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Hernández-Arvizu EE, Asada M, Kawazu SI, Vega CA, Rodríguez-Torres A, Morales-García R, Pavón-Rocha AJ, León-Ávila G, Rivas-Santiago B, Mosqueda J. Antiparasitic Evaluation of Aquiluscidin, a Cathelicidin Obtained from Crotalus aquilus, and the Vcn-23 Derivative Peptide against Babesia bovis, B. bigemina and B. ovata. Pathogens 2024; 13:496. [PMID: 38921794 PMCID: PMC11206629 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis is a growing concern due to the increased prevalence of this infectious disease caused by Babesia protozoan parasites, affecting various animals and humans. With rising worries over medication side effects and emerging drug resistance, there is a notable shift towards researching babesiacidal agents. Antimicrobial peptides, specifically cathelicidins known for their broad-spectrum activity and immunomodulatory functions, have emerged as potential candidates. Aquiluscidin, a cathelicidin from Crotalus aquilus, and its derivative Vcn-23, have been of interest due to their previously observed antibacterial effects and non-hemolytic activity. This work aimed to characterize the effect of these peptides against three Babesia species. Results showed Aquiluscidin's significant antimicrobial effects on Babesia species, reducing the B. bigemina growth rate and exhibiting IC50 values of 14.48 and 20.70 μM against B. ovata and B. bovis, respectively. However, its efficacy was impacted by serum presence in culture, and it showed no inhibition against a B. bovis strain grown in serum-supplemented medium. Conversely, Vcn-23 did not demonstrate babesiacidal activity. In conclusion, Aquiluscidin shows antibabesia activity in vitro and its efficacy is affected by the presence of serum in the culture medium. Nevertheless, this peptide represents a candidate for further investigation of its antiparasitic properties and provides insights into potential alternatives for the treatment of babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Esaú Hernández-Arvizu
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.); (R.M.-G.); (A.J.P.-R.)
- PhD Program in Natural Sciences, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Masahito Asada
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medcine, Inadacho, Nishi 2-13, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan; (M.A.); (S.-I.K.)
| | - Shin-Ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medcine, Inadacho, Nishi 2-13, Obihiro 080-8555, Hokkaido, Japan; (M.A.); (S.-I.K.)
| | - Carlos Agustín Vega
- Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (C.A.V.); (A.R.-T.)
| | - Angelina Rodríguez-Torres
- Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (C.A.V.); (A.R.-T.)
| | - Rodrigo Morales-García
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.); (R.M.-G.); (A.J.P.-R.)
| | - Aldo J. Pavón-Rocha
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.); (R.M.-G.); (A.J.P.-R.)
| | - Gloria León-Ávila
- Department of Zoology, National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, C.P. 11340, Casco de Santo Tomas, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Bruno Rivas-Santiago
- Medical Research Unit Zacatecas-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Zacatecas 98053, Mexico;
| | - Juan Mosqueda
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.); (R.M.-G.); (A.J.P.-R.)
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Alves PM, Barrias CC, Gomes P, Martins MCL. How can biomaterial-conjugated antimicrobial peptides fight bacteria and be protected from degradation? Acta Biomater 2024; 181:98-116. [PMID: 38697382 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.04.043] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious threat to public health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are a powerful alternative to antibiotics due to their low propensity to induce bacterial resistance. However, cytotoxicity and short half-lives have limited their clinical translation. To overcome these problems, AMP conjugation has gained relevance in the biomaterials field. Nevertheless, few studies describe the influence of conjugation on enzymatic protection, mechanism of action and antimicrobial efficacy. This review addresses this gap by providing a detailed comparison between conjugated and soluble AMP. Additionally, commonly employed chemical reactions and factors to consider when promoting AMP conjugation are reviewed. The overall results suggested that AMP conjugated onto biomaterials are specifically protected from degradation by trypsin and/or pepsin. However, sometimes, their antimicrobial efficacy was reduced. Due to limited conformational freedom in conjugated AMP, compared to their soluble forms, they appear to act initially by creating small protuberances on bacterial membranes that may lead to the alteration of membrane potential and/or formation of holes, triggering cell death. Overall, AMP conjugation onto biomaterials is a promising strategy to fight infection, particularly associated to the use of medical devices. Nonetheless, some details need to be addressed before conjugated AMP reach clinical practice. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Covalent conjugation of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) has been one of the most widely used strategies by bioengineers, in an attempt to not only protect AMP from proteolytic degradation, but also to prolong their residence time at the target tissue. However, an explanation for the mode of action of conjugated AMP is still lacking. This review extensively gathers works on AMP conjugation and puts forward a mechanism of action for AMP when conjugated onto biomaterials. The implications of AMP conjugation on antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and resistance to proteases are all discussed. A thorough review of commonly employed chemical reactions for this conjugation is also provided. Finally, details that need to be addressed for conjugated AMP to reach clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Alves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - M Cristina L Martins
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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3
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Tang S, Peel E, Belov K, Hogg CJ, Farquharson KA. Multi-omics resources for the Australian southern stuttering frog (Mixophyes australis) reveal assorted antimicrobial peptides. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3991. [PMID: 38368484 PMCID: PMC10874372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54522-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of genome-level resources for non-model species continues to rapidly expand. However, frog species remain underrepresented, with up to 90% of frog genera having no genomic or transcriptomic data. Here, we assemble the first genomic and transcriptomic resources for the recently described southern stuttering frog (Mixophyes australis). The southern stuttering frog is ground-dwelling, inhabiting naturally vegetated riverbanks in south-eastern Australia. Using PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding, we generated a high-quality genome assembly, with a scaffold N50 of 369.3 Mb and 95.1% of the genome contained in twelve scaffolds. Using this assembly, we identified the mitochondrial genome, and assembled six tissue-specific transcriptomes. We also bioinformatically characterised novel sequences of two families of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the southern stuttering frog, the cathelicidins and β-defensins. While traditional peptidomic approaches to peptide discovery have typically identified one or two AMPs in a frog species from skin secretions, our bioinformatic approach discovered 12 cathelicidins and two β-defensins that were expressed in a range of tissues. We investigated the novelty of the peptides and found diverse predicted activities. Our bioinformatic approach highlights the benefits of multi-omics resources in peptide discovery and contributes valuable genomic resources in an under-represented taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Tang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Farquharson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Berhe H, Kumar Cinthakunta Sridhar M, Zerihun M, Qvit N. The Potential Use of Peptides in the Fight against Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:227. [PMID: 38399281 PMCID: PMC10892537 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are both neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people around the world. Leishmaniasis is currently the second most widespread vector-borne parasitic disease after malaria. The World Health Organization records approximately 0.7-1 million newly diagnosed leishmaniasis cases each year, resulting in approximately 20,000-30,000 deaths. Also, 25 million people worldwide are at risk of Chagas disease and an estimated 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin, and pentamidine are currently used to treat leishmaniasis. Also, nifurtimox and benznidazole are two drugs currently used to treat Chagas disease. These drugs are associated with toxicity problems such as nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, in addition to resistance problems. As a result, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a top priority and a promising alternative. Overall, there is a need for new and effective treatments for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as the current drugs have significant limitations. Peptide-based drugs are attractive due to their high selectiveness, effectiveness, low toxicity, and ease of production. This paper reviews the potential use of peptides in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Several studies have demonstrated that peptides are effective against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, suggesting their use in drug therapy for these diseases. Overall, peptides have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, but more research is needed to fully investigate their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nir Qvit
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (H.B.); (M.K.C.S.); (M.Z.)
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Hernández-Arvizu EE, Silis-Moreno TM, García-Arredondo JA, Rodríguez-Torres A, Cervantes-Chávez JA, Mosqueda J. Aquiluscidin, a Cathelicidin from Crotalus aquilus, and the Vcn-23 Derivative Peptide, Have Anti-Microbial Activity against Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2778. [PMID: 38004789 PMCID: PMC10673557 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial peptides play a vital role in the defense mechanisms of various organisms performing functions that range from the elimination of microorganisms, through diverse mechanisms, to the modulation of the immune response, providing protection to the host. Among these peptides, cathelicidins, a well-studied family of anti-microbial peptides, are found in various animal species, including reptiles. Due to the rise in anti-microbial resistance, these compounds have been suggested as potential candidates for developing new drugs. In this study, we identified and characterized a cathelicidin-like peptide called Aquiluscidin (Aq-CATH) from transcripts obtained from the skin and oral mucosa of the Querétaro's dark rattlesnake, Crotalus aquilus. The cDNA was cloned, sequenced, and yielded a 566-base-pair sequence. Using bioinformatics, we predicted that the peptide precursor contains a signal peptide, a 101-amino-acid conserved cathelin domain, an anionic region, and a 34-amino-acid mature peptide in the C-terminal region. Aq-CATH and a derived 23-amino-acid peptide (Vcn-23) were synthesized, and their anti-microbial activity was evaluated against various species of bacteria in in vitro assays. The minimal inhibitory concentrations against bacteria ranged from 2 to 8 μg/mL for both peptides. Furthermore, at concentrations of up to 50 μM, they exhibited no significant hemolytic activity (<2.3% and <1.2% for Aquiluscidin and Vcn-23, respectively) against rat erythrocytes and displayed no significant cytotoxic activity at low concentrations (>65% cell viability at 25 µM). Finally, this study represents the first identification of an antimicrobial peptide in Crotalus aquilus, which belongs to the cathelicidin family and exhibits the characteristic features of these peptides. Both Aq-CATH and its derived molecule, Vcn-23, displayed remarkable inhibitory activity against all tested bacteria, highlighting their potential as promising candidates for further antimicrobial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Esaú Hernández-Arvizu
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
- Ph.D. Program in Natural Sciences, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Teresa Monserrat Silis-Moreno
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
| | - José Alejandro García-Arredondo
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, Queretaro 76010, Mexico;
| | - Angelina Rodríguez-Torres
- Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (A.R.-T.); (J.A.C.-C.)
- Cuerpo Academico Salud Animal y Microbiología Ambiental, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Mosqueda
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
- Cuerpo Academico Salud Animal y Microbiología Ambiental, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
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Abbasali Z, Pirestani M, Dalimi A, Badri M, Fasihi-Ramandi M. Anti-parasitic activity of a chimeric peptide Cecropin A (2-8)-Melittin (6-9) (CM11) against tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii and the BALB/c mouse model of acute toxoplasmosis. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2023; 255:111578. [PMID: 37348706 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2023.111578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that infects most animals, including humans. Pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine is the standard treatment for toxoplasmosis. Although this treatment has been successful, it is often associated with side effects that cannot be tolerated. Therefore, various compounds have been proposed as alternative treatments for toxoplasmosis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) act on various pathogens, from viruses to protozoa. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of CM11 on in vitro and in vivo Toxoplasma gondii infection. For in vitro experiments, VERO cells were treated with different concentrations of CM11 (1-128 μg/ml) compared to sulfadiazine (SDZ) (0.78-100 μg/ml). MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays evaluated the cell viability and plasma membrane integrity. Then, the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined for treating tachyzoites of T. gondii before or on cells previously infected. Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to distinguish viable and apoptotic cells. The effect of CM11, SDZ, and a combination of CM11 and SDZ was evaluated in the BALB/c mouse model of acute toxoplasmosis. CM11 was effective on tachyzoites of T. gondii and had a time and dose-dependent manner. The results of the MTT assay showed that the CC50 values of CM11 and SDZ were estimated at 17.4 µg/ml and 62.3 µg/ml after 24-h, respectively. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of CM11 and SDZ on infected cells was estimated at 1.9 µg/ml and 1.4 µg/ml after 24-h, respectively. The highest rate of apoptosis (early and late) in high concentrations of SDZ and CM11 was determined for tachyzoites (2.13 % and 13.88 %), non-infected VERO cells (6.1 % and 19.76 %), and infected VERO cells (7.45 % and 29.9 %), respectively. Treating infected mice with CM11 and a combination of CM11 and SDZ had increased survival time. Based on the mentioned results, it can be concluded that CM11 has a beneficial effect on tachyzoites of T. gondii in vitro. The result of the mouse model suggests that CM11, either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, could be a potential therapeutic for toxoplasmosis. Hence, antimicrobial peptides could be applied as promising anti-toxoplasma agents for treating toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abbasali
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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García-Beltrán JM, Arizcun M, Chaves-Pozo E. Antimicrobial Peptides from Photosynthetic Marine Organisms with Potential Application in Aquaculture. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21050290. [PMID: 37233484 DOI: 10.3390/md21050290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture production is at a record level and is estimated to increase in the coming years. However, this production can be negatively affected by infectious diseases produced by viruses, bacteria, and parasites, causing fish mortality and economic losses. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides that may be promising candidates to replace antibiotics because they are the first line of defense in animals against a wide variety of pathogens and have no negative effects; they also show additional activities such as antioxidant or immunoregulatory functions, which makes them powerful alternatives for use in aquaculture. Moreover, AMPs are highly available in natural sources and have already been used in the livestock farming and food industries. Photosynthetic marine organisms can survive under all kinds of environmental conditions and under extremely competitive environments thanks to their flexible metabolism. For this reason, these organisms represent a powerful source of bioactive molecules as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, including AMPs. Therefore, in this study we reviewed the present knowledge about AMPs from photosynthetic marine organism sources and analyzed whether they could be suitable for use in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María García-Beltrán
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Physiology and Welfare of Marine Species Group (PHYSIS), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO), CSIC, Puerto de Mazarrón, 30860 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Arizcun
- Physiology and Welfare of Marine Species Group (PHYSIS), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO), CSIC, Puerto de Mazarrón, 30860 Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Chaves-Pozo
- Physiology and Welfare of Marine Species Group (PHYSIS), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO), CSIC, Puerto de Mazarrón, 30860 Murcia, Spain
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Bournez C, Riool M, de Boer L, Cordfunke RA, de Best L, van Leeuwen R, Drijfhout JW, Zaat SAJ, van Westen GJP. CalcAMP: A New Machine Learning Model for the Accurate Prediction of Antimicrobial Activity of Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040725. [PMID: 37107088 PMCID: PMC10135148 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To combat infection by microorganisms host organisms possess a primary arsenal via the innate immune system. Among them are defense peptides with the ability to target a wide range of pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Here, we present the development of a novel machine learning model capable of predicting the activity of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), CalcAMP. AMPs, in particular short ones (<35 amino acids), can become an effective solution to face the multi-drug resistance issue arising worldwide. Whereas finding potent AMPs through classical wet-lab techniques is still a long and expensive process, a machine learning model can be useful to help researchers to rapidly identify whether peptides present potential or not. Our prediction model is based on a new data set constructed from the available public data on AMPs and experimental antimicrobial activities. CalcAMP can predict activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Different features either concerning general physicochemical properties or sequence composition have been assessed to retrieve higher prediction accuracy. CalcAMP can be used as an promising prediction asset to identify short AMPs among given peptide sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Bournez
- Computational Drug Discovery, Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Riool
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie de Boer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A Cordfunke
- Department Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie de Best
- Madam Therapeutics B.V., Pivot Park Life Sciences Community, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands
| | - Remko van Leeuwen
- Madam Therapeutics B.V., Pivot Park Life Sciences Community, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wouter Drijfhout
- Department Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian A J Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J P van Westen
- Computational Drug Discovery, Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Corman HN, Ross JN, Fields FR, Shoue DA, McDowell MA, Lee SW. Rationally Designed Minimal Bioactive Domains of AS-48 Bacteriocin Homologs Possess Potent Antileishmanial Properties. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0265822. [PMID: 36342284 PMCID: PMC9769502 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02658-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a category I neglected tropical disease, is a group of diseases caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania species with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Current treatment options can be highly toxic and expensive, with drug relapse and the emergence of resistance. Bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides ribosomally produced by bacteria, are a relatively new avenue for potential antiprotozoal drugs. Particular interest has been focused on enterocin AS-48, with previously proven efficacy against protozoan species, including Leishmania spp. Sequential characterization of enterocin AS-48 has illustrated that antibacterial bioactivity is preserved in linearized, truncated forms; however, minimal domains of AS-48 bacteriocins have not yet been explored against protozoans. Using rational design techniques to improve membrane penetration activity, we designed peptide libraries using the minimal bioactive domain of AS-48 homologs. Stepwise changes to the charge (z), hydrophobicity (H), and hydrophobic dipole moment (μH) were achieved through lysine and tryptophan substitutions and the inversion of residues within the helical wheel, respectively. A total of 480 synthetic peptide variants were assessed for antileishmanial activity against Leishmania donovani. One hundred seventy-two peptide variants exhibited 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values below 20 μM against axenic amastigotes, with 60 peptide variants in the nanomolar range. Nine peptide variants exhibited potent activity against intracellular amastigotes with observed IC50 values of <4 μM and limited in vitro host cell toxicity, making them worthy of further drug development. Our work demonstrates that minimal bioactive domains of naturally existing bacteriocins can be synthetically engineered to increase membrane penetration against Leishmania spp. with minimal host cytotoxicity, holding the promise of novel, potent antileishmanial therapies. IMPORTANCE Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. There are three primary clinical forms, cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral, with visceral leishmaniasis being fatal if left untreated. Current drug treatments are less than ideal, especially in resource-limited areas, due to the difficult administration and treatment regimens as well as the high cost and the emergence of drug resistance. Identifying potent antileishmanial agents is of the utmost importance. We utilized rational design techniques to synthesize enterocin AS-48 and AS-48-like bacteriocin-based peptides and screened these peptides against L. donovani using a fluorescence-based phenotypic assay. Our results suggest that bacteriocins, specifically these rationally designed AS-48-like peptides, are promising leads for further development as antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N. Corman
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica N. Ross
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Douglas A. Shoue
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Shaun W. Lee
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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10
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Wells M, Fossépré M, Hambye S, Surin M, Blankert B. Uncovering the antimalarial potential of toad venoms through a bioassay-guided fractionation process. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 20:97-107. [PMID: 36343571 PMCID: PMC9772263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains to date one of the most devastating parasitic diseases worldwide. The fight against this disease is rendered more difficult by the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains. The need for new therapeutic candidates is now greater than ever. In this study, we investigated the antiplasmodial potential of toad venoms. The wide array of bioactive compounds present in Bufonidae venoms has allowed researchers to consider many potential therapeutic applications, especially for cancers and infectious diseases. We focused on small molecules, namely bufadienolides, found in the venom of Rhinella marina (L.). The developed bio-guided fractionation process includes a four solvent-system extraction followed by fractionation using flash chromatography. Sub-fractions were obtained through preparative TLC. All samples were characterized using chromatographic and spectrometric techniques and then underwent testing on in vitro Plasmodium falciparum cultures. Two strains were considered: 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) and W2 (chloroquine-resistant). This strategy highlighted a promising activity for one compound named resibufogenin. With IC50 values of (29 ± 8) μg/mL and (23 ± 1) μg/mL for 3D7 and W2 respectively, this makes it an interesting candidate for further investigation. A molecular modelling approach proposed a potential binding mode of resibufogenin to Plasmodium falciparum adenine-triphosphate 4 pump as antimalarial drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Wells
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Fossépré
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Faculty of Sciences, Research Institute for Biosciences and Research Institute for Materials, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Hambye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Surin
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Faculty of Sciences, Research Institute for Biosciences and Research Institute for Materials, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Bertrand Blankert
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium.
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11
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Esmaeilifallah M, Khanahmad H, Ghayour Z, Saberi S, Kalantari R, Hejazi SH. Evaluation of the antileishmanial effect of polyclonal antibodies and cationic antimicrobial peptides. Pathog Glob Health 2022; 117:366-380. [PMID: 35861705 PMCID: PMC10177747 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2101838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the tropical and subtropical diseases which, according to WHO, has the priority of control. The list of anti-leishmanial drugs is limited and requires side effects, high costs, and long-term treatments. Various species, parasite resistance, and simultaneous diseases are among the factors that affect the effectiveness of treatment. Due to these problems and based on satisfactory records of previous studies using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against infectious diseases, this study aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial effect of Leishmania-infected macrophage polyclonal antibody (LIMPA) with or without different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 100 µg/ml) of CM11 and (40, 80, and 100 µg/ml) BufIIIb, two AMPs, in vitro and their therapeutic effects against CL of Balb/c mice. Results showed that LIMPA induced an anti-proliferative effect on Leishmania major growth in macrophages in vitro and intramacrophage-amastigotes in vivo. CM11 with IC50 of 8.73 and 10.10 μg/ml at 48 hours, and BufIIIb with IC50 of 66.83 and 80.26 μg/ml, at 24 hours showed the most significant inhibition of L. major promastigotes and amastigotes. In addition, the CM11 and BufIIIb, with a CC50 of 9.7 μg/ml and 40.34 μg/ml, showed the most significant inhibition effect on the J774.A1 cell line at 48 hours, respectively. In addition, in vivo experiments using LIMPA with a 0.01 mg/kg dosage showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the last week of the measurement compared to the control. The results of this study may be a promising prospect for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Esmaeilifallah
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghayour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sedighe Saberi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Kalantari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Centre, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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12
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Vignoli Muniz GS, Duarte EL, Lorenzón EN, Cilli EM, Lamy MT. What different physical techniques can disclose about disruptions on membrane structure caused by the antimicrobial peptide Hylin a1 and a more positively charged analogue. Chem Phys Lipids 2022; 243:105173. [PMID: 34995561 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2022.105173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The present work monitors structural changes in anionic membranes (DPPG; 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol)) caused by the native antimicrobial peptide (AMP) Hylin a1 (Hya1; IFGAILPLALGALKNLIK-NH2) and its synthetic analogue K0Hya1 (KIFGAILPLALGALKNLIK-NH2), with an extra positive residue of lysine at the N-terminus of the peptide chain. Anionic membranes were used to mimic anionic lipids in bacteria membranes. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) evinced that both peptides strongly disrupt the lipid bilayers. However, whereas the native peptide (+3) induces a space-average and/or time-average disruption on DPPG bilayers, the more charged, K0Hya1 (+4), appears to be strongly attached to the membrane, clearly giving rise to the coexistence of two different lipid regions, one depleted of peptide and another one peptide-disrupted. The membrane fluorescent probe Laurdan indicates that, in average, the peptides increase the bilayer packing of fluid DPPG (above the lipid gel-fluid transition temperature) and/or decrease its polarity. Spin labels, incorporated into DPPG membrane, confirm, and extend the results obtained with Laurdan, indicating that the peptides increase the lipid packing both in gel and fluid DPPG bilayers. Therefore, our results confirm that Laurdan is often unable to monitor structural modifications induced on gel membranes by exogenous molecules. Through the measurement of the leakage of entrapped carboxyfluorescein (CF), a fluorescent dye, in DPPG large unilamellar vesicles it was possible to show that both peptides induce pore formation in DPPG bilayers. Furthermore, CF experiments show that Hylin peptides are strongly bound to DPPG bilayers in the gel phase, not being able to migrate to other DPPG vesicles. Here we discuss the complementarity of different techniques in monitoring structural alterations caused on lipid bilayers by Hylin peptides, and how it could be used to help in the understanding of the action of other exogenous molecules on biological membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S Vignoli Muniz
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 1371, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Evandro L Duarte
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 1371, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Esteban N Lorenzón
- Unidade Acadêmica Especial Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Jataí, 75804-020, Jataí, GO, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M Cilli
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, 14800-900, SP,,Brazil
| | - M Teresa Lamy
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 1371, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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13
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Asadi S, Soleimani N, Babadi ZK, Ebrahimipour GH. Isolation and identification of the bacterium producing antitumor and antimicrobial compounds derived from Iranian swamp frog (Rana ridibunda) skin. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 13:372-380. [PMID: 34540176 PMCID: PMC8416579 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v13i3.6400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cancer incidence and recurrence, antibiotic resistance, and overuse of antibiotics have become a global concern. The purpose of this study was to identify and isolate bacteria from the skin of the Rana ridibunda, Iranian swamp frog, which has produced antimicrobial compounds, and investigate its cytotoxic activity on the breast (MCF7) and glioblastoma (U87) cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: An antibiotic-producing bacterium was isolated from the frog skin. The bacterium was identified based on 16S rDNA sequencing and biochemical and morphological characteristics. Antimicrobial activity of the culture supernatant was examined by disc diffusion and MIC methods. Cytoplasmic and cell wall extracts of bacteria were prepared by sonication. SDS-PAGE was then used to examine protein contents of them. The cancer cell lines were treated with cytoplasmic and cell wall extracts at different concentrations. The effects of cytotoxicity were assessed by MTT assay at 24 and 48 h intervals. Finally, the results were analyzed by SPSS. Results: The isolated bacterium was identified as a new strain of Bacillus atrophaeus. MIC and disc diffusion methods showed that the Bacillus atrophaeus antimicrobial activity was broad spectrum. MTT assay showed IC50 values 30 μg/ml and 20 μg/ml for U87 and MCF7 cells after 24–48 h exposure, respectively. Conclusion: The cytoplasmic extracts of Bacillus atrophaeus has anticancer potential and can be used as an alternative or complementary candidate in the treatment of cancer. Further in vivo and in vitro mechanistic studies are suggested to confirm the biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Asadi
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Soleimani
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Khosravi Babadi
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholam Hossein Ebrahimipour
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Mendes B, Proaño-Bolaños C, Gadelha FR, Almeida JR, Miguel DC. Cruzioseptins, antibacterial peptides from Cruziohyla calcarifer skin, as promising leishmanicidal agents. Pathog Dis 2021; 78:5905406. [PMID: 32926094 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Screenings of natural products have significantly contributed to the discovery of novel leishmanicidal agents. In this study, three known cruzioseptins-antibacterial peptides from Cruziohyla calcarifer skin-were synthesized and evaluated against promastigotes and amastigotes stages of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and L. (V.) braziliensis. EC50 ranged from 9.17 to 74.82 μM, being cruzioseptin-1 the most active and selective compound, with selectivity index > 10 for both promastigotes and amastigotes of L. (V.) braziliensis. In vitro infections incubated with cruzioseptins at 50 μM showed up to ∼86% reduction in the amastigote number. Cruzioseptins were able to destabilize the parasite's cell membrane, allowing the incorporation of a DNA-fluorescent dye. Our data also demonstrated that hydrophobicity and charge appear to be advantageous features for enhancing parasiticidal activity. Antimicrobial cruzioseptins are suitable candidates and alternative molecules that deserve further in vivo investigation focusing on the development of novel antileishmanial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mendes
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. CEP 13083-862
| | - Carolina Proaño-Bolaños
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Fernanda R Gadelha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. CEP 13083-862
| | - José R Almeida
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. CEP 13083-862
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15
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Almeida CV, de Oliveira CFR, Dos Santos EL, Dos Santos HF, Júnior EC, Marchetto R, da Cruz LA, Ferreira AMT, Gomes VM, Taveira GB, Costa BO, Franco OL, Cardoso MH, Macedo MLR. Differential interactions of the antimicrobial peptide, RQ18, with phospholipids and cholesterol modulate its selectivity for microorganism membranes. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129937. [PMID: 34052310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules with potential application for the treatment of microorganism infections. We, herein, describe the structure, activity, and mechanism of action of RQ18, an α-helical AMP that displays antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts from the Candida genus. METHODS A physicochemical-guided design assisted by computer tools was used to obtain our lead peptide candidate, named RQ18. This peptide was assayed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and mammalian cells to determine its selectivity index. The secondary structure and the mechanism of action of RQ18 were investigated using circular dichroism, large unilamellar vesicles, and molecular dynamic simulations. RESULTS RQ18 was not cytotoxic to human lung fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, red blood cells, or Vero cells at MIC values, exhibiting a high selectivity index. Circular dichroism analysis and molecular dynamic simulations revealed that RQ18 presents varying structural profiles in aqueous solution, TFE/water mixtures, SDS micelles, and lipid bilayers. The peptide was virtually unable to release carboxyfluorescein from large unilamellar vesicles composed of POPC/cholesterol, model that mimics the eukaryotic membrane, indicating that vesicles' net charges and the presence of cholesterol may be related with RQ18 selectivity for bacterial and fungal cell surfaces. CONCLUSIONS RQ18 was characterized as a membrane-active peptide with dual antibacterial and antifungal activities, without compromising mammalian cells viability, thus reinforcing its therapeutic application. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE These results provide further insight into the complex process of AMPs interaction with biological membranes, in special with systems that mimic prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiane V Almeida
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Caio F R de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; Oncolytic Anticancer Drugs, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Edson L Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Helder F Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Edson C Júnior
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Bioquímica e Química Tecnológica, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo Marchetto
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Bioquímica e Química Tecnológica, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia A da Cruz
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Alda Maria T Ferreira
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel B Taveira
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna O Costa
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marlon H Cardoso
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Lígia R Macedo
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
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16
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Pedron CN, Silva AF, Torres MDT, Oliveira CSD, Andrade GP, Cerchiaro G, Pinhal MAS, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Oliveira Junior VX. Net charge tuning modulates the antiplasmodial and anticancer properties of peptides derived from scorpion venom. J Pept Sci 2021; 27:e3296. [PMID: 33442881 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
VmCT1, a linear helical antimicrobial peptide isolated from the venom of the scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus, displays broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Analogs derived from this peptide containing single Arg-substitutions have been shown to increase antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities against Trypanossoma cruzi. Here, we tested these analogs against malaria, an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium protozoa, and assessed their antitumoral properties. Specifically, we tested VmCT1 synthetic variants [Arg]3 -VmCT1-NH2 , [Arg]7 -VmCT1-NH2 , and [Arg]11 -VmCT1-NH2 , against Plasmodium gallinaceum sporozoites and MCF-7 mammary cancer cells. Our screen identified peptides [Arg]3 -VmCT1-NH2 and [Arg]7 -VmCT1-NH2 as potent antiplasmodial agents (IC50 of 0.57 and 0.51 μmol L-1 , respectively), whereas [Arg]11 -VmCT1-NH2 did not show activity against P. gallinaceum sporozoites. Interestingly, all peptides presented activity against MCF-7 and displayed lower cytotoxicity toward healthy cells. We demonstrate that increasing the net positive charge of VmCT1, through arginine substitutions, modulates the biological properties of this peptide family yielding novel antiplasmodial and antitumoral molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cibele Nicolaski Pedron
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil.,Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04044020, Brazil
| | - Adriana Farias Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil.,Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04044020, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Der Torossian Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.,Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.,Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | | | - Gislaine Patricia Andrade
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil
| | - Giselle Cerchiaro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil
| | | | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.,Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.,Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Vani Xavier Oliveira Junior
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil.,Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04044020, Brazil
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17
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Salim MW, Shabbir K, ud-Din F, Yousaf AM, Choi HG, Khan GM. Preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of Rifampicin and Vancomycin Co-loaded transfersomal gel for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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18
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Tryptic Stability and Antimicrobial Activity of the Derivatives of Polybia-CP with Fine-Tuning Modification in the Side Chain of Lysine. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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19
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Recombinant C-Terminal Domains from Scorpine-like Peptides Inhibit the Plasmodium berghei Ookinete Development In Vitro. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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20
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Kazemzadeh-Narbat M, Cheng H, Chabok R, Alvarez MM, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Phillips KS, Khademhosseini A. Strategies for antimicrobial peptide coatings on medical devices: a review and regulatory science perspective. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2020; 41:94-120. [PMID: 33070659 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1828810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Indwelling and implanted medical devices are subject to contamination by microbial pathogens during surgery, insertion or injection, and ongoing use, often resulting in severe nosocomial infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics to reduce the incidence of such infections, as they exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, microbial biofilms, fungi, and viruses. In this review-perspective, we first provide an overview of the progress made in this field over the past decade with an emphasis on the local release of AMPs from implant surfaces and immobilization strategies for incorporating these agents into a wide range of medical device materials. We then provide a regulatory science perspective addressing the characterization and testing of AMP coatings based on the type of immobilization strategy used with a focus on the US market regulatory niche. Our goal is to help narrow the gulf between academic studies and preclinical testing, as well as to support a future literature base in order to develop the regulatory science of antimicrobial coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Kazemzadeh-Narbat
- Office of Device Evaluation, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hao Cheng
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rosa Chabok
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, USA
| | - Mario Moisés Alvarez
- Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Microsystems Technologies Laboratories, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Centro de Biotecnología-FEMSA, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, México
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Institute for Computational Science, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K Scott Phillips
- Division of Biology, Chemistry and Materials Science, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics (C-MIT), University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Bioindustrial Technologies, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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21
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DE Meester G, Šunje E, Prinsen E, Verbruggen E, VAN Damme R. Toxin variation among salamander populations: discussing potential causes and future directions. Integr Zool 2020; 16:336-353. [PMID: 32965720 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Amphibians produce defensive chemicals which provide protection against both predators and infections. Within species, populations can differ considerably in the composition and amount of these chemical defenses. Studying intraspecific variation in toxins and linking it to environmental variables may help us to identify the selective drivers of toxin evolution, such as predation pressure and infection risk. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the unique toxins produced by salamanders from the genus Salamandra: the samandarines. Despite this attention, intraspecific variation has largely been ignored within Salamandra-species. The aim of this study was to investigate whether geographic variation in profiles of samandarines exists, by sampling 4 populations of Salamandra atra over its range in the Dinaric Alps. In addition, we preliminary explored whether potential variation could be explained by predation (counting the number of snake species) and infection risk (cultivation and genomic analyses of collected soil samples). Salamanders from the 4 populations differed in toxin composition and in the size of their poison glands, although not in overall toxin quantity. Nor predation nor infection risk could explain this variation, as populations barely differed in these variables. Sampling over a much broader geographic range, using better estimators for predation and infection risk, will contribute to an improved understanding of how environment may shape variation in chemical defenses. Nevertheless, as the 4 populations of S. atra did differ in their toxin profiles, we propose that this species provides an interesting opportunity for further ecological and evolutionary studies on amphibian toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles DE Meester
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Emina Šunje
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina.,Herpetological Association in Bosnia and Herzegovina: BHHU: ATRA, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina
| | - Els Prinsen
- Department of Biology, Impress, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Erik Verbruggen
- Department of Biology, Plant and Ecosystems, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Raoul VAN Damme
- Department of Biology, Functional Morphology Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Bioinformatic Analysis of 1000 Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptides Uncovers Multiple Length-Dependent Correlations for Peptide Design and Prediction. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080491. [PMID: 32784626 PMCID: PMC7459754 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are widely distributed on different continents, except for the polar regions. They are important sources for the isolation, purification and characterization of natural compounds, including peptides with various functions. Innate immune antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a critical role in warding off invading pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. They may also have other biological functions such as endotoxin neutralization, chemotaxis, anti-inflammation, and wound healing. This article documents a bioinformatic analysis of over 1000 amphibian antimicrobial peptides registered in the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (APD) in the past 18 years. These anuran peptides were discovered in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and America from 1985 to 2019. Genomic and peptidomic studies accelerated the discovery pace and underscored the necessity in establishing criteria for peptide entry into the APD. A total of 99.9% of the anuran antimicrobial peptides are less than 50 amino acids with an average length of 24 and a net charge of +2.5. Interestingly, the various amphibian peptide families (e.g., temporins, brevinins, esculentins) can be connected through multiple length-dependent relationships. With an increase in length, peptide net charge increases, while the hydrophobic content decreases. In addition, glycine, leucine, lysine, and proline all show linear correlations with peptide length. These correlations improve our understanding of amphibian peptides and may be useful for prediction and design of new linear peptides with potential applications in treating infectious diseases, cancer and diabetes.
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Kordestani Shargh E, Pirestani M, Sadraei J. In vitro toxicity evaluation of short cationic antimicrobial peptide (CM11) on Blastocystis sp. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105384. [PMID: 32017895 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis infection accounts for one of the causes of gastrointestinal problems with the prevalence rate of 3-100% worldwide. There is a wide range of drugs examined for the treatment of infected patients, among them metronidazole (MTZ) has been introduced as one of the efficient drugs. Besides to the suitable clinical effects, the administration of MTZ has some reported side-effects which emphasize on the identification of putative alternates. To this end, we aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity effect of a newly-introduced synthetic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) named CM11 on in vitro cultured Blastocystis. Our results exhibited that CM11 treatment affected the viability of parasites in two cultural conditions including culturing alone and in co-culture with the Caco-2 cell line. The time- and dose-dependent effect of CM11 was consistent with the effect of MTZ which was used as control positive. The highest toxicity effect of CM11 was observed at the concentration of 24 μg/ml, leading to 28.7% and 25% viable parasites after 24 h and 48 h incubation times, respectively. Interestingly, the disruption of the Blastocystis cell membrane could be observed in the treated parasites. Therefore, CM11 can be suggested as a potential treatment for Blastocystis-infected patients after further in vitro and in vivo assessments.
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Bicker KL, Cobb SL. Recent advances in the development of anti-infective peptoids. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:11158-11168. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc04704j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This feature article highlights the progress that has been made towards the development of novel anti-infective peptoids and the key areas for future development within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L. Bicker
- Department of Chemistry
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Murfreesboro
- USA
| | - Steven L Cobb
- Deparment of Chemistry
- Biophysical Sciences Institute
- Durham University
- Durham
- UK
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Ramírez-Montiel F, Mendoza-Macías C, Andrade-Guillén S, Rangel-Serrano Á, Páramo-Pérez I, Rivera-Cuéllar PE, España-Sánchez BL, Luna-Bárcenas G, Anaya-Velázquez F, Franco B, Padilla-Vaca F. Plasma membrane damage repair is mediated by an acid sphingomyelinase in Entamoeba histolytica. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008016. [PMID: 31461501 PMCID: PMC6713333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Entamoeba histolytica is a pathogen that during its infective process confronts the host defenses, which damages the amoebic plasma membrane (PM), resulting in the loss of viability. However, it is unknown whether amoebic trophozoites are able to repair their PM when it is damaged. Acid sphingomyelinases (aSMases) have been reported in mammalian cells to promote endocytosis and removal of PM lesions. In this work, six predicted amoebic genes encoding for aSMases were found to be transcribed in the HM1:IMSS strain, finding that the EhaSM6 gene is the most transcribed in basal growth conditions and rendered a functional protein. The secreted aSMase activity detected was stimulated by Mg+2 and inhibited by Co+2. Trophozoites that overexpress the EhaSM6 gene (HM1-SM6HA) exhibit an increase of 2-fold in the secreted aSMase activity. This transfectant trophozoites exposed to pore-forming molecules (SLO, Magainin, β-Defensin 2 and human complement) exhibited an increase from 6 to 25-fold in the secreted aSMase activity which correlated with higher amoebic viability in a Ca+2 dependent process. However, other agents that affect the PM such as hydrogen peroxide also induced an increase of secreted aSMase, but to a lesser extent. The aSMase6 enzyme is N- and C-terminal processed. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy showed that trophozoites treated with SLO presented a migration of lysosomes containing the aSMase towards the PM, inducing the formation of membrane patches and endosomes in the control strain. These cellular structures were increased in the overexpressing strain, indicating the involvement of the aSMase6 in the PM injury repair. The pore-forming molecules induced an increase in the expression of EhaSM1, 2, 5 and 6 genes, meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide induced an increase in all of them. In all the conditions evaluated, the EhaSM6 gene exhibited the highest levels of induction. Overall, these novel findings show that the aSMase6 enzyme from E. histolytica promotes the repair of the PM damaged with pore-forming molecules to prevent losing cell integrity. This novel system could act when encountered with the lytic defense systems of the host. The host-amoeba relationship is based on a series of interplays between host defense mechanisms and parasite survival strategies. While host cells elaborate diverse mechanisms for pathogen elimination, Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites have also developed complex strategies to counteract host immune response and facilitate its own survival while confronting host defenses. E. histolytica exposed to pore-forming proteins such as β-Defensin 2, human complement and Streptolysin O (SLO), increases the activity of secreted aSMase, which is related to greater amoebic viability. Other agents that affect plasma membrane (PM) may also increase secreted aSMase but to a lesser extent. SLO form pores in the PM of E. histolytica trophozoites that initiates the uncontrolled entry of Ca2+, recognized as the primary trigger for cell responses which favors the migration of the lysosomes to the periphery of the cell, fuses with the PM and release their content, including aSMase to the external side of the cell. The secreted aSMase favoring the internalization of the lesion for its degradation in phagolysosomes. During the early stages of PM damage, the pores are rapidly blocked by patch-like structures that prevent the lysis of the trophozoite and immediately begin internalizing the lesion. The aSMase6 overexpression favors the repair of the lesion and the survival of E. histolytica trophozoites. Pore-forming proteins induced an increase in the expression of EhaSM1, 2, 5 and 6 genes, meanwhile oxidative stress induced an increase in all of them. Here we report, for the first time, that E. histolytica possess a mechanism for PM damage repair mediated by aSMase similar to the system described in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Ramírez-Montiel
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Claudia Mendoza-Macías
- Departmento de Farmacia, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Sairy Andrade-Guillén
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Ángeles Rangel-Serrano
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Itzel Páramo-Pérez
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Paris E. Rivera-Cuéllar
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - B. Liliana España-Sánchez
- CONACYT_Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Electroquímica (CIDETEQ) S.C. Parque Tecnológico, San Fandila, Querétaro, México
| | - Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV) Unidad Querétaro, Fracc. Real de Juriquilla, Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Fernando Anaya-Velázquez
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Bernardo Franco
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- * E-mail: (BF); (FPV)
| | - Felipe Padilla-Vaca
- Departmento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- * E-mail: (BF); (FPV)
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26
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Souza Ribeiro Costa J, Medeiros M, Yamashiro-Kanashiro EH, Rocha MC, Cotrim PC, Stephano MA, Lancellotti M, Tavares GD, Oliveira-Nascimento L. Biodegradable nanocarriers coated with polymyxin B: Evaluation of leishmanicidal and antibacterial potential. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007388. [PMID: 31042710 PMCID: PMC6513107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most treatments of leishmaniasis require hospitalization and present side effects or parasite resistance; innovations in drug formulation/reposition can overcome these barriers and must be pursued to increase therapeutic alternatives. Therefore, we tested polymyxin B (polB) potential to kill Leishmania amazonensis, adsorbed or not in PBCA nanoparticles (PBCAnp), which could augment polB internalization in infected macrophages. PBCAnps were fabricated by anionic polymerization and analyzed by Dynamic Light Scattering (size, ζ potential), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (size/concentration), vertical diffusion cell (release rate), drug incorporation (indirect method, protein determination) and in vitro cell viability. Nanoparticles coated with polB (PBCAnp-polB) presented an adequate size of 261.5 ± 25.9 nm, low PDI and ζ of 1.79 ± 0.17 mV (stable for 45 days, at least). The 50% drug release from PBCAnp-polB was 6-7 times slower than the free polB, which favors a prolonged and desired release profile. Concerning in vitro evaluations, polB alone reduced in vitro amastigote infection of macrophages (10 μg/mL) without complete parasite elimination, even at higher concentrations. This behavior limits its future application to adjuvant leishmanicidal therapy or antimicrobial coating of carriers. The nanocarrier PBCAnp also presented leishmanicidal effect and surpassed polB activity; however, no antimicrobial activity was detected. PolB maintained its activity against E. coli, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella, adding antimicrobial properties to the nanoparticles. Thus, this coated drug delivery system, described for the first time, demonstrated antileishmanial and antimicrobial properties. The bactericidal feature helps with concomitant prevention/treatment of secondary infections that worst ulcers induced by cutaneous L. amazonensis, ultimately ending in disfiguring or disabling lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Souza Ribeiro Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marília Medeiros
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Mussya Cisotto Rocha
- Tropical Medicine Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Cotrim
- Tropical Medicine Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio Stephano
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Lancellotti
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Laura Oliveira-Nascimento
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Biochemical and Biological Profile of Parotoid Secretion of the Amazonian Rhinella marina (Anura: Bufonidae). BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:2492315. [PMID: 31214612 PMCID: PMC6535847 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2492315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Skin secretions of frogs have a high chemical complexity. They have diverse types of biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, biogenic amines, and alkaloids. These compounds protect amphibians' skin against growth of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa and participate in defense system against attack from predators. Therewith, this work performed biochemical and biological profile of macroglands parotoid secretion from cane toad. For poison analysis, we performed molecular exclusion and reverse phase chromatography, electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, leishmanicidal, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and inflammatory activity of crude and/or fractions of R. marina secretion were also evaluated. Fractionation prior to filtration from poison showed separation of low mass content (steroids and alkaloids) and high molecular mass (protein). Material below 10 kDa two steroids, marinobufagin and desacetylcinobufagin, was detected. Crude extract and fractions were active against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania guyanensis, and Leishmania braziliensis. Crude extract was also active against cancer cells although it was not cytotoxic for normal cells. This extract did not show significant DNA damage but it showed an important inflammatory effect in vivo. The information obtained in this work contributes to the understanding of the constituents of R. marina secretion as well as the bioactive potential of these molecules.
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28
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Rivas L, Rojas V. Cyanobacterial peptides as a tour de force in the chemical space of antiparasitic agents. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 664:24-39. [PMID: 30707942 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parasites are scarcely addressed target for antimicrobial peptides despite their big impact in health and global economy. The notion of antimicrobial peptides is frequently associated to the innate immune defense of vertebrates and invertebrate vectors, as the ultimate recipients of the parasite infection. These antiparasite peptides are produced by ribosomal synthesis, with few post-translational modifications, and their diversity come mostly from their amino acid sequence. For many of them permeabilization of the cell membrane of the targeted pathogen is crucial for their microbicidal mechanism. In contrast, cyanobacterial peptides are produced either by ribosomal or non-ribosomal biosynthesis. Quite often, they undergo heavy modifications, such as the inclusion of non-proteinogenic amino acids, lipid acylation, cyclation, Nα-methylation, or heterocyclic rings. Furthermore, the few targets identified for cyanobacterial peptides in parasites are intracellular. Some cyanobacterial antiparasite peptides are active at picomolar concentrations, whereas those from higher eukaryotes usually work in the micromolar range. In all, cyanobacterial peptides are an appealing target to develop new antiparasite therapies and a challenge in the invention of new synthetic methods for peptides. This review aims to provide an updated appraisal of antiparasite cyanobacterial peptides and to establish a side-by -side comparison with those antiparasite peptides from higher eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Rivas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (C.S.I.C), c/ Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Universidad 330, Campus Curauma, Curauma, Valparaíso, Chile.
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Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptides: A Complex Interplay of Multiple Equilibria. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1117:175-214. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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30
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Antimicrobial peptides with antiprotozoal activity: current state and future perspectives. Future Med Chem 2018; 10:2569-2572. [PMID: 30499691 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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31
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Khalili S, Ebrahimzade E, Mohebali M, Shayan P, Mohammadi-Yeganeh S, Moosazadeh Moghaddam M, Elikaee S, Akhoundi B, Sharifi-Yazdi MK. Investigation of the antimicrobial activity of a short cationic peptide against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania major (MHRO/IR/75/ER): An in vitro study. Exp Parasitol 2018; 196:48-54. [PMID: 30496731 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most endemic global health problems in many countries all around the world. Pentavalent antimonial drugs constitute the first line of leishmaniasis treatment; however, resistance to these drugs is a serious problem. Therefore, new therapies with new modes of action are urgently needed. In the current study, we examined antimicrobial activity of CM11 hybrid peptide (WKLFKKILKVL-NH2) against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major (MHRO/IR/75/ER). In vitro anti-leishmanial activity was identified against L. major by parasite viability and metabolic activity after exposure to different peptide concentration. In the presentt study, we demostrated that different concentrations of CM11 result in dose dependent growth inhibition of Leishmania promastigotes. Furthermore, we demostrated that CM11 peptide has significant anti-leishmanial activities on amastigotes. Our results demonstrated that CM11 antimicrobial peptide may provide an alternative therapeutic approach for L. major treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khalili
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Ebrahimzade
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Science, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Shayan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Samira Elikaee
- Department of Medical Science, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Science, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Zhu H, Ding X, Li W, Lu T, Ma C, Xi X, Wang L, Zhou M, Burden R, Chen T. Discovery of two skin-derived dermaseptins and design of a TAT-fusion analogue with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity on healthy cells. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5635. [PMID: 30258724 PMCID: PMC6151122 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Two novel peptides belonging to the dermaseptin family, namely DRS-CA-1 and DRS-DU-1, were encoded from cDNA libraries derived from the skin secretions of Phyllomedusa camba and Callimedusa (Phyllomedusa) duellmani. Both natural peptides are highly-conserved and exhibited high potency against wild-type Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, yeast and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) (MICs 4–8 µM) with no obvious hemolytic activity. Collectively these results suggest that both peptides may have potential as novel antibiotics. Additionally, DRS-DU-1 exhibited selective cytotoxicity to tumor cells. The truncated analogue, DP-1 and TAT-fused DP-1 (namely DP-2) were subsequently synthesised. It showed that DP-1 had low antimicrobial activity, no hemolytic and cytotoxicity to tumor cells. However, DP-2 possessed strong antimicrobial activity and the similar selective, no obvious hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity on normal human cells, but enhanced cytotoxicity to tumor cells of DRS-DU-1. These findings indicate that the N-terminus of the dermaseptins may contribute to their bioactivity, and that addition of the TAT peptide can improve biological activity. The results provide a new insight for designing novel peptide-based antimicrobial or anticancer agents with low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohao Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Xiyan Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tulin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengbang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Xinping Xi
- School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Roberta Burden
- School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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33
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Martins DB, Vieira MR, Fadel V, Santana VAC, Guerra MER, Lima ML, Tempone AG, dos Santos Cabrera MP. Membrane targeting peptides toward antileishmanial activity: Design, structural determination and mechanism of interaction. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:2861-2871. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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34
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Sierra JM, Fusté E, Rabanal F, Vinuesa T, Viñas M. An overview of antimicrobial peptides and the latest advances in their development. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 17:663-676. [PMID: 28368216 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1315402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The recent dramatic increase in the incidence of antimicrobial resistance has been recognized by organizations such as the United Nations and World Health Organization as well as the governments of the USA and several European countries. A relatively new weapon in the fight against severe infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria is antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These include colistin, currently regarded as the last line of antimicrobial therapy against multi-drug resistant microorganisms. Areas covered: Here, the authors provide an overview of the current research on AMPs. The focus is AMPs currently being developed for the treatment of recalcitrant bacterial infections, the synergies of AMPs and antibiotics, and the activity of AMPs against biofilm. This review also includes a brief introduction into the use of AMPs in infections caused by Mycobacterium, fungi, and parasites. Expert opinion: In research into new antimicrobials, AMPs are gaining increasing attention. While many are natural and are produced by a wide variety of organisms, others are being newly designed and chemically synthesized in the laboratory to achieve novel antimicrobial agents. The same strategy to fight infections in nature is thus being effectively exploited to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Sierra
- a Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Ester Fusté
- a Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,b Dept. Public Health, Mental Health and Perinatal Nursing. School of nursing , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Francesc Rabanal
- c Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Teresa Vinuesa
- a Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Miguel Viñas
- a Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Antimicrobials, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine , University of Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,d Departament of Biomedicine , Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário, IINFACTS , Gandra , Portugal
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Enterocin AS-48 as Evidence for the Use of Bacteriocins as New Leishmanicidal Agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02288-16. [PMID: 28167557 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02288-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the feasibility of enterocin AS-48, a circular cationic peptide produced by Enterococcus faecalis, as a new leishmanicidal agent. AS-48 is lethal to Leishmania promastigotes as well as to axenic and intracellular amastigotes at low micromolar concentrations, with scarce cytotoxicity to macrophages. AS-48 induced a fast bioenergetic collapse of L. donovani promastigotes but only a partial permeation of their plasma membrane with limited entrance of vital dyes, even at concentrations beyond its full lethality. Fluoresceinated AS-48 was visualized inside parasites by confocal microscopy and seen to cause mitochondrial depolarization and reactive oxygen species production. Altogether, AS-48 appeared to have a mixed leishmanicidal mechanism that includes both plasma membrane permeabilization and additional intracellular targets, with mitochondrial dysfunctionality being of special relevance. This complex leishmanicidal mechanism of AS-48 persisted even for the killing of intracellular amastigotes, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrated the potentiality of AS-48 as a new and safe leishmanicidal agent, expanding the growing repertoire of eukaryotic targets for bacteriocins, and our results provide a proof of mechanism for the search of new leishmanicidal bacteriocins, whose diversity constitutes an almost endless source for new structures at moderate production cost and whose safe use on food preservation is well established.
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Insight into the mechanism of action of temporin-SHa, a new broad-spectrum antiparasitic and antibacterial agent. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174024. [PMID: 28319176 PMCID: PMC5358776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising drugs to kill resistant pathogens. In contrast to bacteria, protozoan parasites, such as Leishmania, were little studied. Therefore, the antiparasitic mechanism of AMPs is still unclear. In this study, we sought to get further insight into this mechanism by focusing our attention on temporin-SHa (SHa), a small broad-spectrum AMP previously shown to be active against Leishmania infantum. To improve activity, we designed analogs of SHa and compared the antibacterial and antiparasitic mechanisms. [K3]SHa emerged as a highly potent compound active against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts/fungi, and trypanosomatids (Leishmania and Trypanosoma), with leishmanicidal intramacrophagic activity and efficiency toward antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus and antimony-resistant L. infantum. Multipassage resistance selection demonstrated that temporins-SH, particularly [K3]SHa, are not prone to induce resistance in Escherichia coli. Analysis of the mode of action revealed that bacterial and parasite killing occur through a similar membranolytic mechanism involving rapid membrane permeabilization and depolarization. This was confirmed by high-resolution imaging (atomic force microscopy and field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy). Multiple combined techniques (nuclear magnetic resonance, surface plasmon resonance, differential scanning calorimetry) allowed us to detail peptide-membrane interactions. [K3]SHa was shown to interact selectively with anionic model membranes with a 4-fold higher affinity (KD = 3 x 10−8 M) than SHa. The amphipathic α-helical peptide inserts in-plane in the hydrophobic lipid bilayer and disrupts the acyl chain packing via a detergent-like effect. Interestingly, cellular events, such as mitochondrial membrane depolarization or DNA fragmentation, were observed in L. infantum promastigotes after exposure to SHa and [K3]SHa at concentrations above IC50. Our results indicate that these temporins exert leishmanicidal activity via a primary membranolytic mechanism but can also trigger apoptotis-like death. The many assets demonstrated for [K3]SHa make this small analog an attractive template to develop new antibacterial/antiparasitic drugs.
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Vineeth Kumar TPVK, Asha R, Shyla G, George S. Identification and characterization of novel host defense peptides from the skin secretion of the fungoid frog, Hydrophylax bahuvistara (Anura: Ranidae). Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 92:1409-1418. [PMID: 28072492 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Two novel peptides (brevinin1 HYba1 and brevinin1 HYba2) were identified from the skin secretion of the frog Hydrophylax bahuvistara, endemic to Western Ghats, India, and their amino acid sequences were confirmed using cDNA cloning and LC/MS/MS. Antibacterial, hemolytic, and cytotoxic activities of brevinin1 peptides and their synthetic analogs (amidated C-terminus) were investigated and compared. All the peptides except the acidic forms showed antibacterial activity against all tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They exhibited low hemolysis on human erythrocytes and showed potent cytotoxic activity against Hep 3B cancer cell line. Upon amidation, the peptides showed increased activity against the tested microbes without altering their hemolytic and cytotoxic properties. The study also emphasizes the need for screening endemic amphibian fauna of Western Ghats, as a potential source of host defense peptides with possible therapeutic applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radhamony Asha
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Gopal Shyla
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Sanil George
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Oliveira M, Gomes-Alves AG, Sousa C, Mirta Marani M, Plácido A, Vale N, Delerue-Matos C, Gameiro P, Kückelhaus SAS, Tomas AM, S A Leite JR, Eaton P. Ocellatin-PT antimicrobial peptides: High-resolution microscopy studies in antileishmania models and interactions with mimetic membrane systems. Biopolymers 2017; 105:873-86. [PMID: 27463422 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is not clear, they can interact electrostatically with the cell membranes of microorganisms. New ocellatin-PT peptides were recently isolated from the skin secretion of Leptodactylus pustulatus. The secondary structure of these AMPs and their effect on Leishmania infantum cells, and on different lipid surface models was characterized in this work. The results showed that all ocellatin-PT peptides have an α-helix structure and five of them (PT3, PT4, PT6 to PT8) have leishmanicidal activity; PT1 and PT2 affected the cellular morphology of the parasites and showed greater affinity for leishmania and bacteria-mimicking lipid membranes than for those of mammals. The results show selectivity of ocellatin-PTs to the membranes of microorganisms and the applicability of biophysical methods to clarify the interaction of AMPs with cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, NMT, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200, Portugal
| | - Ana Georgina Gomes-Alves
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CEB, Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Carla Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200, Portugal
| | - Mariela Mirta Marani
- PEEC ? CONICET, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Alexandra Plácido
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gameiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200, Portugal
| | - Selma A S Kückelhaus
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, NMT, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Departmento de Morfologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Ana M Tomas
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200, Portugal.,Departmento de Morfologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil.,Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia, Biotec, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Universidade Federal do Piauí, UFPI, Parnaiba, PI, Brazil
| | - Peter Eaton
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4200, Portugal. .,Núcleo de Pesquisa em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia, Biotec, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Universidade Federal do Piauí, UFPI, Parnaiba, PI, Brazil.
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Abdossamadi Z, Seyed N, Rafati S. Mammalian host defense peptides and their implication on combating Leishmania infection. Cell Immunol 2016; 309:23-31. [PMID: 27729107 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Infection with parasites of the genus Leishmania is a health problem in many countries around the world. No effective vaccine is available against leishmaniasis, so chemotherapy is the only alternative for treatment of all forms of the disease. However, drawbacks including toxicity and severe adverse reactions restrain the use of currently available chemotherapeutics. Therefore development of new drugs and therapeutic approaches is highly demanded. Mammalian host defense peptides (mHDP) and/or mammalian antimicrobial peptides (mAMP) are among promising compounds considered effective to control the infectious diseases. These are potential multifunctional molecules that modulate the immune response besides direct killing of pathogens. Here we have reviewed the hallmark characteristics of the mHDPs in respect to the potential role they can play against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abdossamadi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Identification of Synthetic and Natural Host Defense Peptides with Leishmanicidal Activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2484-91. [PMID: 26883699 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02328-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniaparasites are a major public health problem worldwide. Effective treatment of leishmaniasis is hampered by the high incidence of adverse effects to traditional drug therapy and the emergence of resistance to current therapeutics. A vaccine is currently not available. Host defense peptides have been investigated as novel therapeutic agents against a wide range of pathogens. Here we demonstrate that the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and the three synthetic peptides E6, L-1018, and RI-1018 exhibit leishmanicidal activity against promastigotes and intramacrophage amastigotes ofLeishmania donovaniandLeishmania major We also report that theLeishmaniaprotease/virulence factor GP63 confers protection toLeishmaniafrom the cytolytic properties of alll-form peptides (E6, L-1018, and LL-37) but not thed-form peptide RI-1018. The results suggest that RI-1018, E6, and LL-37 are promising peptides to develop further into components for antileishmanial therapy.
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Amaurocine: Anti- Trichomonas vaginalis protein produced by the basidiomycete Amauroderma camerarium. Exp Parasitol 2016; 161:6-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Inhibitory Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:167572. [PMID: 26612970 PMCID: PMC4647054 DOI: 10.1155/2015/167572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are usually small molecule peptides, which display broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, high efficiency, and stability. For the multiple-antibiotic-resistant strains, AMPs play a significant role in the development of novel antibiotics because of their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities and specific antimicrobial mechanism. Besides broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, AMPs also have anti-inflammatory activity. The neutralization of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) plays a key role in anti-inflammatory action of AMPs. On the one hand, AMPs can readily penetrate the cell wall barrier by neutralizing LPS to remove Gram-negative bacteria that can lead to infection. On the contrary, AMPs can also inhibit the production of biological inflammatory cytokines to reduce the inflammatory response through neutralizing circulating LPS. In addition, AMPs also modulate the host immune system by chemotaxis of leukocytes, to promote immune cell proliferation, epithelialization, and angiogenesis and thus play a protective role. This review summarizes some recent researches about anti-inflammatory AMPs, with a focus on the interaction of AMPs and LPS on the past decade.
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Jeckel AM, Saporito RA, Grant T. The relationship between poison frog chemical defenses and age, body size, and sex. Front Zool 2015; 12:27. [PMID: 26435730 PMCID: PMC4591705 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-015-0120-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amphibians secrete a wide diversity of chemicals from skin glands as defense against predators, parasites, and pathogens. Most defensive chemicals are produced endogenously through biosynthesis, but poison frogs sequester lipophilic alkaloids from dietary arthropods. Alkaloid composition varies greatly, even among conspecific individuals collected at the same time and place, with some individuals having only a few micrograms of one or a few alkaloids and others possessing >1 mg of >30 alkaloids. The paucity of alkaloids in juveniles and their abundance in adults suggests that alkaloids accumulate over time; however, alkaloid diversity is highly variable among adult poison frogs and has never been studied in relation to individual age. Using skeletochronology to infer individual ages and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and vapor phase Fourier-transform infrared spectral analysis to identify the defensive chemicals of 63 individuals, we tested the relationship between defensive chemicals and age, size, and sex in the Brazilian red-belly toad, Melanophryniscus moreirae, a poison frog that possesses both sequestered alkaloids and the biosynthesized indolealkylamine bufotenine. RESULTS Adult females were, on average, older and larger than adult males. Juveniles were smaller but not necessarily younger than adults and possessed bufotenine and 18 of the 37 alkaloids found in adults. Alkaloid richness was positively related to age, but not size, whereas the quantities of sequestered alkaloids and bufotenine were positively related to size, but not age. Defensive chemicals were unrelated to sex, independent of size. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between alkaloid richness and age appears to result from the gradual accumulation of alkaloids over a frog's lifetime, whereas the relationship between the quantity of defensive chemicals and size appears to be due to the greater storage capacity of larger individuals. The decoupling of age and size effects increases the amount of individual variation that can occur within a population, thereby possibly enhancing anti-predator efficacy. Further, given that both richness and quantity contribute to the overall chemical defense of individual frogs, our results suggest that older, larger individuals are better defended than younger, smaller ones. These considerations underscore the importance of including age in studies of the causes and consequences of variation in poison frog chemical defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M Jeckel
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ralph A Saporito
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH 44118 USA
| | - Taran Grant
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil
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Lakshmaiah Narayana J, Chen JY. Antimicrobial peptides: Possible anti-infective agents. Peptides 2015; 72:88-94. [PMID: 26048089 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections are major health threats. The Infectious Diseases Society of America has expressed concern on the decrease of pharmaceutical companies working on antibiotic research and development. However, small companies, along with academic research institutes, are stepping forward to develop novel therapeutic methods to overcome the present healthcare situation. Among the leading alternatives to current drugs are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are abundantly distributed in nature. AMPs exhibit broad-spectrum activity against a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, and even cancerous cells. They also show potential immunomodulatory properties, and are highly responsive to infectious agents and innate immuno-stimulatory molecules. In recent years, many AMPs have undergone or are undergoing clinical development, and a few are commercially available for topical and other applications. In this review, we outline selected anion and cationic AMPs which are at various stages of development, from preliminary analysis to clinical drug development. Moreover, we also consider current production methods and delivery tools for AMPs, which must be improved for the effective use of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Cellular and Orgasmic Biology, Academia Sinica and National Sun-Yat Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Orgasmic Biology, Academia Sinica, Jiaushi, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Orgasmic Biology, Academia Sinica, Jiaushi, Ilan, Taiwan.
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Effect of recombinant prophenin 2 on the integrity and viability of Trichomonas vaginalis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:430436. [PMID: 25815316 PMCID: PMC4359812 DOI: 10.1155/2015/430436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is the causal agent of trichomoniasis, which is associated with preterm child delivery, low birth weight, and an increased risk of infection by human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus following exposure. Several reports have established increasing numbers of trichomoniasis cases resistant to metronidazole, the agent used for treatment, and it is therefore important to identify new therapeutic alternatives. Previously, our group reported the effect of tritrpticin, a synthetic peptide derived from porcine prophenin, on T. vaginalis; however, the hemolytic activity of this small peptide complicates its possible use as a therapeutic agent. In this study, we report that the propeptide and the processed peptide of prophenin 2 (cleaved with hydroxylamine) affected the integrity and growth of T. vaginalis and that pro-prophenin 2 displays some resistance to proteolysis by T. vaginalis proteinases at 1 h. Its effect on T. vaginalis as well as its low hemolytic activity and short-time stability to parasite proteinases makes prophenin 2 an interesting candidate for synergistic or alternative treatment against T. vaginalis.
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46
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Mina AE, Ponti AK, Woodcraft NL, Johnson EE, Saporito RA. Variation in alkaloid-based microbial defenses of the dendrobatid poison frog Oophaga pumilio. CHEMOECOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-015-0186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Yarbrough VL, Winkle S, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Antimicrobial peptides in the female reproductive tract: a critical component of the mucosal immune barrier with physiological and clinical implications. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 21:353-77. [PMID: 25547201 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the interface of the external environment and the mucosal surface of the female reproductive tract (FRT) lies a first-line defense against pathogen invasion that includes antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Comprised of a unique class of multifunctional, amphipathic molecules, AMP employ a wide range of functions to limit microbial invasion and replication within host cells as well as independently modulate the immune system, dampen inflammation and maintain tissue homeostasis. The role of AMP in barrier defense at the level of the skin and gut has received much attention as of late. Given the far reaching implications for women's health, maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, and sexually transmissible and polymicrobial diseases, we herein review the distribution and function of key AMP throughout the female reproductive mucosa and assess their role as an essential immunological barrier to microbial invasion throughout the reproductive cycle of a woman's lifetime. METHODS A comprehensive search in PubMed/Medline was conducted related to AMP general structure, function, signaling, expression, distribution and barrier function of AMP in the FRT, hormone regulation of AMP, the microbiome of the FRT, and AMP in relation to implantation, pregnancy, fertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, complications of pregnancy and assisted reproductive technology. RESULTS AMP are amphipathic peptides that target microbes for destruction and have been conserved throughout all living organisms. In the FRT, several major classes of AMP are expressed constitutively and others are inducible at the mucosal epithelium and by immune cells. AMP expression is also under the influence of sex hormones, varying throughout the menstrual cycle, and dependent on the vaginal microbiome. AMP can prevent infection with sexually transmissible and opportunistic pathogens of the female reproductive tissues, although emerging understanding of vaginal dysbiosis suggests induction of a unique AMP profile with increased susceptibility to these pathogens. During pregnancy, AMP are key immune effectors of the fetal membranes and placenta and are dysregulated in states of intrauterine infection and other complications of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS At the level of the FRT, AMP serve to inhibit infection by sexually and vertically transmissible as well as by opportunistic bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa and must do so throughout the hormone flux of menses and pregnancy. Guarding the exclusive site of reproduction, AMP modulate the vaginal microbiome of the lower FRT to aid in preventing ascending microbes into the upper FRT. Evolving in parallel with, and in response to, pathogenic insults, AMP are relatively immune to the resistance mechanisms employed by rapidly evolving pathogens and play a key role in barrier function and host defense throughout the FRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Yarbrough
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, , Phoenix, AZ 85004-2157, USA
| | - Sean Winkle
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, , Phoenix, AZ 85004-2157, USA
| | - Melissa M Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, , Phoenix, AZ 85004-2157, USA
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Zhang L, Ning C, Zhou T, Liu X, Yeung KWK, Zhang T, Xu Z, Wang X, Wu S, Chu PK. Polymeric nanoarchitectures on Ti-based implants for antibacterial applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:17323-17345. [PMID: 25233376 DOI: 10.1021/am5045604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Because of the excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, titanium-based metals are widely used in hard tissue repair, especially load-bearing orthopedic applications. However, bacterial infection and complication during and after surgery often causes failure of the metallic implants. To endow titanium-based implants with antibacterial properties, surface modification is one of the effective strategies. Possessing the unique organic structure composed of molecular and functional groups resembling those of natural organisms, functionalized polymeric nanoarchitectures enhance not only the antibacterial performance but also other biological functions that are difficult to accomplish on many conventional bioinert metallic implants. In this review, recent advance in functionalized polymeric nanoarchitectures and the associated antimicrobial mechanisms are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Materials Science & Engineering, Hubei University , Wuhan, China
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In vitro activities of dermaseptins K4S4 and K4K20S4 against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa planktonic growth and biofilm formation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:2221-8. [PMID: 24492362 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02142-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising number of infections caused by biofilm formation and the difficulties associated with their treatment by conventional antimicrobial therapies have led to an intensive search for novel antibiofilm agents. Dermaseptins are antimicrobial peptides with a number of attractive properties that might offer alternative therapies against resistant microorganisms. In this study, we synthesized a set of dermaseptin-derived peptides and evaluated their activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial biofilm formation. All dermaseptin-derived peptides demonstrated concentration-dependent antibiofilm activities at microgram concentrations, and their activities were dependent on the nature of the peptides, with the highest levels of activity being exhibited by highly charged molecules. Fluorescent binding and confocal microscopy demonstrated that dermaseptin K4S4, a substituted derivative of the native molecule S4, significantly decreased the viability of planktonic and surface-attached bacteria and stopped biofilm formation under dynamic flow conditions. Cytotoxicity assays with HeLa cells showed that some of the tested peptides were less cytotoxic than current antibiotics. Overall, these findings indicate that dermaseptin derivatives might constitute new lead structures for the development of potent antibiofilm agents.
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Anti-leishmanial activity of the antimicrobial peptide DRS 01 observed in Leishmania infantum (syn. Leishmania chagasi) cells. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2014; 10:483-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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