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Samat R, Sen S, Jash M, Ghosh S, Garg S, Sarkar J, Ghosh S. Venom: A Promising Avenue for Antimicrobial Therapeutics. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:3098-3125. [PMID: 39137302 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Venom in medicine is well documented in the chronicles of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire and persisted into the Renaissance and even into the modern era. Venoms were not always associated with detrimental consequences. Since ancient times, the curative capacity of venom has been recognized, portraying venom as a metaphor for pharmacy and medicine. Venom proteins and peptides' antimicrobial potential has not undergone systematic exploration despite the huge literature on natural antimicrobials. In light of the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance and the diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics, there is a pressing need for innovative antimicrobials capable of effectively addressing illnesses caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This review adds to our understanding of the effectiveness of different venom components against a host of pathogenic microorganisms. The aim is to illuminate the various antimicrobials present in venom and venom peptides, thereby emphasizing the unexplored medicinal potential for antimicrobial properties. We have presented a concise summary of the molecular examination of the venom peptides' functioning processes, as well as the current clinical and preclinical progress of venom antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkamal Samat
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Samya Sen
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- iHUB Drishti Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Moumita Jash
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Satyajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Shubham Garg
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Jayita Sarkar
- Centre for Research and Development of Scientific Instruments (CRDSI), Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
| | - Surajit Ghosh
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- Smart Healthcare Department, Interdisciplinary Research Platform, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
- iHUB Drishti Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342030, India
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2
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Hernández-Arvizu EE, Silis-Moreno TM, García-Arredondo JA, Rodríguez-Torres A, Cervantes-Chávez JA, Mosqueda J. Aquiluscidin, a Cathelicidin from Crotalus aquilus, and the Vcn-23 Derivative Peptide, Have Anti-Microbial Activity against Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2778. [PMID: 38004789 PMCID: PMC10673557 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial peptides play a vital role in the defense mechanisms of various organisms performing functions that range from the elimination of microorganisms, through diverse mechanisms, to the modulation of the immune response, providing protection to the host. Among these peptides, cathelicidins, a well-studied family of anti-microbial peptides, are found in various animal species, including reptiles. Due to the rise in anti-microbial resistance, these compounds have been suggested as potential candidates for developing new drugs. In this study, we identified and characterized a cathelicidin-like peptide called Aquiluscidin (Aq-CATH) from transcripts obtained from the skin and oral mucosa of the Querétaro's dark rattlesnake, Crotalus aquilus. The cDNA was cloned, sequenced, and yielded a 566-base-pair sequence. Using bioinformatics, we predicted that the peptide precursor contains a signal peptide, a 101-amino-acid conserved cathelin domain, an anionic region, and a 34-amino-acid mature peptide in the C-terminal region. Aq-CATH and a derived 23-amino-acid peptide (Vcn-23) were synthesized, and their anti-microbial activity was evaluated against various species of bacteria in in vitro assays. The minimal inhibitory concentrations against bacteria ranged from 2 to 8 μg/mL for both peptides. Furthermore, at concentrations of up to 50 μM, they exhibited no significant hemolytic activity (<2.3% and <1.2% for Aquiluscidin and Vcn-23, respectively) against rat erythrocytes and displayed no significant cytotoxic activity at low concentrations (>65% cell viability at 25 µM). Finally, this study represents the first identification of an antimicrobial peptide in Crotalus aquilus, which belongs to the cathelicidin family and exhibits the characteristic features of these peptides. Both Aq-CATH and its derived molecule, Vcn-23, displayed remarkable inhibitory activity against all tested bacteria, highlighting their potential as promising candidates for further antimicrobial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Esaú Hernández-Arvizu
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
- Ph.D. Program in Natural Sciences, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Teresa Monserrat Silis-Moreno
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
| | - José Alejandro García-Arredondo
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, Queretaro 76010, Mexico;
| | - Angelina Rodríguez-Torres
- Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (A.R.-T.); (J.A.C.-C.)
- Cuerpo Academico Salud Animal y Microbiología Ambiental, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Mosqueda
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
- Cuerpo Academico Salud Animal y Microbiología Ambiental, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
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Klaiss-Luna MC, Giraldo-Lorza JM, Jemioła-Rzemińska M, Strzałka K, Manrique-Moreno M. Biophysical Insights into the Antitumoral Activity of Crotalicidin against Breast Cancer Model Membranes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16226. [PMID: 38003414 PMCID: PMC10671781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides have emerged as promising therapeutic agents with antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and, recently, antitumoral properties with a mechanism of action based on membrane destabilization and cell death, often involving a conformational change in the peptide. This biophysical study aims to provide preliminary insights into the membrane-level antitumoral mode of action of crotalicidin, a cationic host defense peptide from rattlesnake venom, toward breast cancer cell lines. The lipid composition of breast cancer cell lines was obtained after lipid extraction and quantification to prepare representative cell membrane models. Membrane-peptide interaction studies were performed using differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The outcome evidences the potential antitumoral activity and selectivity of crotalicidin toward breast cancer cell lines and suggests a mechanism initiated by the electrostatic interaction of the peptide with the lipid bilayer surface and posterior conformation change with membrane intercalation between the acyl chains in negatively charged lipid systems. This research provides valuable information that clears up the antitumoral mode of action of crotalicidin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Klaiss-Luna
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A 1226, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Juan M. Giraldo-Lorza
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A 1226, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Małgorzata Jemioła-Rzemińska
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Strzałka
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A 1226, Medellin 050010, Colombia
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Santos ATD, Kumar S, Albuquerque JVDS, Arcce IML, Chaves OA, Cruz GS, Carretero VJ, Melo LM, Chaves MS, Guijo JMH, Freitas VJDF, Rádis-Baptista G. The anti-infective crotalicidin peptide analog RhoB-Ctn[1-9] is harmless to bovine oocytes and able to induce parthenogenesis in vitro. Toxicon 2023; 234:107274. [PMID: 37657514 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107274] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Crotalicidin is a cathelicidin-related anti-infective (antimicrobial) peptide expressed in the venom glands of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Congener peptides of crotalicidin, named vipericidins, are found in other pit vipers inhabiting South America. Crotalicidin is active against bacteria and pathogenic yeasts and has anti-proliferative activity for some cancer cells. The structural dissection of crotalicidin produced fragments (e.g., Ctn [15-34]) with multiple biological functionalities that mimic the native peptide. Another structural characteristic of crotalidicin and congeners is a unique repetitive stretch of amino acid sequences in tandem embedded in their primary structures. One of the encrypted vipericidn peptides (Ctn [1-9]) was synthesized, and the analog covalently conjugated with rhodamine B (RhoB-Ctn [1-9]) displayed considerable antimicrobial activity and selective cytotoxicity. Methods to evaluate antimicrobial peptides' toxicity include lysis of red blood cells (hemolysis) in vitro and cytotoxicity of healthy cultured cells (e.g., fibroblasts). Here, as a non-conventional model of toxicity, the bovine oocytes were exposed to two standardized concentrations of RhoB-Ctn [1-9], and embryo viability and development at its first stage of cleavage (division of cells) and blastocyst formation were evaluated. Oocytes treated with peptide at 10 and 40 μM induced cleavage rates of 44.94% and 51.53%, resulting in the formation of blastocysts of 7.07% and 11.73%, respectively. Light sheet microscopy and in silico prediction analysis indicated that RhoB-Ctn [1-9] peptide interacts with zona pellucida and internalizes into bovine oocytes and developing embryos. The ADMET prediction estimated good bioavailability of RhoB-Ctn [1-9]. In conclusion, the peptide appeared harmless to bovine oocytes and, remarkably, activated the parthenogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Teixeira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Satish Kumar
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Irving Mitchell Laines Arcce
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Otávio Augusto Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; CQC-IMS, Departament of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga S/n, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Victoria Jimenez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Molecular Genetics Research Unit, University Center Fametro (UNIFAMETRO), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maiana Silva Chaves
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jesus Miguel Hernandez Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Cañas CA, Castaño-Valencia S, Castro-Herrera F. The Colombian bushmasters Lachesis acrochorda (García, 1896) and Lachesis muta (Linnaeus, 1766): Snake species, venoms, envenomation, and its management. Toxicon 2023; 230:107152. [PMID: 37178796 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107152] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In Colombia, there are two species of bushmaster snakes, Lachesis acrochorda, which is distributed mainly in the west of the country (in the Choco region), and Lachesis muta in the southeast (in the Amazon and Orinoquia region), whose presence has been reduced due to the destruction of their habitats. Captive maintenance is challenging, making it difficult to obtain their venom for study and antivenom manufacturing. They are the largest vipers in the world. The occurrence of human envenomation is quite rare, but when it occurs, it is associated with high mortality. Bushmaster venom is necrotizing, hemorrhagic, myotoxic, hemolytic, and cardiovascular depressant. Due to the presence of bradycardia, hypotension, emesis, and diarrhea in some patients (Lachesis syndrome), the possibility of a vagal or cholinergic effect is raised. The treatment of envenomation is hindered by the scarcity of antivenom and the need to use high doses. A review of the most relevant biological and medical aspects of bushmaster snakes is presented, mainly for those occurring in Colombia, to facilitate their recognition and raise awareness about the need for special attention to improve their conservation and advance scientific knowledge, in particular, about their venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Cañas
- Universidad Icesi, CIRAT: Centro de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Cali, 760031, Colombia; Fundación Valle del Lili, Departamento de Reumatología, Cali, 760026, Colombia.
| | - Santiago Castaño-Valencia
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Universidad del Valle. Cali 760042, Colombia; Laboratorio de Herpetología y Toxinología, Universidad del Valle. Cali 760042, Colombia
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6
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Past, Present, and Future of Naturally Occurring Antimicrobials Related to Snake Venoms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040744. [PMID: 36830531 PMCID: PMC9952678 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040744] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on proteins and peptides with antimicrobial activity because these biopolymers can be useful in the fight against infectious diseases and to overcome the critical problem of microbial resistance to antibiotics. In fact, snakes show the highest diversification among reptiles, surviving in various environments; their innate immunity is similar to mammals and the response of their plasma to bacteria and fungi has been explored mainly in ecological studies. Snake venoms are a rich source of components that have a variety of biological functions. Among them are proteins like lectins, metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, L-amino acid oxidases, phospholipases type A2, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, as well as many oligopeptides, such as waprins, cardiotoxins, cathelicidins, and β-defensins. In vitro, these biomolecules were shown to be active against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that are pathogenic to humans. Not only cathelicidins, but all other proteins and oligopeptides from snake venom have been proteolyzed to provide short antimicrobial peptides, or for use as templates for developing a variety of short unnatural sequences based on their structures. In addition to organizing and discussing an expressive amount of information, this review also describes new β-defensin sequences of Sistrurus miliarius that can lead to novel peptide-based antimicrobial agents, using a multidisciplinary approach that includes sequence phylogeny.
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Morales BGDV, Dos Reis MC, Gomes TJDS, Zeferino NA, de Oliveira GA, Zanchi FB. A rational in silico approach to identify inhibitors of Batroxrhagin from Bothrops atrox. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:9620-9635. [PMID: 34060428 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1932597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bothrops atrox venom comprises several types of bioactive molecules, enzymatic and non-enzymatic, among those, Batroxrhagin is the most predominant SVMP P-III enzyme, which are responsible for induction of local and systemic hemorrhage and muscle fibers damage, impairing regeneration. Due to great difficulties in establishing an antibothropic drug, new strategies must be addressed to achieve a more effective and efficient treatment. There are no studies of specific catalytic inhibitors of Batroxrhagin. However, there are in vitro studies that have described similar metalloprotease inhibitors. The inhibitor batimastat was used as a leading compound for the search and selection of similar candidates. This molecule is widely cited as a metalloprotease inhibitor and as an antimetastatic. In addition to batimastat-like molecules, four other reported metalloprotease inhibitors were included to compose the study's positive control group. Hence, 580 molecules were tested. The three-dimensional structure of B. atrox Batroxrhagin was predicted based on homologous structures using Modeller 9.20. Molecular docking calculation was performed using Autodock 4.2 and molecular surfaces and interactions were analyzed using Biovia/Discovery Studio 2017. Among 576 molecules, 42 similar to batismast resulted in a better energy of interaction than all positive controls, including batimastat itself. The batimastat-like molecules with lowest energy and positive controls were subjected to molecular dynamics for 30 ns in Gromacs 2019.4. This batimastat-like molecule produced better stability among all the Batroxrhagin-ligand complexes analyzed. Overall, the proposed compounds present justifiable evidence for future in vitro tests aiming to inhibit Batroxrhagin. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gildo Dalla Vecchia Morales
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Química Medicinal, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,FIOCRUZ Rondônia, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
| | - Marlon Chaves Dos Reis
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Química Medicinal, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,Faculdades Integradas Aparício Carvalho/FIMCA, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
| | | | - Nabia Azevedo Zeferino
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Química Medicinal, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,Faculdades Integradas Aparício Carvalho/FIMCA, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
| | - George Azevedo de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Química Medicinal, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,Programa de Doutorado em Ciências - Cooperação IOC/Fiocruz Rondônia: Biologia Computacional e Sistemas (BCS), Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
| | - Fernando Berton Zanchi
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Química Medicinal, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,FIOCRUZ Rondônia, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,Programa de Doutorado em Ciências - Cooperação IOC/Fiocruz Rondônia: Biologia Computacional e Sistemas (BCS), Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia na Amazônia Ocidental - EPIAMO, Porto Velho-RO, Brazil
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Ageitos L, Torres MDT, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Biologically Active Peptides from Venoms: Applications in Antibiotic Resistance, Cancer, and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315437. [PMID: 36499761 PMCID: PMC9740984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are potential therapeutic alternatives against global diseases, such as antimicrobial-resistant infections and cancer. Venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that have evolved over time to act on specific targets of the prey. Peptides are one of the main components responsible for the biological activity and toxicity of venoms. South American organisms such as scorpions, snakes, and spiders are important producers of a myriad of peptides with different biological activities. In this review, we report the main venom-derived peptide families produced from South American organisms and their corresponding activities and biological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Ageitos
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marcelo D. T. Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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Nogrado K, Adisakwattana P, Reamtong O. Antimicrobial peptides: On future antiprotozoal and anthelminthic applications. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106665. [PMID: 36030045 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Control and elimination of parasitic diseases are nowadays further complicated by emergence of drug resistance. Drug resistance is a serious threat as there are not many effective antiparasitic drugs available. Aside from drug resistance, it is also favorable to look for alternative therapeutics that have lesser adverse effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were found to address these issues. Some of its desirable traits are they are fast-acting, it has broad action that the pathogen will have difficulty developing resistance to, it has high specificity, and most importantly there are extensive sources such as bacteria; invertebrate and vertebrate animals as well as plants. Aside from this, AMPs are also found to modulate the immune response. This review would like to describe AMPs that have been studied for their antiparasitic activities especially on parasitic diseases that causes high mortality and exhibits drug resistance like malaria and leishmaniasis and to discuss the mechanism of action of these AMPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathyleen Nogrado
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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Antimicrobial Activity of Snake β-Defensins and Derived Peptides. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 14:toxins14010001. [PMID: 35050978 PMCID: PMC8777785 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides presenting in vertebrate animals. They participate in innate immunity, but little is known about them in reptiles, including snakes. Although several β-defensin genes were described in Brazilian snakes, their function is still unknown. The peptide sequence from these genes was deduced, and synthetic peptides (with approximately 40 amino acids and derived peptides) were tested against pathogenic bacteria and fungi using microbroth dilution assays. The linear peptides, derived from β-defensins, were designed applying the bioisosterism strategy. The linear β-defensins were more active against Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Citrobacter freundii, and Staphylococcus aureus. The derived peptides (7–14 mer) showed antibacterial activity against those bacteria and on Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nonetheless, they did not present activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trychophyton rubrum, and Aspergillus fumigatus showing that the cysteine substitution to serine is deleterious to antifungal properties. Tryptophan residue showed to be necessary to improve antibacterial activity. Even though the studied snake β-defensins do not have high antimicrobial activity, they proved to be attractive as template molecules for the development of antibiotics.
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11
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Creane SE, Carlile SR, Downey D, Weldon S, Dalton JP, Taggart CC. The Impact of Lung Proteases on Snake-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081106. [PMID: 34439773 PMCID: PMC8394243 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory infections are a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality and are of significant concern for individuals with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. There is an urgent need for novel antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring innate immune response peptides with therapeutic potential. However, therapeutic development has been hindered by issues with stability and cytotoxicity. Availing of direct drug delivery to the affected site, for example the lung, can reduce unwanted systemic side effects and lower the required dose. As cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lungs typically exhibit elevated protease levels, the aim of this study was to assess their impact on snake-derived AMPs. Peptide cleavage was determined using SDS-PAGE and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of neutrophil elastase (NE)-incubated peptides were assessed using a radial diffusion assay (RDA) and an in vitro LPS-induced inflammation model, respectively. Although the snake-derived AMPs were found to be susceptible to cleavage by lung proteases including NE, several retained their function following NE-incubation. This facilitated the design of novel truncated derivatives that retained functionality following NE incubation. Snake-derived AMPs are tractable candidate treatments for use in environments that feature elevated NE levels, such as the CF airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannice E. Creane
- Airway Innate Immunity Research (AiiR) Group, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.E.C.); (S.R.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Simon R. Carlile
- Airway Innate Immunity Research (AiiR) Group, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.E.C.); (S.R.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Damian Downey
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK;
| | - Sinéad Weldon
- Airway Innate Immunity Research (AiiR) Group, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.E.C.); (S.R.C.); (S.W.)
| | - John P. Dalton
- Zoology Department, School of Natural Sciences, Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Clifford C. Taggart
- Airway Innate Immunity Research (AiiR) Group, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.E.C.); (S.R.C.); (S.W.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Dematei A, Nunes JB, Moreira DC, Jesus JA, Laurenti MD, Mengarda ACA, Vieira MS, do Amaral CP, Domingues MM, de Moraes J, Passero LFD, Brand G, Bessa LJ, Wimmer R, Kuckelhaus SAS, Tomás AM, Santos NC, Plácido A, Eaton P, Leite JRSA. Mechanistic Insights into the Leishmanicidal and Bactericidal Activities of Batroxicidin, a Cathelicidin-Related Peptide from a South American Viper ( Bothrops atrox). JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:1787-1798. [PMID: 34077221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Snake venoms are important sources of bioactive molecules, including those with antiparasitic activity. Cathelicidins form a class of such molecules, which are produced by a variety of organisms. Batroxicidin (BatxC) is a cathelicidin found in the venom of the common lancehead (Bothrops atrox). In the present work, BatxC and two synthetic analogues, BatxC(C-2.15Phe) and BatxC(C-2.14Phe)des-Phe1, were assessed for their microbicidal activity. All three peptides showed a broad-spectrum activity on Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, as well as promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data indicated that the three peptides changed their structure upon interaction with membranes. Biomimetic membrane model studies demonstrated that the peptides exert a permeabilization effect in prokaryotic membranes, leading to cell morphology distortion, which was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The molecules considered in this work exhibited bactericidal and leishmanicidal activity at low concentrations, with the AFM data suggesting membrane pore formation as their mechanism of action. These peptides stand as valuable prototype drugs to be further investigated and eventually used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Dematei
- Center for Tropical Medicine, NMT, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - João B Nunes
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules, LSAB, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Jéssica A Jesus
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcia D Laurenti
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil
| | - Ana C A Mengarda
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, NPDN, University of Guarulhos, Guarulhos 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Maria Silva Vieira
- I3S, Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- IBMC, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
| | - Constança Pais do Amaral
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marco M Domingues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, NPDN, University of Guarulhos, Guarulhos 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Luiz F D Passero
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Brand
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules, LSAB, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lucinda J Bessa
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
| | - Reinhard Wimmer
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark
| | - Selma A S Kuckelhaus
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Ana M Tomás
- I3S, Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- IBMC, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Plácido
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
| | - Peter Eaton
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- The Bridge, Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, U.K
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Center for Tropical Medicine, NMT, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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Lima HVD, Dos Santos TMC, de Sousa Silva MMA, da Silva Albuquerque JV, Melo LM, de Figueirêdo Freitas VJ, Rádis-Baptista G. The Rhodamine B-encrypted vipericidin peptide, RhoB-Ctn[1-9], displays in vitro antimicrobial activity against opportunistic bacteria and yeasts. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:172-179. [PMID: 33749557 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210322123903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crotalicidin (Ctn), a snake venom cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide, is a 34-residue-long linear lysine-rich vipericidin obtained from the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus terrificus. Ctn contains tandem repeats of nine amino acid residues (1KRFKKFFKK9 and 16KRLKKIFKK24; consensus: 1KRhKKhFKK9, h = hydrophobic amino acid) as an integral part of its structure. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the encrypted vipericidin nonapeptide KRFKKFFKK, designated as Ctn[1-9], and its structural analogue, rhodamine-B‒conjugated Ctn[1-9], designated as RhoB-Ctn[1-9]. METHOD The susceptibility of representative pathogenic bacteria and yeasts to antimicrobial agents was determined using the broth microdilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Cytotoxicity was estimated using a hemolytic assay. The accumulation of RhoB-Ctn[1-9] in microbial cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The antimicrobial synergism of RhoB-Ctn[1-9] with antimicrobials was evaluated using a checkerboard analysis. RESULTS RhoB-conjugated Ctn[1-9] displayed selective antimicrobial activity against infectious gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogenic species of Candida with low hemolytic effects on human erythrocytes which was not observed with unconjugated Ctn[1-9]. RhoB-Ctn[1-9] could permeate cell membranes and accumulate intracellularly in microbial cells. RhoB-Ctn[1-9] exhibits synergistic effects when used with antibiotics or antifungal agents and reduced the MICs of the peptide and antimicrobials. CONCLUSION These findings indicate the potential of crotalicidin-related short peptides as structural motifs for the diversification of biological functionalities. Further, they set the stage to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which chemically modified vipericidin repeats modulate cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilania Valeria Doudou Lima
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | - Thales Márcio Cabral Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | | | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
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14
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Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:147. [PMID: 33671927 PMCID: PMC7919042 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise a class of short polypeptides that possess the ability to selectively interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of certain cell types, translocate across plasma membranes and accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, organelles (e.g., the nucleus and mitochondria) and other subcellular compartments. CPPs are either of natural origin or de novo designed and synthesized from segments and patches of larger proteins or designed by algorithms. With such intrinsic properties, along with membrane permeation, translocation and cellular uptake properties, CPPs can intracellularly convey diverse substances and nanomaterials, such as hydrophilic organic compounds and drugs, macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins), nanoparticles (nanocrystals and polyplexes), metals and radionuclides, which can be covalently attached via CPP N- and C-terminals or through preparation of CPP complexes. A cumulative number of studies on animal toxins, primarily isolated from the venom of arthropods and snakes, have revealed the cell-penetrating activities of venom peptides and toxins, which can be harnessed for application in biomedicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this review, I aimed to collate examples of peptides from animal venoms and toxic secretions that possess the ability to penetrate diverse types of cells. These venom CPPs have been chemically or structurally modified to enhance cell selectivity, bioavailability and a range of target applications. Herein, examples are listed and discussed, including cysteine-stabilized and linear, α-helical peptides, with cationic and amphipathic character, from the venom of insects (e.g., melittin, anoplin, mastoparans), arachnids (latarcin, lycosin, chlorotoxin, maurocalcine/imperatoxin homologs and wasabi receptor toxin), fish (pardaxins), amphibian (bombesin) and snakes (crotamine and cathelicidins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
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15
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Zhong L, Liu J, Teng S, Xie Z. Identification of a Novel Cathelicidin from the Deinagkistrodon acutus Genome with Antibacterial Activity by Multiple Mechanisms. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12120771. [PMID: 33291852 PMCID: PMC7762006 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12120771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The abuse of antibiotics and the consequent increase of drug-resistant bacteria constitute a serious threat to human health, and new antibiotics are urgently needed. Research shows that antimicrobial peptides produced by natural organisms are potential substitutes for antibiotics. Based on Deinagkistrodonacutus (known as five-pacer viper) genome bioinformatics analysis, we discovered a new cathelicidin antibacterial peptide which was called FP-CATH. Circular dichromatic analysis showed a typical helical structure. FP-CATH showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. It has antibacterial activity to Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that FP-CATH could cause the change of bacterial cell integrity, having a destructive effect on Gram-negative bacteria and inducing Gram-positive bacterial surface formation of vesicular structure. FP-CATH could bind to LPS and showed strong binding ability to bacterial DNA. In vivo, FP-CATH can improve the survival rate of nematodes in bacterial invasion experiments, and has a certain protective effect on nematodes. To sum up, FP-CATH is likely to play a role in multiple mechanisms of antibacterial action by impacting bacterial cell integrity and binding to bacterial biomolecules. It is hoped that the study of FP-CATH antibacterial mechanisms will prove useful for development of novel antibiotics.
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16
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Antibiofilm Activity on Candida albicans and Mechanism of Action on Biomembrane Models of the Antimicrobial Peptide Ctn[15-34]. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218339. [PMID: 33172206 PMCID: PMC7664368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ctn[15–34], the C-terminal fragment of crotalicidin, an antimicrobial peptide from the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, displays remarkable anti-infective and anti-proliferative activities. Herein, its activity on Candida albicans biofilms and its interaction with the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungal cell and with a biomembrane model in vitro was investigated. A standard C. albicans strain and a fluconazole-resistant clinical isolate were exposed to the peptide at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (10 µM) and up to 100 × MIC to inhibit biofilm formation and its eradication. A viability test using XTT and fluorescent dyes, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe the antibiofilm effect. To evaluate the importance of membrane composition on Ctn[15–34] activity, C. albicans protoplasts were also tested. Fluorescence assays using di-8-ANEPPS, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements using liposomes, protoplasts, and C. albicans cells indicated a direct mechanism of action that was dependent on membrane interaction and disruption. Overall, Ctn[15–34] showed to be an effective antifungal peptide, displaying antibiofilm activity and, importantly, interacting with and disrupting fungal plasma membrane.
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17
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Dodou Lima HV, Sidrim de Paula Cavalcante C, Rádis-Baptista G. Antimicrobial activity of synthetic Dq-3162, a 28-residue ponericin G-like dinoponeratoxin from the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps venom, against carbapenem-resistant bacteria. Toxicon 2020; 187:19-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Lamiyan AK, Dalal R, Kumar NR. Venom peptides in association with standard drugs: a novel strategy for combating antibiotic resistance - an overview. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200001. [PMID: 32843888 PMCID: PMC7416788 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of antibiotic resistance that leads to resurgence of bacterial infections poses a threat to disease-free existence for humankind and is a challenge for the welfare of the society at large. Despite research efforts directed towards treatment of pathogens, antibiotics within new improved classes have not emerged for years, a fact largely attributable to the pharmacological necessities compelling drug development. Recent reversion to the use of natural products alone or in combination with standard drugs has opened up new vistas for alternative therapeutics. The success of this strategy is evident in the sudden interest in plant extracts as additives/synergists for treatment of maladies caused by drug-resistant bacterial strains. Animal venoms have long fascinated scientists as sources of pharmacologically active components that can be exploited for the treatment of specific ailments and should be promoted further to clinical trials. In the present review, we outline the scope and possible methods for the applications of animal venoms in combination with commercial antibiotics to offer a better treatment approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramkesh Dalal
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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19
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Schneider R, Primon-Barros M, Von Borowski RG, Chat S, Nonin-Lecomte S, Gillet R, Macedo AJ. Pseudonajide peptide derived from snake venom alters cell envelope integrity interfering on biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:237. [PMID: 32746783 PMCID: PMC7397659 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The increase in bacterial resistance phenotype cases is a global health problem. New strategies must be explored by the scientific community in order to create new treatment alternatives. Animal venoms are a good source for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are excellent candidates for new antimicrobial drug development. Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptides (CRAMPs) from snake venoms have been studied as a model for the design of new antimicrobial pharmaceuticals against bacterial infections. Results In this study we present an 11 amino acid-long peptide, named pseudonajide, which is derived from a Pseudonaja textilis venom peptide and has antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Pseudonajide was selected based on the sequence alignments of various snake venom peptides that displayed activity against bacteria. Antibiofilm activity assays with pseudonajide concentrations ranging from 3.12 to 100 μM showed that the lowest concentration to inhibit biofilm formation was 25 μM. Microscopy analysis demonstrated that pseudonajide interacts with the bacterial cell envelope, disrupting the cell walls and membranes, leading to morphological defects in prokaryotes. Conclusions Our results suggest that pseudonajide’s positives charges interact with negatively charged cell wall components of S. epidermidis, leading to cell damage and inhibiting biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Schneider
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), UMR 6290, Rennes, France.,Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Muriel Primon-Barros
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Gomes Von Borowski
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), UMR 6290, Rennes, France.,Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Sophie Chat
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), UMR 6290, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvie Nonin-Lecomte
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Paris, CNRS, CiTCoM, UMR 8038, Paris, France
| | - Reynald Gillet
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), UMR 6290, Rennes, France.
| | - Alexandre José Macedo
- Laboratório de Biofilmes e Diversidade Microbiana, Faculdade de Farmácia and Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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20
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Antifungal In Vitro Activity of Pilosulin- and Ponericin-Like Peptides from the Giant Ant Dinoponera quadriceps and Synergistic Effects with Antimycotic Drugs. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9060354. [PMID: 32585881 PMCID: PMC7344683 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060354] [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: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms from ants comprise a rich source of bioactive peptides, including antimicrobial peptides. From the proteome and peptidome of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps venom, members of five known classes of antimicrobial peptides were disclosed (e.g., dermaseptin-, defensin-, ICK-, pilosulin- and ponericin-like types). Based on comparative analysis, these family members have structural determinants that indicate they could display antimicrobial activities. In previous works, pilosulin- and ponericin-like peptides were demonstrated to be active against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Herein, the antifungal activity of ponericin- and pilosulin-like peptides were assessed, aiming at the expansion of the knowledge about AMPs in predatory ants and the development of new microbicide strategies to deal with difficult-to-treat fungal infections. Synthetic pilosulin- (Dq-2562, Dq-1503, and Dq-1319) and ponericin-like (Dq-3162) peptides were evaluated for their fungicide and fungistatic activities against different species of Candida, including a drug-resistant clinical strain. The MICs and MLCs were determined for all peptides individually and in combination with general antifungal drugs by the microdilution method. The time-kill kinetic curves were set up by means of a luminescent reagent, of which the light signal is proportional to the number of viable cells. The candicidal synergism observed by the combination of subinhibitory concentrations of peptides and general antimycotic drugs were quantified by the checkerboard test and fluorescent dye permeation assay. The influence of ergosterol on the antifungal activity was verified by supplementation of culture medium. The pilosulin- (Dq-2562 and Dq-1503) and ponericin-like (Dq-3162) were the most active peptides, displaying a broad spectrum of antifungal activity in vitro, with MICs in the range of 0.625 to 10 µM. The combination of peptides and conventional antimycotic drugs displayed a synergistic reduction in the MIC values of individual peptides and drugs, while soluble ergosterol in the culture medium increased the MICs. The fungicide and fungistatic activity of the individual peptides and peptides in combination with antimycotics were time-dependent with a rapid onset of action and long-lasting effect, which involved membrane disruption as an underlying mechanism of their action. Altogether, pilosulin- and ponericin-like peptides from the giant ant D. quadriceps venom display a broad-spectrum of candicidal activity, what allows their inclusion in the row of the antifungal peptides and gives support for further studies on the development of strategies to fight candidiasis.
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21
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Oliveira NGJ, Cardoso MH, Velikova N, Giesbers M, Wells JM, Rezende TMB, de Vries R, Franco OL. Physicochemical-guided design of cathelicidin-derived peptides generates membrane active variants with therapeutic potential. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9127. [PMID: 32499582 PMCID: PMC7272458 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66164-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of multi-drug resistance and the slow pace at which antibiotics come onto the market are undermining our ability to treat human infections, leading to high mortality rates. Aiming to overcome this global crisis, antimicrobial peptides are considered promising alternatives to counter bacterial infections with multi-drug resistant bacteria. The cathelicidins comprise a well-studied class of AMPs whose members have been used as model molecules for sequence modifications, aiming at enhanced biological activities and stability, along with reduced toxic effects on mammalian cells. Here, we describe the antimicrobial activities, modes of action and structural characterization of two novel cathelicidin-like peptides, named BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14, which were re-designed from snake batroxicidin and crotalicidin, respectively. BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against susceptible microorganisms and clinical isolates with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 2–35.1 μM. Moreover, both peptides had low cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells in vitro. In addition, in vivo toxicity against Galleria mellonella moth larvae revealed that both peptides led to>76% larval survival after 144 h. Microscopy studies suggest that BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 destabilize E. coli membranes. Furthermore, circular dichroism and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that, in a membrane-like environment, both peptides adopt α-helical structures that interact with bilayer phospholipids through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction. Thus, we concluded that BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 are helical membrane active peptides, with similar antibacterial properties but lower cytotoxicity than the larger parent peptides batroxicidin and crotalicidin, having advantages for drug development strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson G J Oliveira
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Marlon H Cardoso
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande-MS, Brazil
| | - Nadya Velikova
- Host-Microbe Interactomics, Animal Science Department, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Giesbers
- Wageningen Electron Microscopy Centre, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jerry M Wells
- Host-Microbe Interactomics, Animal Science Department, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Taia M B Rezende
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Curso de Odontologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Campus I, Águas Claras, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Renko de Vries
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil. .,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande-MS, Brazil.
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22
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Monteiro ML, Lima DB, Menezes RRPPBD, Sampaio TL, Silva BP, Serra Nunes JV, Cavalcanti MM, Morlighem JE, Martins AMC. Antichagasic effect of hemocyanin derived from antimicrobial peptides of penaeus monodon shrimp. Exp Parasitol 2020; 215:107930. [PMID: 32464221 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is responsible for the infection of millions of people worldwide and it is a public health problem, without an effective cure. Four fragments with antimicrobial potential from the hemocyanin of Penaeus monodon shrimp were identified using a computer software AMPA. The present study aimed to evaluate the antichagasic effect of these four peptides (Hmc364-382, Hmc666-678, Hmc185-197 and Hmc476-498). The peptides were tested against the epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain (benznidazole-resistant strain) and cytotoxicity in mammalian cells was evaluated against LLC-MK2 lineage cells. Two fragments (Hmc364-382, Hmc666-678) showed activity against the epimastigote and trypomastigote forms and their selectivity index (SI) was calculated. The Hmc364-382 peptide was considered the most promising (SI > 50) one and it was used for further studies, using flow cytometry analyses with specific molecular probes and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hmc364-382 was able to induce cell death in T. cruzi through necrosis, observed by loss of membrane integrity in flow cytometry analyses and pore formation in SEM. Overall, Hmc364-382 open perspectives to the development of new antichagasic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Lopes Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Dânya Bandeira Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Lima Sampaio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Brenna Pinheiro Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Victor Serra Nunes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Mariana Maciel Cavalcanti
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jean-Etienne Morlighem
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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23
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Hitchhiking with Nature: Snake Venom Peptides to Fight Cancer and Superbugs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040255. [PMID: 32326531 PMCID: PMC7232197 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract For decades, natural products in general and snake venoms (SV) in particular have been a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and they remain a promising substrate for therapeutic development. Currently, a handful of SV-based drugs for diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders and blood abnormalities are on the market. Likewise, far more SV compounds and their mimetics are under investigation today for diverse therapeutic applications, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cancer. In this review, we analyze the state of the art regarding SV-derived compounds with therapeutic potential, focusing on the development of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Specifically, information about SV peptides experimentally validated or predicted to act as antimicrobial and anticancer peptides (AMPs and ACPs, respectively) has been collected and analyzed. Their principal activities both in vitro and in vivo, structures, mechanisms of action, and attempts at sequence optimization are discussed in order to highlight their potential as drug leads. Key Contribution This review describes the state of the art in snake venom-derived peptides and their therapeutic applications. This work reinforces the potential of snake venom components as therapeutic agents, particularly in the quest for new antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
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24
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Falcao CB, Radis-Baptista G. Crotamine and crotalicidin, membrane active peptides from Crotalus durissus terrificus rattlesnake venom, and their structurally-minimized fragments for applications in medicine and biotechnology. Peptides 2020; 126:170234. [PMID: 31857106 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A global public health crisis has emerged with the extensive dissemination of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from plants and animals have represented promising tools to counteract those resistant pathogens due to their multiple pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anticancer, immunomodulatory and cell-penetrating activities. In this review, we will focus on crotamine and crotalicidin, which are two interesting examples of membrane active peptides derived from the South America rattlesnake Crotalus durrisus terrificus venom. Their full-sequences and structurally-minimized fragments have potential applications, as anti-infective and anti-proliferative agents and diagnostics in medicine and in pharmaceutical biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Borges Falcao
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil; Peter Pan Association to Fight Childhood Cancer, Fortaleza, CE, 60410-770, Brazil.
| | - Gandhi Radis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Av da Abolição 3207, Fortaleza, CE, 60165-081, Brazil.
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25
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de Barros E, Gonçalves RM, Cardoso MH, Santos NC, Franco OL, Cândido ES. Snake Venom Cathelicidins as Natural Antimicrobial Peptides. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31849667 PMCID: PMC6895205 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive small molecules isolated from animals, plants, fungi and bacteria, including natural antimicrobial peptides, have shown great therapeutic potential worldwide. Among these peptides, snake venom cathelicidins are being widely exploited, because the variation in the composition of the venom reflects a range of biological activities that may be of biotechnological interest. Cathelicidins are short, cationic, and amphipathic molecules. They play an important role in host defense against microbial infections. We are currently facing a strong limitation on pharmacological interventions for infection control, which has become increasingly complex due to the lack of effective therapeutic options. In this review, we will focus on natural snake venom cathelicidins as promising candidates for the development of new antibacterial agents to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We will highlight their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, mechanism of action, and modulation of the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizângela de Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Regina M. Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Marlon H. Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Octávio L. Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Elizabete S. Cândido
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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26
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de Aguiar FLL, Cavalcante CSDP, Dos Santos Fontenelle RO, Falcão CB, Andreu D, Rádis-Baptista G. The antiproliferative peptide Ctn[15-34] is active against multidrug-resistant yeasts Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 128:414-425. [PMID: 31626724 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide from the South American rattlesnake venom gland, and its C-terminal Ctn[15-34] fragment, have exhibited important activities against micro-organisms, trypanosomatid protozoa and certain lines of tumour cells. Herein, the activity against clinical strains of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and of amphotericin B and fluconazole-resistant Cryptococcus neoformans was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Microdilution and luminescent cell viability tests were used to evaluate and compare the susceptibility of pathogenic yeasts to these peptides. The time-kill curves of the most active Ctn[15-34] alone or in combination with fluconazole against drug-resistant yeasts were determined. Concomitantly, the fungicidal and/or fungistatic effects of Ctn[15-34] were visualized by the spotting test. The peptides were active against all strains, including those resistant to antifungal agents. The association of fluconazole with both Ctn and Ctn[15-34], although not synergic, was additive. In contrast, such pattern was not observed for C. neoformans. CONCLUSIONS Overall, Ctn and Ctn[15-34] are potential antifungal leads displaying anti-yeast activities against clinical isolates endowed with drug resistance mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The effective peptide activity against resistant strains of pathogenic yeasts demonstrates that crotalicidin-derived peptides are promising templates to develop new antifungal pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L L de Aguiar
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - C S D P Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Center for Science and Technology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - R O Dos Santos Fontenelle
- Center for Science and Technology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Center for Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Acaraú Valley State University, Sobral, Brazil
| | - C B Falcão
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - D Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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27
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Morlighem JÉRL, Radis-Baptista G. The Place for Enzymes and Biologically Active Peptides from Marine Organisms for Application in Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:334-355. [PMID: 30255754 DOI: 10.2174/1389203719666180926121722] [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: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of written history, diverse texts have reported the use of enzymatic preparations in food processing and have described the medicinal properties of crude and fractionated venoms to treat various diseases and injuries. With the biochemical characterization of enzymes from distinct sources and bioactive polypeptides from animal venoms, the last sixty years have testified the advent of industrial enzymology and protein therapeutics, which are currently applicable in a wide variety of industrial processes, household products, and pharmaceuticals. Bioprospecting of novel biocatalysts and bioactive peptides is propelled by their unsurpassed properties that are applicable for current and future green industrial processes, biotechnology, and biomedicine. The demand for both novel enzymes with desired characteristics and novel peptides that lead to drug development, has experienced a steady increase in response to the expanding global market for industrial enzymes and peptidebased drugs. Moreover, although largely unexplored, oceans and marine realms, with their unique ecosystems inhabited by a large variety of species, including a considerable number of venomous animals, are recognized as untapped reservoirs of molecules and macromolecules (enzymes and bioactive venom-derived peptides) that can potentially be converted into highly valuable biopharmaceutical products. In this review, we have focused on enzymes and animal venom (poly)peptides that are presently in biotechnological use, and considering the state of prospection of marine resources, on the discovery of useful industrial biocatalysts and drug leads with novel structures exhibiting selectivity and improved performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Étienne R L Morlighem
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Av da Abolicao 3207. Fortaleza/CE. 60165081, Brazil
| | - Gandhi Radis-Baptista
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Av da Abolicao 3207. Fortaleza/CE. 60165081, Brazil
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28
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Qiao X, Yang H, Gao J, Zhang F, Chu P, Yang Y, Zhang M, Wang Y, Yu H. Diversity, immunoregulatory action and structure-activity relationship of green sea turtle cathelicidins. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 98:189-204. [PMID: 31121185 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a family of gene-encoded immune effectors in vertebrate innate immunity. Here, we reported the diversity and biological activity of cathelicidins in green sea turtle, a marine reptile species known for long lifespan and disease resistance. Four novel cathelicidins (Cm-CATH1-4) were identified from green sea turtle. All of them, especially Cm-CATH2, exhibited potent, broad-spectrum and rapid bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities by inducing the disruption of cell membrane integrity. Additionally, Cm-CATH2 effectively induced the macrophages/monocytes and neutrophils trafficking to the infection site, and inhibited the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, by blocking TLR4/MD2 complex and the downstream signaling pathway activation. In mouse peritonitis and pneumonia models, Cm-CATH2 exhibited evident protection against drug-resistant bacterial infections. Taken together, the diverse structures and functions of Cm-CATHs indicated their pleiotropic role in innate immunity of green sea turtle, and the potent antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and immunomodulatory properties make them ideal candidates for the development of novel anti-infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Qiao
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Huaixin Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Jiuxiang Gao
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Fen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Peng Chu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Haining Yu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China.
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29
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Wang A, Zhang F, Guo Z, Chen Y, Zhang M, Yu H, Wang Y. Characterization of a Cathelicidin from the Colubrinae Snake, Sinonatrix annularis. Zoolog Sci 2019; 36:68-76. [DOI: 10.2108/zs180064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aili Wang
- Weifang University of Science and Technology, Shandong Peninsula Engineering Research Center of Comp
| | - Fen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Zhilai Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Haining Yu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116023
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
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30
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Tankrathok A, Punpad A, Kongchaiyapoom M, Sosiangdi S, Jangpromma N, Daduang S, Klaynongsruang S. Identification of the firstCrocodylus siamensiscathelicidin gene and RN15 peptide derived from cathelin domain exhibiting antibacterial activity. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2018; 66:142-152. [DOI: 10.1002/bab.1709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anupong Tankrathok
- Department of BiotechnologyFaculty of Agricultural TechnologyKalasin University Kalasin Thailand
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Arpaporn Punpad
- Department of BiotechnologyFaculty of Agricultural TechnologyKalasin University Kalasin Thailand
| | | | - Sirinthip Sosiangdi
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Nisachon Jangpromma
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Department of Integrated ScienceFaculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Division of Pharmacognosy and ToxicologyFaculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Sompong Klaynongsruang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
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31
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Munawar A, Ali SA, Akrem A, Betzel C. Snake Venom Peptides: Tools of Biodiscovery. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110474. [PMID: 30441876 PMCID: PMC6266942 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nature endowed snakes with a lethal secretion known as venom, which has been fine-tuned over millions of years of evolution. Snakes utilize venom to subdue their prey and to survive in their natural habitat. Venom is known to be a very poisonous mixture, consisting of a variety of molecules, such as carbohydrates, nucleosides, amino acids, lipids, proteins and peptides. Proteins and peptides are the major constituents of the dry weight of snake venoms and are of main interest for scientific investigations as well as for various pharmacological applications. Snake venoms contain enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins and peptides, which are grouped into different families based on their structure and function. Members of a single family display significant similarities in their primary, secondary and tertiary structures, but in many cases have distinct pharmacological functions and different bioactivities. The functional specificity of peptides belonging to the same family can be attributed to subtle variations in their amino acid sequences. Currently, complementary tools and techniques are utilized to isolate and characterize the peptides, and study their potential applications as molecular probes, and possible templates for drug discovery and design investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Abid Ali
- H.E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Ahmed Akrem
- Botany Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
| | - Christian Betzel
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Hamburg, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, DESY, Build. 22a, Notkestr. 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany.
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32
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Antimicrobial and proinflammatory effects of two vipericidins. Cytokine 2018; 111:309-316. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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33
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Wiezel GA, Shibao PYT, Cologna CT, Morandi Filho R, Ueira-Vieira C, De Pauw E, Quinton L, Arantes EC. In-Depth Venome of the Brazilian Rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus: An Integrative Approach Combining Its Venom Gland Transcriptome and Venom Proteome. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:3941-3958. [PMID: 30270628 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Snake venoms are complex mixtures mainly composed of proteins and small peptides. Crotoxin is one of the most studied components from Crotalus venoms, but many other components are less known due to their low abundance. The venome of Crotalus durissus terrificus, the most lethal Brazilian snake, was investigated by combining its venom gland transcriptome and proteome to create a holistic database of venom compounds unraveling novel toxins. We constructed a cDNA library from C. d. terrificus venom gland using the Illumina platform and investigated its venom proteome through high resolution liquid chromotography-tandem mass spectrometry. After integrating data from both data sets, more than 30 venom components classes were identified by the transcriptomic analysis and 15 of them were detected in the venom proteome. However, few of them (PLA2, SVMP, SVSP, and VEGF) were relatively abundant. Furthermore, only seven expressed transcripts contributed to ∼82% and ∼73% of the abundance in the transcriptome and proteome, respectively. Additionally, novel venom proteins are reported, and we highlight the importance of using different databases to perform the data integration and discuss the structure of the venom components-related transcripts identified. Concluding, this research paves the way for novel investigations and discovery of future pharmacological agents or targets in the antivenom therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele A Wiezel
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , Av. do Café, s/n , 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Priscila Y T Shibao
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , Av. do Café, s/n , 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Camila T Cologna
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , Av. do Café, s/n , 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
| | - Romualdo Morandi Filho
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology Institute , Federal University of Uberlândia , Rua Acre, s/n , 38400-902 Uberlândia , Brazil
| | - Carlos Ueira-Vieira
- Laboratory of Genetics, Biotechnology Institute , Federal University of Uberlândia , Rua Acre, s/n , 38400-902 Uberlândia , Brazil
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry , University of Liège , Bat. B6c , 4000 Liège , Belgium
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry , University of Liège , Bat. B6c , 4000 Liège , Belgium
| | - Eliane C Arantes
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto , University of São Paulo , Av. do Café, s/n , 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto , Brazil
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Antimicrobial and Chemotactic Activity of Scorpion-Derived Peptide, ToAP2, against Mycobacterium massiliensis. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10060219. [PMID: 29848960 PMCID: PMC6024781 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10060219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium massiliense is a rapid growing, multidrug-resistant, non-tuberculous mycobacteria that is responsible for a wide spectrum of skin and soft tissue infections, as well as other organs, such as the lungs. Antimicrobial peptides had been described as broad-spectrum antimicrobial, chemotactic, and immunomodulator molecules. In this study we evaluated an antimicrobial peptide derived from scorpion Tityus obscurus as an anti-mycobacterial agent in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses demonstrated that the peptide ToAP2 have a conserved region similar to several membrane proteins, as well as mouse cathelicidin. ToAP2 inhibited the growth of four M. massiliense strains (GO01, GO06, GO08, and CRM0020) at a minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 200 µM. MBC concentration used to treat infected macrophages was able to inhibit 50% of the bacterial growth of all strains. ToAP2 treatment of infected mice with bacilli reduced the bacterial load in the liver, lung, and spleen, similarly to clarithromycin levels (90%). ToAP2 alone recruited monocytes (F4/80low Gr1), neutrophils (F4/80- Gr1), and eosinophils (F4/80+ Gr1+). ToAP2, together with M. massiliense infection, was able to increase F4/80low and reduce the percentage of F4/80high macrophages when compared with infected and untreated mice. ToAP2 has in vitro anti-microbial activity that is improved in vivo due to chemotactic activity.
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Zhao F, Lan XQ, Du Y, Chen PY, Zhao J, Zhao F, Lee WH, Zhang Y. King cobra peptide OH-CATH30 as a potential candidate drug through clinic drug-resistant isolates. Zool Res 2018. [PMID: 29515090 PMCID: PMC5885386 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2018.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as important candidate therapeutic agents, which exert potent microbicidal properties against bacteria, fungi and some viruses. Based on our previous findings king cobra cathelicidin (OH-CATH) is a 34-amino acid peptide that exerts strong antibacterial and weak hemolytic activity. The aim of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of both OH-CATH30 and its analog D-OH-CATH30 against clinical isolates comparing with routinely utilized antibiotics in vitro. In this study, 584 clinical isolates were tested (spanning 2013–2016) and the efficacy of the candidate peptides and antibiotics were determined by a broth microdilution method according to the CLSI guidelines. Among the 584 clinical isolates, 85% were susceptible to OH-CATH30 and its analogs. Both L- and D-OH-CATH30 showed higher efficacy against (toward) Gram-positive bacteria and stronger antibacterial activity against nearly all Gram-negative bacteria tested compare with antibiotics. The highest bactericidal activity was detected against Acinetobacter spp., including multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The overall efficacy of OH-CATH30 and its analogs was higher than that of the 9 routinely used antibiotics. OH-CATH30 is a promising candidate drug for the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections which are resistant to many routinely used antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Subtropical Medicinal Edible Resources Development and Utilization in Yunnan Province, Department of Biology and Chemistry, Puer University, Puer Yunnan 665000, China. .,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming Yunnan 650223, China. .,Institute of Comparative Study of Traditional Materia Medica, Institute of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xin-Qiang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming Yunnan 650223, China.
| | - Yan Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Pei-Yi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Subtropical Medicinal Edible Resources Development and Utilization in Yunnan Province, Department of Biology and Chemistry, Puer University, Puer Yunnan 665000, China.
| | - Jiao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Subtropical Medicinal Edible Resources Development and Utilization in Yunnan Province, Department of Biology and Chemistry, Puer University, Puer Yunnan 665000, China.
| | - Fang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Subtropical Medicinal Edible Resources Development and Utilization in Yunnan Province, Department of Biology and Chemistry, Puer University, Puer Yunnan 665000, China. .,Institute of Comparative Study of Traditional Materia Medica, Institute of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wen-Hui Lee
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming Yunnan 650223, China.
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province/Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming Yunnan 650223, China.
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36
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The dinoponeratoxin peptides from the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps display in vitro antitrypanosomal activity. Biol Chem 2018; 399:187-196. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The crude venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps is a cocktail of polypeptides and organic compounds that shows antiparasitic effects against Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. In order to investigate the venom-derived components responsible for such antitrypanosomal activity, four dinoponeratoxins (DnTxs) were identified, namely M-PONTX-Dq3a, -Dq3b, -Dq3c and -Dq4e, that are diverse in size, net charge, hydrophobicity and propensity to interact with eukaryote cell membranes. These peptides were tested against epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote forms of benznidazole (Bz)-resistant Y strain of T. cruzi and in mammalian host cells. The M-PONTX-Dq3a and -Dq4e inhibited all developmental forms of T. cruzi, including amastigotes, the responsible form for the maintenance of infection on chronic phase of the disease. The M-PONTX-Dq3a showed the highest selectivity index (SI) (80) and caused morphological alterations in T. cruzi, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and induced cell death through necrosis, as seen by multiparametric flow cytometry analysis with specific biochemical markers. Altogether, the D. quadriceps venom appears as a source for the prospection of trypanocidal peptides and the M-PONTX-Dq3a arises as a candidate among the dinoponeratoxin-related peptides in the development of compounds against Chagas disease.
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Gomes B, Augusto MT, Felício MR, Hollmann A, Franco OL, Gonçalves S, Santos NC. Designing improved active peptides for therapeutic approaches against infectious diseases. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:415-429. [PMID: 29330093 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are one of the main causes of human morbidity and mortality. In the last few decades, pathogenic microorganisms' resistance to conventional drugs has been increasing, and it is now pinpointed as a major worldwide health concern. The need to search for new therapeutic options, as well as improved treatment outcomes, has therefore increased significantly, with biologically active peptides representing a new alternative. A substantial research effort is being dedicated towards their development, especially due to improved biocompatibility and target selectivity. However, the inherent limitations of peptide drugs are restricting their application. In this review, we summarize the current status of peptide drug development, focusing on antiviral and antimicrobial peptide activities, highlighting the design improvements needed, and those already being used, to overcome the drawbacks of the therapeutic application of biologically active peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marcelo T Augusto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mário R Felício
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Axel Hollmann
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Biointerfaces and Biomimetic Systems, CITSE, National University of Santiago del Estero-CONICET, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
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38
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Cavalcante CSP, de Aguiar FLL, Fontenelle ROS, de Menezes RRDPPB, Martins AMC, Falcão CB, Andreu D, Rádis-Baptista G. Insights into the candidacidal mechanism of Ctn[15–34] – a carboxyl-terminal, crotalicidin-derived peptide related to cathelicidins. J Med Microbiol 2018; 67:129-138. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Sidrim P. Cavalcante
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, 60740-000, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Dr Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, 60165-081, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisca Lidiane Linhares de Aguiar
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, 60740-000, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, 60165-081, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Raquel O. S. Fontenelle
- Centre of the Agricultural Sciences and Biological, Acaraú Valley State University, 62040-370, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, 60740-000, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cláudio B. Falcão
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, 60740-000, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, 60165-081, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Dr Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, 60740-000, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, 60165-081, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Pérez-Peinado C, Dias SA, Domingues MM, Benfield AH, Freire JM, Rádis-Baptista G, Gaspar D, Castanho MARB, Craik DJ, Henriques ST, Veiga AS, Andreu D. Mechanisms of bacterial membrane permeabilization by crotalicidin (Ctn) and its fragment Ctn(15-34), antimicrobial peptides from rattlesnake venom. J Biol Chem 2017; 293:1536-1549. [PMID: 29255091 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin-related peptide from the venom of a South American rattlesnake, possesses potent antimicrobial, antitumor, and antifungal properties. Previously, we have shown that its C-terminal fragment, Ctn(15-34), retains the antimicrobial and antitumor activities but is less toxic to healthy cells and has improved serum stability. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of action of Ctn and Ctn(15-34) against Gram-negative bacteria. Both peptides were bactericidal, killing ∼90% of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells within 90-120 and 5-30 min, respectively. Studies of ζ potential at the bacterial cell membrane suggested that both peptides accumulate at and neutralize negative charges on the bacterial surface. Flow cytometry experiments confirmed that both peptides permeabilize the bacterial cell membrane but suggested slightly different mechanisms of action. Ctn(15-34) permeabilized the membrane immediately upon addition to the cells, whereas Ctn had a lag phase before inducing membrane damage and exhibited more complex cell-killing activity, probably because of two different modes of membrane permeabilization. Using surface plasmon resonance and leakage assays with model vesicles, we confirmed that Ctn(15-34) binds to and disrupts lipid membranes and also observed that Ctn(15-34) has a preference for vesicles that mimic bacterial or tumor cell membranes. Atomic force microscopy visualized the effect of these peptides on bacterial cells, and confocal microscopy confirmed their localization on the bacterial surface. Our studies shed light onto the antimicrobial mechanisms of Ctn and Ctn(15-34), suggesting Ctn(15-34) as a promising lead for development as an antibacterial/antitumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Pérez-Peinado
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Almeida Dias
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marco M Domingues
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Aurélie H Benfield
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - João Miguel Freire
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.,the Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France, and
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará, 60165-081 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Diana Gaspar
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David J Craik
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia,
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal,
| | - David Andreu
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain,
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40
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Antichagasic effect of crotalicidin, a cathelicidin-like vipericidin, found in Crotalus durissus terrificus rattlesnake's venom gland. Parasitology 2017; 145:1059-1064. [PMID: 29208061 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are antimicrobial peptides produced by humans and animals in response to various pathogenic microbes. Crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin-related vipericidin from the South American Crotalus durissus terrificus rattlesnake's venom gland, and its fragments have demonstrated antimicrobial and antifungal activity, similarly to human cathelicidin LL-37. In order to provide templates for the development of modern trypanocidal agents, the present study evaluated the antichagasic effect of these four peptides (Ctn, Ctn[1-14], Ctn[15-34] and LL-37). Herein, Ctn and short derived peptides were tested against the epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain (benznidazole-resistant strain) and cytotoxicity in mammalian cells was evaluated against LLC-MK2 lineage cells. Ctn inhibited all T. cruzi developmental forms, including amastigotes, which is implicated in the burden of infection in the chronic phase of Chagas disease. Moreover, Ctn showed a high selective index against trypomastigote forms (>200). Ctn induced cell death in T. cruzi through necrosis, as determined by flow cytometry analyses with specific molecular probes and morphological alterations, such as loss of membrane integrity and cell shrinkage, as observed through scanning electron microscopy. Overall, Ctn seems to be a promising template for the development of antichagasic agents.
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41
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Vieira-Girão PRN, Falcão CB, Rocha IRCB, Lucena HMR, Costa FHF, Rádis-Baptista G. Antiviral Activity of Ctn[15-34], A Cathelicidin-Derived Eicosapeptide, Against Infectious Myonecrosis Virus in Litopenaeus vannamei Primary Hemocyte Cultures. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2017; 9:277-286. [PMID: 28210987 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-017-9285-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The shrimp farming has been converted into a mature aquaculture industry dealing with over millions of metric tonnes of processed commodities. Nevertheless, the global shrimp productions are constantly threatened by disease outbreaks, mainly triggered by rapidly disseminating viruses. Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) is one of these epizootic agents affecting shrimp production in Brazil, of which no treatment exists. Herein, the antiviral activity against IMNV of an eicosapeptide, named Ctn[15-34], derived from a member of the cathelicidin family of antimicrobial peptides, was demonstrated. Cultures of hemocytes from Litopenaeus vannamei were established that support IMNV replication and infectivity titration. The cytotoxic effect of IMNV in culture and the in vitro anti-IMNV activity of Ctn[15-34] were assessed using a high-sensitive fluorescent-based method in combination with quantitative PCR. The Ctn[15-34] (<12.5 µM) neutralized the toxic effects of IMNV at loads sufficient to kill 50% of shrimp hemocytes. This study reported for the first time the replication of IMNV in vitro and the employment of a straightforward methodology to assess cell viability and viral/antiviral activities. In addition, it provided the basis for the development of the anti-infective multi-effector Ctn[15-34] eicosapeptide and analogs as components of antiviral formulations against shrimp viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R N Vieira-Girão
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Av. da Abolição 3207, Fortaleza, CE, 60165-081, Brazil
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Post-graduation program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60455-900, Brazil
| | - C B Falcão
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Av. da Abolição 3207, Fortaleza, CE, 60165-081, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, the Federal University of Ceará, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60740-000, Brazil
| | - I R C B Rocha
- Federal Institute for Education, Science and Technology, Acaraú, CE, 62580-000, Brazil
| | - H M R Lucena
- Federal Institute for Education, Science and Technology, Acaraú, CE, 62580-000, Brazil
| | - F H F Costa
- Department of Fishery Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, 60356-000, Brazil
| | - G Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Av. da Abolição 3207, Fortaleza, CE, 60165-081, Brazil.
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42
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Genomewide Analysis of the Antimicrobial Peptides in Python bivittatus and Characterization of Cathelicidins with Potent Antimicrobial Activity and Low Cytotoxicity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017. [PMID: 28630199 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00530-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we sought to identify novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Python bivittatus through bioinformatic analyses of publicly available genome information and experimental validation. In our analysis of the python genome, we identified 29 AMP-related candidate sequences. Of these, we selected five cathelicidin-like sequences and subjected them to further in silico analyses. The results showed that these sequences likely have antimicrobial activity. The sequences were named Pb-CATH1 to Pb-CATH5 according to their sequence similarity to previously reported snake cathelicidins. We predicted their molecular structure and then chemically synthesized the mature peptide for three putative cathelicidins and subjected them to biological activity tests. Interestingly, all three peptides showed potent antimicrobial effects against Gram-negative bacteria but very weak activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Remarkably, ΔPb-CATH4 showed potent activity against antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates and also was observed to possess very low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity. ΔPb-CATH4 also showed considerable serum stability. Electron microscopic analysis indicated that ΔPb-CATH4 exerts its effects via toroidal pore preformation. Structural comparison of the cathelicidins identified in this study to previously reported ones revealed that these Pb-CATHs are representatives of a new group of reptilian cathelicidins lacking the acidic connecting domain. Furthermore, Pb-CATH4 possesses a completely different mature peptide sequence from those of previously described reptilian cathelicidins. These new AMPs may be candidates for the development of alternatives to or complements of antibiotics to control multidrug-resistant pathogens.
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Boldrini-França J, Cologna CT, Pucca MB, Bordon KDCF, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Cordeiro FA, Wiezel GA, Cerni FA, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Shibao PYT, Ferreira IG, de Oliveira IS, Cardoso IA, Arantes EC. Minor snake venom proteins: Structure, function and potential applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:824-838. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Mello CP, Lima DB, Menezes RRPPBD, Bandeira ICJ, Tessarolo LD, Sampaio TL, Falcão CB, Rádis-Baptista G, Martins AMC. Evaluation of the antichagasic activity of batroxicidin, a cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide found in Bothrops atrox venom gland. Toxicon 2017; 130:56-62. [PMID: 28246023 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics, as they have a fast mode of action, a low likelihood of resistance development and can act in conjunction with existing drug regimens. We report in this study the effects of batroxicidin (BatxC), a cathelicidin-related AMP from Bothrops atrox venom gland, over Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan that causes Chagas' disease. BatxC inhibited all T. cruzi (Y strain: benznidazole-resistant) developmental forms, with selectivity index of 315. Later, separate flow cytometry assays showed T. cruzi cell labeling by 7-aminoactinomycin D, the increase in reactive oxygen species and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential when the parasite was treated with BatxC, which are indication of necrosis. T. cruzi cell death pathway by a necrotic mechanism was finally confirmed by scanning electron microscopy which observed loss of cell membrane integrity. In conclusion, BatxC was able to inhibit T. cruzi, with high selectivity index, by inducing necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Perdigão Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Danya Bandeira Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Louise Donadello Tessarolo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Tiago Lima Sampaio
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Claudio Borges Falcão
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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45
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Bastos P, Trindade F, da Costa J, Ferreira R, Vitorino R. Human Antimicrobial Peptides in Bodily Fluids: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Perspectives in the Postantibiotic Era. Med Res Rev 2017; 38:101-146. [PMID: 28094448 PMCID: PMC7168463 DOI: 10.1002/med.21435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an integral part of the innate immune defense mechanism of many organisms. Due to the alarming increase of resistance to antimicrobial therapeutics, a growing interest in alternative antimicrobial agents has led to the exploitation of AMPs, both synthetic and isolated from natural sources. Thus, many peptide-based drugs have been the focus of increasing attention by many researchers not only in identifying novel AMPs, but in defining mechanisms of antimicrobial peptide activity as well. Herein, we review the available strategies for the identification of AMPs in human body fluids and their mechanism(s) of action. In addition, an overview of the distribution of AMPs across different human body fluids is provided, as well as its relation with microorganisms and infectious conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Bastos
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED-Institute for Research in Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fábio Trindade
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED-Institute for Research in Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação Cardiovascular, Departamento de Cirurgia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João da Costa
- Department of Chemistry, CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry, QOPNA, Mass Spectrometry Center, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rui Vitorino
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED-Institute for Research in Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação Cardiovascular, Departamento de Cirurgia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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46
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Anti-fungal activity of Ctn[15-34], the C-terminal peptide fragment of crotalicidin, a rattlesnake venom gland cathelicidin. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2016; 70:231-237. [PMID: 27876749 DOI: 10.1038/ja.2016.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Crotalicidin (Ctn), a 34-residue cathelicidin from a South American rattlesnake, and its fragment (Ctn[15-34]) have shown anti-infective and cytotoxic activities against Gram-negative bacteria and certain tumor lines, respectively. The extent of such effects has been related to physicochemical characteristics such as helicity and hydrophobicity. We now report the anti-fungal activity of Ctn and its fragments (Ctn[1-14]) and (Ctn[15-34]). MIC determination and luminescent cell viability assays were used to evaluate the anti-infective activity of Ctn and its fragments (Ctn[1-14]) and (Ctn[15-34]) as anti-fungal agents against opportunistic yeast and dermatophytes. Cytotoxicity towards healthy eukaryotic cells was assessed in vitro with healthy human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells and erythrocytes. The checkerboard technique was performed to estimate the effects of combining either one of the peptides with amphotericin B. Ctn was the most active peptide against dermatophytes and also the most toxic to healthy eukaryotic cells. Fragments Ctn[1-14] and Ctn[15-35] lost activity against dermatophytes, but became more active against pathogenic yeasts, including several Candida species, both clinical isolates and standard strains, with MICs as low as 5 μm. Interestingly, the two peptide fragments were less cytotoxic to healthy HK-2 cells and less hemolytic to human erythrocytes than the standard-of-care amphotericin B. Also noteworthy was the synergy between Ctn peptides and amphotericin B, with consequent reduction in MICs of both drug and peptides. Altogether, Ctn and its fragments, particularly Ctn[15-34], are promising leads, either alone or in combined regimen with amphotericin B, for the treatment of fungal diseases.
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47
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Zhou XR, Zhang Q, Tian XB, Cao YM, Liu ZQ, Fan R, Ding XF, Zhu Z, Chen L, Luo SZ. From a pro-apoptotic peptide to a lytic peptide: One single residue mutation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:1914-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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48
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Falcao CB, Pérez-Peinado C, de la Torre BG, Mayol X, Zamora-Carreras H, Jiménez MÁ, Rádis-Baptista G, Andreu D. Structural Dissection of Crotalicidin, a Rattlesnake Venom Cathelicidin, Retrieves a Fragment with Antimicrobial and Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2015; 58:8553-63. [PMID: 26465972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In silico dissection of crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin from a South American pit viper, yielded fragments Ctn[1-14] and Ctn[15-34], which were tested to ascertain to what extent they reproduced the structure and activity of the parent peptide. NMR data showing Ctn to be α-helical at the N-terminus and unstructured at the C-terminus were matched by similar data from the fragments. The peptides were tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and for toxicity against both tumor and healthy cells. Despite its amphipathic α-helical structure, Ctn[1-14] was totally inert toward bacteria or eukaryotic cells. In contrast, unstructured Ctn[15-34] replicated the activity of parent Ctn against Gram-negative bacteria and tumor cells while being significantly less toxic toward eukaryotic cells. This selectivity for bacteria and tumor cells, plus a stability to serum well above that of Ctn, portrays Ctn[15-34] as an appealing candidate for further development as an anti-infective or antitumor lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Borges Falcao
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará , 60455-760 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz G de la Torre
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Mayol
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor Zamora-Carreras
- Instituto de Química Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Jiménez
- Instituto de Química Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará , 60455-760 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - David Andreu
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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49
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Wei L, Gao J, Zhang S, Wu S, Xie Z, Ling G, Kuang YQ, Yang Y, Yu H, Wang Y. Identification and Characterization of the First Cathelicidin from Sea Snakes with Potent Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Activity and Special Mechanism. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:16633-52. [PMID: 26013823 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.642645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a family of gene-encoded peptide effectors of innate immunity found exclusively in vertebrates. They play pivotal roles in host immune defense against microbial invasions. Dozens of cathelicidins have been identified from several vertebrate species. However, no cathelicidin from marine reptiles has been characterized previously. Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel cathelicidin (Hc-CATH) from the sea snake Hydrophis cyanocinctus. Hc-CATH is composed of 30 amino acids, and the sequence is KFFKRLLKSVRRAVKKFRKKPRLIGLSTLL. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and structure modeling analysis indicated that Hc-CATH mainly assumes an amphipathic α-helical conformation in bacterial membrane-mimetic solutions. It possesses potent broad-spectrum and rapid antimicrobial activity. Meanwhile, it is highly stable and shows low cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. The microbial killing activity of Hc-CATH is executed through the disruption of cell membrane and lysis of bacterial cells. In addition, Hc-CATH exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Hc-CATH directly binds with LPS to neutralize its toxicity, and it also binds to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4/MD2 complex), which therefore inhibits the binding of LPS to TLR4/MD2 complex and the subsequent activation of LPS-induced inflammatory response pathways. Taken together, our study demonstrates that Hc-CATH, the first cathelicidin from sea snake discovered to have both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, is a potent candidate for the development of peptide antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wei
- the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Jiuxiang Gao
- the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Shumin Zhang
- the Binzhou Medical University of Pharmaceutical College, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Sijin Wu
- the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Zeping Xie
- the Binzhou Medical University of Pharmaceutical College, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Guiying Ling
- the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, China, and
| | - Yi-Qun Kuang
- the Center for Translational Medicine, Huaihe Clinical Institute, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475000, China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Haining Yu
- the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China,
| | - Yipeng Wang
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China,
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50
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Wang G, Mishra B, Lau K, Lushnikova T, Golla R, Wang X. Antimicrobial peptides in 2014. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2015; 8:123-50. [PMID: 25806720 PMCID: PMC4381204 DOI: 10.3390/ph8010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article highlights new members, novel mechanisms of action, new functions, and interesting applications of antimicrobial peptides reported in 2014. As of December 2014, over 100 new peptides were registered into the Antimicrobial Peptide Database, increasing the total number of entries to 2493. Unique antimicrobial peptides have been identified from marine bacteria, fungi, and plants. Environmental conditions clearly influence peptide activity or function. Human α-defensin HD-6 is only antimicrobial under reduced conditions. The pH-dependent oligomerization of human cathelicidin LL-37 is linked to double-stranded RNA delivery to endosomes, where the acidic pH triggers the dissociation of the peptide aggregate to release its cargo. Proline-rich peptides, previously known to bind to heat shock proteins, are shown to inhibit protein synthesis. A model antimicrobial peptide is demonstrated to have multiple hits on bacteria, including surface protein delocalization. While cell surface modification to decrease cationic peptide binding is a recognized resistance mechanism for pathogenic bacteria, it is also used as a survival strategy for commensal bacteria. The year 2014 also witnessed continued efforts in exploiting potential applications of antimicrobial peptides. We highlight 3D structure-based design of peptide antimicrobials and vaccines, surface coating, delivery systems, and microbial detection devices involving antimicrobial peptides. The 2014 results also support that combination therapy is preferred over monotherapy in treating biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
| | - Kyle Lau
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
| | - Tamara Lushnikova
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
| | - Radha Golla
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
| | - Xiuqing Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
- Institute of Clinical Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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