1
|
Ferrarini MG, Vallier A, Vincent-Monégat C, Dell'Aglio E, Gillet B, Hughes S, Hurtado O, Condemine G, Zaidman-Rémy A, Rebollo R, Parisot N, Heddi A. Coordination of host and endosymbiont gene expression governs endosymbiont growth and elimination in the cereal weevil Sitophilus spp. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:274. [PMID: 38087390 PMCID: PMC10717185 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insects living in nutritionally poor environments often establish long-term relationships with intracellular bacteria that supplement their diets and improve their adaptive and invasive powers. Even though these symbiotic associations have been extensively studied on physiological, ecological, and evolutionary levels, few studies have focused on the molecular dialogue between host and endosymbionts to identify genes and pathways involved in endosymbiosis control and dynamics throughout host development. RESULTS We simultaneously analyzed host and endosymbiont gene expression during the life cycle of the cereal weevil Sitophilus oryzae, from larval stages to adults, with a particular emphasis on emerging adults where the endosymbiont Sodalis pierantonius experiences a contrasted growth-climax-elimination dynamics. We unraveled a constant arms race in which different biological functions are intertwined and coregulated across both partners. These include immunity, metabolism, metal control, apoptosis, and bacterial stress response. CONCLUSIONS The study of these tightly regulated functions, which are at the center of symbiotic regulations, provides evidence on how hosts and bacteria finely tune their gene expression and respond to different physiological challenges constrained by insect development in a nutritionally limited ecological niche. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Galvão Ferrarini
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621, Villeurbanne, France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR 5558, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Agnès Vallier
- Univ Lyon, INRAE, INSA Lyon, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Elisa Dell'Aglio
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Benjamin Gillet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL), CNRS UMR 5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sandrine Hughes
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL), CNRS UMR 5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ophélie Hurtado
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Guy Condemine
- Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, INSA de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5240 Microbiologie Adaptation et Pathogénie, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Anna Zaidman-Rémy
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621, Villeurbanne, France
- Institut universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Rita Rebollo
- Univ Lyon, INRAE, INSA Lyon, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nicolas Parisot
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Abdelaziz Heddi
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621, Villeurbanne, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smola-Dmochowska A, Lewicka K, Macyk A, Rychter P, Pamuła E, Dobrzyński P. Biodegradable Polymers and Polymer Composites with Antibacterial Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087473. [PMID: 37108637 PMCID: PMC10138923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to global health and food security today. It becomes increasingly difficult to treat infectious disorders because antibiotics, even the newest ones, are becoming less and less effective. One of the ways taken in the Global Plan of Action announced at the World Health Assembly in May 2015 is to ensure the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In order to do so, attempts are made to develop new antimicrobial therapeutics, including biomaterials with antibacterial activity, such as polycationic polymers, polypeptides, and polymeric systems, to provide non-antibiotic therapeutic agents, such as selected biologically active nanoparticles and chemical compounds. Another key issue is preventing food from contamination by developing antibacterial packaging materials, particularly based on degradable polymers and biocomposites. This review, in a cross-sectional way, describes the most significant research activities conducted in recent years in the field of the development of polymeric materials and polymer composites with antibacterial properties. We particularly focus on natural polymers, i.e., polysaccharides and polypeptides, which present a mechanism for combating many highly pathogenic microorganisms. We also attempt to use this knowledge to obtain synthetic polymers with similar antibacterial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Smola-Dmochowska
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej Str., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Kamila Lewicka
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
| | - Alicja Macyk
- Department of Biomaterials and Composites, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30 Mickiewicza Av., 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Rychter
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Pamuła
- Department of Biomaterials and Composites, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30 Mickiewicza Av., 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Dobrzyński
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej Str., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Burciaga RA, Ruiz-Guzmán G, Lanz-Mendoza H, Krams I, Contreras-Garduño J. The honey bees immune memory. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 138:104528. [PMID: 36067906 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrates' immune priming or innate immune memory is an analogous response to the vertebrates' adaptive memory. We investigated if honey bees have immune memory. We compared survival and immune response between bees that were: 1) manipulated (Naïve), 2) challenged twice with the same pathogen Escherichia coli (Memory), 3) challenged twice with different pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus versus E. coli, Micrococcus lysodeikticus versus E. coli), or 4) with PBS (the diluent of bacteria) versus E. coli (heterologous challenge; Control). Results indicate better survival in the Memory than the Control group, and the Memory group showed a similar survival than Naïve insects. The Memory group had higher lytic activity but lower prophenoloxidase, phenoloxidase activity, and hemocyte count than the Control and Naïve groups. No differences were found in relative expression of defensin-1. This first demonstration of immune memory opens the questions about its molecular mechanisms and whether, immune memory could be used against natural parasites that affect honey bees, hence, if they could be "vaccinated" against some natural parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Aarón Burciaga
- ENES, Unidad Morelia, UNAM. Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro, No.8701. Col. Ex-Hacienda San José de la Huerta Código, 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Gloria Ruiz-Guzmán
- ENES, Unidad Morelia, UNAM. Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro, No.8701. Col. Ex-Hacienda San José de la Huerta Código, 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | | | - Indrikis Krams
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Biotechnology, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia; Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Jorge Contreras-Garduño
- ENES, Unidad Morelia, UNAM. Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro, No.8701. Col. Ex-Hacienda San José de la Huerta Código, 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Immunological Tolerance in Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also referred to as endotoxins, are major outer surface membrane components present on almost all Gram-negative bacteria and are major determinants of sepsis-related clinical complications including septic shock. LPS acts as a strong stimulator of innate or natural immunity in a wide variety of eukaryotic species ranging from insects to humans including specific effects on the adaptive immune system. However, following immune stimulation, lipopolysaccharide can induce tolerance which is an essential immune-homeostatic response that prevents overactivation of the inflammatory response. The tolerance induced by LPS is a state of reduced immune responsiveness due to persistent and repeated challenges, resulting in decreased expression of pro-inflammatory modulators and up-regulation of antimicrobials and other mediators that promote a reduction of inflammation. The presence of environmental-derived LPS may play a key role in decreasing autoimmune diseases and gut tolerance to the plethora of ingested antigens. The use of LPS may be an important immune adjuvant as demonstrated by the promotion of IDO1 increase when present in the fusion protein complex of CTB-INS (a chimera of the cholera toxin B subunit linked to proinsulin) that inhibits human monocyte-derived DC (moDC) activation, which may act through an IDO1-dependent pathway. The resultant state of DC tolerance can be further enhanced by the presence of residual E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which is almost always present in partially purified CTB-INS preparations. The approach to using an adjuvant with an autoantigen in immunotherapy promises effective treatment for devastating tissue-specific autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Collapse
|
5
|
Molecular mechanism underlying the TLR4 antagonistic and antiseptic activities of papiliocin, an insect innate immune response molecule. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2115669119. [PMID: 35238667 PMCID: PMC8915966 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115669119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar to mammalian TLR4/MD-2, the Toll9/MD-2–like protein complex in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, acts as an innate pattern-recognition receptor that recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and induces LPS-stimulated expression of antimicrobial peptides such as cecropins. Here, we report that papiliocin, a cecropin-like insect antimicrobial peptide from the swallowtail butterfly, competitively inhibits the LPS-TLR4/MD-2 interaction by directly binding to human TLR4/MD-2. Structural elements in papiliocin, which are important in inhibiting TLR4 signaling via direct binding, are highly conserved among insect cecropins, indicating that its TLR4-antagonistic activity may be related to insect Toll9-mediated immune response against microbial infection. This study highlights the potential of papiliocin as a potent TLR4 antagonist and safe peptide antibiotic for treating gram-negative sepsis. Antimicrobial peptides are innate immune molecules playing essential roles in insects, which lack the adaptive immune system. Insects possess Toll9, the innate pattern-recognition receptor highly similar to the mammalian Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which is involved in recognizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TLR4 is an important therapeutic target, as it causes uncontrolled immune response in sepsis; therefore, identification of TLR4-targeting molecules is imperative. Papiliocin, an insect cecropin derived from the larvae of the swallowtail butterfly, possesses potent antibacterial activities against gram-negative bacteria. We investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the TLR4-antagonistic and antiseptic activities of papiliocin. Binding analysis, docking simulation, and flow cytometry showed that papiliocin inhibited LPS-induced TLR4 signaling by directly binding to TLR4/MD-2 and causing rapid dissociation of LPS from the TLR4/MD-2 complex. R13 and R16 in the N-terminal helix, conserved in insect cecropins, were the key binding sites at the TLR4/MD-2 interface, along with the flexible hinge region, which promoted the interaction of the hydrophobic carboxyl-terminal helix with the MD-2 pocket to competitively inhibit the LPS–TLR4/MD-2 interaction. Papiliocin, an antiendotoxin molecule and TLR4 inhibitor, rescued the pathology of Escherichia coli–induced sepsis in mice more effectively and with lower nephrotoxicity compared to polymyxin B. Our results provide insight into the key structural components and mechanism underlying the TLR4-antagonistic activities of papiliocin, which is essential for the innate immune response of the insect against microbial infection. Papiliocin may be useful for developing a multifunctional alternative to polymyxin B for treating gram-negative sepsis.
Collapse
|
6
|
Nunes C, Koyama T, Sucena É. Co-option of immune effectors by the hormonal signalling system triggering metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009916. [PMID: 34843450 PMCID: PMC8659296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect metamorphosis is triggered by the production, secretion and degradation of 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysone). In addition to its role in developmental regulation, increasing evidence suggests that ecdysone is involved in innate immunity processes, such as phagocytosis and the induction of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production. AMP regulation includes systemic responses as well as local responses at surface epithelia that contact with the external environment. At pupariation, Drosophila melanogaster increases dramatically the expression of three AMP genes, drosomycin (drs), drosomycin-like 2 (drsl2) and drosomycin-like 5 (drsl5). We show that the systemic action of drs at pupariation is dependent on ecdysone signalling in the fat body and operates via the ecdysone downstream target, Broad. In parallel, ecdysone also regulates local responses, specifically through the activation of drsl2 expression in the gut. Finally, we confirm the relevance of this ecdysone dependent AMP expression for the control of bacterial load by showing that flies lacking drs expression in the fat body have higher bacterial persistence over metamorphosis. In contrast, local responses may be redundant with the systemic effect of drs since reduction of ecdysone signalling or of drsl2 expression has no measurable negative effect on bacterial load control in the pupa. Together, our data emphasize the importance of the association between ecdysone signalling and immunity using in vivo studies and establish a new role for ecdysone at pupariation, which impacts developmental success by regulating the immune system in a stage-dependent manner. We speculate that this co-option of immune effectors by the hormonal system may constitute an anticipatory mechanism to control bacterial numbers in the pupa, at the core of metamorphosis evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Nunes
- Evolution and Development Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Takashi Koyama
- Section for Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Élio Sucena
- Evolution and Development Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Téllez Ramirez GA, Osorio-Méndez JF, Henao Arias DC, Toro S. LJ, Franco Castrillón J, Rojas-Montoya M, Castaño Osorio JC. New Insect Host Defense Peptides (HDP) From Dung Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Transcriptomes. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:12. [PMID: 34374763 PMCID: PMC8353981 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Coleoptera Scarabaeidae family is one of the most diverse groups of insects on the planet, which live in complex microbiological environments. Their immune systems have evolved diverse families of Host Defense Peptides (HDP) with strong antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. However, there are several peptide sequences that await discovery in this group of organisms. This would pave the way to identify molecules with promising therapeutic potential. This work retrieved two sources of information: 1) De-novo transcriptomic data from two species of neotropical Scarabaeidae (Dichotomius satanas and Ontophagus curvicornis); 2) Sequence data deposited in available databases. A Blast-based search was conducted against the transcriptomes with a subset of sequences representative of the HDP. This work reports 155 novel HDP sequences identified in nine transcriptomes from seven species of Coleoptera: D. satanas (n = 76; 49.03%), O. curvicornis (n = 23; 14.83%), (Trypoxylus dichotomus) (n = 18; 11.61%), (Onthophagus nigriventris) (n = 10; 6.45%), (Heterochelus sp) (n = 6; 3.87%), (Oxysternon conspicillatum) (n = 18; 11.61%), and (Popillia japonica) (n = 4; 2.58%). These sequences were identified based on similarity to known HDP insect families. New members of defensins (n = 58; 37.42%), cecropins (n = 18; 11.61%), attancins (n = 41; 26.45%), and coleoptericins (n = 38; 24.52%) were described based on their physicochemical and structural characteristics, as well as their sequence relationship to other insect HDPs. Therefore, the Scarabaeidae family is a complex and rich group of insects with a great diversity of antimicrobial peptides with potential antimicrobial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Germán Alberto Téllez Ramirez
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 and Calle 12 Norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Juan Felipe Osorio-Méndez
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 and Calle 12 Norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Diana Carolina Henao Arias
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 and Calle 12 Norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Lily Johanna Toro S.
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 and Calle 12 Norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Juliana Franco Castrillón
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 and Calle 12 Norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Maribel Rojas-Montoya
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 and Calle 12 Norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Jhon Carlos Castaño Osorio
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Carrera 15 and Calle 12 Norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Al Kashgry NAT, Abulreesh HH, El-Sheikh IA, Almaroai YA, Salem R, Mohamed I, Waly FR, Osman G, Mohamed MSM. Utilization of a recombinant defensin from Maize (Zea mays L.) as a potential antimicrobial peptide. AMB Express 2020; 10:208. [PMID: 33237335 PMCID: PMC7688885 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-020-01146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for effective and bioactive antimicrobial molecules to encounter the medical need for new antibiotics is an encouraging area of research. Plant defensins are small cationic, cysteine-rich peptides with a stabilized tertiary structure by disulfide-bridges and characterized by a wide range of biological functions. The heterologous expression of Egyptian maize defensin (MzDef) in Escherichia coli and subsequent purification by glutathione affinity chromatography yielded 2 mg/L of recombinant defensin peptide. The glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-tagged MzDef of approximately 30 kDa in size (26 KDa GST + ~ 4 KDa MzDef peptide) was immunodetected with anti-GST antibodies. The GST-tag was successfully cleaved from the MzDef peptide by thrombin, and the removal was validated by the Tris-Tricine gel electrophoresis. The MzDef induced strong growth inhibition of Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium verticillioides, and Aspergillus niger by 94.23%, 93.34%, and 86.25%, respectively, whereas relatively weak growth inhibitory activity of 35.42% against Fusarium solani was recorded. Moreover, strong antibacterial activities were demonstrated against E. coli and Bacillus cereus and the moderate activities against Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus at all tested concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 µM). Furthermore, the in vitro MTT assay exhibited promising anticancer activity against all tested cell lines (hepatocellular carcinoma, mammary gland breast cancer, and colorectal carcinoma colon cancer) with IC50 values ranging from 14.85 to 29.85 µg/mL. These results suggest that the recombinant peptide MzDef may serve as a potential alternative antimicrobial and anticancer agent to be used in medicinal application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hussein H Abulreesh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Iman A El-Sheikh
- Biology Department, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaser A Almaroai
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reda Salem
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), ARC, Giza, 12619, Egypt.
| | - Ismail Mohamed
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), ARC, Giza, 12619, Egypt
| | - Fatma R Waly
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), ARC, Giza, 12619, Egypt
| | - Gamal Osman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), ARC, Giza, 12619, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud S M Mohamed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brivio MF, Mastore M. When Appearance Misleads: The Role of the Entomopathogen Surface in the Relationship with Its Host. INSECTS 2020; 11:E387. [PMID: 32585858 PMCID: PMC7348879 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Currently, potentially harmful insects are controlled mainly by chemical synthetic insecticides, but environmental emergencies strongly require less invasive control techniques. The use of biological insecticides in the form of entomopathogenic organisms is undoubtedly a fundamental resource for the biological control of insect pests in the future. These infectious agents and endogenous parasites generally act by profoundly altering the host's physiology to death, but their success is closely related to the neutralization of the target insect's immune response. In general, entomopathogen parasites, entomopathogenic bacteria, and fungi can counteract immune processes through the effects of secretion/excretion products that interfere with and damage the cells and molecules typical of innate immunity. However, these effects are observed in the later stages of infection, whereas the risk of being recognized and neutralized occurs very early after penetration and involves the pathogen surface components and molecular architecture; therefore, their role becomes crucial, particularly in the earliest pathogenesis. In this review, we analyze the evasion/interference strategies that entomopathogens such as the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, fungi, nematocomplexes, and wasps implement in the initial stages of infection, i.e., the phases during which body or cell surfaces play a key role in the interaction with the host receptors responsible for the immunological discrimination between self and non-self. In this regard, these organisms demonstrate evasive abilities ascribed to their body surface and cell wall; it appears that the key process of these mechanisms is the capability to modify the surface, converting it into an immunocompatible structure, or interaction that is more or less specific to host factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Francesco Brivio
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology and Parasitology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
García-Reina A, Rodríguez-García MJ, Cuello F, Galián J. Immune transcriptome analysis in predatory beetles reveals two cecropin genes overexpressed in mandibles. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 171:107346. [PMID: 32067979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107346] [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] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The great complexity and variety of the innate immune system and the production of antimicrobial peptides in insects is correlated with their evolutionary success and adaptation to different environments. Tiger beetles are an example of non-pest species with a cosmopolitan distribution, but the immune system is barely known and its study could provide useful information about the humoral immunity of predatory insects. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed in Calomera littoralis beetles to obtain a screening of those genes that were overexpressed after an injection with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Several genes were identified to be related to immune defense. Among those genes, two members of the cecropin antimicrobial peptides were characterized and identified as CliCec-A and CliCec-B2. Both protein sequences showed cecropin characteristics including 37 and 38 residue mature peptides, composed by two α-helices structures with amphipathic and hydrophobic nature, as shown in their predicted three-dimensional structure. Chemically synthesized CliCec-B2 confirmed cecropin antimicrobial activity against some Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria, but not against yeast. Expression of both cecropin genes was assessed by qPCR and showed increases after a LPS injection and highlighted their overexpression in adult beetle mandibles, which could be related to their alimentary habits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés García-Reina
- University of Murcia Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - María Juliana Rodríguez-García
- University of Murcia Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Cuello
- University of Murcia, Departament of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Galián
- University of Murcia Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus Mare Nostrum, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Characterization, expression profiling, and functional analysis of a Populus trichocarpa defensin gene and its potential as an anti-Agrobacterium rooting medium additive. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15359. [PMID: 31653915 PMCID: PMC6814764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51762-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse antimicrobial properties of defensins have attracted wide scientific interest in recent years. Also, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including cecropins, histatins, defensins, and cathelicidins, have recently become an antimicrobial research hotspot for their broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities. In addition, defensins play important roles in plant growth, development, and physiological metabolism, and demonstrate tissue specificity and regulation in response to pathogen attack or abiotic stress. In this study, we performed molecular cloning, characterization, expression profiling, and functional analysis of a defensin from Populus trichocarpa. The PtDef protein was highly expressed in the prokaryotic Escherichia coli system as a fusion protein (TrxA–PtDef). The purified protein exhibited strong antibacterial and antifungal functions. We then applied PtDef to rooting culture medium as an alternative exogenous additive to cefotaxime. PtDef expression levels increased significantly following both biotic and abiotic treatment. The degree of leaf damage observed in wild-type (WT) and transgenic poplars indicates that transgenic poplars that overexpress the PtDef gene gain enhanced disease resistance to Septotis populiperda. To further study the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction pathways, SA- and JA-related and pathogenesis-related genes were analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; there were significant differences in these pathways between transgenic and WT poplars. The defensin from Populus trichocarpa showed significant activity of anti-bacteria and anti-fungi. According to the results of qRT-PCR and physiological relevant indicators, the applied PtDef to rooting culture medium was chosen as an alternative exogenous additive to cefotaxime. Overexpressing the PtDef gene in poplar improve the disease resistance to Septotis populiperda.
Collapse
|
12
|
Oh R, Lee MJ, Kim YO, Nam BH, Kong HJ, Kim JW, Park JY, Seo JK, Kim DG. Purification and characterization of an antimicrobial peptide mytichitin-chitin binding domain from the hard-shelled mussel, Mytilus coruscus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:425-435. [PMID: 30195913 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An antimicrobial peptide with 55 amino acid residues was purified by C18 reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from foot extract of the hard-shelled mussel, Mytilus coruscus. This peptide showed strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. The purified peptide was determined to have a molecular mass of 6202 Da by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrophotometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). The identified 20-amino acid sequence of the purified peak by Edman degradation shared 100% identity with the N-terminal regions of mytichitin-1, mytichitin-2, mytichitin-3, mytichitin-4, mytichitin-5, and chitinase-like protein-1, and so was named mytichitin-CBD. The cDNA of mytichitin-CBD was cloned and sequenced by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The mRNA transcripts were mainly detected in foot tissue, and they were up-regulated and peaked at 4 h after bacterial infection. We constructed and expressed recombinant mytichitin-CBD protein which displayed antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Gram-positive bacteria and the fungus as well as anti-parasitic activity against scuticociliates. The results of this study demonstrate that the peptide isolated from M. coruscus is related to the innate immune system of this marine invertebrate and is a possible alternative to antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryunkyoung Oh
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Lee
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ok Kim
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Hye Nam
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Kong
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Won Kim
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Youn Park
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Kil Seo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kunsan National University, Kunsan, 54150, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong-Gyun Kim
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sampath V. Bacterial endotoxin-lipopolysaccharide; structure, function and its role in immunity in vertebrates and invertebrates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anres.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
14
|
Toro Segovia LJ, Téllez Ramírez GA, Henao Arias DC, Rivera Duran JD, Bedoya JP, Castaño Osorio JC. Identification and characterization of novel cecropins from the Oxysternon conspicillatum neotropic dung beetle. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187914. [PMID: 29186139 PMCID: PMC5706684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dung beetles are exposed to a complex microbiological ecosystem during their life cycle. Characterization of novel host-defense peptides (HDP) is essential to understanding the host innate immune response in insects. It constitutes a promising alternative to look for new therapeutic agents against pathogenic microbes. We identified four new HDP, Oxysterlins 1, 2, 3, and 4 from the transcriptome of the Oxysternon conspicillatum dung beetle. These HDP display a highly conserved signal peptide and a mature peptide, characterized by an overall positive charge (cationic) (pI: 10.23–11.49), a hydrophobic ratio (ΦH: 35–41), and amphipathicity. Oxysterlins 1, 2, and 3 have a linear α-helix structure, whilst Oxysterlin 4 has a mixture of both α-helix and β-sheet structures without disulfide bonds through bioinformatics prediction and circular dichroism. Oxysterlins are part of the cecropin family group in an exclusive clade related to beetle cecropins. They have predominant antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug resistant strains (3.12–50 μg/mL) measured by plate microdilution. Their kinetics, in a time-killing curve showed concentration-dependent bactericidal activity. Furthermore, these HDP have low toxicity against human erythrocytes (62.5–500 μg/mL) and Vero cells (250–500 μg/mL). This article describes new HDP of the cecropin family from the Oxysternon conspicillatum dung beetle, with antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant bacteria and low toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lily Johanna Toro Segovia
- Center of Biomedical Research. Group of Molecular Immunology. Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío–Colombia
| | | | - Diana Carolina Henao Arias
- Center of Biomedical Research. Group of Molecular Immunology. Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío–Colombia
| | - Juan David Rivera Duran
- Center of Biomedical Research. Group of Molecular Immunology. Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío–Colombia
| | - Juan Pablo Bedoya
- Center of Biomedical Research. Group of Molecular Immunology. Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío–Colombia
| | - Jhon Carlos Castaño Osorio
- Center of Biomedical Research. Group of Molecular Immunology. Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Quindío–Colombia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sang M, Wei H, Zhang J, Wei Z, Wu X, Chen Y, Zhuge Q. Expression and characterization of the antimicrobial peptide ABP-dHC-cecropin A in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Protein Expr Purif 2017; 140:44-51. [PMID: 28827052 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
ABP-dHC-cecropin A is a linear cationic peptide that exhibits antimicrobial properties. To explore a new approach for expression of ABP-dHC-cecropin A using the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, we cloned the ABP-dHC-cecropin A gene into the vector pPICZαA. The SacI-linearized plasmid pPICZαA-ABP-dHC-cecropin A was then transformed into P. pastoris GS115 by electroporation. Expression was induced after a 96-h incubation with 0.5% methanol at 20 °C in a culture supplied with 2% casamino acids to avoid proteolysis. Under these conditions, approximately 48 mg of ABP-dHC-cecropin A was secreted into 1L (4 × 250-mL)of medium. Recombinant ABP-dHC-cecropin A was purified using size-exclusion chromatography, and 21 mg of pure active ABP-dHC-cecropin A was obtained from 1L (4 × 250-mL)of culture. Electrophoresis on 4-20% gradient gels indicated that recombinant ABP-dHC-cecropin A was secreted as a protein approximately 4 kDa in size. Recombinant ABP-dHC-cecropin A was successfully expressed, as the product displayed antibacterial and antifungal activities (based on an antibacterial assay, scanning electron microscopy, and antifungal assay) indistinguishable from those of the synthesized protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Sang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Zhiheng Wei
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Qiang Zhuge
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Damage-Induced Cell Regeneration in the Midgut of Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44594. [PMID: 28300181 PMCID: PMC5353711 DOI: 10.1038/srep44594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-transmitted diseases cause over one million deaths every year. A better characterization of the vector’s physiology and immunity should provide valuable knowledge for the elaboration of control strategies. Mosquitoes depend on their innate immunity to defend themselves against pathogens. These pathogens are acquired mainly through the oral route, which places the insects’ gut at the front line of the battle. Indeed, the epithelium of the mosquito gut plays important roles against invading pathogens acting as a physical barrier, activating local defenses and triggering the systemic immune response. Therefore, the gut is constantly confronted to stress and often suffers cellular damage. In this study, we show that dividing cells exist in the digestive tract of adult A. albopictus and that these cells proliferate in the midgut after bacterial or chemical damage. An increased transcription of signaling molecules that regulate the EGFR and JAK/STAT pathways was also observed, suggesting a possible involvement of these pathways in the regeneration of damaged guts. This work provides evidence for the presence of regenerative cells in the mosquito guts, and paves the way towards a molecular and cellular characterization of the processes required to maintain mosquito’s midgut homeostasis in both normal and infectious conditions.
Collapse
|
17
|
Anjum K, Abbas SQ, Akhter N, Shagufta BI, Shah SAA, Hassan SSU. Emerging biopharmaceuticals from bioactive peptides derived from marine organisms. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 90:12-30. [PMID: 28004491 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Biologically active natural products are spontaneous medicinal entrants, which encourage synthetic access for enhancing and supporting drug discovery and development. Marine bioactive peptides are considered as a rich source of natural products that may provide long-term health, in addition to many prophylactic and curative medicinal drug treatments. The large literature concerning marine peptides has been collected, which shows high potential of nutraceutical and therapeutic efficacy encompassing wide spectra of bioactivities against a number of infection-causing agents. Their antimicrobial, antimalarial, antitumor, antiviral, and cardioprotective actions have achieved the attention of the pharmaceutical industry toward new design of drug formulations, for treatment and prevention of several infections. However, the mechanism of action of many peptide molecules has been still untapped. So in this regard, this paper reviews several peptide compounds by which they interfere with human pathogenesis. This knowledge is one of the key tools to be understood especially for the biotransformation of biomolecules into targeted medicines. The fact that different diseases have the capability to fight at different sites inside the body can lead to a new wave of increasing the chances to produce targeted medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komal Anjum
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Syed Qamar Abbas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, D.I. Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | - Bibi Ibtesam Shagufta
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST), D.I. Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Brummett LM, Kanost MR, Gorman MJ. The immune properties of Manduca sexta transferrin. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 81:1-9. [PMID: 27986638 PMCID: PMC5292288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Transferrins are secreted proteins that bind iron. The well-studied transferrins are mammalian serum transferrin, which is involved in iron transport, and mammalian lactoferrin, which functions as an immune protein. Lactoferrin and lactoferrin-derived peptides have bactericidal activity, and the iron-free form of lactoferrin has bacteriostatic activity due to its ability to sequester iron. Insect transferrin is similar in sequence to both serum transferrin and lactoferrin, and its functions are not well-characterized; however, many studies of insect transferrin indicate that it has some type of immune function. The goal of this study was to determine the specific immune functions of transferrin from Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm). We verified that transferrin expression is upregulated in response to infection in M. sexta larvae and determined that the concentration of transferrin in hemolymph increases from 2 μM to 10 μM following an immune challenge. It is also present in molting fluid and prepupal midgut fluid, two extracellular fluids with immune capabilities. No immune-induced proteolytic cleavage of transferrin in hemolymph was observed; therefore, M. sexta transferrin does not appear to be a source of antimicrobial peptides. Unlike iron-saturated lactoferrin, iron-saturated transferrin had no detectable antibacterial activity. In contrast, 1 μM iron-free transferrin inhibited bacterial growth, and this inhibition was blocked by supplementing the culture medium with 1 μM iron. Our results suggest that M. sexta transferrin does not have bactericidal activity, but that it does have a bacteriostatic function that depends on its iron sequestering ability. This study supports the hypothesis that insect transferrin participates in an iron withholding strategy to protect insects from infectious bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Brummett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, 141 Chalmers, 1711 Claflin Road, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, 141 Chalmers, 1711 Claflin Road, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Maureen J Gorman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, 141 Chalmers, 1711 Claflin Road, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
High-level SUMO-mediated fusion expression of ABP-dHC-cecropin A from multiple joined genes in Escherichia coli. Anal Biochem 2016; 509:15-23. [PMID: 27377968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2016.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptide ABP-dHC-cecropin A is a small cationic peptide with potent activity against a wide range of bacterial species. Evidence of antifungal activity has also been suggested; however, evaluation of this peptide has been limited due to the low expression of cecropin proteins in Escherichia coli. To improve the expression level of ABP-dHC-cecropin A in E. coli, tandem repeats of the ABP-dHC-cecropin A gene were constructed and expressed as fusion proteins (SUMO-nABP-dHC-cecropin, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) via pSUMO-nABP-dHC-cecropin A vectors (n = 1, 2, 3, 4). Comparison of the expression levels of soluble SUMO-nABP-dHC-cecropin A fusion proteins (n = 1, 2, 3, 4) suggested that BL21 (DE3)/pSUMO-3ABP-dHC-cecropin A is an ideal recombinant strain for ABP-dHC-cecropin A production. Under the selected conditions of cultivation and isopropylthiogalactoside (IPTG) induction, the expression level of ABP-dHC-cecropin A was as high as 65 mg/L, with ∼21.3% of the fusion protein in soluble form. By large-scale fermentation, protein production reached nearly 300 mg/L, which is the highest yield of ABP-dHC-cecropin A reported to date. In antibacterial experiments, the efficacy was approximately the same as that of synthetic ABP-dHC-cecropin A. This method provides a novel and effective means of producing large amounts of ABP-dHC-cecropin A.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bombyx mori cecropin A has a high antifungal activity to entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Gene 2016; 583:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
21
|
Zhang J, Li J, Movahedi A, Sang M, Xu C, Xu J, Wei Z, Yin T, Zhuge Q. A novel inclusion complex (β-CD/ABP-dHC-cecropin A) with antibiotic propertiess for use as an anti-Agrobacterium additive in transgenic poplar rooting medium. Enzyme Microb Technol 2015; 81:72-9. [PMID: 26453474 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The increasing resistance of bacteria and fungi to currently available antibiotics is a major concern worldwide, leading to enormous effort to develop novel antibiotics with new modes of action.We recently reported that ABP-dHC-cecropin A exhibited strong antibacterial and antifungal activity, making it a candidate antibiotic substitute. In this study, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) combined with ABP-dHC-cecropin A enhanced the physical and chemical properties of ABP-dHC-cecropin A but did not significantly decrease its antibacterial activity. Thus, β-CD/ABP-dHC-cecropin A should be considered a novel antibacterial drug. We used β-CD/ABP-dHC-cecropin A as an anti-Agrobacterium compound to supplementtransgenic poplar medium. Sideeffects of the inclusion complex had little impact on plantgrowth. Thus, β-CD/ABP-dHC-cecropin A may be used as traditional antibiotics forpoplar transplantation with greater antibbacterial effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Institute of Aging Research, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
| | - Ali Movahedi
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ming Sang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhiheng Wei
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Tongming Yin
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Qiang Zhuge
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang J, Movahedi A, Wang X, Wu X, Yin T, Zhuge Q. Molecular structure, chemical synthesis, and antibacterial activity of ABP-dHC-cecropin A from drury (Hyphantria cunea). Peptides 2015; 68:197-204. [PMID: 25241628 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The increasing resistance of bacteria and fungi to currently available antibiotics is a major concern worldwide, leading to enormous efforts to develop new antibiotics with new modes of actions. In this paper, cDNA encoding cecropin A was amplified from drury (Hyphantria cunea) (dHC) pupa fatbody total RNA using RT-PCR. The full-length dHC-cecropin A cDNA encoded a protein of 63 amino acids with a predicted 26-amino acid signal peptide and a 37-amino acid functional domain. We synthesized the antibacterial peptide (ABP) from the 37-amino acid functional domain (ABP-dHC-cecropin A), and amidated it via the C-terminus. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed its molecular weight to be 4058.94. The ABP-dHC-cecropin A was assessed in terms of its protein structure using bioinformatics and CD spectroscopy. The protein's secondary structure was predicted to be α-helical. In an antibacterial activity analysis, the ABP-dHC-cecropin A exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli K12D31 and Agrobacterium EHA105.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ali Movahedi
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Tongming Yin
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Qiang Zhuge
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang J, Movahedi A, Xu J, Wang M, Wu X, Xu C, Yin T, Zhuge Q. In vitro production and antifungal activity of peptide ABP-dHC-cecropin A. J Biotechnol 2015; 199:47-54. [PMID: 25702854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptide ABP-dHC-cecropin A is a small cationic peptide with potent activity against a wide range of bacterial species. Evidence of antifungal activity has also been suggested; however, testing of this peptide has been limited due to the low expression of cecropin proteins in Escherichia coli. To improve expression of this peptide in E. coli, ABP-dHC-cecropin A was cloned into a pSUMO vector and transformed into E. coli, resulting in the production of a pSUMO-ABP-dHC-cecropin A fusion protein. The soluble form of this protein was then purified by Ni-IDA chromatography, yielding a total of 496-mg protein per liter of fermentation culture. The SUMO-ABP-dHC-cecropin A fusion protein was then cleaved using a SUMO protease and re-purified by Ni-IDA chromatography, yielding a total of 158-mg recombinant ABP-dHC-cecropin A per liter of fermentation culture at a purity of ≥94%, the highest yield reported to date. Antifungal activity assays performed using this purified recombinant peptide revealed strong antifungal activity against both Candida albicans and Neurospora crassa, as well as Rhizopus, Fusarium, Alternaria, and Mucor species. Combined with previous analyses demonstrating strong antibacterial activity against a number of important bacterial pathogens, these results confirm the use of ABP-dHC-cecropin A as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide, with significant therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ali Movahedi
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Mengyang Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Tongming Yin
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Qiang Zhuge
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mastore M, Binda Rossetti S, Giovannardi S, Scarì G, Brivio MF. Inducible factors with antimicrobial activity after immune challenge in the haemolymph of Red Palm Weevil (Insecta). Innate Immun 2014; 21:392-405. [PMID: 25114180 DOI: 10.1177/1753425914542446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects are capable of innate immune responses elicited after microbial infection. In this process, the receptor-mediated recognition of foreign bodies and the subsequent activation of immunocompetent cells lead to the synthesis ex novo of a peptide pool with antimicrobial activity. We investigated the inducible immune response of a coleopteran, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, challenged with both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. After immunization, we evaluated the presence of antimicrobial peptides using either biochemical analyses or microbiological techniques. The antimicrobial properties of the newly synthesized protein pool, detectable in haemolymph fractions of low molecular mass, showed strong antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. OX1, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus). In addition to the preliminary study of the mechanism of action of the pool of antimicrobial peptides, we also investigated its effects on bacterial cell walls by means of fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The data suggest that the main effects seem to be directed at destabilizing and damaging the bacterial wall. This study provides data that help us to understand some aspects of the inducible innate immunity in a system model that lacks anticipatory responses. However, the weevil has finely tuned its defensive strategies to counteract effectively microbial infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Mastore
- Comparative Immunology Laboratory, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Simona Binda Rossetti
- Comparative Immunology Laboratory, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovannardi
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giorgio Scarì
- Department of Biosciences, University degli Studi of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio F Brivio
- Comparative Immunology Laboratory, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lucifensins, the Insect Defensins of Biomedical Importance: The Story behind Maggot Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2014; 7:251-64. [PMID: 24583934 PMCID: PMC3978492 DOI: 10.3390/ph7030251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are the most widespread antimicrobial peptides characterised in insects. These cyclic peptides, 4–6 kDa in size, are folded into α-helical/β-sheet mixed structures and have a common conserved motif of three intramolecular disulfide bridges with a Cys1-Cys4, Cys2-Cys5 and Cys3-Cys6 connectivity. They have the ability to kill especially Gram-positive bacteria and some fungi, but Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant against them. Among them are the medicinally important compounds lucifensin and lucifensin II, which have recently been identified in the medicinal larvae of the blowflies Lucilia sericata and Lucilia cuprina, respectively. These defensins contribute to wound healing during a procedure known as maggot debridement therapy (MDT) which is routinely used at hospitals worldwide. Here we discuss the decades-long story of the effort to isolate and characterise these two defensins from the bodies of medicinal larvae or from their secretions/excretions. Furthermore, our previous studies showed that the free-range larvae of L. sericata acutely eliminated most of the Gram-positive strains of bacteria and some Gram-negative strains in patients with infected diabetic foot ulcers, but MDT was ineffective during the healing of wounds infected with Pseudomonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. The bactericidal role of lucifensins secreted into the infected wound by larvae during MDT and its ability to enhance host immunity by functioning as immunomodulator is also discussed.
Collapse
|
26
|
El Shazely B, Veverka V, Fucík V, Voburka Z, Zdárek J, Cerovský V. Lucifensin II, a defensin of medicinal maggots of the blowfly Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 50:571-578. [PMID: 23802451 DOI: 10.1603/me12208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel homolog of insect defensin, designated lucifensin II (Lucilia cuprina Wiedemann [Diptera: Calliphoridae] defensin), was purified from hemolymph extract from larvae of the blowfly L. cuprina. The full-length primary sequence of this peptide of 40 amino acid residues and three intramolecular disulfide bridges was determined by electrospray ionization-orbitrap mass spectrometry and Edman degradation and is almost identical to the previously identified sequence of lucifensin (Lucilia sericata Meigen defensin). Lucifensin II sequence differs from that of lucifensin by only one amino acid residue, that is, by isoleucine instead of valine at position 11. The presence of lucifensin II also was detected in the extracts of other larval tissues, such as gut, salivary glands, fat body, and whole body extract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baydaa El Shazely
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Siddiqui R, Osman K, Khan NA. A novel in vivo model to study bacterial pathogenesis and screen potential therapeutic targets. J Med Microbiol 2012; 61:1036-1038. [PMID: 22466033 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.040865-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Khadijo Osman
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, UK
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liang Y, Guan R, Huang W, Xu T. Isolation and identification of a novel inducible antibacterial peptide from the skin mucus of Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica. Protein J 2011; 30:413-21. [PMID: 21796440 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-011-9346-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, acetone extracts and acidic extracts were prepared from skin mucus, gill, kidney, liver and spleen of the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, and they exhibited different levels of antibacterial activities against three strains of Gram-negative bacteria, Edwardsiella tarda, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas sp. and one Gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus leteus. The mucus was chosen as the source of antibacterial peptide for further purification of antibacterial peptides. Following the intraperitoneal injection of A. hydrophila, one of the main pathogenic bacteria of Japanese eel and many other fish, a peptide was purified from acetic acid extraction of the skin mucus, by using cationic exchange liquid chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The isolated antibacterial peptide, named as AJN-10, exhibited antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila. The AJN-10 is a heat-tolerant and hydrophilic peptide. The molecular weight of this peptide is 6,044.28 Da, as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry. The 20 N-terminal amino acid sequences were clarified by Edman degradation, and based on results of homology search by BLAST analysis of the 20 N-terminal sequences, the AJN-10 showed little similarity to other proteins in databases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Identification and characterization of class B scavenger receptor CD36 from the hard tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:273-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2053-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
30
|
Ullal AJ, Noga EJ. Antiparasitic activity of the antimicrobial peptide HbbetaP-1, a member of the beta-haemoglobin peptide family. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2010; 33:657-664. [PMID: 20561143 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2761.2010.01172.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from the beta-subunit of haemoglobin was recently isolated from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (ich), an important freshwater fish parasite that causes ichthyophthiriosis. We previously discovered that one of these AMPs, HbbetaP-1, had strong cidal activity against ich as well as another ectoparasite, Tetrahymena pyriformis. HbbetaP-1 toxicity was specific, primarily affecting the trophozoite (trophont) stage of ich. Here, we show that HbbetaP-1 acts more rapidly to kill smaller (presumably less mature) trophonts of ich, taking almost twice as long to kill larger trophonts (P < 0.0001). It acts more rapidly than an unrelated AMP, piscidin 1, which is haemolytic and also lethal to ich trophonts. HbbetaP-1 is potently and selectively lethal to the trophont stage of the dinoflagellate ectoparasite, Amyloodinium ocellatum, one of the most important pathogens of warmwater marine fish. HbbetaP-1 has no effect on the fish gill cell line feeder layer (G1B cells) used to propagate Amyloodinium, further suggesting a highly selective action. These findings suggest that HbbetaP-1 or related AMPs might function in protecting marine as well as freshwater fish and that HbbetaP-1 has highly selective activity against specific life stages of important fish ectoparasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Ullal
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kim SR, Hong MY, Park SW, Choi KH, Yun EY, Goo TW, Kang SW, Suh HJ, Kim I, Hwang JS. Characterization and cDNA cloning of a cecropin-like antimicrobial peptide, papiliocin, from the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus. Mol Cells 2010; 29:419-23. [PMID: 20213310 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-010-0050-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Revised: 12/29/2009] [Accepted: 12/31/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cecropin is a well-studied antimicrobial peptide that is synthesized in fat body cells and hemocytes of insects in response to hypodermic injury or bacterial infection. A 503 bp cDNA encoding for a cecropin-like peptide was isolated by employing annealing control primer (ACP)-based differential display PCR and 5'-RACE with immunized Papilio xuthus larvae. The open reading frame of the isolated cDNA encoded for a 62-amino acid prepropeptide with a putative 22-residue signal peptide, a 2-residue propeptide, and a 38-residue mature peptide with a theoretical mass of 4060.89 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of the peptide evidenced a significant degree of identity with other lepidopteran cecropins. This peptide was named papiliocin. RTPCR results revealed that the papiliocin transcript was detected at significant levels after injection with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). On the basis of the deduced amino acid sequence of papiliocin, a 38-mer mature peptide was chemically synthesized via the Fmoc method, and its antimicrobial activity was analyzed. The synthetic papiliocin peptide evidenced a broad spectrum of activity against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and also evidenced no hemolytic activity against human red blood cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seong Ryul Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 441-100, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dossey AT. Insects and their chemical weaponry: New potential for drug discovery. Nat Prod Rep 2010; 27:1737-57. [DOI: 10.1039/c005319h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
33
|
Holz CM, Stahl U. Ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. FOOD BIOTECHNOL 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/08905439509549888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
34
|
Ajesh K, Sreejith K. Peptide antibiotics: an alternative and effective antimicrobial strategy to circumvent fungal infections. Peptides 2009; 30:999-1006. [PMID: 19428779 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2008] [Revised: 01/26/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mycosis, caused by both filamentous fungi and pathogenic yeasts is a major concern nowadays especially in the immunocompromised patient population. The emergence of pathogenic fungi resistant to current therapies in the last few decades has intensified the search for new antifungals like cationic peptides, which are the key components of innate defense mechanism. The review provides an inventory of different peptides from a diverse array of organisms from bacteria to mammals with proven antifungal activity, their therapeutic options and also about those which are in various stages of preclinical development. Literature, on the total and semi-synthetic variants of the parent peptides that exhibit an improved antifungal activity is also reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Ajesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Kannur University, Kerala, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Boldis V, Kocianová E, Strus J, Tusek-Znidaric M, Sparagano OAE, Stefanidesová K, Spitalská E. Rickettsial agents in Slovakian ticks (Acarina, Ixodidae) and their ability to grow in Vero and L929 cell lines. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1149:281-5. [PMID: 19120229 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1428.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A total of 80 adult ticks (55 Haemaphysalis inermis, 12 Dermacentor reticulatus, 11 D. marginatus, 2 Ixodes ricinus) were collected from vegetation in three areas of Slovakia (forest and pasture habitat) in central Europe. Forty-six (46 ticks) (57.5%) of all species tested were positive by the hemocyte test, PCR assays based on the gltA and ompA genes showed a Rickettsiaceae infection in 77.5% of the ticks, whereas only one H. inermis tick was positive for Anaplasmataceae on a 16S rRNA-based PCR. Isolation of rickettsiae was attempted on all collected ticks by means of the shell vial technique, 52 isolates of which were inoculated into Vero cells and 28 into L929 cells. Rickettsiae were detected in 50% (40/80) of the cell lines using the Gimenez staining method, whereas 33.8% (27/80) of the cell lines were PCR-positive for Rickettsia species. The presence of rickettsiae was shown by PCR to be around 30.8% (16/52) in Vero and 39.3% (11/28) in L929 cell lines. Sequencing results showed that detected infections were Rickettsia sp., R. raoultii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in ticks, and R. slovaca in cell lines. This is the first report of R. raoultii in Slovakia. Observations by electron microscopy of the R. slovaca isolate from Vero cell lines showed a microcapsular layer, typical Gram-negative cell wall, and a cytoplasmic membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Boldis
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hynes WL, Stokes MM, Hensley SM, Todd SM, Sonenshine DE. Using RNA interference to determine the role of varisin in the innate immune system of the hard tick Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2008; 46:7-15. [PMID: 18506584 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-008-9158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are an important component of the innate immune system of ticks. These small peptides are produced by various genera of ticks, and expressed in various tissues. In this study we used RNA interference to silence the expression of the defensin varisin produced by the hemocytes of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis. Ticks were injected with double stranded varisin RNA prior to being placed on a rabbit. After feeding, the ticks were removed, bled, and the hemolymph plasma and hemocytes separated. Hemocytes were screened for the presence (or absence) of both varisin transcript and peptide. Varisin peptide was below detectable levels and the transcript showed a greater than 99% knockdown. The antimicrobial activity of the hemolymph plasma was reduced 2-4 fold compared to that of control injected ticks indicating varisin accounts for a large portion of the antimicrobial activity of the hemolymph.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne L Hynes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0266, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
|
38
|
Kaur KJ, Pandey S, Salunke DM. Design of a functionally equivalent nonglycosylated analog of the glycopeptide antibiotic formaecin I. Protein Sci 2007; 16:309-15. [PMID: 17242433 PMCID: PMC2203295 DOI: 10.1110/ps.062581707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Various nonglycosylated analogs were designed in order to explore the role of glycosylation in formaecin I, an antibacterial glycopeptide of insect origin. The functional behavior of a designed nonglycosylated analog (P(7),endo P(8a),DeltaT(11))formaecin I was found to be similar to that of native glycosylated peptide. Both the peptides showed similar antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains. The designed nonglycosylated analog (P(7),endo P(8a),DeltaT(11))formaecin I has low binding affinity to LPS identical to that of native glycopeptide, formaecin I. Both the peptides have similar killing kinetics and are nontoxic to erythrocytes. Formaecin I and designed nonglycosylated (P(7),endo P(8a),DeltaT(11))formaecin I have no definite conformational features associated with them. The glycosylated residue of threonine in formaecin I and proline residues in designed peptide [(P(7),endo P(8a),DeltaT(11))formaecin I], possibly help in stabilizing the correct conformation that facilitates presentation of the peptide to its receptor. It is evident that a functionally equivalent nonglycosylated analog of native glycosylated antibacterial peptide can be designed by strategically modifying the sequence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal J Kaur
- Structural Biology Unit, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asal Ali Marg, New Delhi 110-067, India.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Does immune function influence population fluctuations and level of parasitism in the cyclic geometrid moth? POPUL ECOL 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10144-007-0035-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
40
|
Koropatnick TA, Kimbell JR, McFall-Ngai MJ. Responses of host hemocytes during the initiation of the squid-Vibrio symbiosis. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2007; 212:29-39. [PMID: 17301329 DOI: 10.2307/25066578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Within hours after colonization of the light organ of the squid Euprymna scolopes by its bacterial symbiont Vibrio fischeri, the symbiont triggers morphogenesis of the light organ. This process involves the induction of apoptosis in the cells of two superficial ciliated epithelial fields and the gradual regression of these surface structures over a 96-h period. In this study, microscopic examination of various squid tissues revealed that host hemocytes specifically migrate into the epithelial fields on the surface of the light organ, a process that begins before any other indication of symbiont-induced morphogenesis. Experimental manipulations of symbiont-signal delivery revealed that hemocyte infiltration alone is not sufficient to induce regression, and high numbers of hemocytes are not necessary for the induction of apoptosis or the initiation of regression. However, studies with mutant strains of V. fischeri that show a defect in the induction of hemocyte infiltration provided evidence that high numbers of hemocytes facilitate the regression of the epithelial fields. In addition, a change in hemocyte gene expression, as indicated by the up-regulation of the C8 subunit of the proteasome, correlates with the induction of light organ morphogenesis, suggesting that bacteria-induced molecular changes in the hemocytes are required for the participation of these host cells in the regression process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya A Koropatnick
- Pacific Biomedical Research Center, Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawaii, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Dassanayake RS, Silva Gunawardene YIN, Tobe SS. Evolutionary selective trends of insect/mosquito antimicrobial defensin peptides containing cysteine-stabilized alpha/beta motifs. Peptides 2007; 28:62-75. [PMID: 17161505 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2006] [Revised: 09/11/2006] [Accepted: 09/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Insect defensins containing cysteine-stabilized alpha/beta motifs (Cs-alpha/beta defensin) are cationic, inducible antibacterial peptides involved in humoral defence against pathogens. To examine trends in molecular evolution of these antimicrobial peptides, sequences similar to the well-characterized Cs-alpha/beta defensin peptide of Anopheles gambiae, using six cysteine residues as landmarks, were retrieved from genomic and protein databases. These sequences were derived from different orders of insects. Genes of insect Cs-alpha/beta defensin appear to constitute a multigene family in which the copy number varies between insect species. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences revealed two main lineages, one group comprising mainly lepidopteran insects and a second, comprising Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera insects. Moreover, the topology of the phylogram indicated dipteran Cs-alpha/beta defensins are diverse, suggesting diversity in immune mechanisms in this order of insects. Overall evolutionary analysis indicated marked diversification and expansion of mature defensin isoforms within the species of mosquitoes relative to non-mosquito defensins, implying the presence of finely tuned immune responses to counter pathogens. The observed higher synonymous substitution rate relative to the nonsynonymous rate in almost all the regions of Cs-alpha/beta defensin of mosquitoes suggests that these peptides are predominately under purifying selection. The maximum-likelihood models of codon substitution indicated selective pressure at different amino acid sites in mosquito mature Cs-alpha/beta defensins is differ and are undergoing adaptive evolution in comparison to non-mosquito Cs-alpha/beta defensins, for which such selection was inconspicuous; this suggests the acquisition of selective advantage of the Cs-alpha/beta defensins in the former group. Finally, this study represents the most detailed report on the evolutionary strategies of Cs-alpha/beta defensins of mosquitoes in particular and insects in general, and indicates that insect Cs-alpha/beta defensins have evolved by duplication followed by divergence, to produce a diverse set of paralogues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R S Dassanayake
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Koyama Y, Motobu M, Hikosaka K, Yamada M, Nakamura K, Saido-Sakanaka H, Asaoka A, Yamakawa M, Isobe T, Shimura K, Kang CB, Hayashidani H, Nakai Y, Hirota Y. Cytotoxicity and antigenicity of antimicrobial synthesized peptides derived from the beetle Allomyrina dichotoma defensin in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2006; 6:1748-53. [PMID: 16979131 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2006.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2005] [Revised: 02/27/2006] [Accepted: 06/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic peptides, peptides A (Arg-Leu-Tyr-Leu-Arg-Ile-Gly-Arg-Arg-NH(2)) and B (Arg-Leu-Arg-Leu-Arg-Ile-Gly-Arg-Arg-NH(2)), derived from the beetle Allomyrina dichotoma defensin, have antimicrobial activities. Immunotoxicological effect of these peptides was evaluated by cytotoxicity of mouse peritoneal macrophages. In addition, antigenicity of these peptides was studied by evaluating antibody responses in mice immunized with these peptides. The toxicity of peptide A toward mouse peritoneal cells was less than that of polymyxin B, when morphologically evaluated in a cytotoxicity test. Almost all of mice injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with either peptide A or B at 50-150 mg/kg survived, whereas all mice injected i.p. with polymyxin B at the doses of more than 25 mg/kg died within 24 h. Interestingly, almost all of mice injected intravenously with these peptides at the doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg also survived. Furthermore, mice immunized with these peptides conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) showed little or negligible anti-peptide A or B antibody production, although anti-KLH antibody was significantly produced. The results indicated that peptides A and B were less cytotoxic than polymyxin B and also had poor antigenicity to produce specific antibody in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukari Koyama
- National Institute of Animal Health, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Yang WY, Wen SY, Huang YD, Ye MQ, Deng XJ, Han D, Xia QY, Cao Y. Functional divergence of six isoforms of antifungal peptide Drosomycin in Drosophila melanogaster. Gene 2006; 379:26-32. [PMID: 16824706 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2006.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2005] [Revised: 03/25/2006] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Drosomycin (Drs) gene encodes a 44-residue inducible antifungal peptide, Drosomycin, in Drosophila melanogaster. Six genes, Drs-lC, Drs-lD, Drs-lE, Drs-lF, Drs-lG and Drs-lI, show homology to the Drs form in a multigene family on the 3rd chromosome of D. melanogaster. It is the first experimental demonstration that the six members in the Drs family act as functional genes. To further delineate the functional divergence of these six members, their cDNA sequences were cloned respectively into the pET-3C vector and expressed in the E. coli. The antifungal activity of the expression products was assayed using the Cerletti's method. The results showed a difference among the six isoforms in antifungal activity against the tested fungal strains: in which Drs was most effective and showed antifungal activity to all seven fungal strains, whereas isoform Drs-lC was effective to six strains, Drs-lD was effective to five strains, Drs-lG was effective to four strains, and Drs-lE and Drs-lF were effective to only three strains. Drs-lI had no activity against any tested fungal strains. By comparing the variable residue sites of these six isoforms to that of Drosomycin in the three-dimensional structure, we suggested that the reduction in the antifungal activity was due to the variable residues that were not in the alpha-helix. In addition, two inserted residues (RV) in Drs-lI may affect the dimensional structure and resulted in a functional change. These results may explain the evolution of the Drosomycin multigene family and its functional divergence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ying Yang
- Department of Sericulture Science, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Krishnan N, Hyrsl P, Simek V. Nitric oxide production by hemocytes of larva and pharate prepupa of Galleria mellonella in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide: Cytoprotective or cytotoxic? Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2006; 142:103-10. [PMID: 16316786 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2005.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2005] [Revised: 10/29/2005] [Accepted: 10/30/2005] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide production by the hemocytes of the last instar larvae and sessile pharate prepupa of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was demonstrated in vitro in response to preparations of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli using the Griess reaction. Augmented, dose dependent nitric oxide production was observed in the pharate prepupal hemocytes compared with larval hemocytes. This was partially reversed in a dose dependent manner with S-methyl thiourea (SMT), a specific inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). A decrease in NO production was also observed when non-selective inhibitors such as N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME) and N-omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) were used, albeit the inhibition was not to the extent of SMT. Challenge with the entomopathogenic Gram-negative bacterium Photorhabdus asymbiotica also enhanced NO production by hemocytes of both stages. SMT, alone or in combination with P. asymbiotica significantly decreased levels of NO production. However, it was observed that phenoloxidase activity (a cascade for innate immune responses) was independent of NO production stimulation. NO donors, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) and diethylenetriamine NO adduct (DETA/NO) at various concentrations (100-500 microM) resulted in the lysis of hemocytes dose dependently. The nitrite production in these cases was however similar to LPS stimulation (10 microg/mL) and 1.5-3 fold lower than those observed upon P. asymbiotica (2.5 x 10(7) cfu/mL) stimulation. Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) following injection of P. asymbiotica alone or in combination with SMT revealed that only 12.5% (median survival 25.5 h) of co-injected larvae of G. mellonella survived in comparison to 28.6% (median survival 29 h) survivors in P. asymbiotica alone-injected groups till the end of the study. In contrast, co-injected pharate prepupa survived longer (median survival 28 h) than the P. asymbiotica alone-injected individuals (median survival 24 h); however, both co-injected and P. asymbiotica-injected groups showed 100% mortality at the end of the study. Based on the above, we propose that although NO production is involved in cellular immune responses of this insect to bacterial infection it does not appear to be a part of the signalling pathway that initiates the prophenoloxidase (PPO) cascade, and the extended NO production/overproduction by pharate prepupal hemocytes could result in cytotoxic rather than cytoprotective effects compared with larval hemocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natraj Krishnan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Entomology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ceské Budejovice
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Saito A, Ueda K, Imamura M, Atsumi S, Tabunoki H, Miura N, Watanabe A, Kitami M, Sato R. Purification and cDNA cloning of a cecropin from the longicorn beetle, Acalolepta luxuriosa. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 142:317-23. [PMID: 16165382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2005.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2005] [Revised: 08/04/2005] [Accepted: 08/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned and characterized a novel antibacterial peptide from the hemolymph of the coleopteran insect Acalolepta luxuriosa, of the superfamily Cerambyocidea. This peptide is active against Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli, and the amino acid sequence deduced by cloning of the cDNA identifies it as a coleopteran cecropin. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses performed using Clustal X suggest that this cecropin is evolutionarily intermediate between dipteran and lepidopteran cecropins. The results of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry indicate that the mature form of this antibacterial peptide is 35 amino acid residues in length and has an amidated C-terminal isoleucine. This report is the first description of a cecropin from a coleopteran insect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Saito
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Naka-cho 2-24-16, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Evolutionary ecology seeks to understand the selective reasons for the design features of the immune defense, especially with respect to parasitism. The molecular processes thereby set limitations, such as the failure to recognize an antigen, response specificity, the cost of defense, and the risk of autoimmunity. Sex, resource availability, and interference by parasites also affect a response. In turn, the defense repertoire consists of different kinds of immune responses--constitutive or induced, general or specific--and involves memory and lasting protection. Because the situation often defies intuition, mathematical analysis is typically required to identify the costs and benefits of variation in design, but such studies are few. In all, insect immune defense is much more similar to that of vertebrates than previously thought. In addition, the field is now rapidly becoming revolutionized by molecular data and methods that allow unprecedented access to study evolution in action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Schmid-Hempel
- Ecology and Evolution, ETH Zürich, ETH-Zentrum NW, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Rosengren KJ, Göransson U, Otvos L, Craik DJ. Cyclization of pyrrhocoricin retains structural elements crucial for the antimicrobial activity of the native peptide. Biopolymers 2004; 76:446-58. [PMID: 15478127 DOI: 10.1002/bip.20159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrhocoricin is a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide from the European fire bug Pyrrhocoris apterus. It has submicromolar activity against a range of Gram-negative bacterial strains and has created recent interest as a lead for the development of novel antibiotic compounds. In this study, we have used NMR spectroscopy to determine the solution structures of pyrrhocoricin and a synthetic macrocyclic derivative that has improved in vivo pharmaceutical properties. Native pyrrhocoricin is largely disordered in solution, but there is evidence of a subpopulation with ordered turn regions over residues 2-5, 4-7, and 16-19. The macrocyclic derivative incorporates a nine amino acid linker joining the N- and C-termini, which does not adversely affect the antimicrobial potency but leads to a broader spectrum of activity. The NMR data suggest that the turn conformations in the cyclic derivative are similar to those in the native form, thus implicating them in the biological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Johan Rosengren
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Roch P, Beschin A, Bernard E. Antiprotozoan and Antiviral Activities of Non-cytotoxic Truncated and Variant Analogues of Mussel Defensin. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2004; 1:167-174. [PMID: 15480442 PMCID: PMC516463 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/neh033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2004] [Accepted: 05/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported the crucial role displayed by loop 3 of defensin isolated from the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, in antibacterial and antifungal activities. We now investigated antiprotozoan and antiviral activities of some previously reported fragments B, D, E, P and Q. Two fragments (D and P) efficiently killed Trypanosoma brucei (ID50 4–12 μM) and Leishmania major (ID50 12–45 μM) in a time/dose-dependent manner. Killing of T. brucei started as early as 1 h after initiation of contact with fragment D and reached 55% mortality after 6 h. Killing was temperature dependent and a temperature of 4°C efficiently impaired the ability to kill T. brucei. Fragments bound to the entire external epithelium of T. brucei. Prevention of HIV-1 infestation was obtained only with fragments P and Q at 20 μM. Even if fragment P was active on both targets, the specificity of fragments D and Q suggest that antiprotozoan and antiviral activities are mediated by different mechanisms. Truncated sequences of mussel defensin, including amino acid replacement to maintain 3D structure and increased positive net charge, also possess antiprotozoan and antiviral capabilities. New alternative and/or complementary antibiotics can be derived from the vast reservoir of natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) contained in marine invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Roch
- Pathogènes et Immunité, UMR Ecosystèmes Lagunaires, Université de Montpellier 2France
- For reprints and all correspondence: Philippe Roch, Université de Montpellier 2, cc 093, Place E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France. E-mail:
| | - Alain Beschin
- Department of Immunology, Parasitology and Ultrastructure, Flemish Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Free University Brussels (VUB)Belgium
| | - Eric Bernard
- Infectious Rétrovirales et Signalisation Cellulaire, UMR 5121, Institut de Biologie, Université de Montpellier 1France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Huang SJ, Wu RCC, Shaio MF, Wang PS, Cho WL. An immune signalling kinase AaMEK3 from mosquitoes: cDNA cloning and characterization. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 12:595-603. [PMID: 14986920 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2583.2003.00444.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is one of the four major signalling systems that respond to stress and inflammatory stimuli. A full-length cDNA corresponding to Aedes aegypti MAP kinase kinase 3 (AaMEK3) was cloned and sequenced. It is 1.7 kb and contains an open reading frame of 334 amino acids and eleven conserved kinase domains, including signatures of a putative serine/threonine kinase active site and an ATP binding site. The messenger (mRNA) and protein expression levels of AaMEK3 are enhanced post bacterial inoculation. The in vitro kinase activity assay reveals that (1) AaMEK3 is not autophosphorylated but can phosphorylate myelin basic protein successfully, and (2) it is slightly enhanced by lipopolysaccharide stimulation. This suggests that AaMEK3 may be involved in mosquito immune signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S J Huang
- Department of Parasitology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yenugu S, Hamil KG, Birse CE, Ruben SM, French FS, Hall SH. Antibacterial properties of the sperm-binding proteins and peptides of human epididymis 2 (HE2) family; salt sensitivity, structural dependence and their interaction with outer and cytoplasmic membranes of Escherichia coli. Biochem J 2003; 372:473-83. [PMID: 12628001 PMCID: PMC1223422 DOI: 10.1042/bj20030225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2003] [Revised: 03/06/2003] [Accepted: 03/11/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During passage through the epididymis, sperm interact with secreted epididymal proteins that promote maturation, including the acquisition of motility and fertilization competence. Viewed previously as distinct from sperm maturation, host defence capabilities are now recognized functions of the human epididymis 2 (HE2) family of sperm-binding proteins. We analysed the potent dose and time-dependent bactericidal activity of recombinant HE2alpha, HE2beta1 and HE2beta2 and found that the full-length proteins (10 microg/ml or approximately 1 microM) caused more than a 50% decrease in Escherichia coli colony forming units within 15 min. By contrast, human beta-defensin-1, at a similar concentration, required more than 90 min to exhibit similar antibacterial activity. The epididymis-specific lipocalin, LCN6, failed to kill bacteria. Higher concentrations (25-100 microg/ml) of HE2 proteins and a longer duration of treatment resulted in near total inhibition of bacterial growth. The C-terminal peptides of HE2alpha, HEbeta1 and HEbeta2 proteins exhibited antibacterial activity similar to their full-length counterparts, indicating that the antibacterial activity of HE2 proteins resides in these C-terminal regions. Antibacterial activities of HE2 proteins and peptides were slightly inhibited by NaCl concentrations of up to 150 mM, while human beta-defensin-1 activity was nearly eliminated. Reduction and alkylation of disulphide bonds in HE2 proteins and their C-terminal peptides abolished their antibacterial activity. Consistent with the ability to kill bacteria, full-length HE2 proteins and C-terminal peptides caused rapid dose-dependent permeabilization of outer and cytoplasmic E. coli membranes. A much longer exposure time was required for human beta-defensin-1-mediated permeabilization of membranes, suggesting a possible difference in mode of action compared with the HE2 antibacterial peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Yenugu
- Laboratories for Reproductive Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7500, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|