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Datta M, Rajeev A, Chattopadhyay I. Application of antimicrobial peptides as next-generation therapeutics in the biomedical world. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2024; 40:2458-2496. [PMID: 37036043 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2199572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptide (AMP), also called host defense peptide, is a part of the innate immune system in eukaryotic organisms. AMPs are also produced by prokaryotes in response to stressful conditions and environmental changes. They have a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. They are also effective against viruses, fungi, parasites, and cancer cells. AMPs are cationic or amphipathic in nature, but in recent years cationic AMPs have attracted a lot of attention because cationic AMPs can easily interact with negatively charged bacterial and cancer cell membranes through electrostatic interaction. AMPs can also eradicate bacterial biofilms and have broad-spectrum activity against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Although the main target site for AMPs is the cell membrane, they can also disrupt bacterial cell walls, interfere with protein folding and inhibit enzymatic activity. In recent centuries antibiotics are gradually losing their potential because of the continuous rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat MDR bacteria, and AMP is such an alternative treatment option over conventional antibiotics. Several communicable diseases like tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases such as cancer can be treated by using AMPs. One of the major advantages of using AMP is that it works with high specificity and does not cause any harm to normal tissue. AMPs can be modified to improve their efficacy. In this narrative review, we are focusing on the potential application of AMPs in medical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjari Datta
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Ashwin Rajeev
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Indranil Chattopadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
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2
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Guo L, Kuipers OP, Broos J. Facile Halogenation of Antimicrobial Peptides As Demonstrated by Producing Bromotryptophan-Labeled Nisin Variants with Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:1548-1555. [PMID: 38888620 PMCID: PMC11217935 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have raised significant interest, forming a potential new class of antibiotics in the fight against multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Various AMPs are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). One post-translational modification found in AMPs is the halogenation of Trp residues. This modification has, for example, been shown to be critical for the activity of the potent AMP NAI-107 from Actinoallomurus. Due to the importance of organohalogens, establishing methods for facile and selective halogen atom installation into AMPs is highly desirable. In this study, we introduce an expression system utilizing the food-grade strain Lactococcus lactis, facilitating the efficient incorporation of bromo-Trp (BrTrp) into (modified) peptides, exemplified by the lantibiotic nisin with a single Trp residue or analogue incorporated at position 1. This provides an alternative to the challenges posed by halogenase enzymes, such as poor substrate selectivity. Our method yields expression levels comparable to that of wild-type nisin, while BrTrp incorporation does not interfere with the post-translational modifications of nisin (dehydration and cyclization). One brominated nisin variant exhibits a 2-fold improvement in antimicrobial activity against two tested pathogens, including a WHO priority pathogen, while maintaining the same lipid II binding and bactericidal activity as wild-type nisin. The work presented here demonstrates the potential of this methodology for peptide halogenation, offering a new avenue for the development of diverse antimicrobial products labeled with BrTrp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longcheng Guo
- Department of Molecular Genetics,
Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747, AG, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar P. Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics,
Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747, AG, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Broos
- Department of Molecular Genetics,
Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747, AG, The Netherlands
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3
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Wang M, Li WW, Cao Z, Sun J, Xiong J, Tao SQ, Lv T, Gao K, Luo S, Dong SH. Genome mining of sulfonated lanthipeptides reveals unique cyclic peptide sulfotransferases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2773-2785. [PMID: 38828142 PMCID: PMC11143521 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Although sulfonation plays crucial roles in various biological processes and is frequently utilized in medicinal chemistry to improve water solubility and chemical diversity of drug leads, it is rare and underexplored in ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Biosynthesis of RiPPs typically entails modification of hydrophilic residues, which substantially increases their chemical stability and bioactivity, albeit at the expense of reducing water solubility. To explore sulfonated RiPPs that may have improved solubility, we conducted co-occurrence analysis of RiPP class-defining enzymes and sulfotransferase (ST), and discovered two distinctive biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding both lanthipeptide synthetase (LanM) and ST. Upon expressing these BGCs, we characterized the structures of novel sulfonated lanthipeptides and determined the catalytic details of LanM and ST. We demonstrate that SslST-catalyzed sulfonation is leader-independent but relies on the presence of A ring formed by LanM. Both LanM and ST are promiscuous towards residues in the A ring, but ST displays strict regioselectivity toward Tyr5. The recognition of cyclic peptide by ST was further discussed. Bioactivity evaluation underscores the significance of the ST-catalyzed sulfonation. This study sets up the starting point to engineering the novel lanthipeptide STs as biocatalysts for hydrophobic lanthipeptides improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhe Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jianong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Si-Qin Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tinghong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shangwen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shi-Hui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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4
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Sengupta S, Pabbaraja S, Mehta G. Natural products from the human microbiome: an emergent frontier in organic synthesis and drug discovery. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:4006-4030. [PMID: 38669195 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00236a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Often referred to as the "second genome", the human microbiome is at the epicenter of complex inter-habitat biochemical networks like the "gut-brain axis", which has emerged as a significant determinant of cognition, overall health and well-being, as well as resistance to antibiotics and susceptibility to diseases. As part of a broader understanding of the nexus between the human microbiome, diseases and microbial interactions, whether encoded secondary metabolites (natural products) play crucial signalling roles has been the subject of intense scrutiny in the recent past. A major focus of these activities involves harvesting the genomic potential of the human microbiome via bioinformatics guided genome mining and culturomics. Through these efforts, an impressive number of structurally intriguing antibiotics, with enhanced chemical diversity vis-à-vis conventional antibiotics have been isolated from human commensal bacteria, thereby generating considerable interest in their total synthesis and expanding their therapeutic space for drug discovery. These developments augur well for the discovery of new drugs and antibiotics, particularly in the context of challenges posed by mycobacterial resistance and emerging new diseases. The current landscape of various synthetic campaigns and drug discovery initiatives on antibacterial natural products from the human microbiome is captured in this review with an intent to stimulate further activities in this interdisciplinary arena among the new generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumitra Sengupta
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500046, India.
- Department of Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500007, India
| | - Srihari Pabbaraja
- Department of Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500007, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Goverdhan Mehta
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500046, India.
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Reuben RC, Torres C. Bacteriocins: potentials and prospects in health and agrifood systems. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:233. [PMID: 38662051 PMCID: PMC11045635 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03948-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriocins are highly diverse, abundant, and heterogeneous antimicrobial peptides that are ribosomally synthesized by bacteria and archaea. Since their discovery about a century ago, there has been a growing interest in bacteriocin research and applications. This is mainly due to their high antimicrobial properties, narrow or broad spectrum of activity, specificity, low cytotoxicity, and stability. Though initially used to improve food quality and safety, bacteriocins are now globally exploited for innovative applications in human, animal, and food systems as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins have the potential to beneficially modulate microbiota, providing viable microbiome-based solutions for the treatment, management, and non-invasive bio-diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The use of bacteriocins holds great promise in the modulation of food microbiomes, antimicrobial food packaging, bio-sanitizers and antibiofilm, pre/post-harvest biocontrol, functional food, growth promotion, and sustainable aquaculture. This can undoubtedly improve food security, safety, and quality globally. This review highlights the current trends in bacteriocin research, especially the increasing research outputs and funding, which we believe may proportionate the soaring global interest in bacteriocins. The use of cutting-edge technologies, such as bioengineering, can further enhance the exploitation of bacteriocins for innovative applications in human, animal, and food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rine Christopher Reuben
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Carmen Torres
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006, Logroño, Spain
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Li H, Ding W, Zhang Q. Discovery and engineering of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) natural products. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:90-108. [PMID: 38333193 PMCID: PMC10849128 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00172e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) represent a diverse superfamily of natural products with immense potential for drug development. This review provides a concise overview of the recent advances in the discovery of RiPP natural products, focusing on rational strategies such as bioactivity guided screening, enzyme or precursor-based genome mining, and biosynthetic engineering. The challenges associated with activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters and the development of elaborate catalytic systems are also discussed. The logical frameworks emerging from these research studies offer valuable insights into RiPP biosynthesis and engineering, paving the way for broader pharmaceutic applications of these peptide natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Wei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University Shanghai 200433 China
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Ramírez-Rendón D, Guzmán-Chávez F, García-Ausencio C, Rodríguez-Sanoja R, Sánchez S. The untapped potential of actinobacterial lanthipeptides as therapeutic agents. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10605-10616. [PMID: 37934370 PMCID: PMC10676316 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08880-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The increase in bacterial resistance generated by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in medical practice set new challenges for discovering bioactive natural products as alternatives for therapeutics. Lanthipeptides are an attractive natural product group that has been only partially explored and shows engaging biological activities. These molecules are small peptides with potential application as therapeutic agents. Some members show antibiotic activity against problematic drug-resistant pathogens and against a wide variety of viruses. Nevertheless, their biological activities are not restricted to antimicrobials, as their contribution to the treatment of cystic fibrosis, cancer, pain symptoms, control of inflammation, and blood pressure has been demonstrated. The study of biosynthetic gene clusters through genome mining has contributed to accelerating the discovery, enlargement, and diversification of this group of natural products. In this review, we provide insight into the recent advances in the development and research of actinobacterial lanthipeptides that hold great potential as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Ramírez-Rendón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, 04510, Mexico City, México
| | - Fernando Guzmán-Chávez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, 04510, Mexico City, México
| | - Carlos García-Ausencio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, 04510, Mexico City, México
| | - Romina Rodríguez-Sanoja
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, 04510, Mexico City, México
| | - Sergio Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, 04510, Mexico City, México.
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Van Zyl WF, Van Staden AD, Dicks LMT, Trindade M. Use of the mCherry fluorescent protein to optimize the expression of class I lanthipeptides in Escherichia coli. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:149. [PMID: 37559122 PMCID: PMC10413542 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02162-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lanthipeptides are a rapidly expanding family of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified natural compounds with diverse biological functions. Lanthipeptide structural and biosynthetic genes can readily be identified in genomic datasets, which provides a substantial repository for unique peptides with a wide range of potentially novel bioactivities. To realize this potential efficiently optimized heterologous production systems are required. However, only a few class I lanthipeptides have been successfully expressed using Escherichia coli as heterologous producer. This may be attributed to difficulties experienced in the co-expression of structural genes and multiple processing genes as well as complex optimization experiments. RESULTS Here, an optimized modular plasmid system is presented for the complete biosynthesis for each of the class I lanthipeptides nisin and clausin, in E. coli. Genes encoding precursor lanthipeptides were fused to the gene encoding the mCherry red fluorescent protein and co-expressed along with the required synthetases from the respective operons. Antimicrobially active nisin and clausin were proteolytically liberated from the expressed mCherry fusions. The mCherry-NisA expression system combined with in vivo fluorescence monitoring was used to elucidate the effect of culture media composition, promoter arrangement, and culture conditions including choice of growth media and inducer agents on the heterologous expression of the class I lanthipeptides. To evaluate the promiscuity of the clausin biosynthetic enzymes, the optimized clausin expression system was used for the heterologous expression of epidermin. CONCLUSION We succeeded in developing novel mCherry-fusion based plug and play heterologous expression systems to produce two different subgroups of class I lanthipeptides. Fully modified Pre-NisA, Pre-ClausA and Pre-EpiA fused to the mCherry fluorescence gene was purified from the Gram-negative host E. coli BL21 (DE3). Our study demonstrates the potential of using in vivo fluorescence as a platform to evaluate the expression of mCherry-fused lanthipeptides in E. coli. This allowed a substantial reduction in optimization time, since expression could be monitored in real-time, without the need for extensive and laborious purification steps or the use of in vitro activity assays. The optimized heterologous expression systems developed in this study may be employed in future studies for the scalable expression of novel NisA derivatives, or novel genome mined derivatives of ClausA and other class I lanthipeptides in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winschau F Van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
| | - Anton D Van Staden
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leon M T Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marla Trindade
- Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Chang S, Luo Y, He N, Huang X, Chen M, Yuan L, Xie Y. Nocaviogua A and B: two lipolanthines from root-nodule-associated Nocardia sp. Front Chem 2023; 11:1233938. [PMID: 37601909 PMCID: PMC10435860 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1233938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nocaviogua A (1) and B (2), two lipolanthines featuring a non-canonical avionin (Avi)-containing macrocycle and a long acyl chain, were identified from the mutualistic actinomycete Nocardia sp. XZ19_369, which was isolated from the nodules of sea buckthorn collected in Tibet. Their planar structures were elucidated via extensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR, as well as HRMS data. The absolute configurations were fully elucidated by advanced Marfey's analysis and GIAO NMR calculations, representing the first time that the configurations of this family of lipolanthines have been determined. Nocaviogua A (1) exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human chronic uveal melanoma cells (UM92-1), non-small cell lung cancer (NCI-H2170), and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). Our work provides valuable information on this burgeoning class of lipolanthines for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Luo
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Ning He
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Huang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxu Chen
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lijie Yuan
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yunying Xie
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Tymoszewska A, Szylińska M, Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk T. The LiaFSR-LiaX System Mediates Resistance of Enterococcus faecium to Peptide Antibiotics and to Aureocin A53- and Enterocin L50-Like Bacteriocins. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0034323. [PMID: 37219451 PMCID: PMC10269926 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00343-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains are currently a leading cause of difficult-to-treat nosocomial infections. The emerging resistance of enterococci to last-resort antibiotics, such as daptomycin, prompts a search for alternative antimicrobials. Aureocin A53- and enterocin L50-like bacteriocins are potent antimicrobial agents that form daptomycin-like cationic complexes and have a similar cell envelope-targeting mechanism of action, suggesting their potential as next-generation antibiotics. However, to ensure their safe use, the mechanisms of resistance to these bacteriocins and cross-resistance to antibiotics need to be well understood. Here, we investigated the genetic basis of E. faecium's resistance to aureocin A53- and enterocin L50-like bacteriocins and compared it with that to antibiotics. First, we selected spontaneous mutants resistant to the bacteriocin BHT-B and identified adaptive mutations in the liaFSR-liaX genes encoding the LiaFSR stress response regulatory system and the daptomycin-sensing protein LiaX, respectively. We then demonstrated that a gain-of-function mutation in liaR increases the expression of liaFSR, liaXYZ, cell wall remodeling-associated genes, and hypothetical genes involved in protection against various antimicrobials. Finally, we showed that adaptive mutations or overexpression of liaSR or liaR alone results in cross-resistance to other aureocin A53- and enterocin L50-like bacteriocins, as well as antibiotics targeting specific components of the cell envelope (daptomycin, ramoplanin, gramicidin) or ribosomes (kanamycin and gentamicin). Based on the obtained results, we concluded that activation of the LiaFSR-mediated stress response confers resistance to peptide antibiotics and bacteriocins via a cascade of reactions, eventually leading to cell envelope remodeling. IMPORTANCE Pathogenic enterococci carry virulence factors and a considerable resistome, which makes them one of the most serious and steadily increasing causes of hospital epidemiological risks. Accordingly, Enterococcus faecium is classified into a top-priority ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) group of six highly virulent and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens for which novel antimicrobial agents need to be developed urgently. Alternative measures, such as the use of bacteriocins, separately or in combination with other antimicrobial agents (e.g., antibiotics), could be a potential solution, especially since several international health agencies recommend and support the development of such interventions. Nevertheless, in order to exploit their efficacy, more basic research on the mechanisms of cell killing and the development of resistance to bacteriocins is needed. The present study fills some of the knowledge gaps regarding the genetic basis of the development of resistance to potent antienterococcal bacteriocins, pointing out the common and divergent features regarding the cross-resistance to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Tymoszewska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IBB PAS), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marlena Szylińska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IBB PAS), Warsaw, Poland
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A review of potential antibacterial activities of nisin against Listeria monocytogenes: the combined use of nisin shows more advantages than single use. Food Res Int 2023; 164:112363. [PMID: 36737951 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.112363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen causing serious public health problems. Nisin is a natural antimicrobial agent produced by Lactococcus lactis and widely used in the food industry. However, the anti-L. monocytogenes efficiency of nisin might be decreased due to natural or acquired resistance of L. monocytogenes to nisin, or complexity of the food environment. The limitation of nisin as a bacteriostatic agent in food could be improved using a combination of methods. In this review, the physiochemical characteristics, species, bioengineered mutants, and antimicrobial mechanism of nisin are reviewed. Strategies of nisin combined with other antibacterial methods, including physical, chemical, and natural substances, and nanotechnology to enhance antibacterial effect are highlighted and discussed. Additionally, the antibacterial efficiency of nisin applied in real meat, dairy, and aquatic products is evaluated and analyzed. Among the various binding treatments, the combination with natural substances is more effective than the combination with physical and chemical methods. However, the combination of nisin and nanotechnology has more potential in terms of the impact on food quality.
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Suryaletha K, Savithri AV, Nayar SA, Asokan S, Rajeswary D, Thomas S. Demystifying Bacteriocins of Human Microbiota by Genome Guided Prospects: An Impetus to Rekindle the Antimicrobial Research. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2022; 23:811-822. [PMID: 36278460 DOI: 10.2174/1389203724666221019111515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The human microbiome is a reservoir of potential bacteriocins that can counteract multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens. Unlike antibiotics, bacteriocins selectively inhibit a spectrum of competent bacteria and are said to safeguard gut commensals, reducing the chance of dysbiosis. Bacteriocinogenic probiotics or bacteriocins of human origin will be more pertinent in human physiological conditions for therapeutic applications to act against invading pathogens. Recent advancement in the omics approach enables the mining of diverse and novel bacteriocins by identifying biosynthetic gene clusters from the human microbial genome, pangenome or shotgun metagenome, which is a breakthrough in the discovery line of novel bacteriocins. This review summarizes the most recent trends and therapeutic potential of bacteriocins of human microbial origin, the advancement in the in silico algorithms and databases in the discovery of novel bacteriocin, and how to bridge the gap between the discovery of bacteriocin genes from big datasets and their in vitro production. Besides, the later part of the review discussed the various impediments in their clinical applications and possible solution to bring them into the frontline therapeutics to control infections, thereby meeting the challenges of global antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika Suryaletha
- Cholera & Biofilm Research Laboratory, Pathogen Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Akhila Velappan Savithri
- Cholera & Biofilm Research Laboratory, Pathogen Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Seema A Nayar
- Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sijo Asokan
- Cholera & Biofilm Research Laboratory, Pathogen Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Divya Rajeswary
- Cholera & Biofilm Research Laboratory, Pathogen Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sabu Thomas
- Cholera & Biofilm Research Laboratory, Pathogen Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Ongpipattanakul C, Desormeaux EK, DiCaprio A, van der Donk WA, Mitchell DA, Nair SK. Mechanism of Action of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-Translationally Modified Peptides. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14722-14814. [PMID: 36049139 PMCID: PMC9897510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a natural product class that has undergone significant expansion due to the rapid growth in genome sequencing data and recognition that they are made by biosynthetic pathways that share many characteristic features. Their mode of actions cover a wide range of biological processes and include binding to membranes, receptors, enzymes, lipids, RNA, and metals as well as use as cofactors and signaling molecules. This review covers the currently known modes of action (MOA) of RiPPs. In turn, the mechanisms by which these molecules interact with their natural targets provide a rich set of molecular paradigms that can be used for the design or evolution of new or improved activities given the relative ease of engineering RiPPs. In this review, coverage is limited to RiPPs originating from bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayanid Ongpipattanakul
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Emily K. Desormeaux
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Adam DiCaprio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Wilfred A. van der Donk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Douglas A. Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Satish K. Nair
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Departments of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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Khare N, Maheshwari SK, Rizvi SMD, Albadrani HM, Alsagaby SA, Alturaiki W, Iqbal D, Zia Q, Villa C, Jha SK, Jha NK, Jha AK. Homology Modelling, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of CALMH1 against Secondary Metabolites of Bauhinia variegata to Treat Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060770. [PMID: 35741655 PMCID: PMC9220886 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) is a protein responsible for causing Alzheimer’s disease. In the absence of an experimentally designed protein molecule, homology modelling was performed. Through homology modelling, different CALHM1 models were generated and validated through Rampage. To carry out further in silico studies, through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation experiments, various flavonoids and alkaloids from Bauhinia variegata were utilised as inhibitors to target the protein (CALHM1). The sequence of CALHM1 was retrieved from UniProt and the secondary structure prediction of CALHM1 was done through CFSSP, GOR4, and SOPMA methods. The structure was identified through LOMETS, MUSTER, and MODELLER and finally, the structures were validated through Rampage. Bauhinia variegata plant was used to check the interaction of alkaloids and flavonoids against CALHM1. The protein and protein–ligand complex were also validated through molecular dynamics simulations studies. The model generated through MODELLER software with 6VAM A was used because this model predicted the best results in the Ramachandran plot. Further molecular docking was performed, quercetin was found to be the most appropriate candidate for the protein molecule with the minimum binding energy of −12.45 kcal/mol and their ADME properties were analysed through Molsoft and Molinspiration. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that CALHM1 and CALHM1–quercetin complex became stable at 2500 ps. It may be seen through the study that quercetin may act as a good inhibitor for treatment. With the help of an in silico study, it was easier to analyse the 3D structure of the protein, which may be scrutinized for the best-predicted model. Quercetin may work as a good inhibitor for treating Alzheimer’s disease, according to in silico research using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, and future in vitro and in vivo analysis may confirm its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noopur Khare
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki 225003, Uttar Pradesh, India; (N.K.); (S.K.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjiv Kumar Maheshwari
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki 225003, Uttar Pradesh, India; (N.K.); (S.K.M.)
| | - Syed Mohd Danish Rizvi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 2240, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hind Muteb Albadrani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.A.); (S.A.A.); (W.A.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Suliman A. Alsagaby
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.A.); (S.A.A.); (W.A.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Wael Alturaiki
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.A.); (S.A.A.); (W.A.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Danish Iqbal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.A.); (S.A.A.); (W.A.); (Q.Z.)
- Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah 15341, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (A.K.J.)
| | - Qamar Zia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia; (H.M.A.); (S.A.A.); (W.A.); (Q.Z.)
- Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah 15341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chiara Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India; (S.K.J.); (N.K.J.)
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India; (S.K.J.); (N.K.J.)
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Abhimanyu Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India; (S.K.J.); (N.K.J.)
- Correspondence: (D.I.); (A.K.J.)
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15
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Bacteriocin-Based Synergetic Consortia: a Promising Strategy to Enhance Antimicrobial Activity and Broaden the Spectrum of Inhibition. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0040621. [PMID: 35170996 PMCID: PMC8849083 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00406-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria-derived natural antimicrobial compounds such as bacteriocins, reruterin, and organic acids have recently received substantial attention as food preservatives or therapeutic alternatives in human or animal sectors. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different bacteria-derived antimicrobials, alone or in combination, against a large panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Bacteriocins, including microcin J25, pediocin PA-1, nisin Z, and reuterin, were investigated alone or in combination with lactic acid and citric acid, using a checkerboard assay. Concentrations were selected based on predetermined MICs against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Newport ATCC 6962 and Listeria ivanovii HPB28 as Gram-negative and Gram-positive indicator strains, respectively. The results demonstrated that the combination of microcin J25 + citric acid + lactic acid; microcin J25 + reuterin + citric acid; and microcin J25 + reuterin + lactic acid tested against S. Newport ATCC 6962 showed synergistic effects (FIC index = 0.5). Moreover, a combination of pediocin PA-1 + citric acid + lactic acid; and reuterin + citric acid + lactic acid against L. ivanovii HPB28 showed a partially synergistic interactions (FIC index = 0.75). Nisin Z exerted a partially synergistic effect in combination with acids (FIC index = 0.625 -0.75), whereas when it was combined with reuterin or pediocin PA-1, it showed additive effects (FIC index = 1) against L. ivanovii HPB28. The inhibitory activity of synergetic consortia were tested against a large panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. According to our results, combining different antimicrobials with different mechanisms of action led to higher potency and a broad spectrum of inhibition, including multidrug-resistance pathogens. IMPORTANCE Reuterin and bacteriocins, including microcin J25, pediocin PA-1, nisin were produced and purified with >90% purity. Using the broth-based checkerboard assay the interaction between these compounds (synergetic, additive, or antagonistic) was assessed. By combining different natural antimicrobials with different modes of action and structure (reuteirn, microcin J25, pediocin PA-1, and organic acids), we successfully developed five different synergetic consortia with improved antimicrobial activity and a broad spectrum of inhibition. These consortia were shown to be effective against a large panel of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms as well as clinically important multidrug-resistance bacteria. Moreover, because the lower concentrations of bacteriocins and reuterin are used in the synergetic consortia, there is a limited risk of toxicity and resistance development for these compounds.
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16
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Lactococcus lactis Resistance to Aureocin A53- and Enterocin L50-Like Bacteriocins and Membrane-Targeting Peptide Antibiotics Relies on the YsaCB-KinG-LlrG Four-Component System. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0092121. [PMID: 34516250 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00921-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to nonribosomally synthesized peptide antibiotics affecting the cell envelope is well studied and mostly associated with the action of peptide-sensing and detoxification (PSD) modules, which consist of a two-component system (TCS) and an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. In contrast, the mechanisms of resistance to ribosomally synthesized bacterial toxic peptides (bacteriocins), which also affect the cell envelope, are studied to a lesser extent, and the possible cross-resistance between them and antibiotics is still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the development of resistance of Lactococcus lactis to aureocin A53- and enterocin L50-like bacteriocins and cross-resistance with antibiotics. First, 19 spontaneous mutants resistant to their representatives were selected and also displayed changes in sensitivity to peptide antibiotics acting on the cell envelope (bacitracin, daptomycin, and gramicidin). Sequencing of their genomes revealed mutations in genes encoding the ABC transporter YsaCB and the TCS KinG-LlrG, the emergence of which induced the upregulation of the dltABCD and ysaDCB operons. The ysaB mutations were either nonsense or frameshift mutations and led to the generation of truncated YsaB but with the conserved N-terminal FtsX domain intact. Deletions of ysaCB or llrG had a minor effect on the resistance of the obtained mutants to the tested bacteriocins, daptomycin, and gramicidin, indicating that the development of resistance is dependent on the modification of the protein rather than its absence. In further corroboration of the above-mentioned conclusion, we show that the FtsX domain, which functions effectively when YsaB is lacking its central and C-terminal parts, is critical for resistance to these antimicrobials.
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17
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Grant-Mackie E, Williams ET, Harris PWR, Brimble MA. Aminovinyl Cysteine Containing Peptides: A Unique Motif That Imparts Key Biological Activity. JACS AU 2021; 1:1527-1540. [PMID: 34723257 PMCID: PMC8549060 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural products that contain distinctive chemical functionality can serve as useful starting points to develop Nature's compounds into viable therapeutics. Peptide natural products, an under-represented class of medicines, such as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), often contain noncanonical amino acids and structural motifs that give rise to potent biological activity. However, these motifs can be difficult to obtain synthetically, thereby limiting the transition of RiPPs to the clinic. Aminovinyl cysteine containing peptides, which display potent antimicrobial or anticancer activity, possess an intricate C-terminal ring that is critical for bioactivity. To date, successful methods for the total chemical synthesis of such peptides are yet to be realized, although several advancements have been achieved. In this perspective, we review this burgeoning class of aminovinyl cysteine peptides and critically evaluate the chemical strategies to install the distinct aminovinyl cysteine motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily
S. Grant-Mackie
- School
of Chemical Sciences, The University of
Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1132, New Zealand
| | - Elyse T. Williams
- School
of Chemical Sciences, The University of
Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1132, New Zealand
| | - Paul W. R. Harris
- School
of Chemical Sciences, The University of
Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1132, New Zealand
- School
of Biological Sciences, The University of
Auckland, 3b Symonds
Street, Auckland 1132, New Zealand
- The
Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3b Symonds Street, Auckland 1132, New Zealand
| | - Margaret A. Brimble
- School
of Chemical Sciences, The University of
Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1132, New Zealand
- School
of Biological Sciences, The University of
Auckland, 3b Symonds
Street, Auckland 1132, New Zealand
- The
Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3b Symonds Street, Auckland 1132, New Zealand
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18
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Zhao X, Xu Y, Viel JH, Kuipers OP. Semisynthetic Macrocyclic Lipo-lanthipeptides Display Antimicrobial Activity Against Bacterial Pathogens. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1980-1991. [PMID: 34347446 PMCID: PMC8383303 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A large number of antimicrobial peptides depend on intramolecular disulfide bonds for their biological activity. However, the relative instability of disulfide bonds has limited the potential of some of these peptides to be developed into therapeutics. Conversely, peptides containing intramolecular (methyl)lanthionine-based bonds, lanthipeptides, are highly stable under a broader range of biological and physical conditions. Here, the class-II lanthipeptide synthetase CinM, from the cinnamycin gene cluster, was employed to create methyllanthionine stabilized analogues of disulfide-bond-containing antimicrobial peptides. The resulting analogues were subsequently modified in vitro by adding lipid tails of variable lengths through chemical addition. Finally, the created compounds were characterized by MIC tests against several relevant pathogens, killing assays, membrane permeability assays, and hemolysis assays. It was found that CinM could successfully install methyllanthionine bonds at the intended positions of the analogues and that the lipidated macrocyclic core peptides have bactericidal activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy assays revealed that the lipidated compounds disrupt the bacterial membrane and lyse bacterial cells, hinting toward a potential mode of action. Notably, the semisynthesized macrocyclic lipo-lanthipeptides show low hemolytic activity. These results show that the methods developed here extend the toolbox for novel antimicrobial development and might enable the further development of novel compounds with killing activity against relevant pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghong Zhao
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Yanli Xu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Jakob H. Viel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar P. Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
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19
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Zhao X, Kuipers OP. Nisin- and Ripcin-Derived Hybrid Lanthipeptides Display Selective Antimicrobial Activity against Staphylococcus aureus. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1703-1714. [PMID: 34156232 PMCID: PMC8291769 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lanthipeptides are (methyl)lanthionine ring-containing ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Many lanthipeptides show strong antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. The group of disulfide-bond-containing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is well-known in nature and forms a rich source of templates for the production of novel peptides with corresponding (methyl)lanthionine analogues instead of disulfides. Here, we show that novel macrocyclic lanthipeptides (termed thanacin and ripcin) can be synthesized using the known antimicrobials thanatin and rip-thanatin as templates. Notably, the synthesized nisin(1-20)-ripcin hybrid lanthipeptides (ripcin B-G) showed selective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, including an antibiotic-resistant MRSA strain. Interestingly, ripcin B-G, which are hybrid peptides of nisin(1-20) and ripcin that are each inactive against Gram-negative pathogens, showed substantial antimicrobial activity against the tested Gram-negative pathogens. Moreover, ripcin B-G was highly resistant against the nisin resistance protein (NSR; a peptidase that removes the C-terminal 6 amino acids of nisin and strongly reduces its antimicrobial activity), opposed to nisin itself. This study provides an example of converting disulfide-bond-based AMPs into (methyl)lanthionine-based macrocyclic hybrid lanthipeptides and can yield antimicrobial peptides with selective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghong Zhao
- Department
of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology
Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar P. Kuipers
- Department
of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology
Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9747 AG, The Netherlands
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20
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van Staden ADP, van Zyl WF, Trindade M, Dicks LMT, Smith C. Therapeutic Application of Lantibiotics and Other Lanthipeptides: Old and New Findings. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0018621. [PMID: 33962984 PMCID: PMC8231447 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00186-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lanthipeptides are ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides, with modifications that are incorporated during biosynthesis by dedicated enzymes. Various modifications of the peptides are possible, resulting in a highly diverse group of bioactive peptides that offer a potential reservoir for use in the fight against a plethora of diseases. Their activities range from the antimicrobial properties of lantibiotics, especially against antibiotic-resistant strains, to antiviral activity, immunomodulatory properties, antiallodynic effects, and the potential to alleviate cystic fibrosis symptoms. Lanthipeptide biosynthetic genes are widespread within bacterial genomes, providing a substantial repository for novel bioactive peptides. Using genome mining tools, novel bioactive lanthipeptides can be identified, and coupled with rapid screening and heterologous expression technologies, the lanthipeptide drug discovery pipeline can be significantly sped up. Lanthipeptides represent a group of bioactive peptides that hold great potential as biotherapeutics, especially at a time when novel and more effective therapies are required. With this review, we provide insight into the latest developments made toward the therapeutic applications and production of lanthipeptides, specifically looking at heterologous expression systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Du Preez van Staden
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Winschau F. van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marla Trindade
- Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leon M. T. Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Carine Smith
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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21
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CESA-LUNA CATHERINE, ALATORRE-CRUZ JULIAMARÍA, CARREÑO-LÓPEZ RICARDO, QUINTERO-HERNÁNDEZ VERÓNICA, BAEZ ANTONINO. Emerging Applications of Bacteriocins as Antimicrobials, Anticancer Drugs, and Modulators of The Gastrointestinal Microbiota. Pol J Microbiol 2021; 70:143-159. [PMID: 34349808 PMCID: PMC8326989 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2021-020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of bacteriocins holds great promise in different areas such as health, food, nutrition, veterinary, nanotechnology, among others. Many research groups worldwide continue to advance the knowledge to unravel a novel range of therapeutic agents and food preservatives. This review addresses the advances of bacteriocins and their producer organisms as biocontrol agents for applications in the medical industry and agriculture. Furthermore, the bacteriocin mechanism of action and structural characteristics will be reviewed. Finally, the potential role of bacteriocins to modulate the signaling in host-associated microbial communities will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- CATHERINE CESA-LUNA
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | | | - RICARDO CARREÑO-LÓPEZ
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | | | - ANTONINO BAEZ
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
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22
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Flynn J, Ryan A, Hudson SP. Pre-formulation and delivery strategies for the development of bacteriocins as next generation antibiotics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 165:149-163. [PMID: 34020021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriocins, a class of antimicrobial peptide produced by bacteria, may offer a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics, an important step towards mitigating the ever-increasing antimicrobial resistance crisis. They are active against a range of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Bacteriocins have been discussed in the literature for over a century. Although they are used as preservatives in food, no medicine based on their antimicrobial activity exists on the market today. In order to formulate them into clinical antibiotics, pre-formulation studies on their biophysical and physicochemical properties that will influence their activity in vivo and their stability during manufacture must be elucidated. Thermal, pH and enzymatic stability of bacteriocins are commonly studied and regularly reported in the literature. Solubility, permeability and aggregation properties on the other hand are less frequently reported for many bacteriocins, which may contribute to their poor clinical progression. Promising cytotoxicity studies report that bacteriocins exhibit few cytotoxic effects on a variety of mammalian cell lines, at active concentrations. This review highlights the lack of quantitative data and in many cases even qualitative data, on bacteriocins' solubility, stability, aggregation, permeability and cytotoxicity. The formulation strategies that have been explored to date, proposed routes of administration, trends in in vitro/in vivo behaviour and efforts in clinical development are discussed. The future promise of bacteriocins as a new generation of antibiotics may require tailored local delivery strategies to fulfil their potential as a force to combat antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Flynn
- Department of Chemical Sciences, SSPC, the SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Aoibhín Ryan
- Department of Chemical Sciences, SSPC, the SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sarah P Hudson
- Department of Chemical Sciences, SSPC, the SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland.
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23
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Field D, Considine K, O’Connor PM, Ross RP, Hill C, Cotter PD. Bio-Engineered Nisin with Increased Anti- Staphylococcus and Selectively Reduced Anti- Lactococcus Activity for Treatment of Bovine Mastitis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3480. [PMID: 33801752 PMCID: PMC8036683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine mastitis is a significant economic burden for dairy enterprises, responsible for premature culling, prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic use, reduced milk production and the withholding (and thus wastage) of milk. There is a desire to identify novel antimicrobials that are expressly directed to veterinary applications, do not require a lengthy milk withholding period and that will not have a negative impact on the growth of lactic acid bacteria involved in downstream dairy fermentations. Nisin is the prototypical lantibiotic, a family of highly modified antimicrobial peptides that exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against many Gram-positive microbes, including human and animal pathogens including species of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Although not yet utilized in the area of human medicine, nisin is currently applied as the active agent in products designed to prevent bovine mastitis. Over the last decade, we have harnessed bioengineering strategies to boost the specific activity and target spectrum of nisin against several problematic microorganisms. Here, we screen a large bank of engineered nisin derivatives to identify novel derivatives that exhibit improved specific activity against a selection of staphylococci, including mastitis-associated strains, but have unchanged or reduced activity against dairy lactococci. Three such peptides were identified; nisin A M17Q, nisin A T2L and nisin A HTK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Des Field
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
- APC Microbiome Ireland, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Kiera Considine
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., P61 C996 Cork, Ireland; (K.C.); (P.M.O.)
| | - Paula M. O’Connor
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., P61 C996 Cork, Ireland; (K.C.); (P.M.O.)
| | - R. Paul Ross
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
- APC Microbiome Ireland, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Colin Hill
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland;
- APC Microbiome Ireland, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Paul D. Cotter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland;
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., P61 C996 Cork, Ireland; (K.C.); (P.M.O.)
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24
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Viel JH, Jaarsma AH, Kuipers OP. Heterologous Expression of Mersacidin in Escherichia coli Elucidates the Mode of Leader Processing. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:600-608. [PMID: 33689311 PMCID: PMC7985838 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The lanthipeptide
mersacidin is a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally
modified peptide (RiPP) produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. It has antimicrobial activity against a range of Gram-positive
bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, giving it potential therapeutic relevance. The structure and bioactivity
of mersacidin are derived from a unique combination of lanthionine
ring structures, which makes mersacidin also interesting from a lantibiotic-engineering
point of view. Until now, mersacidin and its derivatives have exclusively
been produced in Bacillus strains and purified from
the supernatant in their bioactive form. However, to fully exploit
its potential in lanthipeptide-engineering, mersacidin would have
to be expressed in a standardized expression system and obtained in
its inactive prepeptide form. In such a system, the mersacidin biosynthetic
enzymes could be employed to create novel peptides, enhanced by the
recent advancements in RiPP engineering, while the leader peptide
prevents activity against the expression host. This system would however
need a means of postpurification in vitro leader
processing to activate the obtained precursor peptides. While mersacidin’s
native leader processing mechanism has not been confirmed, the bifunctional
transporter MrsT and extracellular Bacillus proteases
have been suggested to be responsible. Here, a modular system is presented
for the heterologous expression of mersacidin in Escherichia
coli, which was successfully used to produce and purify inactive
premersacidin. The purified product was used to determine the cleavage
site of MrsT. Additionally, it was concluded from antimicrobial activity
tests that in a second processing step mersacidin is activated by
specific extracellular proteases from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob H. Viel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ate H. Jaarsma
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar P. Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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25
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Soltani S, Hammami R, Cotter PD, Rebuffat S, Said LB, Gaudreau H, Bédard F, Biron E, Drider D, Fliss I. Bacteriocins as a new generation of antimicrobials: toxicity aspects and regulations. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa039. [PMID: 32876664 PMCID: PMC7794045 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, bacteriocins have received substantial attention as antimicrobial compounds. Although bacteriocins have been predominantly exploited as food preservatives, they are now receiving increased attention as potential clinical antimicrobials and as possible immune-modulating agents. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been declared as a global threat to public health. Bacteriocins represent a potential solution to this worldwide threat due to their broad- or narrow-spectrum activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Notably, despite their role in food safety as natural alternatives to chemical preservatives, nisin remains the only bacteriocin legally approved by regulatory agencies as a food preservative. Moreover, insufficient data on the safety and toxicity of bacteriocins represent a barrier against the more widespread use of bacteriocins by the food and medical industry. Here, we focus on the most recent trends relating to the application of bacteriocins, their toxicity and impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Soltani
- Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, G1V 0A6 Québec, Canada
| | - Riadh Hammami
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Paul D Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996 Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Institute and school of Microbiology, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, T12 YN60, Ireland
| | - Sylvie Rebuffat
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratory Molecules of Communication and Adaptation of Microorganisms (MCAM), UMR 7245 CNRS-MNHN, CP 54, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Laila Ben Said
- Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, G1V 0A6 Québec, Canada
| | - Hélène Gaudreau
- Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, G1V 0A6 Québec, Canada
| | - François Bédard
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Centre de Recherche en Endocrinologie Moléculaire et Oncologique et Génomique Humaine, Université Laval, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Eric Biron
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Centre de Recherche en Endocrinologie Moléculaire et Oncologique et Génomique Humaine, Université Laval, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Djamel Drider
- Institut Charles Viollette, Université de Lille, EA 7394, 53955 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Ismail Fliss
- Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, G1V 0A6 Québec, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Université Laval, 2440 Boulevard Hochelaga, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
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26
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Reiners J, Lagedroste M, Gottstein J, Adeniyi ET, Kalscheuer R, Poschmann G, Stühler K, Smits SHJ, Schmitt L. Insights in the Antimicrobial Potential of the Natural Nisin Variant Nisin H. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:573614. [PMID: 33193179 PMCID: PMC7606277 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.573614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lantibiotics are a growing class of antimicrobial peptides, which possess antimicrobial activity against mainly Gram-positive bacteria including the highly resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or vancomycin-resistant enterococci. In the last decades numerous lantibiotics were discovered in natural habitats or designed with bioengineering tools. In this study, we present an insight in the antimicrobial potential of the natural occurring lantibiotic nisin H from Streptococcus hyointestinalis as well as the variant nisin H F1I. We determined the yield of the heterologously expressed peptide and quantified the cleavage efficiency employing the nisin protease NisP. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect on the modification via mass spectrometry analysis. With standardized growth inhibition assays we benchmarked the activity of pure nisin H and the variant nisin H F1I, and their influence on the activity of the nisin immunity proteins NisI and NisFEG from Lactococcus lactis and the nisin resistance proteins SaNSR and SaNsrFP from Streptococcus agalactiae COH1. We further checked the antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis via microdilution method. In summary, nisin H and the nisin H F1I variant possessed better antimicrobial potency than the natural nisin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Reiners
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marcel Lagedroste
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Gottstein
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Emmanuel T Adeniyi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rainer Kalscheuer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Poschmann
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, BMFZ, Heinrich-Heine-University-Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sander H J Smits
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lutz Schmitt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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27
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van Zyl WF, Deane SM, Dicks LM. Molecular insights into probiotic mechanisms of action employed against intestinal pathogenic bacteria. Gut Microbes 2020; 12:1831339. [PMID: 33112695 PMCID: PMC7595611 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1831339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, and in particular those caused by bacterial infections, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Treatment is becoming increasingly difficult due to the increase in number of species that have developed resistance to antibiotics. Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have considerable potential as alternatives to antibiotics, both in prophylactic and therapeutic applications. Several studies have documented a reduction, or prevention, of GI diseases by probiotic bacteria. Since the activities of probiotic bacteria are closely linked with conditions in the host's GI-tract (GIT) and changes in the population of enteric microorganisms, a deeper understanding of gut-microbial interactions is required in the selection of the most suitable probiotic. This necessitates a deeper understanding of the molecular capabilities of probiotic bacteria. In this review, we explore how probiotic microorganisms interact with enteric pathogens in the GIT. The significance of probiotic colonization and persistence in the GIT is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winschau F. van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Shelly M. Deane
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Leon M.T. Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa,CONTACT Leon M.T. Dicks; Department of Microbiology; Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch7602, South Africa
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28
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Karbalaei-Heidari HR, Budisa N. Combating Antimicrobial Resistance With New-To-Nature Lanthipeptides Created by Genetic Code Expansion. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:590522. [PMID: 33250877 PMCID: PMC7674664 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.590522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid emergence of multi-resistant bacterial strains in recent decades, the commercially available effective antibiotics are becoming increasingly limited. On the other hand, widespread antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as the lantibiotic nisin has been used worldwide for more than 40 years without the appearance of significant bacterial resistance. Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobials generated by posttranslational modifications. Their biotechnological production is of particular interest to redesign natural scaffolds improving their pharmaceutical properties, which has great potential for therapeutic use in human medicine and other areas. However, conventional protein engineering methods are limited to 20 canonical amino acids prescribed by the genetic code. Therefore, the expansion of the genetic code as the most advanced approach in Synthetic Biology allows the addition of new amino acid building blocks (non-canonical amino acids, ncAAs) during protein translation. We now have solid proof-of-principle evidence that bioexpression with these novel building blocks enabled lantibiotics with chemical properties transcending those produced by natural evolution. The unique scaffolds with novel structural and functional properties are the result of this bioengineering. Here we will critically examine and evaluate the use of the expanded genetic code and its alternatives in lantibiotics research over the last 7 years. We anticipate that Synthetic Biology, using engineered lantibiotics and even more complex scaffolds will be a promising tool to address an urgent problem of antibiotic resistance, especially in a class of multi-drug resistant microbes known as superbugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Karbalaei-Heidari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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29
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Yang Y, Babich O, Sukhikh S, Zimina M, Milentyeva I. Antibiotic activity and resistance of lactic acid bacteria and other antagonistic bacteriocin-producing microorganisms. FOODS AND RAW MATERIALS 2020. [DOI: 10.21603/2308-4057-2020-2-377-384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Increased resistance of microorganisms to traditional antibiotics has created a practical need for isolating and synthesizing new antibiotics. We aimed to study the antibiotic activity and resistance of bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria and other microorganisms.
Study objects and methods. We studied the isolates of the following microorganism strains: Bacillus subtilis, Penicillium glabrum, Penicillium lagena, Pseudomonas koreenis, Penicillium ochrochloron, Leuconostoc lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Pediococcus acidilactici, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bacteroides hypermegas, Bacteroides ruminicola, Pediococcus damnosus, Bacteroides paurosaccharolyticus, Halobacillus profundi, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, and Bacillus caldotenax. Pathogenic test strains included Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus mycoides, Alcaligenes faecalis, and Proteus vulgaris. The titer of microorganisms was determined by optical density measurements at 595 nm.
Results and discussion. We found that eleven microorganisms out of twenty showed high antimicrobial activity against all test strains of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. All the Bacteroides strains exhibited little antimicrobial activity against Gramnegative test strains, while Halobacillus profundi had an inhibitory effect on Gram-positive species only. The Penicillium strains also displayed a slight antimicrobial effect on pathogenic test strains.
Conclusion. The antibiotic resistance of the studied lactic acid bacteria and other bacteriocin-producing microorganisms allows for their use in the production of pharmaceutical antibiotic drugs.
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30
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Zimina M, Babich O, Prosekov A, Sukhikh S, Ivanova S, Shevchenko M, Noskova S. Overview of Global Trends in Classification, Methods of Preparation and Application of Bacteriocins. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E553. [PMID: 32872235 PMCID: PMC7559574 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9090553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper summarizes information about the division of bacteriocins into classes (Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and archaea). Methods for producing bacteriocins have been studied. It is known that bacteriocins, most successfully used today are products of secondary metabolism of lactic acid bacteria. It is established that the main method of bacteriocin research is PCR analysis, which makes it possible to quickly and easily identify the presence of bacteriocin encoding genes. The mechanism of cytotoxic action of bacteriocins has been studied. It is proved that the study of cytotoxic (antitumor) activity in laboratory conditions will lead to the clinical use of bacteriocins for cancer treatment in the near future. It is established that the incorporation of bacteriocins into nanoparticles and targeted delivery to areas of infection may soon become an effective treatment method. The delivery of bacteriocins in a concentrated form, such as encapsulated in nanoparticles, will increase their effectiveness and minimize potential toxic side effects. The analysis of publications on this topic confirmed that diverse research on bacteriocins is relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zimina
- Institute of Living Systems, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, A. Nevskogo Street 14, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia; (M.Z.); (O.B.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (S.N.)
| | - Olga Babich
- Institute of Living Systems, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, A. Nevskogo Street 14, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia; (M.Z.); (O.B.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (S.N.)
- Laboratory of Biocatalysis, Kemerovo State University, Krasnaya Street 6, 650043 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Alexander Prosekov
- Laboratory of Biocatalysis, Kemerovo State University, Krasnaya Street 6, 650043 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Stanislav Sukhikh
- Institute of Living Systems, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, A. Nevskogo Street 14, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia; (M.Z.); (O.B.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (S.N.)
- Department of Bionanotechnology, Kemerovo State University, Krasnaya Street 6, 650043 Kemerovo, Russia
| | - Svetlana Ivanova
- Natural Nutraceutical Biotesting Laboratory, Kemerovo State University, Krasnaya Street 6, 650043 Kemerovo, Russia
- Department of General Mathematics and Informatics, Kemerovo State University, Krasnaya Street, 6, 650043 Kemerovo, Russia
| | - Margarita Shevchenko
- Institute of Living Systems, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, A. Nevskogo Street 14, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia; (M.Z.); (O.B.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (S.N.)
| | - Svetlana Noskova
- Institute of Living Systems, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, A. Nevskogo Street 14, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia; (M.Z.); (O.B.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (S.N.)
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31
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Todorov SD, Kang HJ, Ivanova IV, Holzapfel WH. Bacteriocins From LAB and Other Alternative Approaches for the Control of Clostridium and Clostridiodes Related Gastrointestinal Colitis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:581778. [PMID: 33042979 PMCID: PMC7517946 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.581778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome is considered as a promising target for future non-conventional therapeutic treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. The search for appropriate safe and beneficial (lactic acid bacterial and other) putative probiotic strains and/or their antimicrobial metabolites represents a challenging approach for combating several problematic and emerging infections. The process of selecting suitable strains, especially of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with superior properties, has been accelerated and intensified during the past two decades, also thanks to recent developments in lab techniques. Currently, special focus is on the potential of antimicrobial metabolites produced by some LAB strains and their application as active therapeutic agents. The vision is to develop a scientific basis for 'biotherapeutics' as alternative to conventional approaches in both human and veterinary medicine. Consequently, innovative and promising applications of LAB to the therapeutic practice are presently emerging. An overview of the existing literature indicates that some antimicrobial metabolites such as bacteriocins, widely produced by different bacterial species including LAB, are promising biotherapeutic agents for controlling infections caused by potential pathogens, such as Clostridium and Clostridiodes. Non-conventional, safe and well designed therapeutic treatments may contribute to the improvement of gut dysbiotic conditions. Thereby gut homeostasis can be restored and inflammatory conditions such as gastrointestinal colitis ameliorated. Combining the knowledge on the production, characterization and application of bacteriocins from probiotic LAB, together with their antibacterial properties, appears to be a promising and novel approach in biotherapy. In this overview, different scenarios for the control of Clostridium spp. by application of bacteriocins as therapeutic agents, also in synergistic combination with antibiotics, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetoslav D. Todorov
- Advanced Green Energy and Environment Institute (AGEE), Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Hye-Ji Kang
- Advanced Green Energy and Environment Institute (AGEE), Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea
- HEM Inc., Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Iskra V. Ivanova
- Department of General and Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Wilhelm H. Holzapfel
- Advanced Green Energy and Environment Institute (AGEE), Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea
- HEM Inc., Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Wilhelm H. Holzapfel,
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32
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Unsleber S, Wohlleben W, Stegmann E. Diversity of peptidoglycan structure—Modifications and their physiological role in resistance in antibiotic producers. Int J Med Microbiol 2019; 309:151332. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2019.151332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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33
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Cebrián R, Rodríguez-Cabezas ME, Martín-Escolano R, Rubiño S, Garrido-Barros M, Montalbán-López M, Rosales MJ, Sánchez-Moreno M, Valdivia E, Martínez-Bueno M, Marín C, Gálvez J, Maqueda M. Preclinical studies of toxicity and safety of the AS-48 bacteriocin. J Adv Res 2019; 20:129-139. [PMID: 31360546 PMCID: PMC6637140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro antimicrobial potency of the bacteriocin AS-48 is well documented, but its clinical application requires investigation, as its toxicity could be different in in vitro (haemolytic and antibacterial activity in blood and cytotoxicity towards normal human cell lines) and in vivo (e.g. mice and zebrafish embryos) models. Overall, the results obtained are promising. They reveal the negligible propensity of AS-48 to cause cell death or impede cell growth at therapeutic concentrations (up to 27 μM) and support the suitability of this peptide as a potential therapeutic agent against several microbial infections, due to its selectivity and potency at low concentrations (in the range of 0.3-8.9 μM). In addition, AS-48 exhibits low haemolytic activity in whole blood and does not induce nitrite accumulation in non-stimulated RAW macrophages, indicating a lack of pro-inflammatory effects. The unexpected heightened sensitivity of zebrafish embryos to AS-48 could be due to the low differentiation state of these cells. The low cytotoxicity of AS-48, the absence of lymphocyte proliferation in vivo after skin sensitization in mice, and the lack of toxicity in a murine model support the consideration of the broad spectrum antimicrobial peptide AS-48 as a promising therapeutic agent for the control of a vast array of microbial infections, in particular, those involved in skin and soft tissue diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Cebrián
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Elena Rodríguez-Cabezas
- CIBER-EHD, Department of Pharmacology. Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Avda del Conocimiento s/n, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (Ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - Rubén Martín-Escolano
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Susana Rubiño
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Avda Fuentenueva s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María Garrido-Barros
- CIBER-EHD, Department of Pharmacology. Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Avda del Conocimiento s/n, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (Ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Montalbán-López
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Avda Fuentenueva s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María José Rosales
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Moreno
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Eva Valdivia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Avda Fuentenueva s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Martínez-Bueno
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Avda Fuentenueva s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/University of Granada, Severo Ochoa s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Gálvez
- CIBER-EHD, Department of Pharmacology. Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Avda del Conocimiento s/n, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (Ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - Mercedes Maqueda
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Avda Fuentenueva s/n, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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34
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Bypassing lantibiotic resistance by an effective nisin derivative. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:3454-3462. [PMID: 31253534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The need for new antibiotic compounds is rising and antimicrobial peptides are excellent candidates to fulfill this object. The bacteriocin subgroup lantibiotics, for example, are active in the nanomolar range and target the membranes of mainly Gram-positive bacteria. They bind to lipid II, inhibit cell growth and in some cases form pores within the bacterial membrane, inducing rapid cell death. Pharmaceutical usage of lantibiotics is however hampered by the presence of gene clusters in human pathogenic strains which, when expressed, confer resistance. The human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae COH1, expresses several lantibiotic resistance proteins resulting in resistance against for example nisin. This study presents a highly potent, pore forming nisin variant as an alternative lantibiotic which bypasses the SaNSR protein. It is shown that this nisin derivate nisinC28P keeps its nanomolar antibacterial activity against L. lactis NZ9000 cells but is not recognized by the nisin resistance protein SaNSR. NisinC28P is cleaved by SaNSR in vitro with a highly decreased efficiency, as shown by an cleavage assay. Furthermore, we show that nisinC28P is still able to form pores in the membranes of L. lactis and is three times more efficient against SaNSR-expressing L. lactis cells than wildtype nisin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Been Koo
- Department of ChemistrySchool of Physics and Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Seo
- Department of ChemistrySchool of Physics and Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju Republic of Korea
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Preclinical evaluation of the maximum tolerated dose and toxicokinetics of enteric-coated lantibiotic OG253 capsules. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 374:32-40. [PMID: 31034929 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.04.019] [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: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) is the leading infectious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis in the United States. Both the incidence and severity of CDAD have been increased over the past two decades. We evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and toxicokinetics of OG253, a novel lantibiotic in development for the treatment of CDAD. OG253 was orally administered to Wistar Han rats as enteric-coated capsules in a one-day dose escalation study, followed by a seven-day repeated dose toxicokinetics study. All three doses of OG253 (6.75, 27 and 108 mg/day) were generally well-tolerated with no treatment-related clinical signs, alterations in body weight or food consumption in both one-day acute tolerability and seven-days repeated dose tolerability and toxicokinetics study. OG253 capsule administration neither significantly alter the weight of organs nor affect the hematology, coagulation, clinical biochemistry parameters and urine pH compared to placebo capsule administered rats. LC-MS/MS analysis did not detect OG253 in the plasma, indicating that OG253 is not absorbed into the blood from the rat gastrointestinal tract. Glandular atrophy of the rectal mucosa was noticed in two out of six rats administered with a high dose of OG253. Surprisingly, we found that OG253 treatment significantly lowered both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in both sexes of rats. Overall, there was a 29.8 and 61.38% decrease in the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, respectively as compared to placebo-treated rats. The well-tolerated high dose of OG253 (425.7 mg/kg/day) is recommended as the MTD for safety and efficacy studies. Further preclinical study is needed to evaluate the safety profile of OG253 under longer exposure.
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Hols P, Ledesma-García L, Gabant P, Mignolet J. Mobilization of Microbiota Commensals and Their Bacteriocins for Therapeutics. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:690-702. [PMID: 30987817 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
With the specter of resurgence of pathogens due to the propagation of antibiotic-resistance genes, innovative antimicrobial strategies are needed. In this review, we summarize the beneficial aspects of bacteriocins, a set of miscellaneous peptide-based bacterium killers, compared with classical antibiotics, and emphasize their use in cocktails to curb the emergence of new resistance. We highlight that their prey spectrum, their molecular malleability, and their multiple modes of production might lead to specific and personalized treatments to prevent systemic disorders. Complementarily, we discuss how we might exploit prevailing bacterial commensals, such as Streptococcus salivarius, and deliberately mobilize their bacteriocin arsenal 'on site' to cure multiresistant infections or finely reshape the endogenous microbiota for prophylaxis purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Hols
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms (BGM), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Laura Ledesma-García
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms (BGM), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Philippe Gabant
- Syngulon, rue du Bois Saint-Jean 15/1, 4102, Seraing, Belgium
| | - Johann Mignolet
- Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms (BGM), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Syngulon, rue du Bois Saint-Jean 15/1, 4102, Seraing, Belgium.
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38
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Jin X, Park OJ, Hong SH. Incorporation of non-standard amino acids into proteins: challenges, recent achievements, and emerging applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:2947-2958. [PMID: 30790000 PMCID: PMC6449208 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09690-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The natural genetic code only allows for 20 standard amino acids in protein translation, but genetic code reprogramming enables the incorporation of non-standard amino acids (NSAAs). Proteins containing NSAAs provide enhanced or novel properties and open diverse applications. With increased attention to the recent advancements in synthetic biology, various improved and novel methods have been developed to incorporate single and multiple distinct NSAAs into proteins. However, various challenges remain in regard to NSAA incorporation, such as low yield and misincorporation. In this review, we summarize the recent efforts to improve NSAA incorporation by utilizing orthogonal translational system optimization, cell-free protein synthesis, genomically recoded organisms, artificial codon boxes, quadruplet codons, and orthogonal ribosomes, before closing with a discussion of the emerging applications of NSAA incorporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Jin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
| | - Oh-Jin Park
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Yanbian University of Science and Technology, Yanji, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Seok Hoon Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA.
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Schmitt S, Montalbán-López M, Peterhoff D, Deng J, Wagner R, Held M, Kuipers OP, Panke S. Analysis of modular bioengineered antimicrobial lanthipeptides at nanoliter scale. Nat Chem Biol 2019; 15:437-443. [PMID: 30936500 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-019-0250-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The rise of antibiotic resistance demands the acceleration of molecular diversification strategies to inspire new chemical entities for antibiotic medicines. We report here on the large-scale engineering of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified antimicrobial peptides carrying the ring-forming amino acid lanthionine. New-to-nature variants featuring distinct properties were obtained by combinatorial shuffling of peptide modules derived from 12 natural antimicrobial lanthipeptides and processing by a promiscuous post-translational modification machinery. For experimental characterization, we developed the nanoFleming, a miniaturized and parallelized high-throughput inhibition assay. On the basis of a hit set of >100 molecules, we identified variants with improved activity against pathogenic bacteria and shifted activity profiles, and extrapolated design guidelines that will simplify the identification of peptide-based anti-infectives in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Schmitt
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - David Peterhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jingjing Deng
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ralf Wagner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Held
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Oscar P Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Sven Panke
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland.
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Pharmacological, Toxicological, and Dose Range Assessment of OG716, a Novel Lantibiotic for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile-Associated Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.01904-18. [PMID: 30670434 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01904-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lantibiotics present an attractive scaffold for the development of novel antibiotics. We report here a novel lantibiotic for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. The lead compounds were selected from a library of over 700 single- and multiple-substitution variants of the lantibiotic mutacin 1140 (MU1140). The best performers in vitro and in vivo were further used to challenge Golden Syrian hamsters orally in a Golden Syrian hamster model of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) in a dose-response format, resulting in the selection of OG716 as the lead compound. This lantibiotic was characterized by a 50% effective dose of 23.85 mg/kg of body weight/day (10.97 μmol/kg/day) in this model. Upon oral administration of the maximum feasible dose (≥1,918 mg/kg/day), no observable toxicities or side effects were noted, and no effect on intestinal motility was observed. Compartmentalization to the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed. MU1140-derived variants offer a large pipeline for the development of novel antibiotics for the treatment of several indications and are particularly attractive considering their novel mechanism of action. Based on the currently available data, OG716 has an acceptable profile for further development for the treatment of CDAD.
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41
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Acedo JZ, Chiorean S, Vederas JC, van Belkum MJ. The expanding structural variety among bacteriocins from Gram-positive bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 42:805-828. [PMID: 30085042 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria use various strategies to compete in an ecological niche, including the production of bacteriocins. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antibacterial peptides, and it has been postulated that the majority of Gram-positive bacteria produce one or more of these natural products. Bacteriocins can be used in food preservation and are also considered as potential alternatives to antibiotics. The majority of bacteriocins from Gram-positive bacteria had been traditionally divided into two major classes, namely lantibiotics, which are post-translationally modified bacteriocins, and unmodified bacteriocins. The last decade has seen an expanding number of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) in Gram-positive bacteria that have antibacterial activity. These include linear azol(in)e-containing peptides, thiopeptides, bottromycins, glycocins, lasso peptides and lipolanthines. In addition, the three-dimensional (3D) structures of a number of modified and unmodified bacteriocins have been elucidated in recent years. This review gives an overview on the structural variety of bacteriocins from Gram-positive bacteria. It will focus on the chemical and 3D structures of these peptides, and their interactions with receptors and membranes, structure-function relationships and possible modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeella Z Acedo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Sorina Chiorean
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - John C Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Marco J van Belkum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G2, Canada
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42
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Kers JA, Sharp RE, Muley S, Mayo M, Colbeck J, Zhu Y, DeFusco AW, Park JH, Handfield M. Blueprints for the rational design of therapeutic mutacin 1140 variants. Chem Biol Drug Des 2018; 92:1940-1953. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johan A. Kers
- Intrexon Corp.; Industrial Products Division; South San Francisco California
| | - R. Eryl Sharp
- Intrexon Corp.; Industrial Products Division; South San Francisco California
| | - Sheela Muley
- Intrexon Corp.; Industrial Products Division; South San Francisco California
| | - Melissa Mayo
- Intrexon Corp.; Industrial Products Division; South San Francisco California
| | - Jeffrey Colbeck
- Intrexon Corp.; Industrial Products Division; South San Francisco California
| | - Yihui Zhu
- Intrexon Corp.; Industrial Products Division; South San Francisco California
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43
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Denoël T, Lemaire C, Luxen A. Progress in Lanthionine and Protected Lanthionine Synthesis. Chemistry 2018; 24:15421-15441. [PMID: 29714402 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201801115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Lanthionine (Lan), a non-proteinogenic natural amino acid, is an essential component of peptidoglycan found in the cell wall of Fusobacterium species. Lan and β-methyllanthionine are also key constituents in lantibiotics, a prevalent class of peptide antibiotics. The development of those new antibacterial drugs with enhanced properties is the focus of recent research. Since multiple isomers of Lan are possible, a regio- and diastereoselective synthesis is challenging. This comprehensive review summarizes the known chemical syntheses of lanthionine from various precursors (e.g., β-chloroalanine, cystine, dehydroalanine, β-iodoalanine, aziridine, serine lactone, sulfamidate) since 1941. Methods for preparation of unprotected, protected, orthogonally protected, and mutually orthogonally protected lanthionine with relevant experimental details and perspectives on their usefulness are provided. The potential of these Lan derivatives is illustrated by one recent application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Denoël
- Cyclotron Research Centre, Université de Liège, Quartier Agora, allée du VI août, 8, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christian Lemaire
- Cyclotron Research Centre, Université de Liège, Quartier Agora, allée du VI août, 8, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - André Luxen
- Cyclotron Research Centre, Université de Liège, Quartier Agora, allée du VI août, 8, 4000, Liège, Belgium
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Ongey EL, Giessmann RT, Fons M, Rappsilber J, Adrian L, Neubauer P. Heterologous Biosynthesis, Modifications and Structural Characterization of Ruminococcin-A, a Lanthipeptide From the Gut Bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus E1, in Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1688. [PMID: 30093894 PMCID: PMC6071512 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruminococcin A (RumA) is a lanthipeptide with high activity against pathogenic clostridia and is naturally produced by the strict anaerobic bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus E1, isolated from human intestine. Cultivating R. gnavus E1 is challenging, limiting high-quality production, further biotechnological development and therapeutic exploitation of RumA. To supply an alternative production system, the gene encoding RumA-modifying enzyme (RumM) and the gene encoding the unmodified precursor peptide (preRumA) were amplified from the chromosome of R. gnavus E1 and coexpressed in Escherichia coli. Our results show that the ruminococcin-A lanthionine synthetase RumM catalyzed dehydration of threonine and serine residues and subsequently installed thioether bridges into the core structure of a mutant version of preRumA (preRumA∗). These modifications were achieved when the peptide was expressed as a fusion protein together with green fluorescence protein (GFP), demonstrating that a larger attachment to the N-terminus of the leader peptide does not obstruct in vivo processivity of RumM in modifying the core peptide. The leader peptide serves as a docking sequence which the modifying enzyme recognizes and interacts with, enabling its catalytic role. We further investigated RumM catalysis in conjunction with the formation of complexes observed between RumM and the chimeric GFP fusion protein. Results obtained suggested some insights into the catalytic mechanisms of class II lanthipeptide synthetases. Our data further indicated the presence of three thioether bridges, contradicting a previous report whose findings ruled out the possibility of forming a third ring in RumA. Modified preRumA∗ was activated in vitro by removing the leader peptide using trypsin and biological activity was achieved against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. A production yield of 6 mg of pure modified preRumA∗ per liter of E. coli culture was attained and considering the size ratio of the leader-to-core segments of preRumA∗, this amount would generate a final yield of approximately 1-2 mg of active RumA when the leader peptide is removed. The yield of our system exceeds that attainable in the natural producer by several 1000-fold. The system developed herein supplies useful tools for product optimization and for performing in vivo peptide engineering to generate new analogs with superior anti-infective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis L Ongey
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert T Giessmann
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michel Fons
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP UMR 7281, Marseille, France
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lorenz Adrian
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.,Chair of Geobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Neubauer
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Bioinspired Designs, Molecular Premise and Tools for Evaluating the Ecological Importance of Antimicrobial Peptides. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11030068. [PMID: 29996512 PMCID: PMC6161137 DOI: 10.3390/ph11030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article provides an overview of recent developments in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), summarizing structural diversity, potential new applications, activity targets and microbial killing responses in general. The use of artificial and natural AMPs as templates for rational design of peptidomimetics are also discussed and some strategies are put forward to curtail cytotoxic effects against eukaryotic cells. Considering the heat-resistant nature, chemical and proteolytic stability of AMPs, we attempt to summarize their molecular targets, examine how these macromolecules may contribute to potential environmental risks vis-à-vis the activities of the peptides. We further point out the evolutional characteristics of the macromolecules and indicate how they can be useful in designing target-specific peptides. Methods are suggested that may help to assess toxic mechanisms of AMPs and possible solutions are discussed to promote the development and application of AMPs in medicine. Even if there is wide exposure to the environment like in the hospital settings, AMPs may instead contribute to prevent healthcare-associated infections so long as ecotoxicological aspects are considered.
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OG716: Designing a fit-for-purpose lantibiotic for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197467. [PMID: 29894469 PMCID: PMC5997364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lantibiotics continue to offer an untapped pipeline for the development of novel antibiotics. We report here the discovery of a novel lantibiotic for the treatment of C. difficile infection (CDI). The leads were selected from a library of over 300 multiple substitution variants of the lantibiotic Mutacin 1140 (MU1140). Top performers were selected based on testing for superior potency, solubility, manufacturability, and physicochemical and/or metabolic stability in biologically-relevant systems. The best performers in vitro were further evaluated orally in the Golden Syrian hamster model of CDAD. In vivo testing ultimately identified OG716 as the lead compound, which conferred 100% survival and no relapse at 3 weeks post infection. MU1140-derived variants are particularly attractive for further clinical development considering their novel mechanism of action.
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47
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Premnath P, Reck M, Wittstein K, Stadler M, Wagner-Döbler I. Screening for inhibitors of mutacin synthesis in Streptococcus mutans using fluorescent reporter strains. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:24. [PMID: 29580208 PMCID: PMC5870221 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Within the polymicrobial dental plaque biofilm, bacteria kill competitors by excreting mixtures of bacteriocins, resulting in improved fitness and survival. Inhibiting their bacteriocin synthesis might therefore be a useful strategy to eliminate specific pathogens. We used Streptococcus mutans, a highly acidogenic inhabitant of dental plaque, as a model and searched for natural products that reduced mutacin synthesis. To this end we fused the promoter of mutacin VI to the GFP+ gene and integrated the construct into the genome of S. mutans UA159 by single homologous recombination. Results The resulting reporter strain 423p - gfp + was used to screen 297 secondary metabolites from different sources, mainly myxobacteria and fungi, for their ability to reduce the fluorescence of the fully induced reporter strain by > 50% while growth was almost unaffected (> 90% of control). Seven compounds with different chemical structures and different modes of action were identified. Erinacine C was subsequently validated and shown to inhibit transcription of all three mutacins of S. mutans. The areas of the inhibition zones of the sensor strains S. sanguinis and Lactococcus lactis were reduced by 35% to 61% in comparison to controls in the presence of erinacine C, demonstrating that the amount of active mutacins in the culture supernatants of S. mutans was reduced. Erinacines are cyathane diterpenes that were extracted from cultures of the edible mushroom Hericium erinaceus. They have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and neuroprotective effects. For erinacine C, a new biological activity was found here. Conclusions We demonstrate the successful development of a whole-cell fluorescent reporter for the screening of natural compounds and report that erinacine C suppresses mutacin synthesis in S. mutans without affecting cell viability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1170-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Premnath
- Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Group Microbial Communication, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Reck
- Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Group Microbial Communication, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Wittstein
- Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Department of Microbial Drugs, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marc Stadler
- Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Department of Microbial Drugs, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Irene Wagner-Döbler
- Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Group Microbial Communication, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany.
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48
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Kers JA, Sharp RE, Defusco AW, Park JH, Xu J, Pulse ME, Weiss WJ, Handfield M. Mutacin 1140 Lantibiotic Variants Are Efficacious Against Clostridium difficile Infection. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:415. [PMID: 29615987 PMCID: PMC5864910 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lantibiotics offer an untapped pipeline for the development of novel antibiotics to treat serious Gram-positive (+) infections including Clostridium difficile. Mutacin 1140 (MU1140) is a lantibiotic produced by Streptococcus mutans and acts via a novel mechanism of action, which may limit the development of resistance. This study sought to identify a lead compound for the treatment of C. difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD). Compounds were selected from a saturation mutagenesis library of 418 single amino acid variants of MU1140. Compounds were produced by small scale fermentation, purified, characterized and then subjected to a panel of assays aimed at identifying the best performers. The screening assays included: in vitro susceptibility testing [MIC against Micrococcus luteus, Clostridium difficile, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Mycobacterium phlei, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; cytotoxicity screening on HepG2 hepatocytes; in vitro pharmacological profiling with the Safety Screen 44TM, metabolic and chemical stability in biologically relevant fluids (FaSSGF, FaSSIF and serum); and efficacy in vivo]. Several lantibiotic compounds had better MIC against C. difficile, compared to vancomycin, but not against other bacterial species tested. The Safety Screen 44TMin vitro pharmacological profiling assay suggested that this class of compounds has relatively low overall toxicity and that compound OG253 (MU1140, Phe1Ile) is not likely to present inadvertent off-target effects, as evidenced by a low promiscuity score. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay also indicated that this class of compounds was characterized by low toxicity; the EC50 of OG253 was 636 mg/mL on HepG2 cells. The half-life in simulated gastric fluid was >240 min. for all compound tested. The stability in simulated intestinal fluid ranged between a half-life of 5 min to >240 min, and paralleled the half-life in serum. OG253 ultimately emerged as the lead compound based on superior in vivo efficacy along with an apparent lack of relapse in a hamster model of infection. The lessons learned from this report are applicable to therapeutic lanthipeptides in general and may assist in the design of novel molecules with improved pharmacological, therapeutic and physicochemical profiles. The data presented also support the continued clinical development of OG253 as a novel antibiotic against CDAD that could prevent recurrence of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan A Kers
- Industrial Products Division, Intrexon Corp., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Robert E Sharp
- Industrial Products Division, Intrexon Corp., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Jae H Park
- Oragenics, Inc., Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Mark E Pulse
- PreClinical Services, UNT System College of Pharmacy, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - William J Weiss
- PreClinical Services, UNT System College of Pharmacy, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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