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Chiramba C, Möller DS, Lorenz CD, Chirombo RR, Mason AJ, Bester MJ, Gaspar ARM. Tryptophan End-Tagging Confers Antifungal Activity on a Tick-Derived Peptide by Triggering Reactive Oxygen Species Production. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:15556-15572. [PMID: 38585074 PMCID: PMC10993377 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
WHO has identified several Candida species including Candida albicans as critical priority fungal pathogens due to greater infection prevalence and formation of recalcitrant biofilms. Novel antifungal agents are urgently needed, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being considered as potential alternatives, but inactivity in physiological salt environments, serum, and plasma often limits further therapeutic development. Tryptophan end-tagging is a strategy to overcome these limitations and is thought to selectively enhance membrane permeabilization in both fungal and bacterial plasma membranes. Here, we show that C-terminal tryptophan end-tagging of the tick-derived peptide Os-C transforms an inactive peptide into Os-C(W5), an antifungal peptide capable of preventing the formation of C. albicans biofilms. Mechanistic insight is provided by circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, which demonstrate that tryptophan end-tagging alters the secondary structure of Os-C, while the latter reveals that end-tagging reduces interactions with, and insertion into, a model C. albicans membrane but promotes peptide aggregation on its surface. Interestingly, this leads to the induction of reactive oxygen species production rather than membrane permeabilization, and consequently, oxidative stress leads to cell wall damage. Os-C(W5) does not induce the hemolysis of human erythrocytes. Reduced cell adhesion and viability contribute to decreased biofilm extracellular matrix formation which, although reduced, is retained in the serum-containing medium. In this study, tryptophan end-tagging was identified as a promising strategy for enhancing the antifungal activity, including the biofilm inhibitory activity of Os-C against C. albicans in physiological salt environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Court
K. Chiramba
- Department
of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Dalton S. Möller
- Department
of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | | | - Rumbidzai R. Chirombo
- Department
of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - A. James Mason
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Megan J. Bester
- Department
of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Anabella R. M. Gaspar
- Department
of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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Pimchan T, Tian F, Thumanu K, Rodtong S, Yongsawatdigul J. Anti-Salmonella Activity of a Novel Peptide, KGGDLGLFEPTL, Derived from Egg Yolk Hydrolysate. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 13:19. [PMID: 38247578 PMCID: PMC10812675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to characterize the mode of action of a novel antimicrobial peptide isolated from egg yolk hydrolysate. The EYHp6, KGGDLGLFEPTL, exhibited inhibition against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium TISTR 292 and S. enterica serovar Enteritidis DMST 15679 with a MIC value of 2 mM. In contrast, S. enterica serovar Newport ATCC 6962 and other strains of Typhimurium and Enteritidis were inhibited at 4 mM. EYHp6 increased the cell membrane permeability of S. Typhimurium TISTR 292, leading to DNA leakage. Membrane integrity determined by propidium iodide and SYTO9 staining visualized by confocal microscopy demonstrated that EYHp6 at 1 × MIC induced disruption of cell membranes. Electron microscopy revealed that treatment of S. Typhimurium with EYHp6 led to damage to the cell membrane, causing the leakage of intracellular contents. Synchrotron-based Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that EYHp6 killed S. Typhimurium by targeting fatty acids and nucleic acids in the cell membrane. The peptide did not show hemolytic activity up to 4 mM. These findings suggest that EYHp6 could be a promising antibacterial agent for controlling the growth of S. enterica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thippawan Pimchan
- School of Food Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand;
| | - Fu Tian
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550003, China;
| | - Kanjana Thumanu
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization), Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand;
| | - Sureelak Rodtong
- School of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand;
| | - Jirawat Yongsawatdigul
- School of Food Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand;
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Liu B, Zhong X, Liu Z, Guan X, Wang Q, Qi R, Zhou X, Huang J. Probiotic Potential and Safety Assessment of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum cqf-43 and Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17570. [PMID: 38139398 PMCID: PMC10744225 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study reports the whole-genome sequence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum cqf-43 isolated from healthy sow feces. Based on genomic analysis, we performed a comprehensive safety assessment of strain cqf-43, using both in vitro and in vivo experiments, and explored its probiotic potential. The total genome length measures 3,169,201 bp, boasting a GC content of 44.59%. Through phylogenetic analyses, leveraging both 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences, we confidently categorize strain cqf-43 as a member of Lactiplantibacillus. Genome annotation using Prokka unveiled a total of 3141 genes, encompassing 2990 protein-coding sequences, 71 tRNAs, 16 rRNAs, and 1 tmRNA. Functional annotations derived from COG and KEGG databases highlighted a significant abundance of genes related to metabolism, with a notable emphasis on carbohydrate utilization. The genome also revealed the presence of prophage regions and CRISPR-Cas regions while lacking virulence and toxin genes. Screening for antibiotic resistance genes via the CARD database yielded no detectable transferable resistance genes, effectively eliminating the potential for harmful gene transfer. It is worth highlighting that the virulence factors identified via the VFDB database primarily contribute to bolstering pathogen resilience in hostile environments. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for probiotics. Furthermore, the genome is devoid of menacing genes such as hemolysin, gelatinase, and biogenic amine-producing genes. Our investigation also unveiled the presence of three unannotated secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, as detected by the online tool antiSMASH, suggesting a great deal of unknown potential for this strain. Rigorous in vitro experiments confirmed tolerance of strain cqf-43 in the intestinal environment, its antimicrobial efficacy, sensitivity to antibiotics, absence of hemolysis and gelatinase activity, and its inability to produce biogenic amines. In addition, a 28-day oral toxicity test showed that the strain cqf-43 did not pose a health hazard in mice, further establishing it as a safe strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiheng Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.G.); (Q.W.); (R.Q.); (X.Z.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhong
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.G.); (Q.W.); (R.Q.); (X.Z.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Zhiyun Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.G.); (Q.W.); (R.Q.); (X.Z.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Xiaofeng Guan
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.G.); (Q.W.); (R.Q.); (X.Z.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.G.); (Q.W.); (R.Q.); (X.Z.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Renli Qi
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.G.); (Q.W.); (R.Q.); (X.Z.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhou
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.G.); (Q.W.); (R.Q.); (X.Z.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
| | - Jinxiu Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Science, Chongqing 402460, China; (B.L.); (X.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.G.); (Q.W.); (R.Q.); (X.Z.)
- National Pig Technology Innovation Center, Chongqing 402460, China
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Yu L, Yang M, Jiang D, Jin H, Jin Z, Chu X, Zhao M, Wu S, Zhang F, Hu X. Antibacterial peptides from Monochamus alternatus induced oxidative stress and reproductive defects in pine wood nematode through the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105511. [PMID: 37532327 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Pine wilt disease is a devastating disease of pine caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Long-term use of chemical nematicides leads to the development of resistance in nematodes and harms the environment. Evaluations for green environmental protection agents, identified the antibacterial peptide, MaltDef1, from Monochamus alternatus which had nematicidal effect. We studied its nematicidal activity and action against PWN. In this study, the antibacterial peptide S-defensin was synthesized from M. alternatus. The results showed that S-defensin caused mortality to the PWN, causing shrinkage, pore, cell membrane dissolution and muscle atrophy. In addition, PWN reproduction was also affected by S-defensin; it decreased in a concentration dependent manner with increasing treatment concentration. By contrast, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo increased in a concentration-dependent manner. We applied transcriptome to analyze the changes in gene expressions in S-defensin treated PWN, and found that the most significantly enriched pathway was the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. RNAi was used to validate the functions of four differential genes (Let-23, Let-60, Mek-2 and Lin-1) in this pathway. The results showed that knockdown of these genes significantly decreased the survival rate and reproductive yield of, and also increased ROS in PWN. The antibacterial peptide S-defensin had a significant inhibitory effect on the survival and reproduction of PWN, shown by cell membrane damage and intracellular biological oxidative stress via regulating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. This indicates that S-defensin has a target in B. xylophilus, against which new green target pesticides can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Meijiao Yang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Di Jiang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Haole Jin
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zehong Jin
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xu Chu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Mingzhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feiping Zhang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Xia Hu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Dho M, Candian V, Tedeschi R. Insect Antimicrobial Peptides: Advancements, Enhancements and New Challenges. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:952. [PMID: 37370271 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12060952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several insects are known as vectors of a wide range of animal and human pathogens causing various diseases. However, they are also a source of different substances, such as the Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs), which can be employed in the development of natural bioactive compounds for medical, veterinary and agricultural applications. It is well known that AMP activity, in contrast to most classical antibiotics, does not lead to the development of natural bacterial resistance, or at least the frequency of resistance is considered to be low. Therefore, there is a strong interest in assessing the efficacy of the various peptides known to date, identifying new compounds and evaluating possible solutions in order to increase their production. Moreover, implementing AMP modulation in insect rearing could preserve insect health in large-scale production. This review describes the current knowledge on insect AMPs, presenting the validated ones for the different insect orders. A brief description of their mechanism of action is reported with focus on proposed applications. The possible effects of insect diet on AMP translation and synthesis have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Dho
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Valentina Candian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Rosemarie Tedeschi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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6
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Wu J, Zhou X, Chen Q, Chen Z, Zhang J, Yang L, Sun Y, Wang G, Dai J, Feng T. Defensins as a promising class of tick antimicrobial peptides: a scoping review. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:71. [PMID: 35725522 PMCID: PMC9208123 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00996-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are hematophagous parasites that transmit an extensive range of pathogens to their vertebrate hosts. Ticks can destroy invading microorganisms or alleviate infection via their rudimentary but orchestrated innate immune system. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of tick innate immunity. Among these humoral effector molecules, defensins are well-studied and widely identified in various species of Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks). This review was aimed at presenting the characterization of tick defensins from structure-based taxonomic status to antimicrobial function. Main text All published papers written in English from 2001 to May 2022 were searched through PubMed and Web of Science databases with the combination of relevant terms on tick defensins. Reports on identification and characterization of tick defensins were included. Of the 329 entries retrieved, 57 articles were finally eligible for our scoping review. Tick defensins mainly belong to the antibacterial ancient invertebrate-type defensins of the cis-defensins superfamily. They are generally small, cationic, and amphipathic, with six cysteine residues forming three intra-molecular disulfide bonds. Tick defensins primarily target membranes of a variety of pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Since tick defensins have a high degree of variability, we summarize their common biological properties and enumerate representative peptides. Along with the various and potent antimicrobial activities, the role of tick defensins in determining vector competence is discussed. Conclusions Due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, tick defensins are considered novel candidates or targets for controlling infectious diseases. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wu
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Chen
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lele Yang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Sun
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Tingting Feng
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGC1601 Isolated from Panax ginseng and Its Probiotic Characteristics. Foods 2022; 11:foods11121707. [PMID: 35741904 PMCID: PMC9223077 DOI: 10.3390/foods11121707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the potential probiotic properties of Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGC1601 isolated from Panax ginseng. Ginseng cultivated in an experimental field of the Korea Ginseng Research Institute was fermented, followed by single colony selection from MRS agar. We performed 16s-rRNA sequencing and whole-genome analysis to identify L. fermentum and evaluate the biosafety parameters of this strain, respectively. We confirmed this strain was susceptible to six antibiotics, as proposed by the European Food Safety Authority, did not produce biogenic amines, and did not exhibit any hemolytic activity. Acid resistance and bile salt tolerance, which are essential properties of a probiotic agent, were investigated. Notably, distinguishing properties of this strain were that it exhibited excellent bile salt tolerance and anti-inflammatory effects. The excellent bile salt tolerance was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Through qRT-PCR and ELISA studies, it was revealed that L. fermentum KGC1601 pre-treatment up-regulates anti-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells. Consequently, we suggested that L. fermentum KGC1601 can be safely used as a potential anti-inflammatory functional probiotic agent.
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Zaghloul EH, Ibrahim MIA. Production and Characterization of Exopolysaccharide From Newly Isolated Marine Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum EI6 With in vitro Wound Healing Activity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:903363. [PMID: 35668753 PMCID: PMC9164304 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.903363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of its safety, biological activities, and unique properties, exopolysaccharide (EPS) from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been developed as a potential biopolymer. A few studies have investigated the EPS produced by marine LAB. This study reports the wound healing activity of an EPS produced by a marine isolate identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum EI6, in addition to assessing L. plantarum EI6's probiotic properties. EI6 demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity against different pathogenic bacteria, as well as the ability to withstand stomach pH 3, tolerate 0.3% bile salt concentration, and exhibit no signs of hemolysis. Furthermore, EI6 was able to produce 270 mg/L of EPS upon growth for 48 h at 37°C in an MRS medium enriched with 1.0% of sucrose. The chemical features of the novel EI6-EPS were investigated: the UV-vis estimated a high carbohydrate content of ~91.5%, and the FTIR emphasized its polysaccharide nature by the characteristic hydroxyl, amide I, II, & III, and glycosidic linkage regions. The GC-MS and NMR analyses revealed the existence of five monosaccharides, namely, rhamnose, galactose, mannose, glucose, and arabinose, existing mainly in the pyranose form and linked together by α- and β-glycosidic linkages. EI6-EPS was found to be safe (IC50 > 100 μg/ml) and induced human skin fibroblasts (HSF) proliferation and migration. These findings imply that EI6 can be used as a safe source of bioactive polymer in wound care.
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Nature-Inspired Antimicrobial Surfaces and Their Potential Applications in Food Industries. Foods 2022; 11:foods11060844. [PMID: 35327267 PMCID: PMC8949295 DOI: 10.3390/foods11060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global concern and has called for the integration of different areas of expertise for designing robust solutions. One such approach is the development of antimicrobial surfaces to combat the emerging resistance in microbes against drugs and disinfectants. This review is a compressive summary of the work done in the field of material science, chemistry, and microbiology in the development of antimicrobial materials and surfaces that are inspired by examples in nature. The focus includes examples of natural antimicrobial surfaces, such as cicada wings or nanopillars, dragonfly wings, shrimp shells, taro leaves, lotus leaves, sharkskin, gecko skin, and butterfly wings, along with their mechanism of action. Techniques, compositions, and combinations that have been developed to synthetically mimic these surfaces against bacterial/viral and fungal growth in food-processing areas have also been discussed. The applications of synthetic mimics of natural antimicrobial surfaces in food-processing environments is still a naïve area of research. However, this review highlights the potential applications of natural antimicrobial surfaces in the food-processing environment as well as outlines the challenges that need mitigations.
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Seo JK, Kim DG, Lee JE, Park KS, Lee IA, Lee KY, Kim YO, Nam BH. Antimicrobial Activity and Action Mechanisms of Arg-Rich Short Analog Peptides Designed from the C-Terminal Loop Region of American Oyster Defensin (AOD). Mar Drugs 2021; 19:451. [PMID: 34436290 PMCID: PMC8400246 DOI: 10.3390/md19080451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
American oyster defensin (AOD) was previously purified from acidified gill extract of the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica. AOD is composed of 38 amino acids with three disulfide bonds and exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria as well as significant activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, to develop promising peptides into antibiotic candidates, we designed five arginine-rich analogs (A0, A1, A2, A3, and A4), predicted their loop and extended strand/random structures-including nine amino acids and a disulfide bond derived from the C-terminus of AOD-and described their antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects, as well as their modes of action. In our experimental results, the A3 and A4 analogs exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all test organisms-including four Gram-positive bacteria, six Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans-without cell toxicity. A sequence of experiments, including a membrane permeabilization assay, DNA binding study, and DNA polymerization inhibition test, indicated that the two analogs (A3 and A4) possibly did not act directly on the bacterial membrane but instead interacted with intracellular components such as DNA or DNA amplification reactions. AOD analogs also showed strong bacterial inhibition activity in the plasma environment. In addition, analog-treated microbial cells clearly exhibited membrane disruption, damage, and leakage of cytoplasmic contents. Collectively, our results suggest that two analogs, A3 and A4, have potent antimicrobial activity via DNA interaction and have the potential for development into novel antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Kil Seo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kunsan National University, Kunsan 54150, Korea; (J.-E.L.); (K.-S.P.)
| | - Dong-Gyun Kim
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Korea; (D.-G.K.); (Y.-O.K.)
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kunsan National University, Kunsan 54150, Korea; (J.-E.L.); (K.-S.P.)
| | - Kwon-Sam Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kunsan National University, Kunsan 54150, Korea; (J.-E.L.); (K.-S.P.)
| | - In-Ah Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Kunsan National University, Kunsan 54150, Korea;
| | - Ki-Young Lee
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Kunsan National University, Kunsan 54150, Korea;
| | - Young-Ok Kim
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Korea; (D.-G.K.); (Y.-O.K.)
| | - Bo-Hye Nam
- Biotechnology Research Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan 46083, Korea; (D.-G.K.); (Y.-O.K.)
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11
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Li F, Gao Z, Wang K, Zhao Y, Wang H, Zhao M, Zhao Y, Bai L, Yu Z, Yang X. A novel defensin-like peptide contributing to antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity of the tick Dermacentor silvarum (Acari: Ixodidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 83:271-283. [PMID: 33452939 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are the most diverse groups of antimicrobial peptides in invertebrate animals. In ticks, defensins show great potential as targets for tick control, and display future prospect for therapeutic drug development. In the present study, a novel defensin-like gene (Ds-defensin) contributing to the antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity of the tick Dermacentor silvarum was characterized. The full-length of the Ds-defensin gene was 382 bp, which displayed tissue-specific expression and was highly abundant in the salivary glands and carcasses of the adults. It encodes a 71-amino acid defensin-like protein, and the protein precursor is characterized by a 22-amino acid signal peptide and a 34-amino acid mature peptide. The peptide displayed potent activity against most of the tested gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, S. carnosus and Nocardia asteroides, and one tested gram-negative bacterium, Psychrobacter faecalis. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the cell wall and surface of treated bacteria became rough and gradually formed pores after a 30-min exposure to the Ds-defensin peptide. Additionally, the peptide also showed significant antioxidant capacity. The above results implied that the defensin-like peptide may play an important role in tick defense and the interaction with microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjiao Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Zhihua Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Kuang Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yinan Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Meichen Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yawen Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Lingqian Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Huang J, Yang X, Wang A, Huang C, Tang H, Zhang Q, Fang Q, Yu Z, Liu X, Huang Q, Zhou R, Li L. Pigs Overexpressing Porcine β-Defensin 2 Display Increased Resilience to Glaesserella parasuis Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120903. [PMID: 33327385 PMCID: PMC7764891 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As the causative agent of Glässer’s disease, Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis has led to serious economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. Due to the low cross-protection of vaccines and increasing antimicrobial resistance of G. parasuis, it is important to develop alternative approaches to prevent G. parasuis infection. Defensins are host defense peptides that have been suggested to be promising substitutes for antibiotics in animal production, while porcine β-defensin 2 (PBD-2) is a potent antimicrobial peptide discovered in pigs. Our previous study generated transgenic (TG) pigs overexpressing PBD-2, which displayed enhanced resistance to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. In this study, the antibacterial activities of PBD-2 against G. parasuis are determined in vitro and in the TG pig model. The concentration-dependent bactericidal activity of synthetic PBD-2 against G. parasuis was measured by bacterial counting. Moreover, after being infected with G. parasuis via a cohabitation challenge model, TG pigs overexpressing PBD-2 displayed significantly milder clinical signs and less severe gross pathological changes than their wild-type (WT) littermates. The TG pigs also exhibited alleviated lung and brain lesions, while bacterial loads in the lung and brain tissues of the TG pigs were significantly lower than those of the WT pigs. Additionally, lung and brain homogenates from TG pigs possessed enhanced antibacterial activity against G. parasuis when compared with those from the WT pigs. Altogether, these proved that overexpression of PBD-2 could also endow pigs with increased resilience to G. parasuis infection, which further confirmed the potential of using the PBD-2 coding gene to develop disease-resistant pigs and provided a novel strategy to combat G. parasuis as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Antian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiuhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zuming Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: (R.Z.); (L.L.)
| | - Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (J.H.); (X.Y.); (A.W.); (C.H.); (H.T.); (Q.Z.); (Q.F.); (Z.Y.); (X.L.); (Q.H.)
- Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Wuhan 430070, China
- Correspondence: (R.Z.); (L.L.)
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Lv C, Han Y, Yang D, Zhao J, Wang C, Mu C. Antibacterial activities and mechanisms of action of a defensin from manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 103:266-276. [PMID: 32439511 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Defensins represent an evolutionary ancient family of antimicrobial peptides, which played an undeniably important role in host defense. In the present study, a defensin isoform was identified and characterized from manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (designed as Rpdef1α). Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis suggested that Rpdef1α belonged to the defensin family. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Rpdef1α transcripts and the encoding peptide were dominantly expressed in the tissues of gills and mantle. After Vibrio anguillarum challenge, the Rpdef1α transcripts were significantly up-regulated in gills of clams. In addition, rRpdef1α not only showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities towards Vibrio species, but also inhibited the formation of bacterial biofilms. Knockdown of Rpdef1α transcripts caused significant increase in the cumulative mortality of manila clams post V. anguillarum challenge. Membrane integrity, scanning electron microscopy analysis and electrochemical assay indicated that rRpdef1α was capable of causing bacterial membrane permeabilization and then resulted in cell death. Moreover, phagocytosis and chemotactic ability of hemocytes could be significantly enhanced after incubation with rRpdef1α. Overall, these results suggested that Rpdef1α could act as both antibacterial agent and opsonin to defend against the invading microorganisms in manila clam R. philippinarum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Lv
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo, 315832, PR China
| | - Yijing Han
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Dinglong Yang
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, PR China.
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, PR China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo, 315832, PR China
| | - Changkao Mu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315832, PR China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo, 315832, PR China.
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Photochemically-Generated Silver Chloride Nanoparticles Stabilized by a Peptide Inhibitor of Cell Division and Its Antimicrobial Properties. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10904-019-01427-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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Expression and function assessment of two serpin-type serine protease inhibitors from Haemaphysalis doenitzi. Res Vet Sci 2020; 132:1-9. [PMID: 32464311 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) in ticks are implicated in the modulation of the vertebrate host response to the tick bite. Experimentally, it has been demonstrated that serpins interfere with tick-borne pathogen transmission. However, knowledge on serpins in the tick Haemaphysalis doenitzi is lacking. In this study, the expression of two serpin genes, named HDS1 and HDS2, were assessed in H. doenitzi, and their roles in immune regulation were further investigated. The expression of HDS1 and HDS2 showed no tissue specificity, with maximum expression levels detected in the hemolymph and salivary gland, respectively. Among the developmental stages, the highest expression of HDS1 and HDS2 were detected in larvae and adults, respectively. The recombinant protein rHDS1 displayed obvious inhibitory effects on trypsin and thrombin, whereas rHDS2 clearly inhibited thrombin only. In addition, rHDS1 and rHDS2 showed certain inhibitory activities against bacteria and fungi. The female engorgement body weight, female engorgement rate, and egg hatchability were significantly decreased after injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of HDS1 gene, whereas no significant effects were observed concerning the feeding period or attachment rate at 24 h after introduction via rabbit ears. When injected with dsRNA of HDS2 gene, no significant effect was observed on the attachment rate at 24 h after introduction into the rabbit ears, but the engorgement body weight and engorgement rate of female ticks were significantly decreased, and no egg hatchment occurred. The above results contribute to better understanding the function of serpins in the development and innate immunity of H. doenitzi.
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Armstrong BA, Kneubehl AR, Mitchell RD, Krishnavajhala A, Teel PD, Pérez de León AA, Lopez JE. Differential Expression of Putative Ornithodoros turicata Defensins Mediated by Tick Feeding. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:152. [PMID: 32477960 PMCID: PMC7232577 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Additional research on soft ticks in the family Argasidae is needed to bridge the knowledge gap relative to hard ticks of the family Ixodidae; especially, the molecular mechanisms of Ornithodoros biology. Ornithodoros species are vectors of human and animal pathogens that include tick-borne relapsing fever spirochetes and African swine fever virus. Soft tick vector-pathogen interactions involving components of the tick immune response are not understood. Ticks utilize a basic innate immune system consisting of recognition factors and cellular and humoral responses to produce antimicrobial peptides, like defensins. In the present study, we identified and characterized the first putative defensins of Ornithodoros turicata, an argasid tick found primarily in the southwestern United States and regions of Latin America. Four genes (otdA, otdB, otdC, and otdD) were identified through sequencing and their predicted amino acid sequences contained motifs characteristic of arthropod defensins. A phylogenetic analysis grouped these four genes with arthropod defensins, and computational structural analyses further supported the identification. Since pathogens transmitted by O. turicata colonize both the midgut and salivary glands, expression patterns of the putative defensins were determined in these tissues 1 week post engorgement and after molting. Defensin genes up-regulated in the tick midgut 1 week post blood feeding were otdA and otdC, while otdD was up-regulated in the midgut of post-molt ticks. Moreover, otdB and otdD were also up-regulated in the salivary glands of flat post-molt ticks, while otdC was up-regulated within 1 week post blood-feeding. This work is foundational toward additional studies to determine mechanisms of vector competence and pathogen transmission from O. turicata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Armstrong
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexander R Kneubehl
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert D Mitchell
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | - Aparna Krishnavajhala
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pete D Teel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Adalberto A Pérez de León
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | - Job E Lopez
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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18
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Cabezas-Cruz A, Tonk M, Bleackley MR, Valdés JJ, Barrero RA, Hernández-Jarguín A, Moutailler S, Vilcinskas A, Richard-Forget F, Anderson MA, Rodriguez-Valle M. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of defensins from the Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101269. [PMID: 31445875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tick innate immunity involves humoral and cellular responses. Among the humoral effector molecules in ticks are the defensins which are a family of small peptides with a conserved γ-core motif that is crucial for their antimicrobial activity. Defensin families have been identified in several hard and soft tick species. However, little is known about the presence and antimicrobial activity of defensins from the Australian paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus. In this study the I. holocyclus transcriptome was searched for the presence of defensins. Unique and non-redundant defensin sequences were identified and designated as holosins 1 - 5. The antimicrobial activity of holosins 2 and 3 and of the predicted γ-cores of holosins 1-4 (HoloTickCores 1-4), was assessed using Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as the fungus Fusarium graminearum and the yeast Candida albicans. All holosins had molecular features that are conserved in other tick defensins. Furthermore holosins 2 and 3 were very active against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria grayi. Holosins 2 and 3 were also active against F. graminearum and C. albicans and 5 μM of peptide abrogate the growth of these microorganisms. The activity of the synthetic γ-cores was lower than that of the mature defensins apart from HoloTickCore 2 which had activity comparable to mature holosin 2 against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. This study reveals the presence of a multigene defensin family in I. holocyclus with wide antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France.
| | - Miray Tonk
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mark R Bleackley
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - James J Valdés
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Roberto A Barrero
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | | | - Sara Moutailler
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Strasse 2, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Marilyn A Anderson
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Manuel Rodriguez-Valle
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Flores-Ramirez G, Sallay B, Danchenko M, Lakhneko O, Špitalská E, Skultety L. Comparative proteomics of the vector Dermacentor reticulatus revealed differentially regulated proteins associated with pathogen transmission in response to laboratory infection with Rickettsia slovaca. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:318. [PMID: 31234913 PMCID: PMC6591964 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne rickettsial diseases are caused by pathogens acquired from hard ticks. In particular, Rickettsia slovaca, a zoonotic infectious bacterium causing tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA), is transmitted by the vectors Dermacentor spp. that can be found all over Europe. Although recent studies point out the extreme complexity of bacteria-induced effects in these blood-feeding vectors, the knowledge of individual molecules involved in the preservation and transmission of the pathogen is still limited. System biology tools, including proteomics, may contribute greatly to the understanding of pathogen-tick-host interactions. METHODS Herein, we performed a comparative proteomics study of the tick vector Dermacentor reticulatus that was experimentally infected with the endosymbiotic bacterium R. slovaca. Rickettsia-free ticks, collected in the southern region of Slovakia, were infected with the bacterium by a capillary tube-feeding system, and the dynamics of infection was assessed by quantitative PCR method after 5, 10, 15 and 27 days. RESULTS At the stage of controlled proliferation (at 27 dpi), 33 (from 481 profiled) differentially abundant protein spots were detected on a two-dimensional gel. From the aforementioned protein spots, 21 were successfully identified by tandem mass spectrometry. CONCLUSIONS Although a few discovered proteins were described as having structural or housekeeping functions, the vast majority of the affected proteins were suggested to be essential for tick attachment and feeding on the host, host immune system evasion and defensive response modulation to ensure successful pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Flores-Ramirez
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Balázs Sallay
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Maksym Danchenko
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Olha Lakhneko
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Ludovit Skultety
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. .,Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Antimicrobial Activity of 4-Chlorocinnamic Acid Derivatives. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3941242. [PMID: 31179320 PMCID: PMC6507161 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3941242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The microbial resistance of fungi and bacteria is currently considered a major public health problem. Esters derived from cinnamic acid have a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties that include antimicrobial activity. In this study, a collection of structurally related 4-chlorocinnamic acid esters was prepared using Fischer esterification reactions, alkyl or aryl halide esterification, and Mitsunobu and Steglich reactions. All of the esters were submitted to antimicrobial tests against strains of the species Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida guilliermondii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The compounds also were subjected to molecular docking study with the enzyme 14α-demethylase. Twelve esters derived from 4-chlorocinnamic acid were obtained, with yields varying from 26.3% to 97.6%, three of which were unpublished. The ester methyl 4-chlorocinnamate (1) presented activity against S. aureus at the highest concentration tested. In the antifungal evaluation, all of the esters were bioactive, but methoxyethyl 4-chlorocinnamate (4) and perillyl 4-chlorocinnamate (11) were the most potent (MIC = 0.13 and 0.024 μmol/mL, respectively). The data of molecular docking suggested that all the compounds present good affinity towards the active site related to antifungal activity. Therefore, the esters tested may be inhibitors of the enzyme 14α-demethylase. In addition, the results demonstrate that substituents of short alkyl chains with presence of heteroatom, such as oxygen, or those with a perillyl type terpenic substructure promote better antifungal profiles.
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The diversity of venom components of the scorpion species Paravaejovis schwenkmeyeri (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae) revealed by transcriptome and proteome analyses. Toxicon 2018; 151:47-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.06.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Yang D, Zhang Q, Wang Q, Chen L, Liu Y, Cong M, Wu H, Li F, Ji C, Zhao J. A defensin-like antimicrobial peptide from the manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum: Investigation of the antibacterial activities and mode of action. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 80:274-280. [PMID: 29902560 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are small cysteine-rich cationic proteins that are ubiquitously present in both vertebrates and invertebrates and constitute the front line of host innate immunity. In the present study, a defensin-like antimicrobial peptide (designed as RpdefB) was identified and characterized from the manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. The open reading frame of RpdefB encoded a 70-amino acid polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 7.5 kDa and isoelectric point of 8.16. Multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis strongly suggested that RpdefB was a new member of the defensin family. In non-stimulated clams, RpdefB transcripts were constitutively expressed in all five tested tissues, especially in the hepatopancreas. After Vibrio anguillarum challenge, expression of RpdefB mRNA in hemocytes was significantly up-regulated at 6 h, 12 h and 72 h. The synthetic peptide RpdefB showed high antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio splendidus. Moreover, membrane integrity analysis revealed that RpdefB increased the membrane permeability of Escherichia coli and then resulted in cell death. Overall, our results suggested that RpdefB played an important role in the elimination of invading bacterium, perhaps through membrane-disruptive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinglong Yang
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China
| | - Lizhu Chen
- Shandong Marine Resource and Environment Research Institute, Yantai, 264006, PR China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China
| | - Ming Cong
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China.
| | - Huifeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Chenglong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China.
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Cazorla SI, Maldonado-Galdeano C, Weill R, De Paula J, Perdigón GDV. Oral Administration of Probiotics Increases Paneth Cells and Intestinal Antimicrobial Activity. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:736. [PMID: 29713315 PMCID: PMC5911494 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The huge amount of intestinal bacteria represents a continuing threat to the intestinal barrier. To meet this challenge, gut epithelial cells produce antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that act at the forefront of innate immunity. We explore whether this antimicrobial activity and Paneth cells, the main intestinal cell responsible of AMP production, are influenced by probiotics administration, to avoid the imbalance of intestinal microbiota and preserve intestinal barrier. Administration of Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 (Lc 431) and L. paracasei CNCM I-1518 (Lp 1518) to 42 days old mice, increases the number of Paneth cells on small intestine, and the antimicrobial activity against the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium in the intestinal fluids. Specifically, strong damage of the bacterial cell with leakage of cytoplasmic content, and cellular fragmentation were observed in S. Typhimurium and S. aureus. Even more important, probiotics increase the antimicrobial activity of the intestinal fluids at the different ages, from weaning (21 days old) to old age (180 days old). Intestinal antimicrobial activity stimulated by oral probiotics, do not influence significantly the composition of total anaerobic bacteria, lactobacilli and enterobacteria in the large intestine, at any age analyzed. This result, together with the antimicrobial activity observed against the same probiotic bacteria; endorse the regular consumption of probiotics without adverse effect on the intestinal homeostasis in healthy individuals. We demonstrate that oral probiotics increase intestinal antimicrobial activity and Paneth cells in order to strengthen epithelial barrier against pathogens. This effect would be another important mechanism by which probiotics protect the host mainly against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia I Cazorla
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos (CERELA-CONICET), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Carolina Maldonado-Galdeano
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos (CERELA-CONICET), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Weill
- Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo, DANONE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan De Paula
- Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela D V Perdigón
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos (CERELA-CONICET), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
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24
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Puig-Timonet A, Castillo-Martín M, Pereira BA, Pinart E, Bonet S, Yeste M. Evaluation of porcine beta defensins-1 and -2 as antimicrobial peptides for liquid-stored boar semen: Effects on bacterial growth and sperm quality. Theriogenology 2018; 111:9-18. [PMID: 29407425 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated whether two different antimicrobial peptides (AMP): porcine beta defensins-1 (PBD1) and -2 (PBD2) at three concentrations (1.5 μM, 3 μM and 5 μM) could be a suitable alternative to antibiotics in liquid-stored boar semen. Two separate experiments were conducted with liquid-stored boar semen preserved at 17 °C for 9-10 days. In the first one, we evaluated the impact of adding three concentrations of each AMP on the bacterial growth and sperm quality of boar semen stored for 10 days. In the second experiment, the ability of these AMPs to control bacterial growth was determined over a 9-day period, following artificial inoculation with Escherichia coli at 107 and 108 CFU mL-1. In both experiments, sperm viability was assessed through flow cytometry, sperm motility was determined with Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) and the inhibitory effect on microbial growth was evaluated by bacteria culture on Luria Bertani agar. PBD1 and PBD2 were found to significantly (P < 0.05) decrease sperm motility at 5 μM (% total motile spermatozoa at day 10, Control: 31.6% ± 1.2% vs. PBD1: 6.5% ± 0.3% and PBD2: 5.6% ± 0.4%). Although the highest inhibitory effect on bacterial growth was observed at 3 μM (day 10, PBD1: 1.4 × 106 ± 6.2 × 105 CFU mL-1 and PBD2: 9.1 × 105 ± 2.4 × 105 CFU mL-1) and 5 μM (day 10, PBD1: 1.2 × 105 ± 5.1 × 104 CFU mL-1; PBD2: 8.7 × 104 ± 2.9 × 104 CFU mL-1), the control with antibiotic was found to be more effective (day 10, 8.3 × 103 ± 1.6 × 103 CFU mL-1). In conclusion, PBD1 and PBD2 may be added to antibiotic-free extenders for boar semen at a concentration of 3 μM, but do not completely control all bacterial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Puig-Timonet
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Spain
| | - Miriam Castillo-Martín
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Spain
| | - Barbara A Pereira
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Spain.
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25
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Ghanbari R, Ebrahimpour A. Separation and identification of bromelain-generated antibacterial peptides from Actinopyga lecanora. Food Sci Biotechnol 2017; 27:591-598. [PMID: 30263784 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-017-0267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Actinopyga lecanora, as a rich protein source was hydrolysed to generate antibacterial bioactive peptides using different proteolytic enzymes. Bromelain hydrolysate, after 1 h hydrolysis, exhibited the highestantibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Two dimensional fractionation strategies, using a semi-preparative RP-HPLC and an isoelectric-focusing electrophoresis, were applied for peptide profiling. Furthermore, UPLC-QTOF-MS was used for peptides identification; 12 peptide sequences were successfully identified. The antibacterial activity of purified peptides from A. lecanora on P. aeruginosa, Pseudomonas sp., E. coli and S. aureus was investigated. These identified peptides exhibited growth inhibition against P. aeruginosa, Pseudomonas sp., E. coli and S. aureus with values ranging from 18.80 to 75.30%. These results revealed that the A. lecanora would be used as an economical protein source for the production of high value antibacterial bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Afshin Ebrahimpour
- 2Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
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26
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Sun T, Pan W, Song Y, Zhang J, Wang J, Dai J. Functional characterization of two defensins, HlDFS1 and HlDFS2, from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:455. [PMID: 28969703 PMCID: PMC5625651 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2397-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are second to mosquitoes as vectors of human arthropod-borne diseases. Ticks rely heavily on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to defend against microbes and defensins are major components of innate immunity in ticks. Results Two novel defensin genes, named HlDFS1 and HlDFS2, were identified from a cDNA library of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis collected in southeast China. The peptides encoded by both genes shares typical features of type-2 arthropod defensin superfamily. The expressions of both genes increased in ticks during blood-feeding. The synthetic minimum functional peptides HlDFS1 and HlDFS2 showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, HlDFS1 and HlDFS2 exhibit bactericidal activity to some drug resistant bacteria. HlDFS1, but not HlDFS2, showed inhibitory activity against fungus Candida albicans. HlDFS1 and HlDFS2 had no significant hemolysis effect on human erythrocytes at low concentrations and did not impair mammalian cell survival. Finally, HlDFS1 and HlDFS2 significantly protected mice against lethal infection by Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. Conclusions HlDFS1 and HlDFS2 are two novel functional defensins from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. They showed bactericidal activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and significantly protect mice against lethal bacterial infection. Thus, HlDFS1 and HlDFS2 can be introduced to the medical field as new drug candidates with antibacterial activity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2397-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta Sun
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Pan
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingpin Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Su Y, Tian L, Yu M, Gao Q, Wang D, Xi Y, Yang P, Lei B, Ma PX, Li P. Cationic peptidopolysaccharides synthesized by ‘click’ chemistry with enhanced broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. Polym Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7py00528h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A series of broad-spectrum antimicrobial cationic peptidopolysaccharides have been synthesized using a facile thiol–ene ‘click’ chemistry.
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28
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Omardien S, Brul S, Zaat SAJ. Antimicrobial Activity of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides against Gram-Positives: Current Progress Made in Understanding the Mode of Action and the Response of Bacteria. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:111. [PMID: 27790614 PMCID: PMC5063857 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as a novel class of antimicrobials that could aid the fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria. The mode of action of AMPs as acting on the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane has often been presented as an enigma and there are doubts whether the membrane is the sole target of AMPs. Progress has been made in clarifying the possible targets of these peptides, which is reported in this review with as focus gram-positive vegetative cells and spores. Numerical estimates are discussed to evaluate the possibility that targets, other than the membrane, could play a role in susceptibility to AMPs. Concerns about possible resistance that bacteria might develop to AMPs are addressed. Proteomics, transcriptomics, and other molecular techniques are reviewed in the context of explaining the response of bacteria to the presence of AMPs and to predict what resistance strategies might be. Emergent mechanisms are cell envelope stress responses as well as enzymes able to degrade and/or specifically bind (and thus inactivate) AMPs. Further studies are needed to address the broadness of the AMP resistance and stress responses observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Omardien
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stanley Brul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastian A J Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
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29
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Kaushal A, Gupta K, Shah R, van Hoek ML. Antimicrobial activity of mosquito cecropin peptides against Francisella. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 63:171-180. [PMID: 27235883 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the cause of the zoonotic disease tularemia. In Sweden and Scandinavia, epidemiological studies have implicated mosquitoes as a vector. Prior research has demonstrated the presence of Francisella DNA in infected mosquitoes but has not shown definitive transmission of tularemia from a mosquito to a mammalian host. We hypothesized that antimicrobial peptides, an important component of the innate immune system of higher organisms, may play a role in mosquito host-defense to Francisella. We established that Francisella sp. are susceptible to two cecropin antimicrobial peptides derived from the mosquito Aedes albopictus as well as Culex pipiens. We also demonstrated induced expression of Aedes albopictus antimicrobial peptide genes by Francisella infection C6/36 mosquito cell line. We demonstrate that mosquito antimicrobial peptides act against Francisella by disrupting the cellular membrane of the bacteria. Thus, it is possible that antimicrobial peptides may play a role in the inability of mosquitoes to establish an effective natural transmission of tularemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Kaushal
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Kajal Gupta
- College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Ruhee Shah
- Thomas Jefferson School of Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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30
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Bolouri Moghaddam MR, Tonk M, Schreiber C, Salzig D, Czermak P, Vilcinskas A, Rahnamaeian M. The potential of the Galleria mellonella innate immune system is maximized by the co-presentation of diverse antimicrobial peptides. Biol Chem 2016; 397:939-45. [DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ubiquitous components of the insect innate immune system. The model insect Galleria mellonella has at least 18 AMPs, some of which are still uncharacterized in terms of antimicrobial activity. To determine why G. mellonella secretes a repertoire of distinct AMPs following an immune challenge, we selected three different AMPs: cecropin A (CecA), gallerimycin and cobatoxin. We found that cobatoxin was active against Micrococcus luteus at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 120 μm, but at 60 μm when co-presented with 4 μm CecA. In contrast, the MIC of gallerimycin presented alone was 60 μm and the co-presentation of CecA did not affect this value. Cobatoxin and gallerimycin were both inactive against Escherichia coli at physiological concentrations, however gallerimycin could potentiate the sublethal dose of CecA (0.25 μm) at a concentration of 30 μm resulting in 100% lethality. The ability of gallerimycin to potentiate the CecA was investigated by flow cytometry, revealing that 30 μm gallerimycin sensitized E. coli cells by inducing membrane depolarization, which intensified the otherwise negligible effects of 0.25 μm CecA. We therefore conclude that G. mellonella maximizes the potential of its innate immune response by the co-presentation of different AMPs that become more effective at lower concentrations when presented simultaneously.
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Miyoshi N, Saito T, Ohmura T, Kuroda K, Suita K, Ihara K, Isogai E. Functional structure and antimicrobial activity of persulcatusin, an antimicrobial peptide from the hard tick Ixodes persulcatus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:85. [PMID: 26873587 PMCID: PMC4752739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1360-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered promising candidates for the development of novel anti-infective agents. In arthropods such as ticks, AMPs form the first line of defense against pathogens in the innate immune response. Persulcatusin (IP) was found in the Ixodes persulcatus midgut, and its amino acid sequence was reported. However, the complete structure of IP has not been identified. We evaluated the relation between structural features and antimicrobial activity of IP, and its potential as a new anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) agent. Methods The structure of IP was predicted using homology modeling and molecular dynamics. IP and other tick AMPs were synthesized using a solid-phase method and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and MRSA were used for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test and short-time killing assay of IP and other tick peptides. The influence of IP on mammalian fibroblasts and colon epithelial cells and each cell DNA and its hemolytic activity towards human erythrocytes were also examined. Results In the predicted IP structure, the structure with an S-S bond was more stable than that without an S-S bond. The MIC after 24 h of incubation with IP was 0.156–1.25 μg/mL for MSSA and 0.625–2.5 μg/mL for MRSA. Compared with the mammalian antimicrobial peptide and other tick peptides, IP was highly effective against MRSA. Moreover, IP showed a dose-dependent bactericidal effect on both MSSA and MRSA after 1 h of incubation. IP had no observable effect on mammalian cell growth or morphology, on each cell DNA and on human erythrocytes. Conclusions We predicted the three-dimensional structure of IP and found that the structural integrity was maintained by three S-S bonds, which were energetically important for the stability and for forming α helix and β sheet. IP has cationic and amphipathic properties, which might be related to its antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of IP against MRSA was stronger than that of other antimicrobial peptides without apparent damage to mammalian and human cells, demonstrating its possible application as a new anti-MRSA medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruhide Miyoshi
- Department of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori Amamiya-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Dassault Systemes Biovia K.K, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | - Kengo Kuroda
- Department of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori Amamiya-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan.
| | - Kazumasa Suita
- Department of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori Amamiya-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan.
| | - Kohei Ihara
- Department of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori Amamiya-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan.
| | - Emiko Isogai
- Department of Animal Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori Amamiya-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan.
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Cabezas-Cruz A, Tonk M, Bouchut A, Pierrot C, Pierce RJ, Kotsyfakis M, Rahnamaeian M, Vilcinskas A, Khalife J, Valdés JJ. Antiplasmodial Activity Is an Ancient and Conserved Feature of Tick Defensins. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1682. [PMID: 27822206 PMCID: PMC5075766 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ancestral sequence reconstruction has been widely used to test evolution-based hypotheses. The genome of the European tick vector, Ixodes ricinus, encodes for defensin peptides with diverse antimicrobial activities against distantly related pathogens. These pathogens include fungi, Gram-negative, and Gram-positive bacteria, i.e., a wide antimicrobial spectrum. Ticks do not transmit these pathogens, suggesting that these defensins may act against a wide range of microbes encountered by ticks during blood feeding or off-host periods. As demonstrated here, these I. ricinus defensins are also effective against the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. To study the general evolution of antimicrobial activity in tick defensins, the ancestral amino acid sequence of chelicerate defensins, which existed approximately 444 million years ago, was reconstructed using publicly available scorpion and tick defensin sequences (named Scorpions-Ticks Defensins Ancestor, STiDA). The activity of STiDA was tested against P. falciparum and the same Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria that were used for the I. ricinus defensins. While some extant tick defensins exhibit a wide antimicrobial spectrum, the ancestral defensin showed moderate activity against one of the tested microbes, P. falciparum. This study suggests that amino acid variability and defensin family expansion increased the antimicrobial spectrum of ancestral tick defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Institute of Parasitology, Université Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 8204 – Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de LilleLille, France
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ACVR)České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South BohemiaČeské Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Miray Tonk
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied EcologyGiessen, Germany
| | - Anne Bouchut
- Institute of Parasitology, Université Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 8204 – Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de LilleLille, France
| | - Christine Pierrot
- Institute of Parasitology, Université Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 8204 – Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de LilleLille, France
| | - Raymond J. Pierce
- Institute of Parasitology, Université Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 8204 – Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de LilleLille, France
| | - Michalis Kotsyfakis
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ACVR)České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammad Rahnamaeian
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied EcologyGiessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of GiessenGiessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied EcologyGiessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of GiessenGiessen, Germany
| | - Jamal Khalife
- Institute of Parasitology, Université Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 – UMR 8204 – Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de LilleLille, France
- *Correspondence: James J. Valdés, Jamal Khalife,
| | - James J. Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ACVR)České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research InstituteBrno, Czech Republic
- *Correspondence: James J. Valdés, Jamal Khalife,
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Tonk M, Cabezas-Cruz A, Valdés JJ, Rego ROM, Grubhoffer L, Estrada-Peña A, Vilcinskas A, Kotsyfakis M, Rahnamaeian M. Ixodes ricinus defensins attack distantly-related pathogens. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 53:358-365. [PMID: 26255244 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are ubiquitous components of eukaryotic innate immunity. Defensins are a well-known family of antimicrobial peptides, widely distributed in ticks, insects, plants and mammals, showing activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast and protozoan parasites. Ixodes ricinus is the most common tick species in Europe and is a vector of pathogens affecting human and animal health. Recently, six defensins (including two isoforms) were identified in I. ricinus. We investigated the evolution of the antimicrobial activity of I. ricinus defensins. Among the five unique defensins, only DefMT3, DefMT5 and DefMT6 showed in vitro antimicrobial activity. Each defensin was active against rather distantly-related bacteria (P < 0.05), significantly among Gram-negative species (P < 0.0001). These three defensins represent different clades within the family of tick defensins, suggesting that the last common ancestor of tick defensins may have had comparable antimicrobial activity. Differences in electrostatic potential, and amino acid substitutions in the β-hairpin and the loop bridging the α-helix and β-sheet may affect the antimicrobial activity in DefMT2 and DefMT7, which needs to be addressed. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the γ-core motif of selected defensins (DefMT3, DefMT6, and DefMT7) was also tested. Interestingly, compared to full length peptides, the γ-core motifs of these defensins were effective against less species of bacteria. However, the antifungal activity of the γ-core was higher than full peptides. Our results broaden the scope of research in the field of antimicrobial peptides highlighting the overlooked ability of arthropod defensins to act against distantly-related microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miray Tonk
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Strasse, D-35394 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France.
| | - James J Valdés
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Ryan O M Rego
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Strasse, D-35394 Giessen, Germany; Institute for Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Michalis Kotsyfakis
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Mohammad Rahnamaeian
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Strasse, D-35394 Giessen, Germany; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain.
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Tonk M, Knorr E, Cabezas-Cruz A, Valdés JJ, Kollewe C, Vilcinskas A. Tribolium castaneum defensins are primarily active against Gram-positive bacteria. J Invertebr Pathol 2015; 132:208-215. [PMID: 26522790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum is a destructive insect pest of stored food and feed products, and a model organism for development, evolutionary biology and immunity. The insect innate immune system includes antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with a wide spectrum of targets including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Defensins are an evolutionarily-conserved class of AMPs and a potential new source of antimicrobial agents. In this context, we report the antimicrobial activity, phylogenetic and structural properties of three T. castaneum defensins (Def1, Def2 and Def3) and their relevance in the immunity of T. castaneum against bacterial pathogens. All three recombinant defensins showed bactericidal activity against Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus thuringiensis serovar tolworthi, but only Def1 and Def2 showed a bacteriostatic effect against Staphylococcus epidermidis. None of the defensins showed activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas entomophila or against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. All three defensins were transcriptionally upregulated following a bacterial challenge, suggesting a key role in the immunity of T. castaneum against bacterial pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis showed that defensins from T. castaneum, mealworms, Udo longhorn beetle and houseflies cluster within a well-defined clade of insect defensins. We conclude that T. castaneum defensins are primarily active against Gram-positive bacteria and that other AMPs may play a more prominent role against Gram-negative species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miray Tonk
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Strasse, D-35394 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Eileen Knorr
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Strasse, D-35394 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France.
| | - James J Valdés
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Christian Kollewe
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Strasse, D-35394 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Winchester Strasse, D-35394 Giessen, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Dias RDO, Franco OL. Cysteine-stabilized αβ defensins: From a common fold to antibacterial activity. Peptides 2015; 72:64-72. [PMID: 25929172 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) seem to be promising alternatives to common antibiotics, which are facing increasing bacterial resistance. Among them are the cysteine-stabilized αβ defensins. These peptides are small, with a length ranging from 34 to 54 amino acid residues, cysteine-rich and extremely stable, normally composed of an α-helix and three β-strands stabilized by three or four disulfide bonds and commonly found in several organisms. Moreover, animal and plant CSαβ defensins present different specificities, the first being mainly active against bacteria and the second against fungi. The role of the CSαβ-motif remains unknown, but a common antibacterial mechanism of action, based on the inhibition of the cell-wall formation, has already been observed in some fungal and invertebrate defensins. In this context, the present work aims to group the data about CSαβ defensins, highlighting their evolution, conservation, structural characteristics, antibacterial activity and biotechnological perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata de Oliveira Dias
- S-Inova, Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
| | - Octavio Luiz Franco
- S-Inova, Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, 79117-900 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, 70719-100 Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Zhang L, Yang D, Wang Q, Yuan Z, Wu H, Pei D, Cong M, Li F, Ji C, Zhao J. A defensin from clam Venerupis philippinarum: Molecular characterization, localization, antibacterial activity, and mechanism of action. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 51:29-38. [PMID: 25697801 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important mediators of the primary host defense system against microbial invasion. In the present study, we cloned and characterized a member of the invertebrate defensin from the clam Venerupis philippinarum, designated VpDef. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that VpDef was similar to defensins from marine mollusks and ticks. In non-stimulated clams, RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that both VpDef mRNA and the encoding peptide were constitutively expressed in hemocytes and mantles, as well as in other major tissues. VpDef transcripts were significantly induced in hemocytes at different time intervals post Vibrio anguillarum infection. The recombinant VpDef (rVpDef) showed the highest activity against Gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus luteus and less effective to Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, incubation of rVpDef with M. luteus at 1 × and 3 × MIC could induce an obvious decrease of the membrane potential and notable changes of membrane permeability in a dose-dependent manner. Membrane integrity and bacterial viability analysis also revealed that rVpDef increased the membrane permeability of M. luteus and then resulted in cell death at 2 × and 10 × MIC. Overall, these results suggest that VpDef has an important function in host defense against invasive pathogens, probably killing microbes by inducing membrane lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linbao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China; South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Dinglong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Zeyi Yuan
- National Marine Data and Information Service, Tianjin 300171, China
| | - Huifeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Dong Pei
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Ming Cong
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Chenglong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environment Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Yantai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai 264003, China.
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Bílikova K, Huang SC, Lin IP, Šimuth J, Peng CC. Structure and antimicrobial activity relationship of royalisin, an antimicrobial peptide from royal jelly of Apis mellifera. Peptides 2015; 68:190-6. [PMID: 25784287 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Royalisin is a 5.5-kDa antibacterial peptide isolated from the royal jelly of the honeybee (Apis mellifera). The antimicrobial activity of royalisin against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria has been revealed. Compared with another insect antibacterial peptide, there is an extra stretch of 11 amino acid residues at the C-terminus of royalisin. In this study, a recombinant shortened form of royalisin named as royalisin-D, was constructed without the 11 amino acid residues at the C-terminal of royalisin and linked to the C-terminal of oleosin by an inteinS fragment. The recombinant protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified by artificial oil body system and subsequently released through self-splicing of inteinS induced by the changes of temperature. The antibacterial activity of royalisin-D was compared with royalisin via minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) assay, microbial adhesion to solvents (MATS) methods, and cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, the recombinant royalisin and royalisin-D have also been treated with the reducing agent of disulfide bonds, dithiothreitol (DTT), to investigate the importance of the intra-disulfide bond in royalisin. In our results, royalisin-D exhibited similar antimicrobial activity to royalisin. Royalisin and royalisin D lost their antimicrobial activities when the intra-disulfide bonds were reduced by DDT. The intra-disulfide bond plays a more important role than the extra stretch of 11 amino acid residues at the C-terminus of royalisin in terms of the antimicrobial properties of the native royalisin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Bílikova
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Zvolen, Detasched workplace Department of Molecular Apidology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sheng-Chang Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - I-Ping Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin, Taiwan; Department of Research and Development, Challenge Bioproducts Co., Ltd., Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Jozef Šimuth
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Zvolen, Detasched workplace Department of Molecular Apidology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Chi-Chung Peng
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin, Taiwan.
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Wang J, Bian G, Pan W, Feng T, Dai J. Molecular characterization of a defensin gene from a hard tick, Dermacentor silvarum. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:25. [PMID: 25588982 PMCID: PMC4311433 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0625-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are distributed worldwide and considered as vectors of many human diseases. Tick defensins, a family of antimicrobial peptides, form the first line of defense against pathogens. Findings A defensin-like gene, named Ds-defensin, was identified from a cDNA library of the hard tick Dermacentor silvarum collected from northeast China. The full-length cDNA of Ds-defensin was 225 bp, encoding a 74 amino acid peptide. The nucleotide sequence of Ds-defensin shared 98.2% similarity to putative defensin from Dermacentor marginatus. RT-PCR results suggested that Ds-defensin was extensively expressed in tick salivary gland and midgut, with a higher expression level in midgut. Ds-defensin showed broad antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as the fungus Candida albicans. Conclusions We characterized a functional defensin from D. silvarum of China. Ds-defensin showed bactericidal activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Ds-defensin can be expected to be introduced to the medical field as a new molecule with antibacterial activity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-014-0625-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tingting Feng
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
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Holocyclotoxin-1, a cystine knot toxin from Ixodes holocyclus. Toxicon 2014; 90:308-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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In vitro and in vivo activities of antimicrobial peptides developed using an amino acid-based activity prediction method. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:5342-9. [PMID: 24982064 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02823-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To design and discover new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with high levels of antimicrobial activity, a number of machine-learning methods and prediction methods have been developed. Here, we present a new prediction method that can identify novel AMPs that are highly similar in sequence to known peptides but offer improved antimicrobial activity along with lower host cytotoxicity. Using previously generated AMP amino acid substitution data, we developed an amino acid activity contribution matrix that contained an activity contribution value for each amino acid in each position of the model peptide. A series of AMPs were designed with this method. After evaluating the antimicrobial activities of these novel AMPs against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, DP7 was chosen for further analysis. Compared to the parent peptide HH2, this novel AMP showed broad-spectrum, improved antimicrobial activity, and in a cytotoxicity assay it showed lower toxicity against human cells. The in vivo antimicrobial activity of DP7 was tested in a Staphylococcus aureus infection murine model. When inoculated and treated via intraperitoneal injection, DP7 reduced the bacterial load in the peritoneal lavage solution. Electron microscope imaging and the results indicated disruption of the S. aureus outer membrane by DP7. Our new prediction method can therefore be employed to identify AMPs possessing minor amino acid differences with improved antimicrobial activities, potentially increasing the therapeutic agents available to combat multidrug-resistant infections.
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Jaiswal S, Mansa N, Prasad MP, Jena BS, Negi PS. Antibacterial and antimutagenic activities of Dillenia indica extracts. FOOD BIOSCI 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Zhan G, Pan LQ, Mao SB, Zhang W, Wei YY, Tu K. Study on antibacterial properties and major bioactive constituents of Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) peels extracts/fractions. Eur Food Res Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00217-013-2151-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Grienke U, Silke J, Tasdemir D. Bioactive compounds from marine mussels and their effects on human health. Food Chem 2013; 142:48-60. [PMID: 24001811 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of marine mussels as popular seafood has increased steadily over the past decades. Awareness of mussel derived molecules, that promote health, has contributed to extensive research efforts in that field. This review highlights the bioactive potential of mussel components from species of the genus Mytilus (e.g. M. edulis) and Perna (e.g. P. canaliculus). In particular, the bioactivity related to three major chemical classes of mussel primary metabolites, i.e. proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, is evaluated. Within the group of proteins the focus is mainly on mussel peptides e.g. those obtained by bio-transformation processes, such as fermentation. In addition, mussel lipids, comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are discussed as compounds that are well known for prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Within the third group of carbohydrates, mussel polysaccharides are investigated. Furthermore, the importance of monitoring the mussel as food material in respect to contaminations with natural toxins produced by microalgae is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Grienke
- School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), University Road, Galway, Ireland
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Prinsloo L, Naidoo A, Serem J, Taute H, Sayed Y, Bester M, Neitz A, Gaspar A. Structural and functional characterization of peptides derived from the carboxy-terminal region of a defensin from the tick Ornithodoros savignyi. J Pept Sci 2013; 19:325-32. [PMID: 23553969 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tick defensins may serve as templates for the development of multifunctional peptides. The purpose of this study was to evaluate shorter peptides derived from tick defensin isoform 2 (OsDef2) in terms of their antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. We compared the structural and functional properties of a synthetic peptide derived from the carboxy-terminal of the parent peptide (Os) to that of an analogue in which the three cysteine residues were omitted (Os-C). Here, we report that both peptides were bactericidal (MBC values ranging from 0.94-15 µg/ml) to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas the parent peptide only exhibited Gram-positive antibacterial activity. The Os peptide was found to be two-fold more active than Os-C against three of the four tested bacteria but equally active against Staphylococcus aureus. Os showed rapid killing kinetics against both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, whereas Os-C took longer, suggesting different modes of action. Scanning electron microscopy showed that in contrast to melittin for which blebbing of bacterial surfaces was observed, cells exposed to either peptide appeared flattened and empty. Circular dichroism data indicated that in a membrane-mimicking environment, the cysteine-containing peptide has a higher α-helical content. Both peptides were found to be non-toxic to mammalian cells. Moreover, the peptides displayed potent antioxidant activity and were 12 times more active than melittin. Multifunctional peptides hold potential for a wide range of clinical applications and further investigation into their mode of antibacterial and antioxidant properties is therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lezaan Prinsloo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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Tan YN, Ayob MK, Wan Yaacob WA. Purification and characterisation of antibacterial peptide-containing compound derived from palm kernel cake. Food Chem 2013; 136:279-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Yu Z, Thomson ELS, Liu J, Dennis JJ, Jacobs RL, Kaufman WR. Antimicrobial activity in the egg wax of the tick Amblyomma hebraeum (Acari: Ixodidae) is associated with free fatty acids C16:1 and C18:2. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2012; 58:453-470. [PMID: 22692850 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9586-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Untreated eggs of the tick Amblyomma hebraeum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae) exhibited antimicrobial activity (AMA) against Gram-negative but not Gram-positive bacteria; eggs denuded of wax by solvent extraction showed no AMA. The unfractionated egg wax extract, however, showed AMA against Gram-positive but not Gram-negative bacteria, as also shown by Arrieta et al. (Exp Appl Acarol 39: 297-313, 2006). In this study we partitioned the egg wax into various fractions, using a variety of techniques, analyzed their compositions, and tested them for AMA. The crude aqueous extract exhibited AMA. However, although more than 30 metabolites were identified in this extract by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, none of them seemed likely to be responsible for the observed AMA. In the crude organic extract, cholesterol esters were the most abundant lipids, but were devoid of AMA. Fatty acids (FAs), with chain lengths between C13 and C26 were the next most abundant lipids. After lipid fractionation and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, free FAs, especially C16:1 and C18:2, accounted for most of the AMA in the organic extract. The material responsible for AMA in the crude aqueous extract remains unidentified. No AMA was detected in the intracellular contents of untreated eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050016 Hebei, China
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Mechanism of action of recombinant acc-royalisin from royal jelly of Asian honeybee against gram-positive bacteria. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47194. [PMID: 23056609 PMCID: PMC3467205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The antibacterial activity of royalisin, an antimicrobial peptide from the royal jelly produced by honeybees, has been addressed extensively. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, a recombinant royalisin, RAcc-royalisin from the royal jelly of Asian honeybee Apis cerana cerana, was expressed by fusing with glutathione S-transferase (GST) in Escherichia coli BL21, isolated and purified. The agar dilution assays with inhibition zone showed that RAcc-royalisin, similar to nisin, inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial activity of RAcc-royalisin was associated with its concentration, and was weakened by heat treatment ranging from 55°C to 85°C for 15 min. Both RAcc-royalisin and nisin exhibited the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 62.5 µg/ml, 125 µg/ml, and 250 µg/ml against Gram-positive bacterial strains, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus flavus and Staphyloccocus aureus in the microplate assay, respectively. However, RAcc-royalisin did not show antimicrobial activity against tested Gram-negative bacterial and fungal strains. The antibacterial activity of RAcc-royalisin agrees well with the decrease in bacterial cell hydrophobicity, the leakage of 260-nm absorbing materials, and the observation by transmission electron microscopy, all indicating that RAcc-royalisin induced the disruption and dysfunction of cell walls and membranes. This is the first report detailing the antibacterial mechanism of royalisin against Gram-positive bacteria, and provides insight into the application of recombinant royalisin in food and pharmaceutical industries as an antimicrobial agent.
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The novel antimicrobial peptide PXL150 in the local treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 97:3085-96. [PMID: 23053090 PMCID: PMC3602619 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-4439-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dramatic increase in bacterial resistance towards conventional antibiotics emphasises the importance to identify novel, more potent antimicrobial therapies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising new group to be evaluated in therapeutic intervention of infectious diseases. Here we describe a novel AMP, PXL150, which demonstrates in vitro a broad spectrum microbicidal action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including resistant strains. The potent microbicidal activity and broad antibacterial spectrum of PXL150 were not associated with any hemolytic activity. Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) failed to develop resistance towards PXL150 during continued selection pressure. PXL150 caused a rapid depolarisation of cytoplasmic membrane of S. aureus, and dissipating membrane potential is likely one mechanism for PXL150 to kill its target bacteria. Studies in human cell lines indicated that PXL150 has anti-inflammatory properties, which might be of additional benefit. PXL150 demonstrated pronounced anti-infectious effect in an in vivo model of full thickness wounds infected with MRSA in rats and in an ex vivo model of pig skin infected with S. aureus. Subcutaneous or topical application of the peptide in rats did not lead to any adverse reactions. In conclusion, PXL150 may constitute a new therapeutic alternative for local treatment of infections, and further studies are warranted to evaluate the applicability of this AMP in clinical settings.
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de Lima-Netto S, Pinheiro A, Nakano E, Zucatelli Mendonça RM, Barros-Battesti DM, Mendonça RZ. Antiviral effect of the egg wax of Amblyomma cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae). Cytotechnology 2012; 64:601-6. [PMID: 22441939 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-012-9444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of viral infections, especially those caused by influenza viruses, is of great interest in Public Health. Bio prospection has shown the presence of active principles in the hemolymph of arthropods, and in the salivary gland of ticks, and some of these are of interest for the development of new pharmacological drugs. Ticks lay their eggs in the environment, and to protect them from desiccation and microbial attack they involve the eggs in a waxy layer produced by an organ known as Gené's Organ. In this study, the eggs wax from tick Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius) was extracted using ice cold phosphate buffer. The antiviral activity was evaluated with picornavirus and influenza virus. In both cases egg wax was able to inhibit virus replication. For influenza virus, an amount as small as 12 μg/mL of crude egg wax suspension neutralized 128 UHA (hemaglutinant unit) of H(1)N(1) influenza virus. With picornavirus, egg wax led to a 256-fold reduction in virus production by L929 cells. Egg wax was not cytotoxic to VERO, MDCK and L929 cell, being observed that the cell morphology was preserved with concentration as high as 2 mg/mL. In addition no genotoxic effect was observed for Vero cells, suggesting a very interesting potential antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange de Lima-Netto
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05503-900, Brazil,
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Chrudimská T, Slaninová J, Rudenko N, Růžek D, Grubhoffer L. Functional characterization of two defensin isoforms of the hard tick Ixodes ricinus. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:63. [PMID: 21504572 PMCID: PMC3102633 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune system of ticks is stimulated to produce many pharmacologically active molecules during feeding and especially during pathogen invasion. The family of cationic peptides - defensins - represents a specific group of antimicrobial compounds with six conserved cysteine residues in a molecule. RESULTS Two isoforms of the defensin gene (def1 and def2) were identified in the European tick Ixodes ricinus. Expression of both genes was induced in different tick organs by a blood feeding or pathogen injection. We have tested the ability of synthetic peptides def1 and def2 to inhibit the growth or directly kill several pathogens. The antimicrobial activities (expressed as minimal inhibition concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values) against Gram positive bacteria were confirmed, while Gram negative bacteria, yeast, Tick Borne Encephalitis and West Nile Viruses were shown to be insensitive. In addition to antimicrobial activities, the hemolysis effect of def1 and def2 on human erythrocytes was also established. CONCLUSIONS Although there is nothing known about the realistic concentration of defensins in I. ricinus tick body, these results suggest that defensins play an important role in defence against different pathogens. Moreover this is a first report of a one amino acid substitution in a defensins molecule and its impact on antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Chrudimská
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, České Buděovice, Czech Republic.
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