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Wongchai M, Wongkaewkhiaw S, Kanthawong S, Roytrakul S, Aunpad R. Dual-function antimicrobial-antibiofilm peptide hybrid to tackle biofilm-forming Staphylococcus epidermidis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2024; 23:44. [PMID: 38755634 PMCID: PMC11100219 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-024-00701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to their resistance and difficulty in treatment, biofilm-associated infections are problematic among hospitalized patients globally and account for 60% of all bacterial infections in humans. Antibiofilm peptides have recently emerged as an alternative treatment since they can be effectively designed and exert a different mode of biofilm inhibition and eradication. METHODS A novel antibiofilm peptide, BiF, was designed from the conserved sequence of 18 α-helical antibiofilm peptides by template-assisted technique and its activity was improved by hybridization with a lipid binding motif (KILRR). Novel antibiofilm peptide derivatives were modified by substituting hydrophobic amino acids at positions 5 or 7, and both, with positively charged lysines (L5K, L7K). These peptide derivatives were tested for antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities against biofilm-forming Staphylococcus epidermidis and multiple other microbes using crystal violet and broth microdilution assays, respectively. To assess their impact on mammalian cells, the toxicity of peptides was determined through hemolysis and cytotoxicity assays. The stability of candidate peptide, BiF2_5K7K, was assessed in human serum and its secondary structure in bacterial membrane-like environments was analyzed using circular dichroism. The action of BiF2_5K7K on planktonic S. epidermidis and its effect on biofilm cell viability were assessed via viable counting assays. Its biofilm inhibition mechanism was investigated through confocal laser scanning microscopy and transcription analysis. Additionally, its ability to eradicate mature biofilms was examined using colony counting. Finally, a preliminary evaluation involved coating a catheter with BiF2_5K7K to assess its preventive efficacy against S. epidermidis biofilm formation on the catheter and its surrounding area. RESULTS BiF2_5K7K, the modified antibiofilm peptide, exhibited dose-dependent antibiofilm activity against S. epidermidis. It inhibited biofilm formation at subinhibitory concentrations by altering S. epidermidis extracellular polysaccharide production and quorum-sensing gene expression. Additionally, it exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and no significant hemolysis or toxicity against mammalian cell lines was observed. Its activity is retained when exposed to human serum. In bacterial membrane-like environments, this peptide formed an α-helix amphipathic structure. Within 4 h, a reduction in the number of S. epidermidis colonies was observed, demonstrating the fast action of this peptide. As a preliminary test, a BiF2_5K7K-coated catheter was able to prevent the development of S. epidermidis biofilm both on the catheter surface and in its surrounding area. CONCLUSIONS Due to the safety and effectiveness of BiF2_5K7K, we suggest that this peptide be further developed to combat biofilm infections, particularly those of biofilm-forming S. epidermidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathira Wongchai
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Saharut Wongkaewkhiaw
- School of Dentistry, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakawrat Kanthawong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Proteomics Technology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Ratchaneewan Aunpad
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
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Hsu PH, Hazam PK, Huang YP, Yeh JC, Chen YR, Li CC, Chang CF, Liou JW, Chen JY. Optimization of sequence and chiral content enhances therapeutic potential of tilapia piscidin peptides. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116083. [PMID: 38150960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Because antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) often exhibit broad-spectrum bactericidal potency, we sought to develop peptide-based antimicrobials for potential clinical use against drug-resistant pathogens. To accomplish this goal, we first optimized the amino acid sequence of a broad-spectrum AMP known as Tilapia Piscidin 4 (TP4). Then, we used the optimized sequence to create a pair of heterochiral variants (TP4-α and TP4-β) with different percentages of D-enantiomers, as poly-L peptides often exhibit poor pharmacokinetic profiles. The conformations of the peptide pair exhibited inverted chirality according to CD and NMR spectroscopic analyses. Both heterochiral peptides displayed enhanced stability and low hemolysis activities. Irrespective of their different d-enantiomer contents, both heterochiral peptides exhibited bactericidal activities in the presence of human serum or physiological enzymes. However, the peptide with higher d-amino acid content (TP4-β) caused better bacterial clearance when tested in mice infected with NDM-1 K. pneumoniae. In addition, we observed a relatively higher hydrogen bonding affinity in a simulation of the interaction between TP4-β and a model bacterial membrane. In sum, our results demonstrate that the current design strategy may be applicable for development of new molecules with enhanced stability and in vivo antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsien Hsu
- Institute of Fisheries Science, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt Road, Sec. 4, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Prakash Kishore Hazam
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10 Dahuen Rd., Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Huang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Chao Yeh
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10 Dahuen Rd., Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Chen
- Academia Sinica Protein Clinic, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Chin Li
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Fon Chang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Je-Wen Liou
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, 701, Sec.3, Chung-Yang Rd, Hualien, 970, Taiwan.
| | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10 Dahuen Rd., Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan; The IEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center and the Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
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Hazam PK, Cheng CC, Lin WC, Hsieh CY, Hsu PH, Chen YR, Li CC, Hsueh PR, Chen JY. Strategic modification of low-activity natural antimicrobial peptides confers antibacterial potential in vitro and in vivo. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115131. [PMID: 36669399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show great promise for clinical applications, but the utility of naturally occurring AMPs is often limited by their stability. Here, we used a rational design approach to improve the characteristics of a pair of inactive peptides, tilapia piscidin 1 and 2 (TP1 and TP2). From each starting peptide, we generated a series of novel derivatives by substituting residues to adjust cationic charge density, percent hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity coefficients. This approach yielded a novel peptide, TP2-5 (KKCIAKAILKKAKKLLKKLVNP), that exhibits significant bactericidal potency, low cytotoxicity and high stability. The designed peptide further showed antibiofilm activity, rapid antibacterial action and a low capacity to induce bacterial resistance. Importantly, we also demonstrated that TP2-5 can protect mice in a Vibrio vulnificus-infected wound model. Therefore, our peptide modification strategy successfully generated a novel AMP with high potential for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kishore Hazam
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10, Dahuen Rd., Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Cheng
- Institute of Fisheries Science, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt Road, Sec. 4, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Lin
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10, Dahuen Rd., Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Yi Hsieh
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10, Dahuen Rd., Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsien Hsu
- Institute of Fisheries Science, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt Road, Sec. 4, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Chen
- Academia Sinica Protein Clinic, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang District, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Chin Li
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; PhD Program for Aging, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10, Dahuen Rd., Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan; The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center and the Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
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Prakash V, Christian Y, Redkar AS, Roy A, Anandalakshmi R, Ramakrishnan V. Antibacterial hydrogels of aromatic tripeptides. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:6360-6371. [PMID: 35971808 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00606e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled peptide hydrogels have emerged as alternatives to the conventional approaches employed in controlled drug release, wound-healing, and drug delivery, and as anti-infective agents. However, peptide hydrogels possessing antibacterial properties are less explored. In this work, we have designed three ultrashort antibacterial peptide hydrogels: Fmoc-FFH-CONH2, Fmoc-FHF-CONH2, and Fmoc-HFF-CONH2. The rheological study showed the higher storage modulus of Fmoc-FFH-CONH2 (30.43 kPa) compared to Fmoc-FHF-CONH2 and Fmoc-HFF-CONH2, which may be attributed to the enhanced aromatic interaction in Fmoc-FFH-CONH2 compared to the other two variants, resulting in more mechanical rigidity. Further, the prepared hydrogels were evaluated for their inherent antibacterial potency against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, strain MTCC 96) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, strain PA01) bacteria. Antibacterial experiments demonstrated the potency of the hydrogels in the order of Fmoc-FFH-CONH2 > Fmoc-FHF-CONH2 > Fmoc-HFF-CONH2. The antibacterial effect of the hydrogels was predominantly due to the osmotic stress and membrane disruption, which was verified by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and outer membrane permeabilization assays. Our findings point to the scope of using the synthesized peptide hydrogels as agents for topical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Prakash
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
| | - Yvonne Christian
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
| | - Amay Sanjay Redkar
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
| | - Abhishek Roy
- Advanced Energy & Materials Systems Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - R Anandalakshmi
- Advanced Energy & Materials Systems Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Vibin Ramakrishnan
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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Development of Bactericidal Peptides against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii with Enhanced Stability and Low Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042191. [PMID: 35216307 PMCID: PMC8875074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic superbugs are the root cause of untreatable complex infections with limited or no treatment options. These infections are becoming more common as clinical antibiotics have lost their effectiveness over time. Therefore, the development of novel antibacterial agents is urgently needed to counter these microbes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a viable treatment option due to their bactericidal potency against multiple microbial classes. AMPs are naturally selected physiological microbicidal agents that are found in all forms of organisms. In the present study, we developed two tilapia piscidin 2 (TP2)-based AMPs for antimicrobial application. Unlike the parent peptide, the redesigned peptides showed significant antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial species. These peptides also showed minimal cytotoxicity. In addition, they were significantly active in the presence of physiological salts, 50% human serum and elevated temperature. The designed peptides also showed synergistic activity when combined with clinical antibiotics. The current approach demonstrates a fruitful strategy for developing potential AMPs for antimicrobial application. Such AMPs have potential for progression to further trials and drug development investigations.
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Hazam PK, Phukan C, Akhil R, Singh A, Ramakrishnan V. Antimicrobial effects of syndiotactic polypeptides. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1823. [PMID: 33469079 PMCID: PMC7815786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We present design and antibacterial studies of stereochemically diversified antimicrobial peptides against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Syndiotactic polypeptides are polymers of alternating L and D amino acids with LDLD or DLDL backbone stereochemical sequence, which can form stable gramicidin like helical conformations. We designed, synthesized and characterized eight model molecular systems with varied electrostatic fingerprints, modulated through calibrated sequence positioning. Six out of eight model systems showed very impressive antimicrobial activity against three difficult to treat bacterial species, Gentamicin resistant MRSA, E. coli and Mycobacterium. More importantly, the designed LDLD peptides were equally potent in serum, an important drawback of poly L peptide sequences due to enzyme mediated degradation and ion sensitivity. Further, we tested the activity of the designed peptides against drug-resistant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Molecular dynamics simulation studies suggest formation of an assembly of individual peptides, preceding the membrane interaction and deformation. The activity estimates are comparable with the available peptide based antimicrobials, and are also highly specific and less toxic as per standard estimates. Incorporation of D amino-acids can significantly expand the peptide design space, which can in turn manifest in future biomaterial designs, especially antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kishore Hazam
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781125, India
| | - Chimanjita Phukan
- Guwahati Medical College Hospital, Bhangagarh, Guwahati, Assam, 781032, India
| | - R Akhil
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Anjali Singh
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Vibin Ramakrishnan
- Molecular Informatics and Design Laboratory, Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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Hazam PK, Akhil R, Jerath G, Saikia J, Ramakrishnan V. Topological effects on the designability and bactericidal potency of antimicrobial peptides. Biophys Chem 2019; 248:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Hazam PK, Goyal R, Ramakrishnan V. Peptide based antimicrobials: Design strategies and therapeutic potential. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 142:10-22. [PMID: 30125585 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic activity of antibiotics is noteworthy, as they are used in the treatment of microbial infections. Regardless of their utility, there has been a steep decrease in the number of drug candidates due to antibiotic resistance, an inevitable consequence of noncompliance with the full therapeutic regimen. A variety of resistant species like MDR (Multi-Drug Resistant), XDR (Extensively Drug-Resistant) and PDR (Pan Drug-Resistant) species have evolved, but discovery pipeline has already shown signs of getting dried up. Therefore, the need for newer antibiotics is of utmost priority to combat the microbial infections of future times. Peptides have some interesting features like minimal side effect, high tolerability and selectivity towards specific targets, which would help them successfully comply with the stringent safety standards set for clinical trials. In this review, we attempt to present the state of the art in the discovery of peptide-based antimicrobials from a design perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kishore Hazam
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, 781039, India
| | - Ruchika Goyal
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, 781039, India
| | - Vibin Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, 781039, India.
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