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Asakereh I, Rutbeek NR, Singh M, Davidson D, Prehna G, Khajehpour M. The Streptococcus phage protein paratox is an intrinsically disordered protein. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5037. [PMID: 38801244 PMCID: PMC11129628 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The bacteriophage protein paratox (Prx) blocks quorum sensing in its streptococcal host by directly binding the signal receptor and transcription factor ComR. This reduces the ability of Streptococcus to uptake environmental DNA and protects phage DNA from damage by recombination. Past work characterizing the Prx:ComR molecular interaction revealed that paratox adopts a well-ordered globular fold when bound to ComR. However, solution-state biophysical measurements suggested that Prx may be conformationally dynamic. To address this discrepancy, we investigated the stability and dynamic properties of Prx in solution using circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and several fluorescence-based protein folding assays. Our work shows that under dilute buffer conditions Prx is intrinsically disordered. We also show that the addition of kosmotropic salts or protein stabilizing osmolytes induces Prx folding. However, the solute stabilized fold is different from the conformation Prx adopts when it is bound to ComR. Furthermore, we have characterized Prx folding thermodynamics and folding kinetics through steady-state fluorescence and stopped flow kinetic measurements. Our results show that Prx is a highly dynamic protein in dilute solution, folding and refolding within the 10 ms timescale. Overall, our results demonstrate that the streptococcal phage protein Prx is an intrinsically disordered protein in a two-state equilibrium with a solute-stabilized folded form. Furthermore, the solute-stabilized fold is likely the predominant form of Prx in a solute-crowded bacterial cell. Finally, our work suggests that Prx binds and inhibits ComR, and thus quorum sensing in Streptococcus, by a combination of conformational selection and induced-fit binding mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Asakereh
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Nicole R. Rutbeek
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Manvir Singh
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - David Davidson
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Gerd Prehna
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
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2
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Krishnamoorthy R, Adhikari P, Anaikutti P. Design, synthesis, and characterization of non-hemolytic antimicrobial peptides related to human cathelicidin LL-37. RSC Adv 2023; 13:15594-15605. [PMID: 37228679 PMCID: PMC10204126 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02473c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We designed and synthesised the N-terminally labeled cationic and hydrophobic peptides, i.e., FFKKSKEKIGKEFKKIVQKI (P1) and FRRSRERIGREFRRIVQRI (P2) related to the human cathelicidin LL-37 peptide. The integrity and molecular weight of the peptides were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The purity and homogeneity of peptides P1 and P2 were determined by comparing LCMS or analytical HPLC chromatograms. The circular dichroism spectroscopy reveals the conformational transitions upon interaction with membranes. Predictably, peptides P1 and P2 showed a random coil structure in the buffer and formed α-helix secondary structure in TFE and SDS micelles. This assessment was further confirmed by 2D NMR spectroscopic methods. The analytical HPLC binding assay measurements revealed that peptides P1 and P2 display preferential interactions with the anionic lipid bilayer (POPC:POPG) moderately than zwitterionic (POPC). The efficacies of the peptides were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is imperative to note here that the arginine-rich P2 exerted higher activity against all the test organisms as compared with that shown by the lysine-rich peptide P1. To test the toxicity of these peptides, a hemolytic assay was performed. P1 and P2 showed very little to no toxicity for a hemolytic assay, which is significant for P1 and P2 to be used as potential therapeutic agents in practical applications. Both peptides P1 and P2 were non-hemolytic and appeared to be more promising as they demonstrated wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajavenkatesh Krishnamoorthy
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-CLRI Adyar Chennai-600020 Tamil Nadu India
- Department of Chemistry, Sethu Institute of Technology Kariapatti Virudunagar-626115 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Priyanka Adhikari
- Centre for GMP Extraction Facility (Dept. of Biotechnology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati-781101 Assam India
| | - Parthiban Anaikutti
- Centre for GMP Extraction Facility (Dept. of Biotechnology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati-781101 Assam India
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3
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Abbasi M, Behmard E, Yousefi MH, Shekarforoush SS, Mahmoodi S. Expression, purification and investigation of antibacterial activity of a novel hybrid peptide LL37/hBD-129 by applied comprehensive computational and experimental approaches. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:199. [PMID: 37069440 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant pathogens have become a great universal health concern. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small amphipathic and cationic polypeptides with high therapeutic potential against various microorganisms containing drug-resistant strains. Two major groups of these peptides, which have antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, antiviral activity, and even antifungal activity, are defensins and cathelicidins. Hybridization of various AMPs is an appropriate approach to achieving new fusion AMPs with high antibacterial activity but low cellular toxicity. In the current research, the amino-acid sequence of human cathelicidin LL-37 (2-31) and Human beta-defensin (hBD)-129 were combined, and the fusion protein was evaluated by bioinformatics tool. The designed AMP gene sequence was commercially synthesized and cloned in the pET-28a expression vector. The LL-37/hBD-129 fusion protein was expressed in E.coli BL21-gold (DE3). The expression of the recombinant protein was evaluated using the SDS-PAGE method. The LL37/hBD-129 was successfully expressed as a recombinant hybrid AMP in E.coli BL21-gold (DE3) strain. Purification of the expressed AMP was performed by Ni-NTA column affinity chromatography, and the purified AMP was validated using the Western blot technic. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the fusion AMP against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria was assessed. Based on the in silico analysis and experimental evaluations, the fusion AMP showed a significant antimicrobial effect on E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Abbasi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Esmail Behmard
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hashem Yousefi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Shahram Shekarforoush
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
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Wei DX, Zhang XW. Biosynthesis, Bioactivity, Biosafety and Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides for Human Health. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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5
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Cheng J, Ahmat M, Guo H, Wei X, Zhang L, Cheng Q, Zhang J, Wang J, Si D, Zhang Y, Zhang R. Expression, Purification and Characterization of a Novel Hybrid Peptide CLP with Excellent Antibacterial Activity. Molecules 2021; 26:7142. [PMID: 34885732 PMCID: PMC8659006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
CLP is a novel hybrid peptide derived from CM4, LL37 and TP5, with significantly reduced hemolytic activity and increased antibacterial activity than parental antimicrobial peptides. To avoid host toxicity and obtain high-level bio-production of CLP, we established a His-tagged SUMO fusion expression system in Escherichia coli. The fusion protein can be purified using a Nickel column, cleaved by TEV protease, and further purified in flow-through of the Nickel column. As a result, the recombinant CLP with a yield of 27.56 mg/L and a purity of 93.6% was obtained. The purified CLP exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against gram+ and gram- bacteria. Furthermore, the result of propidium iodide staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that CLP can induce the membrane permeabilization and cell death of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. The analysis of thermal stability results showed that the antibacterial activity of CLP decreases slightly below 70 °C for 30 min. However, when the temperature was above 70 °C, the antibacterial activity was significantly decreased. In addition, the antibacterial activity of CLP was stable in the pH range from 4.0 to 9.0; however, when pH was below 4.0 and over 9.0, the activity of CLP decreased significantly. In the presence of various proteases, such as pepsin, papain, trypsin and proteinase K, the antibacterial activity of CLP remained above 46.2%. In summary, this study not only provides an effective strategy for high-level production of antimicrobial peptides and evaluates the interference factors that affect the biological activity of hybrid peptide CLP, but also paves the way for further exploration of the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yueping Zhang
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science & Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (M.A.); (H.G.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (Q.C.); (J.Z.); (J.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Rijun Zhang
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science & Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (M.A.); (H.G.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (Q.C.); (J.Z.); (J.W.); (D.S.)
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6
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Perez-Perez DA, Villanueva-Ramirez TDJ, Hernandez-Pedraza AE, Casillas-Vega NG, Gonzalez-Barranco P, Zarate X. The Small Metal-Binding Protein SmbP Simplifies the Recombinant Expression and Purification of the Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10101271. [PMID: 34680851 PMCID: PMC8532731 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The cathelicidin peptide LL-37 is a prominent molecule with many biological activities, including antimicrobial. Due to its importance, here, we describe the production of LL-37 tagged with SmbP, a relatively new carrier protein that improves the production of recombinant proteins and peptides in Escherichia coli. We present an alternative method for the rapid expression, purification, and antimicrobial evaluation of LL-37, that involves only one purification step. (2) Methods: A DNA construct of SmbP_LL-37 was transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3); after overnight expression, the protein was purified directly from the cell lysate using immobilized metal-affinity chromatography. SmbP_LL-37 was treated with Enterokinase to obtain the free LL-37 peptide. The antimicrobial activity of both SmbP_LL-37 and free LL-37 was determined using the colony forming unit assay method. (3) Results: SmbP_LL-37 was observed in the soluble fraction of the cell lysate; after purification with IMAC, protein gel electrophoresis, and analysis by ImageJ, it showed 90% purity. A total of 3.6 mg of SmbP_LL-37 was produced from one liter of cell culture. SmbP_LL-37 and free LL-37 both showed inhibition activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. (4) Conclusions: The SmbP fusion protein is a valuable tool for producing biologically-active LL-37 peptide. The production method described here should be of interest for the expression and purification of additional cationic peptides, since it cuts the purification time considerably prior to determination of antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Perez-Perez
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (D.A.P.-P.); (T.d.J.V.-R.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Teresa de J. Villanueva-Ramirez
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (D.A.P.-P.); (T.d.J.V.-R.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Adriana E. Hernandez-Pedraza
- CHRISTUS—LATAM HUB Center of Excellence and Innovation, S.C., Lazaro Cardenas 2321, San Pedro Garza Garcia 66260, Mexico;
| | - Nestor G. Casillas-Vega
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Departamento de Patologia Clinica, Hospital Universitario Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez, Monterrey 64460, Mexico;
| | - Patricia Gonzalez-Barranco
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (D.A.P.-P.); (T.d.J.V.-R.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Xristo Zarate
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Av. Universidad s/n, Cd. Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza 66455, Mexico; (D.A.P.-P.); (T.d.J.V.-R.); (P.G.-B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-818-329-4000 (ext. 3444)
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Mirzaee M, Holásková E, Mičúchová A, Kopečný DJ, Osmani Z, Frébort I. Long-Lasting Stable Expression of Human LL-37 Antimicrobial Peptide in Transgenic Barley Plants. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:898. [PMID: 34438948 PMCID: PMC8388648 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides play a crucial role in the innate immune system of multicellular organisms. LL-37 is the only known member of the human cathelicidin family. As well as possessing antibacterial properties, it is actively involved in various physiological responses in eukaryotic cells. Accordingly, there is considerable interest in large-scale, low-cost, and microbial endotoxin-free production of LL-37 recombinant peptides for pharmaceutical applications. As a heterologous expression biofactory, we have previously obtained homologous barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) as an attractive vehicle for producing recombinant human LL-37 in the grain storage compartment, endosperm. The long-term stability of expression and inheritance of transgenes is necessary for the successful commercialization of recombinant proteins. Here, we report the stable inheritance and expression of the LL-37 gene in barley after six generations, including two consecutive seasons of experimental field cultivation. The transgenic plants showed normal growth and remained fertile. Based on the bacteria viability test, the produced peptide LL-37 retained high antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Mirzaee
- Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (M.M.); (E.H.); (A.M.); (Z.O.)
| | - Edita Holásková
- Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (M.M.); (E.H.); (A.M.); (Z.O.)
| | - Alžbeta Mičúchová
- Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (M.M.); (E.H.); (A.M.); (Z.O.)
| | - David J. Kopečný
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Zhila Osmani
- Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (M.M.); (E.H.); (A.M.); (Z.O.)
| | - Ivo Frébort
- Centre of Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (M.M.); (E.H.); (A.M.); (Z.O.)
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8
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Expression of Hybrid Peptide EF-1 in Pichia pastoris, Its Purification, and Antimicrobial Characterization. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235538. [PMID: 33255863 PMCID: PMC7728367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
EF-1 is a novel peptide derived from two bacteriocins, plantaricin E and plantaricin F. It has a strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and with negligible hemolytic effect on red blood cells. However, the chemical synthesis of EF-1 is limited by its high cost. In this study, we established a heterologous expression of EF-1 in Pichia pastoris. The transgenic strain successfully expressed hybrid EF-1 peptide, which had a molecular weight of ~5 kDa as expected. The recombinant EF-1 was purified by Ni2+ affinity chromatography and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), which achieved a yield of 32.65 mg/L with a purity of 94.9%. The purified EF-1 exhibited strong antimicrobial and bactericidal activities against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Furthermore, propidium iodide staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed that EF-1 can directly induce cell membrane permeabilization of E. coli. Therefore, the hybrid EF-1 not only preserves the individual properties of the parent peptides, but also acquires the ability to disrupt Gram-negative bacterial membrane. Meanwhile, such an expression system can reduce both the time and cost for large-scale peptide production, which ensures its potential application at the industrial level.
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Wang L, Wang YL, Lv ZL, Zhang EP, Guo AZ. Design of bovine lactoferricin-derived peptide and its expression and activity in Pichia pastoris. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 534:822-829. [PMID: 33239173 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Bovine lactoferrin peptide has been shown to be a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide. Based on the relationship between the structure and function of antimicrobial peptides, the antimicrobial peptide databases and protein analysis software were used to optimize the design of bovine lactoferricin peptide (LfcinB). The designed bovine lactoferricin-derived peptide (LfcinBD) gene fragment was inserted into a pPIC9K-His plasmid to construct a recombinant expression vector. After linearization of the Recombinant plasmid, Pichia pastoris GS115 cells were transfected with linearized recombinant plasmid by using electroporation and LfcinBD gene expression was induced with methanol. After the fermentation, supernatant was separated by low-temperature high-speed centrifugation. Ultrafiltration and freeze drying of the fermentation supernatant were performed, purified. Experimental results showed that the LfcinBD had stronger bacteriostatic activity against Staphylococcus aureus than the natural bovine lactoferrin peptide (LfcinB) produced under the same fermentation conditions. The effective expression of the optimized bovine lactoferricin-derived peptide was detected using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. This study lays the foundation for further exploration to improve the biological activities of antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Yu-Lian Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Zi-Li Lv
- School of Medical and Life Sciences/Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - En-Peng Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Ai-Zhen Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
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Purification and immobilization of the soluble and insoluble portions of recombinant lipase by gram-positive enhancer matrix (GEM) particles. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 145:1099-1105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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11
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New Engineered Fusion Peptide with Dual Functionality: Antibacterial and Strong Binding to Hydroxyapatite. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09963-8] [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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12
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Kang J, Dietz MJ, Li B. Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is bactericidal against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216676. [PMID: 31170191 PMCID: PMC6553709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our current challenge in the management of prosthetic joint infection is the eradication of biofilms which has driven the need for improved antimicrobial agents and regimens. In this study, the antimicrobial peptide, LL-37, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were investigated for their antimicrobial efficacies against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a microorganism commonly implicated in biofilm-related infections. These antimicrobials were compared to conventional antibiotics and combination treatments with rifampin. Using a Centers for Disease Control reactor, 24 h S. aureus biofilms were formed on cobalt-chromium discs and the anti-biofilm activity was determined by quantifying the amount of colony forming units following treatments. We found that LL-37 was the most efficacious antimicrobial agent with a more than 4 log reduction in colony counts. In comparison, silver nanoparticles and conventional antibiotics were not as efficacious, with a less than 1 log reduction in colony counts. Antimicrobial combination treatments with rifampin significantly increased the log reduction for AgNPs and gentamicin, although still significantly less than LL-37 in isolation. Furthermore, kinetic studies revealed the rapid elimination of S. aureus biofilm with LL-37. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrated that LL-37 was an effective agent against S. aureus biofilms and may have potential clinical applications in the eradication of biofilms and treatment of prosthetic joint infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Kang
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Dietz
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MJD); (BL)
| | - Bingyun Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MJD); (BL)
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Tajbakhsh M, Akhavan MM, Fallah F, Karimi A. A Recombinant Snake Cathelicidin Derivative Peptide: Antibiofilm Properties and Expression in Escherichia coli. Biomolecules 2018; 8:E118. [PMID: 30360422 PMCID: PMC6315654 DOI: 10.3390/biom8040118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic microorganisms has been led to an urgent need for antibiotic alternatives. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been introduced as promising therapeutic agents because of their remarkable potentials. A new modified cathelicidin-BF peptide (Cath-A) with 34 amino acid sequences, represents the potential antimicrobial effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with slight hemolytic and cytotoxic activities on eukaryotic cells. In this study, the effects of Cath-A on Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from medical instruments were studied. Cath-A inhibited the growth of bacterial cells in the range of 8⁻16 μg/mL and 16-≥256 μg/mL for A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The peptide significantly removed the established biofilms. To display a representative approach for the cost-effective constructions of peptides, the recombinant Cath-A was cloned in the expression vector pET-32a(+) and transformed to Escherichia coli BL21. The peptide was expressed with a thioredoxin (Trx) sequence in optimum conditions. The recombinant peptide was purified with a Ni2+ affinity chromatography and the mature peptide was released after removing the Trx fusion protein with enterokinase. The final concentration of the partially purified peptide was 17.6 mg/L of a bacterial culture which exhibited antimicrobial activities. The current expression and purification method displayed a fast and effective system to finally produce active Cath-A for further in-vitro study usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedeh Tajbakhsh
- Pediatric Infections Research Center (PIRC), Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1546815514, Iran.
| | - Maziar Mohammad Akhavan
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1989934148, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Pediatric Infections Research Center (PIRC), Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1546815514, Iran.
| | - Abdollah Karimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center (PIRC), Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1546815514, Iran.
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14
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Ji S, Yun H, Park G, Min HJ, Lee CW. Expression and characterization of recombinant rattusin, an α-defensin-related peptide with a homodimeric scaffold formed by intermolecular disulfide exchanges. Protein Expr Purif 2018; 147:17-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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15
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Expression, Purification, and Characterization of a Novel Hybrid Peptide with Potent Antibacterial Activity. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061491. [PMID: 29925795 PMCID: PMC6099547 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The hybrid peptide cecropin A (1⁻8)⁻LL37 (17⁻30) (C⁻L), derived from the sequence of cecropin A (C) and LL-37 (L), showed significantly increased antibacterial activity and minimized hemolytic activity than C and L alone. To obtain high-level production of C⁻L, the deoxyribonucleic acid sequence encoding C⁻L with preferred codons was cloned into pET-SUMO to construct a fusion expression vector, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21 (DE3). The maximum fusion protein (92% purity) was obtained with the yield of 89.14 mg/L fermentation culture after purification with Ni-NTA Sepharose column. The hybrid C⁻L was cleaved from the fusion protein by SUMO-protease, and 17.54 mg/L pure active C⁻L was obtained. Furthermore, the purified C⁻L showed identical antibacterial and hemolytic activity to synthesized C⁻L. Stability analysis results exhibited that the activity of C⁻L changed little below 80 °C for 20 min, but when the temperature exceeded 80 °C, a significant decrease was observed. Varying the pH from 5.0 to 10.0 did not appear to influence the activity of C⁻L, however, pH below 4.0 decreased the antibacterial activity of C⁻L rapidly. Under the challenge of several proteases (pepsin, trypsin, and proteinase K), the functional activity of C⁻L was maintained over 50%. In summary, this study not only supplied an effective approach for high-level production of hybrid peptide C⁻L, but paved the way for its further exploration in controlling infectious diseases of farm animals or even humans.
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Cheng KT, Wu CL, Yip BS, Yu HY, Cheng HT, Chih YH, Cheng JW. High Level Expression and Purification of the Clinically Active Antimicrobial Peptide P-113 in Escherichia coli. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040800. [PMID: 29601518 PMCID: PMC6017664 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
P-113, which was originally derived from the human saliva protein histatin 5, is a histidine-rich antimicrobial peptide with the sequence AKRHHGYKRKFH. P-113 is currently undergoing phase II clinical trial as a pharmaceutical agent to fight against fungal infections in HIV patients with oral candidiasis. Previously, we developed a new procedure for the high-yield expression and purification of hG31P, an analogue and antagonist of human CXCL8. Moreover, we have successfully removed lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) associated with hG31P in the expression with Escherichia coli. In this paper, we have used hG31P as a novel fusion protein for the expression and purification of P-113. The purity of the expressed P-113 is more than 95% and the yield is 4 mg P-113 per liter of E. coli cell culture in Luria-Bertani (LB) medium. The antimicrobial activity of the purified P-113 was tested. Furthermore, we used circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study the structural properties of P-113. Our results indicate that using hG31P as a fusion protein to obtain large quantities of P-113 is feasible and is easy to scale up for commercial production. An effective way of producing enough P-113 for future clinical studies is evident in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Ting Cheng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Lung Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Bak-Sau Yip
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Yuan Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Hsi-Tsung Cheng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Han Chih
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Jya-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
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Cao J, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Ou RW, Torres MDT, Pande SG, Sinskey AJ, Lu TK. Yeast-Based Synthetic Biology Platform for Antimicrobial Peptide Production. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:896-902. [PMID: 29366323 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most challenging global health threats in our society. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics for the treatment of drug-resistant infections. However, they are limited by their high manufacturing cost. Engineering living organisms represents a promising approach to produce such molecules in an inexpensive manner. Here, we genetically modified the yeast Pichia pastoris to produce the prototypical AMP apidaecin Ia using a fusion protein approach that leverages the beneficial properties ( e.g., stability) of human serum albumin. The peptide was successfully isolated from the fusion protein construct, purified, and demonstrated to have bioactivity against Escherichia coli. To demonstrate this approach as a manufacturing solution to AMPs, we scaled-up production in bioreactors to generate high AMP yields. We envision that this system could lead to improved AMP biomanufacturing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicong Cao
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Rui Wen Ou
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Marcelo Der Torossian Torres
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210580, Brazil
| | - Santosh G. Pande
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Anthony J. Sinskey
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Timothy K. Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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18
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Xiao S, Gao Y, Wang X, Shen W, Wang J, Zhou X, Cai M, Zhang Y. Peroxisome-targeted and tandem repeat multimer expressions of human antimicrobial peptide LL37 in Pichia pastoris. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 47:229-235. [DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2016.1201684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangshan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Menghao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, Shanghai, China
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Lishko VK, Moreno B, Podolnikova NP, Ugarova TP. Identification of Human Cathelicidin Peptide LL-37 as a Ligand for Macrophage Integrin α Mβ 2 (Mac-1, CD11b/CD18) that Promotes Phagocytosis by Opsonizing Bacteria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2016:39-55. [PMID: 27990411 DOI: 10.2147/rrbc.s107070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
LL-37, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, has numerous immune-modulating effects. However, the identity of a receptor(s) mediating the responses in immune cells remains uncertain. We have recently demonstrated that LL-37 interacts with the αMI-domain of integrin αMβ2 (Mac-1), a major receptor on the surface of myeloid cells, and induces a migratory response in Mac-1-expressing monocyte/macrophages as well as activation of Mac-1 on neutrophils. Here, we show that LL-37 and its C-terminal derivative supported strong adhesion of various Mac-1-expressing cells, including HEK293 cells stably transfected with Mac-1, human U937 monocytic cells and murine IC-21 macrophages. The cell adhesion to LL-37 was partially inhibited by specific Mac-1 antagonists, including mAb against the αM integrin subunit and neutrophil inhibitory factor, and completely blocked when anti-Mac-1 antibodies were combined with heparin, suggesting that cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans act cooperatively with integrin Mac-1. Coating both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with LL-37 significantly potentiated their phagocytosis by macrophages, and this process was blocked by a combination of anti-Mac-1 mAb and heparin. Furthermore, phagocytosis by wild-type murine peritoneal macrophages of LL-37-coated latex beads, a model of foreign surfaces, was several fold higher than that of untreated beads. By contrast, LL-37 failed to augment phagocytosis of beads by Mac-1-deficient macrophages. These results identify LL-37 as a novel ligand for integrin Mac-1 and demonstrate that the interaction between Mac-1 on macrophages and bacteria-bound LL-37 promotes phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeryi K Lishko
- Center for Metabolic and Vascular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
| | - Benjamin Moreno
- Center for Metabolic and Vascular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
| | - Nataly P Podolnikova
- Center for Metabolic and Vascular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
| | - Tatiana P Ugarova
- Center for Metabolic and Vascular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
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Pane K, Durante L, Pizzo E, Varcamonti M, Zanfardino A, Sgambati V, Di Maro A, Carpentieri A, Izzo V, Di Donato A, Cafaro V, Notomista E. Rational Design of a Carrier Protein for the Production of Recombinant Toxic Peptides in Escherichia coli. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146552. [PMID: 26808536 PMCID: PMC4726619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Commercial uses of bioactive peptides require low cost, effective methods for their production. We developed a new carrier protein for high yield production of recombinant peptides in Escherichia coli very well suited for the production of toxic peptides like antimicrobial peptides. GKY20, a short antimicrobial peptide derived from the C-terminus of human thrombin, was fused to the C-terminus of Onconase, a small ribonuclease (104 amino acids), which efficiently drove the peptide into inclusion bodies with very high expression levels (about 200–250 mg/L). After purification of the fusion protein by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography, peptide was obtained by chemical cleavage in diluted acetic acid of an acid labile Asp-Pro sequence with more than 95% efficiency. To improve peptide purification, Onconase was mutated to eliminate all acid labile sequences thus reducing the release of unwanted peptides during the acid cleavage. Mutations were chosen to preserve the differential solubility of Onconase as function of pH, which allows its selective precipitation at neutral pH after the cleavage. The improved carrier allowed the production of 15–18 mg of recombinant peptide per liter of culture with 96–98% purity without the need of further chromatographic steps after the acid cleavage. The antimicrobial activity of the recombinant peptide, with an additional proline at the N-terminus, was tested on Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains and was found to be identical to that measured for synthetic GKY20. This finding suggests that N-terminal proline residue does not change the antimicrobial properties of recombinant (P)GKY20. The improved carrier, which does not contain cysteine and methionine residues, Asp-Pro and Asn-Gly sequences, is well suited for the production of peptides using any of the most popular chemical cleavage methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Pane
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Durante
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Elio Pizzo
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Sgambati
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antimo Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Andrea Carpentieri
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Viviana Izzo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Alberto Di Donato
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Cafaro
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Bandurska K, Berdowska A, Barczyńska-Felusiak R, Krupa P. Unique features of human cathelicidin LL-37. Biofactors 2015; 41:289-300. [PMID: 26434733 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are antimicrobial peptides produced by humans and animals in response to various pathogenic microbes. This review intends to provide a brief overview of the expression, structure, properties and function of human cathelicidin LL-37 which may be a therapeutic agent against a variety of bacterial and viral diseases, cancers, and hard-to-heal wounds. Cathelicidins act as a primary defense against bacteria and other pathogens in the case of inflammation. They are able to kill bacteria and fungi, inhibit and destroy bacterial biofilms, and possess antiviral and antiparasitics properties. They can also play a role in angiogenesis, wound healing, and the regulation of apoptosis. The host defense peptide LL-37 has emerged as a novel modulator of tumor growth and metastasis in carcinogenesis of various types of cancers. LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide able of inducing various effects. It acts as an anti- and pro- inflammatory factor. Cathelicidins are able to directly and selectively destroy membranes of various microbes and cancer cells, but they do not attack normal cells. The role of cathelicidins in cancer is double-sided. They play an important role in killing cancer cells and may provide a new possibility for the development of cancer therapeutics. However, they also can participate in carcinogenesis. Due to its activity spectrum LL-37 could be applied in pharmacotherapy. Cathelicidin peptides could serve as a template for the development of modern anti-microbial and anti-viral drugs. LL-37 is an excellent candidate to develop into therapeutics for infected wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bandurska
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Czestochowa, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Berdowska
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Czestochowa, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Krupa
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Czestochowa, Poland
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In vitro and in vivo characterization of a new recombinant antimicrobial peptide, MP1102, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:6255-66. [PMID: 25620367 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, more antimicrobial drug candidates are urgently needed to combat the rise in drug-resistance among pathogenic microbes. A new antimicrobial peptide, MP1102, a variant of NZ2114, was designed, evaluated, and overexpressed in Pichia pastoris. The total secreted protein in cultures reached 695 mg/l, and the concentration of the recombinant MP1102 (rMP1102) was 292 mg/l. rMP1102 was purified from the fermentation supernatant by one-step cation exchange chromatography to obtain a yield of 197.1 mg/l with 96.4 % purity. rMP1102 exhibited potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria, and its minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for four Staphyloccocus aureus (S. aureus) strains ranged from 0.028 to 0.11 μM, and it had stronger activity (MIC = 0.04 to 0.23 μM) to 20 clinical isolates of MRSA (cMRSA) than rNZ2114 (MIC = 0.11 to 0.90 μM). rMP1102 was shown to kill over 99.9 % of tested S. aureus cells within 6 h when treated at one, two, and four times its MIC and over 90 % of S. aureus cells within 12 h at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg in a mouse thigh infection model. The higher sensitivity of MRSA to MP1102 than to its parental peptide, NZ2114, indicated by this initial pharmacodynamic analysis suggests a possible difference in the killing mechanism of these two molecules. rMP1102 caused less than 0.05 % hemolytic activity at 128 μg/ml and exhibited good thermostability from 20 to 80 °C, with its highest activity being observed at pH 8.0. These results suggest that this yeast expression system is feasible for large-scale production, and rMP1102 exerted stronger activity against S. aureus than NZ2114 via a different mechanism and exhibited potential as a new antimicrobial agent for S. aureus, especially MRSA infections.
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Luan C, Xie YG, Pu YT, Zhang HW, Han FF, Feng J, Wang YZ. Recombinant expression of antimicrobial peptides using a novel self-cleaving aggregation tag in Escherichia coli. Can J Microbiol 2014; 60:113-20. [DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2013-0652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune system of complex multicellular organisms. Despite the fact that AMPs show great potential as a novel class of antibiotics, the lack of a cost-effective means for their mass production limits both basic research and clinical use. In this work, we describe a novel expression system for the production of antimicrobial peptides in Escherichia coli by combining ΔI-CM mini-intein with the self-assembling amphipathic peptide 18A to drive the formation of active aggregates. Two AMPs, human β-defensin 2 and LL-37, were fused to the self-cleaving tag and expressed as active protein aggregates. The active aggregates were recovered by centrifugation and the intact antimicrobial peptides were released into solution by an intein-mediated cleavage reaction in cleaving buffer (phosphate-buffered saline supplemented with 40 mmol/L Bis–Tris, 2 mmol/L EDTA, pH 6.2). The peptides were further purified by cation-exchange chromatography. Peptides yields of 0.82 ± 0.24 and 0.59 ± 0.11 mg/L were achieved for human β-defensin 2 and LL-37, respectively, with demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Using our expression system, intact antimicrobial peptides were recovered by simple centrifugation from active protein aggregates after the intein-mediated cleavage reaction. Thus, we provide an economical and efficient way to produce intact antimicrobial peptides in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Luan
- Institute of Feed Science, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture (East China), Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, Hangzhou 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Gang Xie
- Institute of Feed Science, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture (East China), Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, Hangzhou 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Tian Pu
- Institute of Feed Science, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture (East China), Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, Hangzhou 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai Wen Zhang
- Institute of Feed Science, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture (East China), Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, Hangzhou 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Fei Han
- Institute of Feed Science, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture (East China), Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, Hangzhou 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Feng
- Institute of Feed Science, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture (East China), Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, Hangzhou 310058, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhen Wang
- Institute of Feed Science, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Ministry of Agriculture (East China), Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Feed and Animal Nutrition, Hangzhou 310058, People’s Republic of China
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Mulder KCL, Lima LA, Miranda VJ, Dias SC, Franco OL. Current scenario of peptide-based drugs: the key roles of cationic antitumor and antiviral peptides. Front Microbiol 2013; 4:321. [PMID: 24198814 PMCID: PMC3813893 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and host defense peptides (HDPs) show vast potential as peptide-based drugs. Great effort has been made in order to exploit their mechanisms of action, aiming to identify their targets as well as to enhance their activity and bioavailability. In this review, we will focus on both naturally occurring and designed antiviral and antitumor cationic peptides, including those here called promiscuous, in which multiple targets are associated with a single peptide structure. Emphasis will be given to their biochemical features, selectivity against extra targets, and molecular mechanisms. Peptides which possess antitumor activity against different cancer cell lines will be discussed, as well as peptides which inhibit virus replication, focusing on their applications for human health, animal health and agriculture, and their potential as new therapeutic drugs. Moreover, the current scenario for production and the use of nanotechnology as delivery tool for both classes of cationic peptides, as well as the perspectives on improving them is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly C L Mulder
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília Brasília, Brazil
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25
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Ren SX, Shen J, Cheng ASL, Lu L, Chan RLY, Li ZJ, Wang XJ, Wong CCM, Zhang L, Ng SSM, Chan FL, Chan FKL, Yu J, Sung JJY, Wu WKK, Cho CH. FK-16 derived from the anticancer peptide LL-37 induces caspase-independent apoptosis and autophagic cell death in colon cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63641. [PMID: 23700428 PMCID: PMC3659029 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Host immune peptides, including cathelicidins, have been reported to possess anticancer properties. We previously reported that LL-37, the only cathelicidin in humans, suppresses the development of colon cancer. In this study, the potential anticancer effect of FK-16, a fragment of LL-37 corresponding to residues 17 to 32, on cultured colon cancer cells was evaluated. FK-16 induced a unique pattern of cell death, marked by concurrent activation of caspase-independent apoptosis and autophagy. The former was mediated by the nuclear translocation of AIF and EndoG whereas the latter was characterized by enhanced expression of LC3-I/II, Atg5 and Atg7 and increased formation of LC3-positive autophagosomes. Knockdown of Atg5 or Atg7 attenuated the cytotoxicity of FK-16, indicating FK-16-induced autophagy was pro-death in nature. Mechanistically, FK-16 activated nuclear p53 to upregulate Bax and downregulate Bcl-2. Knockdown of p53, genetic ablation of Bax, or overexpression of Bcl-2 reversed FK-16-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Importantly, abolition of AIF/EndoG-dependent apoptosis enhanced FK-16-induced autophagy while abolition of autophagy augmented FK-16-induced AIF-/EndoG-dependent apoptosis. Collectively, FK-16 induces caspase-independent apoptosis and autophagy through the common p53-Bcl-2/Bax cascade in colon cancer cells. Our study also uncovered previously unknown reciprocal regulation between these two cell death pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun X. Ren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jin Shen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alfred S. L. Cheng
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lan Lu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruby L. Y. Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhi J. Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao J. Wang
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Clover C. M. Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon S. M. Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Franky L. Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Francis K. L. Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joseph J. Y. Sung
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William K. K. Wu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Chi H. Cho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhang Y, Teng D, Mao R, Wang X, Xi D, Hu X, Wang J. High expression of a plectasin-derived peptide NZ2114 in Pichia pastoris and its pharmacodynamics, postantibiotic and synergy against Staphylococcus aureus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2013; 98:681-94. [PMID: 23624708 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-4881-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
NZ2114, a new variant of plectasin, was overexpressed in Pichia pastoris X-33 via pPICZαA for the first time. The total secreted protein of fermentation supernatant reached 2,390 mg/l (29 °C) and 2,310 mg/l (25 °C), and the recombinant NZ2114 (rNZ2114) reached 860 mg/l (29 °C) and 1,309 mg/l (25 °C) at 96 h induction in a 5-l fermentor, respectively.The rNZ2114 was purified by cation exchange chromatography, and its yield was 583 mg/l with 94.8 % purity. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of rNZ2114 to four ATCC strains of Staphyloccocus aureus was evaluated from 0.028 to 0.90 μM. Meanwhile, it showed potent activity (0.11-0.90 μM) to 20 clinical isolates of MRSA. The rNZ2114 killed over 99.9 % of tested S. aureus (ATCC 25923 and ATCC 43300) in Mueller-Hinton medium within 6 h when treated with 4 × MIC. The postantibiotic effect of rNZ2114 to S. aureus ATCC 25923 and ATCC 43300 was 18.6-45.6 and 1.7-3.5 h under 1×, 2×, and 4× MIC, respectively. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) indicated a synergistic effect between rNZ2114 and kanamycin, streptomycin, and vancomycin against S. aureus ATCC 25923 (FICI = 0.125), and additivity between rNZ2114 and ampicillin, spectinomycin (FICI = 0.625), respectively. To S. aureus ATCC 43300 [methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)], rNZ2114 showed a synergistic effect (FICI = 0.125-0.3125) with kanamycin, ampicillin, streptomycin, and vancomycin, and antagonism with spectinomycin (FICI = 8.0625). The rNZ2114 caused only less than 0.1 % hemolytic activity in the concentration of 128 μg/ml, and showed a good thermostability from 20 to 80 °C. In addition, it exhibited the highest activity at pH 8.0. These results suggested that large-scale production of NZ2114 is feasible using the P. pastoris expression system, and it could be a new potential antimicrobial agent for the prevention and treatment of S. aureus especially for MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, China
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Isolation and characterization of an antimicrobial substance from Bacillus subtilis BY08 antagonistic to Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes. Food Sci Biotechnol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10068-013-0098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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28
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Xing L, Xu W, Zhou B, Chen Y, Lin Z. Facile expression and purification of the antimicrobial peptide histatin 1 with a cleavable self-aggregating tag (cSAT) in Escherichia coli. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 88:248-53. [PMID: 23403143 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human histatin 1 (Hst1), a member of the histatin family, possesses antimicrobial properties. In this study, we applied a previously developed cleavable self-aggregating tag (cSAT) for the expression and purification of histatin 1 to demonstrate its utility for peptide expression and purification. The tag consists of a self-cleavable intein and a self-assembling peptide ELK16 (I-ELK16). First, an active insoluble aggregate of the recombinant histatin 1-Mxe GyrA intein-ELK16 (Hst1-I-ELK16) fusion protein was produced with a yield of 28.9 μg/mg wet cell pellet. The thiol reagent dithiothreitol (DTT) was then used to induce the intein-mediated cleavage and peptide release into the soluble fraction with a yield of 2.06 μg/mg wet cell pellet and a purity of 70%. The peptide was further purified by high performance liquid chromatography. These results were comparable to the yield and purity achieved when the more conventional glutathione transferase (GST) tag was used. The antimicrobial activities of this recombinant histatin 1 were confirmed against three Candida strains. This cSAT technique offers considerable advantages in terms of its simplicity and speed, eliminating the need for an exogenous protease, and reducing the number of chromatography purification steps. This technique should also be useful for the expression and purification of other AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, One Tsinghua Garden Road, Beijing 100084, China.
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29
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Li Y. Production of human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in Escherichia coli using a thioredoxin–SUMO dual fusion system. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 87:72-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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30
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Parachin NS, Mulder KC, Viana AAB, Dias SC, Franco OL. Expression systems for heterologous production of antimicrobial peptides. Peptides 2012; 38:446-56. [PMID: 23022589 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) consist of molecules that act on the defense systems of numerous organisms toward multiple pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. These compounds have become extremely significant due to the increasing resistance of microorganisms to common antibiotics. However, the low quantity of peptides obtained from direct purification is, to date, still a remarkable bottleneck for scientific and industrial research development. Therefore, this review describes the main heterologous systems currently used for AMP production, including bacteria, fungi and plants, and also the related strategies for reaching greater functional peptide production. The main difficulties of each system are also described in order to provide some directions for AMP production. In summary, data revised here indicate that large-scale production of AMPs can be obtained using biotechnological tools, and the products may be applied in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in agribusiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Skorupa Parachin
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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31
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Verdon J, Girardin N, Marchand A, Héchard Y, Berjeaud JM. Purification and antibacterial activity of recombinant warnericin RK expressed in Escherichia coli. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 97:5401-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-4417-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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32
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Efficacy verification and microscopic observations of an anticancer peptide, CB1a, on single lung cancer cell. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:2927-35. [PMID: 22846508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we introduce a new customized anti-lung cancer peptide, CB1a, with IC₅₀ of about 25.0 ± 1.6 μM on NCI-H460 lung cancer cells. Using a multi-cellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) model, results show that CB1a is potent in preventing the growth of lung cancer tumor-like growths in vitro. Additionally, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to examine cell surface damage of a single cancer. The mechanism for cell death under CB1a toxicity was verified as being largely due to cell surface damage. Moreover, with a treatment dosage of CB1a at 25 μM, Young's module (E) shows that the elasticity and stiffness of cancer cell decreased with time such that the interaction time for a 50% reduction of E (IT₅₀) was about 7.0min. This new single-cell toxicity investigation using IT₅₀ under AFM assay can be used to separately verify drug efficacy in support of the traditional IC₅₀ measurement in bulk solution. These results could be of special interest to researchers engaged in new drug development.
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Li Y. A novel protocol for the production of recombinant LL-37 expressed as a thioredoxin fusion protein. Protein Expr Purif 2012; 81:201-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2011.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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34
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Recombinant production of antimicrobial peptides in Escherichia coli: A review. Protein Expr Purif 2011; 80:260-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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35
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Pasupuleti M, Schmidtchen A, Malmsten M. Antimicrobial peptides: key components of the innate immune system. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2011; 32:143-71. [PMID: 22074402 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2011.594423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 499] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Life-threatening infectious diseases are on their way to cause a worldwide crisis, as treating them effectively is becoming increasingly difficult due to the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) form an ancient type of innate immunity found universally in all living organisms, providing a principal first-line of defense against the invading pathogens. The unique diverse function and architecture of AMPs has attracted considerable attention by scientists, both in terms of understanding the basic biology of the innate immune system, and as a tool in the design of molecular templates for new anti-infective drugs. AMPs are gene-encoded short (<100 amino acids), amphipathic molecules with hydrophobic and cationic amino acids arranged spatially, which exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. AMPs have been the subject of natural evolution, as have the microbes, for hundreds of millions of years. Despite this long history of co-evolution, AMPs have not lost their ability to kill or inhibit the microbes totally, nor have the microbes learnt to avoid the lethal punch of AMPs. AMPs therefore have potential to provide an important breakthrough and form the basis for a new class of antibiotics. In this review, we would like to give an overview of cationic antimicrobial peptides, origin, structure, functions, and mode of action of AMPs, which are highly expressed and found in humans, as well as a brief discussion about widely abundant, well characterized AMPs in mammals, in addition to pharmaceutical aspects and the additional functions of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Pasupuleti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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36
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Yang Y, Teng D, Zhang J, Tian Z, Wang S, Wang J. Characterization of recombinant plectasin: Solubility, antimicrobial activity and factors that affect its activity. Process Biochem 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2011.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Krahulec J, Hyršová M, Pepeliaev S, Jílková J, Černý Z, Machálková J. High level expression and purification of antimicrobial human cathelicidin LL-37 in Escherichia coli. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2010; 88:167-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-010-2736-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 06/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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38
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Thennarasu S, Tan A, Penumatchu R, Shelburne CE, Heyl DL, Ramamoorthy A. Antimicrobial and membrane disrupting activities of a peptide derived from the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL37. Biophys J 2010; 98:248-57. [PMID: 20338846 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2009.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Revised: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 09/29/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A 21-residue peptide segment, LL7-27 (RKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDF), corresponding to residues 7-27 of the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, LL37, is shown to exhibit potent activity against microbes (particularly Gram-positive bacteria) but not against erythrocytes. The structure, membrane orientation, and target membrane selectivity of LL7-27 are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and NMR experiments. An anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid uptake assay reveals two distinct modes of Escherichia coli outer membrane perturbation elicited by LL37 and LL7-27. The circular dichroism results show that conformational transitions are mediated by lipid-specific interactions in the case of LL7-27, unlike LL37. It folds into an alpha-helical conformation upon binding to anionic (but not zwitterionic) vesicles, and also does not induce dye leakage from zwitterionic lipid vesicles. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms show that LL7-27 is completely integrated with DMPC/DMPG (3:1) liposomes, but induces peptide-rich and peptide-poor domains in DMPC liposomes. (15)N NMR experiments on mechanically aligned lipid bilayers suggest that, like the full-length peptide LL37, the peptide LL7-27 is oriented close to the bilayer surface, indicating a carpet-type mechanism of action for the peptide. (31)P NMR spectra obtained from POPC/POPG (3:1) bilayers containing LL7-27 show substantial disruption of the lipid bilayer structure and agree with the peptide's ability to induce dye leakage from POPC/POPG (3:1) vesicles. Cholesterol is shown to suppress peptide-induced disorder in the lipid bilayer structure. These results explain the susceptibility of bacteria and the resistance of erythrocytes to LL7-27, and may have implications for the design of membrane-selective therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathiah Thennarasu
- Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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39
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Ramos R, Domingues L, Gama M. Escherichia coli expression and purification of LL37 fused to a family III carbohydrate-binding module from Clostridium thermocellum. Protein Expr Purif 2010; 71:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2009.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2009] [Revised: 10/20/2009] [Accepted: 10/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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40
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Li C, Blencke HM, Paulsen V, Haug T, Stensvåg K. Powerful workhorses for antimicrobial peptide expression and characterization. Bioeng Bugs 2010; 1:217-20. [PMID: 21326929 DOI: 10.4161/bbug.1.3.11721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2010] [Revised: 03/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovery of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) is to a large extent based on screening of fractions of natural samples in bacterial growth inhibition assays. However, the use of bacteria is not limited to screening for antimicrobial substances. In later steps, bioengineered "bugs" can be applied to both production and characterization of AMPs. Here we describe the idea to use genetically modified Escherichia coli strains for both these purposes. This approach allowed us to investigate SpStrongylocins 1 and 2 from the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus only based on sequence information from a cDNA library and without previous direct isolation or chemical synthesis of these peptides. The recombinant peptides are proved active against all bacterial strains tested. An assay based on a recombinant E. coli sensor strain expressing insect luciferase, revealed that SpStrongylocins are not interfering with membrane integrity and are therefore likely to have intracellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, Faculty of Bioscience, Fisheries and Economics, University of Tromsø, Breivika, Tromsø, Norway
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41
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Li C, Blencke HM, Smith LC, Karp MT, Stensvåg K. Two recombinant peptides, SpStrongylocins 1 and 2, from Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, show antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 34:286-292. [PMID: 19852980 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2009.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Revised: 10/09/2009] [Accepted: 10/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The cysteine-rich strongylocins were the first antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) discovered from the sea urchin species, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. Homologous putative proteins (called SpStrongylocin) were found in the sister species, S. purpuratus. To demonstrate that they exhibit the same antibacterial activity as strongylocins, cDNAs encoding the 'mature' peptides (SpStrongylocins 1 and 2) were cloned into a direct expression system fusing a protease cleavage site and two purification tags to the recombinant peptide. Both recombinant fusion peptides were expressed in a soluble form in an Escherichia coli strain tolerant to toxic proteins. Enterokinase was used to remove the fusion tags and purified recombinant SpStrongylocins 1 and 2 showed antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The results of membrane integrity assays against cytoplasmic membranes of E. coli suggest that both recombinant SpStrongylocins 1 and 2 conduct their antibacterial activity by intracellular killing mechanisms because no increase in membrane permeability was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Norwegian College of Fishery Science, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, University of Tromsø, Breivika, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
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42
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Expression and Purification of an Antimicrobial Peptide by Fusion with Elastin-like Polypeptides in Escherichia coli. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2009; 160:2377-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-009-8850-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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43
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Dawson RM, Liu CQ. Cathelicidin peptide SMAP-29: comprehensive review of its properties and potential as a novel class of antibiotics. Drug Dev Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.20329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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44
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Abstract
LL-37 is a human host defence peptide that has a wide range of biological functions, including antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. This review summarises how molecular structure influences the balance between the immunomodulatory and antimicrobial functions of LL-37.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Burton
- Centre for Bioactive Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Durham, Science Laboratory, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
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45
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Yanga Y, Tiana Z, Teng D, Zhang J, Wang J, Wang J. High-level production of a candidacidal peptide lactoferrampin in Escherichia coli by fusion expression. J Biotechnol 2009; 139:326-31. [PMID: 19297728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2009.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Expression of lactoferrampin 265-284 (Lfampin20), a potential candidacidal agent with 20 amino acid segment from lactoferrin, in Escherichia coli was explored. The DNA fragment encoding Lfampin20 was synthesized in light of the E. coli preferred codons by "partially overlapping primer-based PCR" method. The Lfampin20 gene was fused with thioredoxin (Trx) gene to construct a recombinant plasmid pETLfa20. The resulting expression level of the fusion protein Trx-Lfampin20 (approximately 20 kDa) accounted for 34-42% of cellular protein, and about 52% of the target proteins were in a soluble form. Soluble Trx-Lfampin20 accounted for 66% of the total soluble proteins. The soluble fusion protein was easily purified to near homogeneity by affinity chromatography using hexahistidine tag. Recombinant Lfampin20 was effectively obtained by on-column cleavage of the fusion protein with factor Xa. An unknown site in the Trx-tag fusion protein, which can be cleaved by factor Xa to produce approximately 10 kDa protein, was found. Compared with the unknown site, the specific site of IEGR[downwards arrow]X was easier to be recognized and cleaved by factor Xa. The molecular mass of recombinant Lfampin20 determined by MALDI-TOF (matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight) is equal to its theoretical molecular weight. Antimicrobial activity assays demonstrated that the recombinant Lfampin20 had candidacidal activity. Integration of the key strategies for the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as codon usage bias, fusion partner and on-column cleavage, would provide an efficient and facile platform for the production or study of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Yanga
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing 100081, PR China
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46
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Structure, dynamics and mapping of membrane-binding residues of micelle-bound antimicrobial peptides by natural abundance (13)C NMR spectroscopy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2009; 1798:114-21. [PMID: 19682427 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2009.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Revised: 06/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide bacterial resistance to traditional antibiotics has drawn much research attention to naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) owing to their potential as alternative antimicrobials. Structural studies of AMPs are essential for an in-depth understanding of their activity, mechanism of action, and in guiding peptide design. Two-dimensional solution proton NMR spectroscopy has been the major tool. In this article, we describe the applications of natural abundance (13)C NMR spectroscopy that provides complementary information to 2D (1)H NMR. The correlation of (13)Calpha secondary shifts with both 3D structure and heteronuclear (15)N NOE values indicates that natural abundance carbon chemical shifts are useful probes for backbone structure and dynamics of membrane peptides. Using human LL-37-derived peptides (GF-17, KR-12, and RI-10), as well as amphibian antimicrobial and anticancer peptide aurein 1.2 and its analog LLAA, as models, we show that the cross peak intensity plots of 2D (1)H-(13)Calpha HSQC spectra versus residue number present a wave-like pattern (HSQC wave) where key hydrophobic residues of micelle-bound peptides are located in the troughs with weaker intensities, probably due to fast exchange between the free and bound forms. In all the cases, the identification of aromatic phenylalanines as a key membrane-binding residue is consistent with previous intermolecular Phe-lipid NOE observations. Furthermore, mutation of one of the key hydrophobic residues of KR-12 to Ala significantly reduced the antibacterial activity of the peptide mutants. These results illustrate that natural abundance heteronuclear-correlated NMR spectroscopy can be utilized to probe backbone structure and dynamics, and perhaps to map key membrane-binding residues of peptides in complex with micelles. (1)H-(13)Calpha HSQC wave, along with other NMR waves such as dipolar wave and chemical shift wave, offers novel insights into peptide-membrane interactions from different angles.
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are an essential component of innate immunity and play an important role in host defence against microbial pathogens. They have received increasing attention recently as potential novel pharmaceutical agents. To meet the requirement for necessary basic science studies and clinical trials, large quantities of these peptides are needed. In general, isolation from natural sources and chemical synthesis are not cost‐effective. The relatively low cost and easy scale‐up of the recombinant approach renders it the most attractive means for large‐scale production of antimicrobial peptides. Among the many systems available for protein expression, Escherichia coli remains the most widely used host. Antimicrobial peptides produced in E. coli are often expressed as fusion proteins, which effectively masks these peptides' potential lethal effect towards the bacterial host and protects the peptides from proteolytic degradation. Although some carriers confer peptide solubility, others promote the formation of inclusion bodies. The present minireview considers the most commonly used carrier proteins for fusion expression of antimicrobial peptides in E. coli. The favourable properties of SUMO (small ubiquitin‐related modifier) as a novel fusion partner are also discussed.
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48
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Antibacterial activity of recombinant hCAP18/LL37 protein secreted from Pichia pastoris. J Microbiol 2009; 47:358-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-009-0131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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49
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Vidovic V, Prongidi-Fix L, Bechinger B, Werten S. Production and isotope labeling of antimicrobial peptides in Escherichia coli by means of a novel fusion partner that enables high-yield insoluble expression and fast purification. J Pept Sci 2009; 15:278-84. [PMID: 19189273 DOI: 10.1002/psc.1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A method is presented that allows efficient production of antimicrobial peptides in bacteria by means of fusion to the histone fold domain of the human transcription factor TAF12. This small fusion partner drives high-level expression of peptides and leads to their accumulation in an entirely insoluble form, thereby eliminating toxicity to the host. Using the antimicrobial peptide LAH4 as an example, we demonstrate that neither affinity purification of the TAF12 fusion protein nor initial solubilization of inclusion bodies in denaturing buffers is required. Instead, crude insoluble material from bacteria is directly dissolved in formic acid for immediate release of the peptide through chemical cleavage at a unique Asp-Pro site. This is followed by purification to homogeneity in a single chromatographic step. Because of the elevated expression levels of the histone fold domain and its small size (8 kDa), this straightforward purification scheme produces yields in excess of 10 mg active peptide per liter of culture. We demonstrate that TAF12 fusion allows expression of a wide range of antimicrobial peptides as well as efficient isotope labeling for NMR studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verica Vidovic
- Institut de Chimie, Université Louis Pasteur, CNRS UMR 7177, 67070 Strasbourg, France
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50
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Abstract
We have developed the Recombinantly-produced Antimicrobial Peptides Database (RAPD) to house relevant information on recombinant approaches to generate antimicrobial peptides. Key information stored in the database, which is extracted from published experiments, includes expression host, fusion strategy, release method and yield for individual peptides. Bibliographic data directly related to each particular case are also available. RAPD allows easy comparison of the relative popularity and efficiency of different strategies, and can thus be used as a guideline for future production of similar peptides. The database is freely available at http://faculty.ist.unomaha.edu/chen/rapd/index.php.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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