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Carrillo JFC, Boaretto AG, Santana DJ, Silva DB. Skin secretions of Leptodactylidae (Anura) and their potential applications. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230042. [PMID: 38374940 PMCID: PMC10876013 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0042] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin of anuran species is a protective barrier against predators and pathogens, showing also chemical defense by substances that represent a potential source for bioactive substances. This review describes the current chemical and biological knowledge from the skin secretions of Leptodactylidae species, one of the most diverse neotropical frog families. These skin secretions reveal a variety of substances such as amines (12), neuropeptides (16), and antimicrobial peptides (72). The amines include histamine and its methylated derivatives, tryptamine derivatives and quaternary amines. The peptides of Leptodactylidae species show molecular weight up to 3364 Da and ocellatins are the most reported. The peptides exhibit commonly glycine (G) or glycine-valine (GV) as C-terminal amino acids, and the most common N-terminal amino acids are glutamic acid (E), lysine (K), and valine (V). The substances from Leptodactylidae species have been evaluated against pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the most active peptides showed MIC of 1-15 µM. Furthermore, some compounds showed also pharmacological properties such as immunomodulation, treatment of degenerative diseases, anticancer, and antioxidant. Currently, only 9% of the species in this family have been properly studied, highlighting a large number of unstudied species such as an entire subfamily (Paratelmatobiinae). The ecological context, functions, and evolution of peptides and amines in this family are poorly understood and represent a large field for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. C. Carrillo
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Systematics and Biogeography of Amphibians and
Reptiles (Mapinguari), Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso
do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Mass Spectrometry (LaPNEM),
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition (FACFAN), Federal University
of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Galdi Boaretto
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Mass Spectrometry (LaPNEM),
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition (FACFAN), Federal University
of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Diego J. Santana
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Systematics and Biogeography of Amphibians and
Reptiles (Mapinguari), Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso
do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Denise Brentan Silva
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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Chen Q, Wu J, Li X, Ye Z, Yang H, Mu L. Amphibian-Derived Natural Anticancer Peptides and Proteins: Mechanism of Action, Application Strategies, and Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13985. [PMID: 37762285 PMCID: PMC10530844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813985] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major diseases that seriously threaten human life. Traditional anticancer therapies have achieved remarkable efficacy but have also some unavoidable side effects. Therefore, more and more research focuses on highly effective and less-toxic anticancer substances of natural origin. Amphibian skin is rich in active substances such as biogenic amines, alkaloids, alcohols, esters, peptides, and proteins, which play a role in various aspects such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer functions, and are one of the critical sources of anticancer substances. Currently, a range of natural anticancer substances are known from various amphibians. This paper aims to review the physicochemical properties, anticancer mechanisms, and potential applications of these peptides and proteins to advance the identification and therapeutic use of natural anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hailong Yang
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lixian Mu
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
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Freitas GGD, Barbosa JM, Santana CJCD, Magalhães ACM, Macedo KWR, Souza JOD, Castro JSD, Vasconcelos IAD, Souza AA, Freitas SMD, Báo SN, Costa SR, Brand GD, Chaves IDM, Costa VV, Fontes W, Pires Júnior OR, Castro MS. Purification and Biological Properties of Raniseptins-3 and -6, Two Antimicrobial Peptides from Boana raniceps (Cope, 1862) Skin Secretion. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030576. [PMID: 36979510 PMCID: PMC10046390 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030576] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of multidrug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms has been growing in recent years, most of which is due to the inappropriate use of the commercial antibiotics that are currently available. The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance represents a serious global public health problem. Thus, it is necessary to search for and develop new drugs that can act as antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides are a promising alternative for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Anurans' skin glands are a rich source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds and hylids, a large and diverse family of tree frogs, are known as an important source of antimicrobial peptides. In the present study, two novel antimicrobial peptides, named Raniseptins-3 and -6, were isolated from Boana raniceps skin secretion and their structural and biological properties were evaluated. Raniseptins-3 and -6 are cationic, rich in hydrophobic residues, and adopt an α-helix conformation in the presence of SDS (35 mM). Both peptides are active against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive pathogens, with low hemolytic activity at therapeutic concentrations. No activity was observed for yeasts, but the peptides are highly cytotoxic against B16F10 murine melanoma cells and NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. None of the tested compounds showed improvement trends in the MTT and LDH parameters of MHV-3 infected cells at the concentrations tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gonçalves de Freitas
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - João Martins Barbosa
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Carlos José Correia de Santana
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Magalhães
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Keven Wender Rodrigues Macedo
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Oliveira de Souza
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Jessica Schneider de Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Isadora Alves de Vasconcelos
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Amanda Araújo Souza
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio), National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria de Freitas
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Sônia Nair Báo
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Samuel Ribeiro Costa
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dotto Brand
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Ian de Meira Chaves
- Center for Research and Development of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Vivian Vasconcelos Costa
- Center for Research and Development of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70.910-900, DF, Brazil
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Muñoz-López J, Oliveira JCL, Michel DAGR, Ferreira CS, Neto FG, Salnikov ES, Verly RM, Bechinger B, Resende JM. Membrane interactions of Ocellatins. Where do antimicrobial gaps stem from? Amino Acids 2021; 53:1241-1256. [PMID: 34251525 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03029-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptides Ocellatin-LB1, -LB2 and -F1, isolated from frogs, are identical from residue 1 to 22, which correspond to the -LB1 sequence, whereas -LB2 carries an extra N and -F1 additional NKL residues at their C-termini. Despite the similar sequences, previous investigations showed different spectra of activities and biophysical investigations indicated a direct correlation between both membrane-disruptive properties and activities, i.e., ocellatin-F1 > ocellatin-LB1 > ocellatin-LB2. This study presents experimental evidence as well as results from theoretical studies that contribute to a deeper understanding on how these peptides exert their antimicrobial activities and how small differences in the amino acid composition and their secondary structure can be correlated to these activity gaps. Solid-state NMR experiments allied to the simulation of anisotropic NMR parameters allowed the determination of the membrane topologies of these ocellatins. Interestingly, the extra Asn residue at the Ocellatin-LB2 C-terminus results in increased topological flexibility, which is mainly related to wobbling of the helix main axis as noticed by molecular dynamics simulations. Binding kinetics and thermodynamics of the interactions have also been assessed by Surface Plasmon Resonance and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry. Therefore, these investigations allowed to understand in atomic detail the relationships between peptide structure and membrane topology, which are in tune within the series -F1 > > -LB1 ≥ -LB2, as well as how peptide dynamics can affect membrane topology, insertion and binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Muñoz-López
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.,UMR7177, Institut de Chimie, Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, 4, rue Blaise Pascal , 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jade C L Oliveira
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel A G R Michel
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, 39100-000, Brazil
| | - Carolina S Ferreira
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, 39100-000, Brazil
| | - Francisco Gomes Neto
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Evgeniy S Salnikov
- UMR7177, Institut de Chimie, Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, 4, rue Blaise Pascal , 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Rodrigo M Verly
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal Dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, 39100-000, Brazil
| | - Burkhard Bechinger
- UMR7177, Institut de Chimie, Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, 4, rue Blaise Pascal , 67000, Strasbourg, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Jarbas M Resende
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
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Identification of New Ocellatin Antimicrobial Peptides by cDNA Precursor Cloning in the Frame of This Family of Intriguing Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110751. [PMID: 33138046 PMCID: PMC7693824 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocellatins are a family of antimicrobial peptides found exclusively in the Leptodactylus genus. To date, 10 species have been studied and more than 23 peptides described. Here we report the sequences of five new peptides from the skin of the frog Leptodactylus latrans (Anura: Leptodactylidae) determined by cDNA cloning of the complete prepro-peptide structures. The mature peptides were characterized with in silico tools and compared with those previously described. With 21 amino acid residues, this new set of peptides not previously described in the Leptodactylus genus share between 100 and 76.2% similarity to ocellatin antimicrobial peptides. These novel peptides are cationic and their three-dimensional (3D) structure holds the highly conserved residues G1, D4, K7, and K11 and a high theoretical amphipathic α-helix content. Furthermore, in silico analyses of these new peptides predicted antimicrobial activity. This study is framed in the context of previous work published about ocellatins, and therefore, provides a review of this intriguing family of peptides.
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Barran G, Kolodziejek J, Coquet L, Leprince J, Jouenne T, Nowotny N, Conlon JM, Mechkarska M. Peptidomic Analysis of Skin Secretions of the Caribbean Frogs Leptodactylus insularum and Leptodactylus nesiotus (Leptodactylidae) Identifies an Ocellatin with Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100718. [PMID: 33092132 PMCID: PMC7588904 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocellatins are peptides produced in the skins of frogs belonging to the genus Leptodactylus that generally display weak antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria only. Peptidomic analysis of norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from Leptodactylus insularum Barbour 1906 and Leptodactylus nesiotus Heyer 1994, collected in the Icacos Peninsula, Trinidad, led to the purification and structural characterization of five ocellatin-related peptides from L. insularum (ocellatin-1I together with its (1–16) fragment, ocellatin-2I and its (1–16) fragment, and ocellatin-3I) and four ocellatins from L. nesiotus (ocellatin-1N, -2N, -3N, and -4N). While ocellatins-1I, -2I, and -1N showed a typically low antimicrobial potency against Gram-negative bacteria, ocellatin-3N (GIFDVLKNLAKGVITSLAS.NH2) was active against an antibiotic-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae and reference strains of Escherichia coli, K. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium (minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range 31.25–62.5 μM), and was the only peptide active against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 31.25 μM) and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 62.5 μM). The therapeutic potential of ocellatin-3N is limited by its moderate hemolytic activity (LC50 = 98 μM) against mouse erythrocytes. The peptide represents a template for the design of long-acting, non-toxic, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents for targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervonne Barran
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago;
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria; (J.K.); (N.N.)
| | - Laurent Coquet
- CNRS UMR 6270, PISSARO, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Normandy University, 76000 Rouen, France; (L.C.); (T.J.)
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm U1239, PRIMACEN, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Normandy University, 76000 Rouen, France;
| | - Thierry Jouenne
- CNRS UMR 6270, PISSARO, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Normandy University, 76000 Rouen, France; (L.C.); (T.J.)
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria; (J.K.); (N.N.)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Helathcare City, P.O. Box 505055, Dubai, UAE
| | - J. Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
- Correspondence: (J.M.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago;
- Correspondence: (J.M.C.); (M.M.)
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Figainin 1, a Novel Amphibian Skin Peptide with Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Properties. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9090625. [PMID: 32967114 PMCID: PMC7559428 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9090625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibian skin secretions are abundant in bioactive compounds, especially antimicrobial peptides. These molecules are generally cationic and rich in hydrophobic amino acids, have an amphipathic structure and adopt an α-helical conformation when in contact with microorganisms membranes. In this work, we purified and characterized Figainin 1, a novel antimicrobial and antiproliferative peptide from the cutaneous secretion of the frog Boana raniceps. Figainin 1 is a cationic peptide with eighteen amino acid residues—rich in leucine and isoleucine, with an amidated C-terminus—and adopts an α-helical conformation in the presence of trifluoroethanol (TFE). It displayed activity against Gram-negative and especially Gram-positive bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 µM, and showed an IC50 value of 15.9 µM against epimastigote forms of T. cruzi; however, Figanin 1 did not show activity against Candida species. This peptide also showed cytolytic effects against human erythrocytes with an HC50 of 10 µM, in addition to antiproliferative activity against cancer cells and murine fibroblasts, with IC50 values ranging from 10.5 to 13.7 µM. Despite its adverse effects on noncancerous cells, Figainin 1 exhibits interesting properties for the development of new anticancer agents and anti-infective drugs against pathogenic microorganisms.
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Santana CJC, Magalhães ACM, Prías-Márquez CA, Falico DA, dos Santos Júnior ACM, Lima BD, Ricart CAO, de Pilger DRB, Bonotto RM, Moraes CB, Freitas-Júnior LH, Álvares ADCM, Freitas SM, Luz IS, Pires Jr. OR, Fontes W, Castro MS. Biological Properties of a Novel Multifunctional Host Defense Peptide from the Skin Secretion of the Chaco Tree Frog, Boana raniceps. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E790. [PMID: 32443921 PMCID: PMC7277517 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the number of new antimicrobial drugs launched on the market has decreased considerably even though there has been an increase in the number of resistant microbial strains. Thus, antimicrobial resistance has become a serious public health problem. Amphibian skin secretions are a rich source of host defense peptides, which generally are cationic and hydrophobic molecules, with a broad-spectrum of activity. In this study, one novel multifunctional defense peptide was isolated from the skin secretion of the Chaco tree frog, Boana raniceps. Figainin 2 (1FLGAILKIGHALAKTVLPMVTNAFKPKQ28) is cationic and hydrophobic, adopts an α-helical structure in 50% (v/v) trifluoroethanol (TFE), and is thermally stable. This peptide exhibited activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria arboviruses, T. cruzi epimastigotes; however, it did not show activity against yeasts. Figainin 2 also showed antiproliferative activity on cancer cells, is moderately active on human erythrocytes, and activates the oxidative burst in human neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos José Correia Santana
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Magalhães
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
| | - César Augusto Prías-Márquez
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Diego A. Falico
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Agenor C. M. dos Santos Júnior
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
- Laboratory of Gene Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil;
| | - Beatriz D. Lima
- Laboratory of Gene Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil;
| | - Carlos André Ornelas Ricart
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Denise Regina Bairros de Pilger
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05.508-900, Brazil; (D.R.B.d.P.); (R.M.B.); (C.B.M.); (L.H.F.-J.)
| | - Rafaela Milan Bonotto
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05.508-900, Brazil; (D.R.B.d.P.); (R.M.B.); (C.B.M.); (L.H.F.-J.)
| | - Carolina Borsoi Moraes
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05.508-900, Brazil; (D.R.B.d.P.); (R.M.B.); (C.B.M.); (L.H.F.-J.)
| | - Lúcio H. Freitas-Júnior
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05.508-900, Brazil; (D.R.B.d.P.); (R.M.B.); (C.B.M.); (L.H.F.-J.)
| | - Alice da Cunha Morales Álvares
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.d.C.M.Á.); (S.M.F.)
| | - Sonia Maria Freitas
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.d.C.M.Á.); (S.M.F.)
| | - Isabelle S. Luz
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Jr.
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Mariana S. Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
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9
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Spinelli R, Barrero Guevara LA, López JA, Camargo CM, Groot de Restrepo H, Siano AS. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of amphibian (anuran) skin extracts on human acute monocytic leukemia cells. Toxicon 2020; 177:25-34. [PMID: 31982457 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The use of preparations derived from frog skins for curative purposes antedates research history and is perpetuated in current medicine. The skins of anuran's (frogs and toads) are a rich source of compounds with a great importance in the search of antibiotics, analgesics, immunomodulators, enzymatic inhibitors and antitumoral agents applying to human health. Nowadays, cancer is the second most common cause of mortality with more than 8.2 million of deaths worldwide per year. Acute monocytic leukemia is the subtype M5 of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) a cancer type with reduced survival rates in patients. The monocyte to macrophage differentiation plays an essential role increasing the expansion of AML cell lines. Herein we studied the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of eleven amphibian species of three families belonging to Argentinean zones, against THP-1 monocytes and THP-1 macrophages acute monocytic leukemia cell lines. The evaluated species showed pronounced deleterious effects on acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cell lines, reducing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, autophagy and in some cases cell aggregation. Being this work of great importance for the study of new natural anti-cancer compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roque Spinelli
- Departmento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Paraje El pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Laura Andrea Barrero Guevara
- Laboratorio de Genética Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Cr. 1 Nº 18A-10 Building M1, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Javier Alejandro López
- Instituto Nacional de Limnología, UNL-CONICET. Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje El Pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Carolina Muñoz Camargo
- Departamento de Ingeniería Biomédica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de los Andes, Cr. 1 Este Nº 19A-40 Building ML, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Helena Groot de Restrepo
- Laboratorio de Genética Humana, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Cr. 1 Nº 18A-10 Building M1, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Alvaro Sebastián Siano
- Departmento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Del Litoral, Paraje El pozo, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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10
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Lorenzon EN, Piccoli JP, Santos-Filho NA, Cilli EM. Dimerization of Antimicrobial Peptides: A Promising Strategy to Enhance Antimicrobial Peptide Activity. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:98-107. [PMID: 30605048 PMCID: PMC6416459 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190102125304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health problem with strong social and economic impacts. The development of new antimicrobial agents is considered an urgent challenge. In this regard, Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) appear to be novel candidates to overcome this problem. The mechanism of action of AMPs involves intracellular targets and membrane disruption. Although the exact mechanism of action of AMPs remains controversial, most AMPs act through membrane disruption of the target cell. Several strategies have been used to improve AMP activity, such as peptide dimerization. In this review, we focus on AMP dimerization, showing many examples of dimerized peptides and their effects on biological activity. Although more studies are necessary to elucidate the relationship between peptide properties and the dimerization effect on antimicrobial activity, dimerization constitutes a promising strategy to improve the effectiveness of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban N Lorenzon
- Unidade Academica Especial da Saude, Universidade Federal de Jatai, Jatai-GO, Brazil
| | - Julia P Piccoli
- Instituto de Quimica, UNESP- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara-SP, Brazil
| | - Norival A Santos-Filho
- UNESP- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus Experimental de Registro, Registro, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M Cilli
- Instituto de Quimica, UNESP- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara-SP, Brazil
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11
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Aaghaz S, Gohel V, Kamal A. Peptides as Potential Anticancer Agents. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1491-1511. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190125161517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer consists of heterogeneous multiple cell subpopulation which at a later stage develop resistant phenotypes, which include resistance to pro-apoptotic stimuli and/or cytotoxic resistance to anticancer compounds. The property of cancerous cells to affect almost any part of the body categorizes cancer to many anatomic and molecular subtypes, each requiring a particular therapeutic intervention. As several modalities are hindered in a variety of cancers and as the cancer cells accrue varied types of oncogenic mutations during their progression the most likely benefit will be obtained by a combination of therapeutic agents that might address the diverse hallmarks of cancer. Natural compounds are the backbone of cancer therapeutics owing to their property of affecting the DNA impairment and restoration mechanisms and also the gene expression modulated via several epigenetic molecular mechanisms. Bioactive peptides isolated from flora and fauna have transformed the arena of antitumour therapy and prompt progress in preclinical studies is promising. The difficulties in creating ACP rest in improving its delivery to the tumour site and it also must maintain a low toxicity profile. The substantial production costs, low selectivity and proteolytic stability of some ACP are some of the factors hindering the progress of peptide drug development. Recently, several publications have tried to edify the field with the idea of using peptides as adjuvants with established drugs for antineoplastic use. This review focuses on peptides from natural sources that precisely target tumour cells and subsequently serve as anticancer agents that are less toxic to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shams Aaghaz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, India
| | - Vivek Gohel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, India
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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12
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Gomes KAGG, Dos Santos DM, Santos VM, Piló-Veloso D, Mundim HM, Rodrigues LV, Lião LM, Verly RM, de Lima ME, Resende JM. NMR structures in different membrane environments of three ocellatin peptides isolated from Leptodactylus labyrinthicus. Peptides 2018; 103:72-83. [PMID: 29596881 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The peptides ocellatin-LB1, -LB2 and -F1 have previously been isolated from anurans of the Leptodactylus genus and the sequences are identical from residue 1-22, which correspond to ocellatin-LB1 sequence (GVVDILKGAAKDIAGHLASKVM-NH2), whereas ocellatin-LB2 carries an extra N and ocellatin-F1 extra NKL residues at their C-termini. These peptides showed different spectra of activities and biophysical investigations indicated a direct correlation between membrane-disruptive properties and antimicrobial activities, i.e. ocellatin-F1 > ocellatin-LB1 > ocellatin-LB2. To better characterize their membrane interactions, we report here the detailed three-dimensional NMR structures of these peptides in TFE-d2:H2O (60:40) and in the presence of zwitterionic DPC-d38 and anionic SDS-d25 micellar solutions. Although the three peptides showed significant helical contents in the three mimetic environments, structural differences were noticed. When the structures of the three peptides in the presence of DPC-d38 micelles are compared to each other, a more pronounced curvature is observed for ocellatin-F1 and the bent helix, with the concave face composed mostly of hydrophobic residues, is consistent with the micellar curvature and the amphipathic nature of the molecule. Interestingly, an almost linear helical segment was observed for ocellatin-F1 in the presence of SDS-d25 micelles and the conformational differences in the two micellar environments are possibly related to the presence of the extra Lys residue near the peptide C-terminus, which increases the affinity of ocellatin-F1 to anionic membranes in comparison with ocellatin-LB1 and -LB2, as proved by isothermal titration calorimetry. To our knowledge, this work reports for the first time the three-dimensional structures of ocellatin peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla A G G Gomes
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Instituto de Engenharia, Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 39440-000 Janaúba, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel M Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Virgílio M Santos
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Dorila Piló-Veloso
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Higor M Mundim
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Av. Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, 74690-900 Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Leticia V Rodrigues
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Av. Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, 74690-900 Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Luciano M Lião
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Av. Esperança, s/n, Campus Samambaia, 74690-900 Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M Verly
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 39100-000 Diamantina, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jarbas M Resende
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P.O. Box 486, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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13
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Wang L, Dong C, Li X, Han W, Su X. Anticancer potential of bioactive peptides from animal sources (Review). Oncol Rep 2017; 38:637-651. [PMID: 28677775 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the most common cause of human death worldwide. Conventional anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, are associated with severe side effects and toxicities as well as low specificity. Peptides are rapidly being developed as potential anticancer agents that specifically target cancer cells and are less toxic to normal tissues, thus making them a better alternative for the prevention and management of cancer. Recent research has focused on anticancer peptides from natural animal sources, such as terrestrial mammals, marine animals, amphibians, and animal venoms. However, the mode of action by which bioactive peptides inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells remains unclear. In this review, we present the animal sources from which bioactive peptides with anticancer activity are derived and discuss multiple proposed mechanisms by which these peptides exert cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghong Wang
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Chao Dong
- College of Basic Medicine of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Xian Li
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Han
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Xiulan Su
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
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14
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Triana-Vidal LE, Castro MS, Pires Júnior OR, Álvares ACM, de Freitas SM, Fontes W, Vargas JAG, Zúñiga-Baos JA, Correia Batista IDF, Grellier P, Charneau S. Dendropsophin 1, a novel antimicrobial peptide from the skin secretion of the endemic Colombian frog Dendropsophus columbianus. Nat Prod Res 2017; 32:1383-1389. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1346646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luz Elena Triana-Vidal
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de proteínas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mariana Souza Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de proteínas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior
- Laboratório de Toxinologia, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Alice Cunha Morales Álvares
- Laboratório de Biofísica, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Sonia Maria de Freitas
- Laboratório de Biofísica, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de proteínas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Jimmy Alexander Guerrero Vargas
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad del Cauca, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas (GIHT), Popayán, Colombia
| | - Jorge Alberto Zúñiga-Baos
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad del Cauca, Grupo de Investigaciones Herpetológicas y Toxinológicas (GIHT), Popayán, Colombia
| | | | - Philippe Grellier
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle,UMR 7245 CNRS – Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Charneau
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Química de proteínas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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15
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Gusmão KAG, Dos Santos DM, Santos VM, Cortés ME, Reis PVM, Santos VL, Piló-Veloso D, Verly RM, de Lima ME, Resende JM. Ocellatin peptides from the skin secretion of the South American frog Leptodactylus labyrinthicus (Leptodactylidae): characterization, antimicrobial activities and membrane interactions. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2017; 23:4. [PMID: 28115922 PMCID: PMC5244724 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-017-0094-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The availability of antimicrobial peptides from several different natural sources has opened an avenue for the discovery of new biologically active molecules. To the best of our knowledge, only two peptides isolated from the frog Leptodactylus labyrinthicus, namely pentadactylin and ocellatin-F1, have shown antimicrobial activities. Therefore, in order to explore the antimicrobial potential of this species, we have investigated the biological activities and membrane interactions of three peptides isolated from the anuran skin secretion. Methods Three peptide primary structures were determined by automated Edman degradation. These sequences were prepared by solid-phase synthesis and submitted to activity assays against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and against two fungal strains. The hemolytic properties of the peptides were also investigated in assays with rabbit blood erythrocytes. The conformational preferences of the peptides and their membrane interactions have been investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy and liposome dye release assays. Results The amino acid compositions of three ocellatins were determined and the sequences exhibit 100% homology for the first 22 residues (ocellatin-LB1 sequence). Ocellatin-LB2 carries an extra Asn residue and ocellatin-F1 extra Asn-Lys-Leu residues at C-terminus. Ocellatin-F1 presents a stronger antibiotic potential and a broader spectrum of activities compared to the other peptides. The membrane interactions and pore formation capacities of the peptides correlate directly with their antimicrobial activities, i.e., ocellatin-F1 > ocellatin-LB1 > ocellatin-LB2. All peptides acquire high helical contents in membrane environments. However, ocellatin-F1 shows in average stronger helical propensities. Conclusions The obtained results indicate that the three extra amino acid residues at the ocellatin-F1 C-terminus play an important role in promoting stronger peptide-membrane interactions and antimicrobial properties. The extra Asn-23 residue present in ocellatin-LB2 sequence seems to decrease its antimicrobial potential and the strength of the peptide-membrane interactions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40409-017-0094-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla A G Gusmão
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil.,Instituto de Engenharia, Ciência e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Janaúba, MG Brazil
| | - Daniel M Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Virgílio M Santos
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - María Esperanza Cortés
- Departamento de Odontologia Restauradora, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Pablo V M Reis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Vera L Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Dorila Piló-Veloso
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M Verly
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, MG Brazil
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Jarbas M Resende
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
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16
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Arshid S, Tahir M, Fontes B, de Souza Montero EF, Castro MS, Sidoli S, Roepstorff P, Fontes W. High performance mass spectrometry based proteomics reveals enzyme and signaling pathway regulation in neutrophils during the early stage of surgical trauma. Proteomics Clin Appl 2016; 11. [PMID: 27672009 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201600001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In clinical conditions trauma is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Neutrophils play a key role in the development of multiple organ failure after trauma EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To have a detailed understanding of the neutrophil activation at primary stages after trauma, neutrophils are isolated from control and surgical trauma rats in this study. Extracted proteins are analyzed using nano liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS A total of 2924 rat neutrophil proteins are identified in our analysis, of which 393 are found differentially regulated between control and trauma groups. By using functional pathways analysis of the 190 proteins up-regulated in surgical trauma, we found proteins related to transcription initiation and protein biosynthesis. On the other hand, among the 203 proteins down-regulated in surgical trauma we found enrichment for proteins of the immune response, proteasome degradation and actin cytoskeleton. Overall, enzyme prediction analysis revealed that regulated enzymes are directly involved in neutrophil apoptosis, directional migration and chemotaxis. Our observations are then confirmed by in silico protein-protein interaction analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Collectively, our results reveal that neutrophils drastically regulate their biochemical pathways after the early stages of surgical trauma, showing lower activity. This implies higher susceptibility of the trauma patients to infection and bystander tissues damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samina Arshid
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil.,Laboratory of Surgical Physiopathology (LIM-62), Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Muhammad Tahir
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Belchor Fontes
- Laboratory of Surgical Physiopathology (LIM-62), Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Roepstorff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
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17
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Reconciling the IPC and Two-Hit Models: Dissecting the Underlying Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Two Seemingly Opposing Frameworks. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:697193. [PMID: 26770993 PMCID: PMC4684872 DOI: 10.1155/2015/697193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory cascades and mechanisms are ubiquitous during host responses to various types of insult. Biological models and interventional strategies have been devised as an effort to better understand and modulate inflammation-driven injuries. Amongst those the two-hit model stands as a plausible and intuitive framework that explains some of the most frequent clinical outcomes seen in injuries like trauma and sepsis. This model states that a first hit serves as a priming event upon which sequential insults can build on, culminating on maladaptive inflammatory responses. On a different front, ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has risen to light as a readily applicable tool for modulating the inflammatory response to ischemia and reperfusion. The idea is that mild ischemic insults, either remote or local, can cause organs and tissues to be more resilient to further ischemic insults. This seemingly contradictory role that the two models attribute to a first inflammatory hit, as priming in the former and protective in the latter, has set these two theories on opposing corners of the literature. The present review tries to reconcile both models by showing that, rather than debunking each other, each framework offers unique insights in understanding and modulating inflammation-related injuries.
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18
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Cruz e Carvalho A, Márquez CAP, Azevedo RB, Joanitti GA, Pires Júnior OR, Fontes W, Castro MS. Cytotoxic Activity and Antiproliferative Effects of Crude Skin Secretion from Physalaemus nattereri (Anura: Leptodactylidae) on in vitro Melanoma Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3989-4005. [PMID: 26457717 PMCID: PMC4626716 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7103989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anuran secretions are rich sources of bioactive molecules, including antimicrobial and antitumoral compounds. The aims of this study were to investigate the therapeutic potential of Physalaemus nattereri skin secretion against skin cancer cells, and to assess its cytotoxic action mechanisms on the murine melanoma cell line B16F10. Our results demonstrated that the crude secretion reduced the viability of B16F10 cells, causing changes in cell morphology (e.g., round shape and structure shrinkage), reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, increase in phosphatidylserine exposure, and cell cycle arrest in S-phase. Together, these changes suggest that tumor cells die by apoptosis. This skin secretion was also subjected to chromatographic fractioning using RP-HPLC, and eluted fractions were assayed for antiproliferative and antibacterial activities. Three active fractions showed molecular mass components in a range compatible with peptides. Although the specific mechanisms causing the reduced cell viability and cytotoxicity after the treatment with crude secretion are still unknown, it may be considered that molecules, such as the peptides found in the secretion, are effective against B16F10 tumor cells. Considering the growing need for new anticancer drugs, data presented in this study strongly reinforce the validity of P. nattereri crude secretion as a rich source of new anticancer molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Cruz e Carvalho
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - César Augusto Prías Márquez
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Bentes Azevedo
- Department of Genetics and Morphology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Graziella Anselmo Joanitti
- Department of Genetics and Morphology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Ceilândia/DF, CEP 72.220-140, Brazil.
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
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19
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Xu X, Lai R. The chemistry and biological activities of peptides from amphibian skin secretions. Chem Rev 2015; 115:1760-846. [PMID: 25594509 DOI: 10.1021/cr4006704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology , Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
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20
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Ebrahim K, Shirazi FH, Vatanpour H, Zare A, Kobarfard F, Rabiei H. Anticancer Activity of Cobra Venom Polypeptide, Cytotoxin-II, against Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (MCF-7) via the Induction of Apoptosis. J Breast Cancer 2014; 17:314-22. [PMID: 25548578 PMCID: PMC4278049 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2014.17.4.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is a significant health problem worldwide, accounting for a quarter of all cancer diagnoses in women. Current strategies for breast cancer treatment are not fully effective, and there is substantial interest in the identification of novel anticancer agents especially from natural products including toxins. Cytotoxins are polypeptides found in the venom of cobras and have various physiological effects. In the present study, the anticancer potential of cytotoxin-II against the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) was investigated. Methods The cytotoxic effects of cytotoxin-II were determined by morphological analysis and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The mode and mechanism of cell death were investigated via acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) double staining, flow cytometric analysis of cell death, detection of mitochondrial membrane potential, measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and caspase-9 activity assays. Results The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cytotoxin-II in MCF-7 cells was 4.18±1.23 µg/mL, while the value for cisplatin was approximately 28.02±1.87 µg/mL. Morphological analysis and AO/EtBr double staining showed typical manifestations of apoptotic cell death (in doses lower than 8 µg/mL). Dose- and time-dependent ROS generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-9 activation, and cell cycle arrest were observed in their respective tests. Conclusion In conclusion, cytotoxin-II has potent anticancer effects in the MCF-7 cell line, which are induced via the intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Based on these findings, cytotoxin-II is a suitable choice for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Ebrahim
- Department of Toxicology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences School of Pharmacy, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad H Shirazi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hosein Vatanpour
- Department of Toxicology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences School of Pharmacy, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abas Zare
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farzad Kobarfard
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences School of Pharmacy, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Rabiei
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
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21
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Conlon JM, Mechkarska M, Lukic ML, Flatt PR. Potential therapeutic applications of multifunctional host-defense peptides from frog skin as anti-cancer, anti-viral, immunomodulatory, and anti-diabetic agents. Peptides 2014; 57:67-77. [PMID: 24793775 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Frog skin constitutes a rich source of peptides with a wide range of biological properties. These include host-defense peptides with cytotoxic activities against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and mammalian cells. Several hundred such peptides from diverse species have been described. Although attention has been focused mainly on antimicrobial activity, the therapeutic potential of frog skin peptides as anti-infective agents remains to be realized and no compound based upon their structures has yet been adopted in clinical practice. Consequently, alternative applications are being explored. Certain naturally occurring frog skin peptides, and analogs with improved therapeutic properties, show selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells and viruses and so have potential for development into anti-cancer and anti-viral agents. Some peptides display complex cytokine-mediated immunomodulatory properties. Effects on the production of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines by peritoneal macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells have been observed so that clinical applications as anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and immunostimulatory agents are possible. Several frog skin peptides, first identified on the basis of antimicrobial activity, have been shown to stimulate insulin release both in vitro and in vivo and so show potential as incretin-based therapies for treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review assesses the therapeutic possibilities of peptides from frogs belonging to the Ascaphidae, Alytidae, Pipidae, Dicroglossidae, Leptodactylidae, Hylidae, and Ranidae families that complement their potential role as anti-infectives for use against multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Miodrag L Lukic
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Peter R Flatt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
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Libério MDS, Bastos IMD, Pires Júnior OR, Fontes W, Santana JM, Castro MS. The crude skin secretion of the pepper frog Leptodactylus labyrinthicus is rich in metallo and serine peptidases. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96893. [PMID: 24906116 PMCID: PMC4048173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptidases are ubiquitous enzymes involved in diverse biological processes. Fragments from bioactive peptides have been found in skin secretions from frogs, and their presence suggests processing by peptidases. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize the peptidase activity present in the skin secretion of Leptodactylus labyrinthicus. Zymography revealed the presence of three bands of gelatinase activity of approximately 60 kDa, 66 kDa, and 80 kDa, which the first two were calcium-dependent. These three bands were inhibited either by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and phenathroline; thus, they were characterized as metallopeptidases. Furthermore, the proteolytic enzymes identified were active only at pH 6.0-10.0, and their activity increased in the presence of CHAPS or NaCl. Experiments with fluorogenic substrates incubated with skin secretions identified aminopeptidase activity, with cleavage after leucine, proline, and alanine residues. This activity was directly proportional to the protein concentration, and it was inhibited in the presence of metallo and serine peptidase inhibitors. Besides, the optimal pH for substrate cleavage was determined to be 7.0-8.0. The results of the in gel activity assay showed that all substrates were hydrolyzed by a 45 kDa peptidase. Gly-Pro-AMC was also cleaved by a peptidase greater than 97 kDa. The data suggest the presence of dipeptidyl peptidases (DPPs) and metallopeptidases; however, further research is necessary. In conclusion, our work will help to elucidate the implication of these enzymatic activities in the processing of the bioactive peptides present in frog venom, expanding the knowledge of amphibian biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle da Silva Libério
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia – DF, Brazil
- Brazilian Center for Protein Research, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia – DF, Brazil
| | - Izabela M. D. Bastos
- Laboratory of Host-Pathogen Interaction, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia – DF, Brazil
| | - Osmindo R. Pires Júnior
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia – DF, Brazil
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Brazilian Center for Protein Research, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia – DF, Brazil
| | - Jaime M. Santana
- Laboratory of Host-Pathogen Interaction, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia – DF, Brazil
| | - Mariana S. Castro
- Toxinology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia – DF, Brazil
- Brazilian Center for Protein Research, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia – DF, Brazil
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Attoub S, Arafat H, Mechkarska M, Conlon JM. Anti-tumor activities of the host-defense peptide hymenochirin-1B. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 187:51-6. [PMID: 24185042 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The hymenochirins are a family of cationic, amphipathic, α-helical host-defense peptides, first isolated from skin secretions of the Congo clawed frog Hymenochirus boettgeri (Pipidae). Of the four hymenochirins tested, hymenochirin-1B (IKLSPETKDNLKKVLKGAIKGAIVAKMV.NH2) shows the greatest cytotoxic potency against non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells (LC50=2.5±0.2 μM), breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells (LC50=9.0±0.3 μM), colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells (LC50=9.7±0.2 μM), and hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells (LC50=22.5±1.4 μM) with appreciably less hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes (LC50=213±18μM). Structure-activity relationships were investigated by synthesizing analogs of hymenochirin-1B in which Pro(5), Glu(6) and Asp(9)on the hydrophilic face of the helix were replaced by one or more L-lysine or D-lysine residues. The [D9K] analog displays the greatest increase in potency against all four cell lines (up to 6 fold) but hemolytic activity also increases (LC50=174±12 μM). The [D9k] and [E6k,D9k] analogs retain relatively high cytotoxic potency against the tumor cells (LC50 in the range 2.1-21 μM) but show reduced hemolytic activity (LC50>300 μM). The data suggest that hymenochirin-1B has therapeutic potential as a template to generate potent, non-toxic anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Dimerization of aurein 1.2: effects in structure, antimicrobial activity and aggregation of Cândida albicans cells. Amino Acids 2013; 44:1521-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1475-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Cultivable microbiota of Lithobates catesbeianus and advances in the selection of lactic acid bacteria as biological control agents in raniculture. Res Vet Sci 2012; 93:1160-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Transformation of the naturally occurring frog skin peptide, alyteserin-2a into a potent, non-toxic anti-cancer agent. Amino Acids 2012; 44:715-23. [PMID: 22965637 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Alyteserin-2a (ILGKLLSTAAGLLSNL.NH(2)) is a cationic, amphipathic α-helical cell-penetrating peptide, first isolated from skin secretions of the midwife toad Alytes obstetricans. Structure-activity relationships were investigated by synthesizing analogs of alyteserin-2a in which amino acids on the hydrophobic face of the helix were replaced by L-tryptophan and amino acids on the hydrophilic face were replaced by one or more L-lysine or D-lysine residues. The Trp-containing peptides display increased cytotoxic activity against non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells (up to 11-fold), but hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes increases in parallel. The potency of the N15K analog against A549 cells (LC(50) = 13 μM) increases sixfold relative to alyteserin-2a and the therapeutic index (ratio of LC(50) for erythrocytes and tumor cells) increases twofold. Incorporation of a D-Lys(11) residue into the N15K analog generates a peptide that retains potency against A549 cells (LC(50) = 15 μM) but whose therapeutic index is 13-fold elevated relative to the native peptide. [G11k, N15K] alyteserin-2a is also active against human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells (LC(50) = 26 μM), breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells (LC(50) = 20 μM), and colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells (LC(50) = 28 μM). [G11k, N15K] alyteserin-2a, in concentrations as low as 1 μg/mL, significantly (P < 0.05) inhibits the release of the immune-suppressive cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β from unstimulated and concanavalin A-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The data suggest a strategy of increasing the cationicity while reducing the helicity of naturally occurring amphipathic α-helical peptides to generate analogs with improved cytotoxicity against tumor cells but decreased activity against non-neoplastic cells.
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Effects of dimerization on the structure and biological activity of antimicrobial peptide Ctx-Ha. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:3004-10. [PMID: 22391524 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06262-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that cationic antimicrobial peptides (cAMPs) are potential microbicidal agents for the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance. However, the physicochemical properties of each peptide need to be optimized for clinical use. To evaluate the effects of dimerization on the structure and biological activity of the antimicrobial peptide Ctx-Ha, we have synthesized the monomeric and three dimeric (Lys-branched) forms of the Ctx-Ha peptide by solid-phase peptide synthesis using a combination of 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) and t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) chemical approaches. The antimicrobial activity assay showed that dimerization decreases the ability of the peptide to inhibit growth of bacteria or fungi; however, the dimeric analogs displayed a higher level of bactericidal activity. In addition, a dramatic increase (50 times) in hemolytic activity was achieved with these analogs. Permeabilization studies showed that the rate of carboxyfluorescein release was higher for the dimeric peptides than for the monomeric peptide, especially in vesicles that contained sphingomyelin. Despite different biological activities, the secondary structure and pore diameter were not significantly altered by dimerization. In contrast to the case for other dimeric cAMPs, we have shown that dimerization selectively decreases the antimicrobial activity of this peptide and increases the hemolytic activity. The results also show that the interaction between dimeric peptides and the cell wall could be responsible for the decrease of the antimicrobial activity of these peptides.
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28
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Palma MS. Erratum to: Peptides as toxins/defensins. Amino Acids 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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29
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Palma MS. Peptides as toxins/defensins. Amino Acids 2010; 40:1-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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