACR3 exhibited good activity against all fungi and bacteria tested, including fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcu saureus (S. aureus), while demonstrating relatively low toxicity and good salt tolerance. The peptide ACR3 inhibits the formation of C. albicans biofilms and has a therapeutic effect on mature biofilms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we did not observe any resistance of C. albicans and E. coli against the peptide ACR3. A series of assays and microscopy were used to analyze the antimicrobial mechanism. These results showed that the antimicrobial activity of the peptide ACR3 utilizes a multimodal mechanism that degrades the cell wall barrier, alters the cytoplasmic membrane electrical potential, and induces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In general, the peptide ACR3 is a potent antibacterial agent that shows great potential for use in biomedical coatings and healthcare formulas to combat the growing threat of fungal and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Zhenheng Lai
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Qiao Jian
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Changxuan Shao
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
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Skalska J, Oliveira FD, Figueira TN, Mello ÉO, Gomes VM, McNaughton-Smith G, Castanho MARB, Gaspar D. Plant defensin PvD 1 modulates the membrane composition of breast tumour-derived exosomes. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:23366-23381. [PMID: 31793603 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr07843f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important causes of failure in tumour treatment is the development of resistance to therapy. Cancer cells can develop the ability to lose sensitivity to anti-neoplastic drugs during reciprocal crosstalk between cells and their interaction with the tumour microenvironment (TME). Cell-to-cell communication regulates a cascade of interdependent events essential for disease development and progression and can be mediated by several signalling pathways. Exosome-mediated communication is one of the pathways regulating these events. Tumour-derived exosomes (TDE) are believed to have the ability to modulate TMEs and participate in multidrug resistance mechanisms. In this work, we studied the effect of the natural defensin from common bean, PvD1, on the formation of exosomes by breast cancer MCF-7 cells, mainly the modulatory effect it has on the level of CD63 and CD9 tetraspanins. Moreover, we followed the interaction of PvD1 with biological and model membranes of selected composition, by biophysical and imaging techniques. Overall, the results show that PvD1 induces a dual effect on MCF-7 derived exosomes: the peptide attenuates the recruitment of CD63 and CD9 to exosomes intracellularly and binds to the mature exosomes in the extracellular environment. This work uncovers the exosome-mediated anticancer action of PvD1, a potential nutraceutical agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Skalska
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Filipa D Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Tiago N Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Érica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos do Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos do Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Grant McNaughton-Smith
- CEAMED - Centro Atlántico del Medicamento, S.A., San Cristobal de La Laguna, S/C Tenerife, Spain
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Koch B, Barugahare AA, Lo TL, Huang C, Schittenhelm RB, Powell DR, Beilharz TH, Traven A. A Metabolic Checkpoint for the Yeast-to-Hyphae Developmental Switch Regulated by Endogenous Nitric Oxide Signaling. Cell Rep 2019; 25:2244-2258.e7. [PMID: 30463019 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Candida albicans colonizes several sites in the human body and responds to metabolic signals in commensal and pathogenic states. The yeast-to-hyphae transition correlates with virulence, but how metabolic status is integrated with this transition is incompletely understood. We used the putative mitochondrial fission inhibitor mdivi-1 to probe the crosstalk between hyphal signaling and metabolism. Mdivi-1 repressed C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis, but the mechanism was independent of its presumed target, the mitochondrial fission GTPase Dnm1. Instead, mdivi-1 triggered extensive metabolic reprogramming, consistent with metabolic stress, and reduced endogenous nitric oxide (NO) levels. Limiting endogenous NO stabilized the transcriptional repressor Nrg1 and inhibited the yeast-to-hyphae transition. We establish a role for endogenous NO signaling in C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis and suggest that NO regulates a metabolic checkpoint for hyphal growth. Furthermore, identifying NO signaling as an mdivi-1 target could inform its therapeutic applications in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Koch
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Adele A Barugahare
- Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tricia L Lo
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Biomedical Proteomics Facility and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Biomedical Proteomics Facility and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - David R Powell
- Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Traude H Beilharz
- Development and Stem Cells Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ana Traven
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Das K, Datta K, Karmakar S, Datta SK. Antimicrobial Peptides - Small but Mighty Weapons for Plants to Fight Phytopathogens. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:720-742. [PMID: 31215363 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190619112438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have diverse structures, varied modes of actions, and can inhibit the growth of a wide range of pathogens at low concentrations. Plants are constantly under attack by a wide range of phytopathogens causing massive yield losses worldwide. To combat these pathogens, nature has armed plants with a battery of defense responses including Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). These peptides form a vital component of the two-tier plant defense system. They are constitutively expressed as part of the pre-existing first line of defense against pathogen entry. When a pathogen overcomes this barrier, it faces the inducible defense system, which responds to specific molecular or effector patterns by launching an arsenal of defense responses including the production of AMPs. This review emphasizes the structural and functional aspects of different plant-derived AMPs, their homology with AMPs from other organisms, and how their biotechnological potential could generate durable resistance in a wide range of crops against different classes of phytopathogens in an environmentally friendly way without phenotypic cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Das
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Karabi Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasis Karmakar
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Swapan K Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
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Yuan X, Hou X, Chang H, Yang R, Wang F, Liu Y. Bacillus Methylotrophicus Has Potential Applications Against Monilinia Fructicola. Open Life Sci 2019; 14:410-419. [PMID: 33817176 PMCID: PMC7874823 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2019-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Biocontrol is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technique used in agricultural production. We isolated and screened a bacterial strain from the soils of a peach orchard with high yield. Using biochemical and physiological analysis as well as phylogenetic sequencing data, we identified a strain of Bacillus methylotrophicus, strain XJ-C. The results of our screening trials showed that XJ-C was able to suppress M. fructicola at an inhibition rate of 81.57%. Following the application of a 1×109 CFU/mL XJ-C strain suspension to the fruits, leaves, and shoots of peach trees infected with M. fructicola, the inhibition rate reached 64.31%, 97.34%, and 64.28%, respectively. Using OM and SEM, we observed that, under the inhibition of strain XJ-C, M. fructicola mycelium and spores were abnormally shaped. Under TEM, cell walls were transparent, organelles had disappeared, and the intracellular vacuole was deformed. Thus, XJ-C has the potential to be used in biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yuan
- Key Laboratory for Northern Urban Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Bioscience and Resources Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xu Hou
- Key Laboratory for Northern Urban Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Bioscience and Resources Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Haotian Chang
- Key Laboratory for Northern Urban Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Bioscience and Resources Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Technique in Agricultural Application, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Food Science and Engineering College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yueping Liu
- Key Laboratory for Northern Urban Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Bioscience and Resources Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
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Kappaun K, Martinelli AHS, Broll V, Zambelli B, Lopes FC, Ligabue-Braun R, Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Bonan CD, Carlini CR, Ciurli S. Soyuretox, an Intrinsically Disordered Polypeptide Derived from Soybean (Glycine Max) Ubiquitous Urease with Potential Use as a Biopesticide. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5401. [PMID: 31671552 PMCID: PMC6862595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ureases from different biological sources display non-ureolytic properties that contribute to plant defense, in addition to their classical enzymatic urea hydrolysis. Antifungal and entomotoxic effects were demonstrated for Jaburetox, an intrinsically disordered polypeptide derived from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease. Here we describe the properties of Soyuretox, a polypeptide derived from soybean (Glycine max) ubiquitous urease. Soyuretox was fungitoxic to Candida albicans, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species. Soyuretox further induced aggregation of Rhodnius prolixus hemocytes, indicating an interference on the insect immune response. No relevant toxicity of Soyuretox to zebrafish larvae was observed. These data suggest the presence of antifungal and entomotoxic portions of the amino acid sequences encompassing both Soyuretox and Jaburetox, despite their small sequence identity. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic data revealed that Soyuretox, in analogy with Jaburetox, possesses an intrinsic and largely disordered nature. Some folding is observed upon interaction of Soyuretox with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles, taken here as models for membranes. This observation suggests the possibility for this protein to modify its secondary structure upon interaction with the cells of the affected organisms, leading to alterations of membrane integrity. Altogether, Soyuretox can be considered a promising biopesticide for use in plant protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Kappaun
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Anne H S Martinelli
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barbara Zambelli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina.
| | - Carla D Bonan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil.
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
- Brain Institute-InsCer, Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90610-000, RS, Brazil.
| | - Stefano Ciurli
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
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Characterization, expression profiling, and functional analysis of a Populus trichocarpa defensin gene and its potential as an anti-Agrobacterium rooting medium additive. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15359. [PMID: 31653915 PMCID: PMC6814764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51762-0] [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: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse antimicrobial properties of defensins have attracted wide scientific interest in recent years. Also, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including cecropins, histatins, defensins, and cathelicidins, have recently become an antimicrobial research hotspot for their broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities. In addition, defensins play important roles in plant growth, development, and physiological metabolism, and demonstrate tissue specificity and regulation in response to pathogen attack or abiotic stress. In this study, we performed molecular cloning, characterization, expression profiling, and functional analysis of a defensin from Populus trichocarpa. The PtDef protein was highly expressed in the prokaryotic Escherichia coli system as a fusion protein (TrxA–PtDef). The purified protein exhibited strong antibacterial and antifungal functions. We then applied PtDef to rooting culture medium as an alternative exogenous additive to cefotaxime. PtDef expression levels increased significantly following both biotic and abiotic treatment. The degree of leaf damage observed in wild-type (WT) and transgenic poplars indicates that transgenic poplars that overexpress the PtDef gene gain enhanced disease resistance to Septotis populiperda. To further study the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction pathways, SA- and JA-related and pathogenesis-related genes were analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; there were significant differences in these pathways between transgenic and WT poplars. The defensin from Populus trichocarpa showed significant activity of anti-bacteria and anti-fungi. According to the results of qRT-PCR and physiological relevant indicators, the applied PtDef to rooting culture medium was chosen as an alternative exogenous additive to cefotaxime. Overexpressing the PtDef gene in poplar improve the disease resistance to Septotis populiperda.
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Screening the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nonessential Gene Deletion Library Reveals Diverse Mechanisms of Action for Antifungal Plant Defensins. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.01097-19. [PMID: 31451498 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01097-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant defensins are a large family of proteins, most of which have antifungal activity against a broad spectrum of fungi. However, little is known about how they exert their activity. The mechanisms of action of only a few members of the family have been investigated and, in most cases, there are still a number of unknowns. To gain a better understanding of the antifungal mechanisms of a set of four defensins, NaD1, DmAMP1, NbD6, and SBI6, we screened a pooled collection of the nonessential gene deletion set of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains with increased or decreased ability to survive defensin treatment were identified based on the relative abundance of the strain-specific barcode as determined by MiSeq next-generation sequencing. Analysis of the functions of genes that are deleted in strains with differential growth in the presence of defensin provides insight into the mechanism of action. The screen identified a novel role for the vacuole in the mechanisms of action for defensins NbD6 and SBI6. The effect of these defensins on vacuoles was further confirmed by using confocal microscopy in both S. cerevisiae and the cereal pathogen Fusarium graminearum These results demonstrate the utility of this screening method to identify novel mechanisms of action for plant defensins.
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Fumigant Antifungal Activity via Reactive Oxygen Species of Thymus vulgaris and Satureja hortensis Essential Oils and Constituents against Raffaelea quercus-mongolicae and Rhizoctonia solani. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9100561. [PMID: 31623331 PMCID: PMC6843575 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the fumigant antifungal activity of 10 Lamiaceae plant essential oils was evaluated against two phytopathogenic fungi, Raffaelea quercus-mongolicae, and Rhizoctonia solani. Among the tested essential oils, thyme white (Thymus vulgaris) and summer savory (Satureja hortensis) essential oils exhibited the strongest fumigant antifungal activity against the phytopathogenic fungi. We analyzed the chemical composition of two active essential oils and tested the fumigant antifungal activities of the identified compounds. Among the tested compounds, thymol and carvacrol had potent fumigant antifungal activity. We observed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in two fungi treated with thymol and carvacrol. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images of fungi stained with propidium iodide showed that thymol and carvacrol disrupted fungal cell membranes. Our results indicated that ROS generated by thymol and carvacrol damaged the cell membrane of R. querqus-mongolicae and R. solani, causing cell death.
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48
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Thery T, Lynch KM, Arendt EK. Natural Antifungal Peptides/Proteins as Model for Novel Food Preservatives. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2019; 18:1327-1360. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Thery
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
| | - Kieran M. Lynch
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
| | - Elke K. Arendt
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
- Microbiome IrelandUniv. College Cork Ireland
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Muhialdin BJ, Algboory HL, Mohammed NK, Kadum H, Hussin ASM, Saari N, Hassan Z. Discovery and Development of Novel Anti-fungal Peptides Against Foodspoiling Fungi. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2019; 17:553-561. [PMID: 31309892 DOI: 10.2174/1570163816666190715120038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the extensive research carried out to develop natural antifungal preservatives for food applications, there are very limited antifungal agents available to inhibit the growth of spoilage fungi in processed foods. Scope and Approach: Therefore, this review summarizes the discovery and development of antifungal peptides using lactic acid bacteria fermentation to prevent food spoilage by fungi. The focus of this review will be on the identification of antifungal peptides, potential sources, the possible modes of action and properties of peptides considered to inhibit the growth of spoilage fungi. Key Findings and Conclusions: Antifungal peptides generated by certain lactic acid bacteria strains have a high potential for applications in a broad range of foods. The mechanism of peptides antifungal activity is related to their properties such as low molecular weight, concentration and secondary structure. The antifungal peptides were proposed to be used as bio-preservatives to reduce and/or replace chemical preservatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belal J Muhialdin
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University Putra Malaysia (UPM) Serdang, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Nameer K Mohammed
- Food Science and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tikrit University, 43001 Tikrit, Iraq
| | - Hana Kadum
- Faculty of Science, Muthanna University, Samawah, Iraq
| | - Anis S M Hussin
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia Selangor, Malaysia Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nazamid Saari
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University Putra Malaysia (UPM) Serdang, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zaiton Hassan
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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50
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de Oliveira Mello É, Taveira GB, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Gomes VM. Improved smallest peptides based on positive charge increase of the γ-core motif from PνD 1 and their mechanism of action against Candida species. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:407-420. [PMID: 30666103 PMCID: PMC6331069 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s187957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant defensins have a hallmark γ-core motif (GXCX3-9C) that is related to their antimicrobial properties. The aim of this work was to design synthetic peptides based on the region corresponding to the PvD1 defensin γ-core that are the smallest amino acid sequences that bear the strongest biological activity. METHODS We made rational substitutions of negatively charged amino acid residues with positively charged ones, and the reduction in length in the selected PvD1 γ-core sequence to verify whether the increased net positive charges and shortened length are related to the increase in antifungal activity. Herein, we opted to evaluate the action mechanism of γ33-41 PvD1 ++ peptide due to its significant inhibitory effect on tested yeasts. In addition, it is the smallest construct comprising only nine amino acid residues, giving it a better possibility to be a prototype for designing a new antifungal drug, with lower costs to the pharmaceutical industry while still maintaining the strongest antimicrobial properties. RESULTS The γ33-41 PvD1 ++ peptide caused the most toxic effects in the yeast Candida buinensis, leading to membrane permeabilization, viability loss, endogenous reactive oxygen species increase, the activation of metacaspase, and the loss of mitochondrial functionality, suggesting that this peptide triggers cell death via apoptosis. CONCLUSION We observed that the antifungal activity of PvD1 is not strictly localized in the structural domain, which comprises the γ-core region and that the increase in the net positive charge is directly related to the increase in antifungal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica de Oliveira Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadualdo Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ;
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadualdo Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ;
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadualdo Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ;
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadualdo Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ;
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