1
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Feng Z, Alvarenga OE, Accardi A. Structural basis of closed groove scrambling by a TMEM16 protein. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024:10.1038/s41594-024-01284-9. [PMID: 38684930 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01284-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Activation of Ca2+-dependent TMEM16 scramblases induces phosphatidylserine externalization, a key step in multiple signaling processes. Current models suggest that the TMEM16s scramble lipids by deforming the membrane near a hydrophilic groove and that Ca2+ dependence arises from the different association of lipids with an open or closed groove. However, the molecular rearrangements underlying groove opening and how lipids reorganize outside the closed groove remain unknown. Here we directly visualize how lipids associate at the closed groove of Ca2+-bound fungal nhTMEM16 in nanodiscs using cryo-EM. Functional experiments pinpoint lipid-protein interaction sites critical for closed groove scrambling. Structural and functional analyses suggest groove opening entails the sequential appearance of two π-helical turns in the groove-lining TM6 helix and identify critical rearrangements. Finally, we show that the choice of scaffold protein and lipids affects the conformations of nhTMEM16 and their distribution, highlighting a key role of these factors in cryo-EM structure determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Omar E Alvarenga
- Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alessio Accardi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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de Almeida Gomes I, da Lima AB, da Silva Brito DM, Almeida Lima A, de Oliveira FL, Espino Zelaya EA, Magalhães Rebello Alencar L, Castelo Branco de Souza Collares Maia D, Amaral de Moraes ME, Pantoja Mesquita F, Noronha Souza PF, Montenegro RC. Recalculating the Route: Repositioning Antimicrobial Peptides for Cancer Treatment. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301840. [PMID: 38088493 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Resistance to antimicrobial drugs has been considered a public health problem. Likewise, the increasing resistance of cancer cells to drugs currently used in therapy has also become a problem. Therefore, the research and development of synthetic peptides bring a new perspective on the emergence of new drugs for treating this resistance since bioinformatics provides a means to optimize these molecules and save time and costs in research. Peptides have several mechanisms of action, such as forming pores on the cell membrane and inhibiting protein synthesis. Some studies report the use of antimicrobial peptides with the potential for action against cancer cells, suggesting a repositioning of antimicrobial peptides to fight back cancer resistance. There is an alteration in the microenvironment, making its net charge negative for the survival and growth of cancer cells. The changes in glycoproteins favor the membrane to have a more negative charge, favoring the interaction between the cells and the peptide, thus making possible the repositioning of these antimicrobial peptides against cancer. Here, we will discuss the mechanism of action, targets and effects of peptides, comparison between microbial and cancer cells, and proteomic changes caused by the interaction of peptides and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora de Almeida Gomes
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz da Lima
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Daiane Maria da Silva Brito
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Arlene Almeida Lima
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Francisco Laio de Oliveira
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Elmer Adilson Espino Zelaya
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Elisabete Amaral de Moraes
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Felipe Pantoja Mesquita
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Pedro Filho Noronha Souza
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Raquel C Montenegro
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil
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3
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Feng Z, Alvarenga OE, Accardi A. Structural basis of closed groove scrambling by a TMEM16 protein. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.11.553029. [PMID: 37609346 PMCID: PMC10441378 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.11.553029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Activation of Ca2+-dependent TMEM16 scramblases induces the externalization of phosphatidylserine, a key molecule in multiple signaling processes. Current models suggest that the TMEM16s scramble lipids by deforming the membrane near a hydrophilic groove, and that Ca2+ dependence arises from the different association of lipids with an open or closed groove. However, the molecular rearrangements involved in groove opening and of how lipids reorganize outside the closed groove remain unknown. Using cryogenic electron microscopy, we directly visualize how lipids associate at the closed groove of Ca2+-bound nhTMEM16 in nanodiscs. Functional experiments pinpoint the lipid-protein interaction sites critical for closed groove scrambling. Structural and functional analyses suggest groove opening entails the sequential appearance of two π-helical turns in the groove-lining TM6 helix and identify critical rearrangements. Finally, we show that the choice of scaffold protein and lipids affects the conformations of nhTMEM16 and their distribution, highlighting a key role of these factors in cryoEM structure determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College
| | - Omar E. Alvarenga
- Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medical College
| | - Alessio Accardi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College
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4
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Ramesh S, Roy U, Roy S, Rudramurthy SM. A promising antifungal lipopeptide from Bacillus subtilis: its characterization and insight into the mode of action. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:161. [PMID: 38252130 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Emerging resistance of fungal pathogens and challenges faced in drug development have prompted renewed investigations into novel antifungal lipopeptides. The antifungal lipopeptide AF3 reported here is a natural lipopeptide isolated and purified from Bacillus subtilis. The AF3 lipopeptide's secondary structure, functional groups, and the presence of amino acid residues typical of lipopeptides were determined by circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The lipopeptide's low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 4-8 mg/L against several fungal strains demonstrate its strong antifungal activity. Biocompatibility assays showed that ~ 80% of mammalian cells remained viable at a 2 × MIC concentration of AF3. The treated Candida albicans cells examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy clearly showed ultrastructural alterations such as the loss of the cell shape and cell membrane integrity. The antifungal effect of AF3 resulted in membrane permeabilization facilitating the uptake of the fluorescent dyes-acridine orange (AO)/propidium iodide (PI) and FUN-1. Using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and 4-(2-[6-(dioctylamino)-2-naphthalenyl] ethenyl)-1-(3-sulfopropyl) pyridinium inner salt (di-8-ANEPPS), we observed that the binding of AF3 to the membrane bilayer results in membrane disruption and depolarization. Flow cytometry analyses revealed a direct correlation between lipopeptide activity, membrane permeabilization (~ 75% PI uptake), and reduced cell viability. An increase in 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescence demonstrates endogenous reactive oxygen species production. Lipopeptide treatment appears to induce late-stage apoptosis and alterations to nuclear morphology, suggesting that AF3-induced membrane damage may lead to a cellular stress response. Taken together, this study illustrates antifungal lipopeptide's potential as an antifungal drug candidate. KEY POINTS: • The studied lipopeptide variant AF3 displayed potent antifungal activity against C. albicans • Its biological activity was stable to proteolysis • Analytical studies demonstrated that the lipopeptide is essentially membranotropic and able to cause membrane dysfunction, elevated ROS levels, apoptosis, and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Ramesh
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, NH 17B Bypass Road, Sancoale, Goa, 403726, India
| | - Utpal Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, NH 17B Bypass Road, Sancoale, Goa, 403726, India.
| | - Subhasish Roy
- Department of Chemistry, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, NH 17B Bypass Road, Sancoale, Goa, 403726, India
| | - Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India
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5
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Has C, Das SL. The Functionality of Membrane-Inserting Proteins and Peptides: Curvature Sensing, Generation, and Pore Formation. J Membr Biol 2023; 256:343-372. [PMID: 37650909 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-023-00289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Proteins and peptides with hydrophobic and amphiphilic segments are responsible for many biological functions. The sensing and generation of membrane curvature are the functions of several protein domains or motifs. While some specific membrane proteins play an essential role in controlling the curvature of distinct intracellular membranes, others participate in various cellular processes such as clathrin-mediated endocytosis, where several proteins sort themselves at the neck of the membrane bud. A few membrane-inserting proteins form nanopores that permeate selective ions and water to cross the membrane. In addition, many natural and synthetic small peptides and protein toxins disrupt the membrane by inducing nonspecific pores in the membrane. The pore formation causes cell death through the uncontrolled exchange between interior and exterior cellular contents. In this article, we discuss the insertion depth and orientation of protein/peptide helices, and their role as a sensor and inducer of membrane curvature as well as a pore former in the membrane. We anticipate that this extensive review will assist biophysicists to gain insight into curvature sensing, generation, and pore formation by membrane insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Has
- Department of Chemical Engineering, GSFC University, Vadodara, 391750, Gujarat, India.
| | - Sovan Lal Das
- Physical and Chemical Biology Laboratory and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad, 678623, Kerala, India
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6
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R PA, Anbarasu A. Antimicrobial Peptides as Immunomodulators and Antimycobacterial Agents to Combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a Critical Review. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1539-1566. [PMID: 36576687 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating disease foisting a significantly high morbidity, prepotent in low- and middle-income developing countries. Evolution of drug resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, has made the TB treatment more complicated. The protracted nature of present TB treatment, persistent and tolerant Mtb populations, interaction with antiretroviral therapy and existing toxicity concerned with conventional anti-TB drugs are the four major challenges inflicted with emergence of drug-resistant mycobacterial strains, and the standard medications are unable to combat these strains. These factors emphasize an exigency to develop new drugs to overcome these barriers in current TB therapy. With this regard, antimycobacterial peptides derived from various sources such as human cells, bacterial sources, mycobacteriophages, fungal, plant and animal sources could be considered as antituberculosis leads as most of these peptides are associated with dual advantages of having both bactericidal activity towards Mtb as well as immuno-regulatory property. Some of the peptides possess the additional advantage of interacting synergistically with antituberculosis medications too, thereby increasing their efficiency, underscoring the vigour of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as best possible alternative therapeutic candidates or adjuvants in TB treatment. Albeit the beneficiary features of these peptides, few obstacles allied with them like cytotoxicity and proteolytic degradation are matter of concerns too. In this review, we have focused on structural hallmarks, targeting mechanisms and specific structural aspects contributing to antimycobacterial activity and discovered natural and synthetic antimycobacterial peptides along with their sources, anti-TB, immuno-regulatory properties, merits and demerits and possible delivery methods of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi A R
- Medical & Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anand Anbarasu
- Medical & Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Feng Z, Alvarenga OE, Accardi A. Structural basis of closed groove scrambling by a TMEM16 protein. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3256633. [PMID: 37645847 PMCID: PMC10462188 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3256633/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Activation of Ca2+-dependent TMEM16 scramblases induces the externalization of phosphatidylserine, a key molecule in multiple signaling processes. Current models suggest that the TMEM16s scramble lipids by deforming the membrane near a hydrophilic groove, and that Ca2+ dependence arises from the different association of lipids with an open or closed groove. However, the molecular rearrangements involved in groove opening and of how lipids reorganize outside the closed groove remain unknown. Using cryogenic electron microscopy, we directly visualize how lipids associate at the closed groove of Ca2+-bound nhTMEM16 in nanodiscs. Functional experiments pinpoint the lipid-protein interaction sites critical for closed groove scrambling. Structural and functional analyses suggest groove opening entails the sequential appearance of two π-helical turns in the groove-lining TM6 helix and identify critical rearrangements. Finally, we show that the choice of scaffold protein and lipids affects the conformations of nhTMEM16 and their distribution, highlighting a key role of these factors in cryoEM structure determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College
| | - Omar E. Alvarenga
- Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medical College
| | - Alessio Accardi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medical College
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8
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Vinutha AS, Rajasekaran R. Insight on the mechanism of hexameric Pseudin-4 against bacterial membrane-mimetic environment. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023:10.1007/s10822-023-00516-2. [PMID: 37368161 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-023-00516-2] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
As an alternative to antibiotics, Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) possess unique properties including cationic, amphipathic and their abundance in nature, but the exact characteristics of AMPs against bacterial membranes are still undetermined. To estimate the structural stability and functional activity of AMPs, the Pseudin AMPs (Pse-1, Pse-2, Pse-3, and Pse-4) from Hylid frog species, Pseudis paradoxa, an abundantly discovered source for AMPs were examined. We studied the intra-peptide interactions and thermal denaturation stability of peptides, as well as the geometrical parameters and secondary structure profiles of their conformational trajectories. On this basis, the peptides were screened out and the highly stable peptide, Pse-4 was subjected to membrane simulation in order to observe the changes in membrane curvature formed by Pse-4 insertion. Monomeric Pse-4 was found to initiate the membrane disruption; however, a stable multimeric form of Pse-4 might be competent to counterbalance the helix-coil transition and to resist the hydrophobic membrane environment. Eventually, hexameric Pse-4 on membrane simulation exhibited the hydrogen bond formation with E. coli bacterial membrane and thereby, leading to the formation of membrane spanning pore that allowed the entry of excess water molecules into the membrane shell, thus causing membrane deformation. Our report points out the mechanism of Pse-4 peptide against the bacterial membrane for the first time. Relatively, Pse-4 works on the barrel stave model against E. coli bacterial membrane; hence it might act as a good therapeutic scaffold in the treatment of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Vinutha
- Quantitative Biology Lab, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT, Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Rajasekaran
- Quantitative Biology Lab, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT, Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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9
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Di Bartolo AL, Caparotta M, Masone D. Intrinsic Disorder in α-Synuclein Regulates the Exocytotic Fusion Pore Transition. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37192400 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, it is widely accepted that intrinsic disorder is strongly related to the cell cycle, during mitosis, differentiation, and apoptosis. Of particular interest are hybrid proteins possessing both structured and unstructured domains that are critical in human health and disease, such as α-synuclein. In this work, we describe how α-synuclein interacts with the nascent fusion pore as it evolves toward expansion. We unveil the key role played by its intrinsically disordered region as a thermodynamic regulator of the nucleation-expansion energy barrier. By analyzing a truncated variant of α-synuclein that lacks the disordered region, we find that the landscape of protein interactions with PIP2 and POPS lipids is highly altered, ultimately increasing the energy cost for the fusion pore to transit from nucleation to expansion. We conclude that the intrinsically disordered region in full-length α-synuclein recognizes and allocates pivotal protein:lipid interactions during membrane remodeling in the first stages of the fusion pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ary Lautaro Di Bartolo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Caparotta
- Quantum Theory Project, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Diego Masone
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
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10
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Ermakova EA, Kurbanov RK. Interaction of Uperin Peptides with Model Membranes: Molecular Dynamics Study. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:370. [PMID: 37103797 PMCID: PMC10146956 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of antimicrobial and amyloid peptides with cell membranes is a critical step in their activities. Peptides of the uperin family obtained from the skin secretion of Australian amphibians demonstrate antimicrobial and amyloidogenic properties. All-atomic molecular dynamics and an umbrella sampling approach were used to study the interaction of uperins with model bacterial membrane. Two stable configurations of peptides were found. In the bound state, the peptides in helical form were located right under the head group region in parallel orientation with respect to the bilayer surface. Stable transmembrane configuration was observed for wild-type uperin and its alanine mutant in both alpha-helical and extended unstructured forms. The potential of mean force characterized the process of peptide binding from water to the lipid bilayer and its insertion into the membrane, and revealed that the transition of uperins from the bound state to the transmembrane position was accompanied by the rotation of peptides and passes through the energy barrier of 4-5 kcal/mol. Uperins have a weak effect on membrane properties.
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11
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Ramesh S, Madduri M, Rudramurthy SM, Roy U. Functional Characterization of a Bacillus-Derived Novel Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Lipopeptide Variant against Candida tropicalis and Candida auris and Unravelling Its Mode of Action. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0158322. [PMID: 36744953 PMCID: PMC10100908 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01583-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited treatment options, recalcitrance, and resistance to existing therapeutics encourage the discovery of novel antifungal leads for alternative therapeutics. Antifungal lipopeptides have emerged as potential candidates for developing new and alternative antifungal therapies. In our previous studies, we isolated and identified the lipopeptide variant AF4 and purified it to homogeneity via chromatography from the cell-free supernatant of Bacillus subtilis. AF4 was found to have broad-spectrum antifungal activity against more than 110 fungal isolates. In this study, we found that clinical isolates of Candida tropicalis and Candida auris exposed to AF4 exhibited low MICs of 4 to 8 mg/L. Time-kill assays indicated the in vitro pharmacodynamic potential of AF4. Biocompatibility assays demonstrated ~75% cell viability at 8 mg/L of AF4, indicating the lipopeptide's minimally cytotoxic nature. In lipopeptide-treated C. tropicalis and C. auris cells, scanning electron microscopy revealed damage to the cell surface, while confocal microscopy with acridine orange(AO)/propidium iodide (PI) and FUN-1 indicated permeabilization of the cell membrane, and DNA damage upon DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining. These observations were corroborated using flow cytometry (FC) in which propidium iodide, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), and rhodamine 123 (Rh123) staining of cells treated with AF4 revealed loss of membrane integrity, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane dysfunction, respectively. Membrane perturbation was also observed in the 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) fluorescence study and the interaction with ergosterol was observed by an ergosterol binding assay. Decreased membrane dipole potential also indicated the probable binding of lipopeptide to the cell membrane. Collectively, these findings describe the mode of action of AF4 against fungal isolates by membrane disruption and ROS generation, demonstrating its antifungal potency. IMPORTANCE C. tropicalis is a major concern for candidiasis in India and C. auris has emerged as a resistant yeast causing difficult-to-treat infections. Currently, amphotericin B (AMB) and 5-flucytosine (5-FC) are the main therapeutics for systemic fungal infections; however, the nephrotoxicity of AMB and resistance to 5-FC is a serious concern. Antifungal lead molecules with low adverse effects are the need of the hour. In this study, we briefly describe the antifungal potential of the AF4 lipopeptide and its mode of action using microscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence-based assays. Our investigation reveals the basic mode of action of the investigated lipopeptide. This lipopeptide with broad-spectrum antifungal potency is apparently membrane-active, and there is a smaller chance that organisms exposed to such a compound will develop drug resistance. It could potentially act as a lead molecule for the development of an alternative antifungal agent to combat candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Ramesh
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
| | - Madhuri Madduri
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
| | - Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Utpal Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
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12
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Yun YB, Cho KH, Kim YK. Inhibition of Tolaasin Cytotoxicity Causing Brown Blotch Disease in Cultivated Mushrooms Using Tolaasin Inhibitory Factors. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:66. [PMID: 36668885 PMCID: PMC9867037 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tolaasin, a pore-forming bacterial peptide toxin secreted by Pseudomonas tolaasii, causes brown blotch disease in cultivated mushrooms by forming membrane pores and collapsing the membrane structures. Tolaasin is a lipodepsipeptide, MW 1985, and pore formation by tolaasin molecules is accomplished by hydrophobic interactions and multimerizations. Compounds that inhibit tolaasin toxicity have been isolated from various food additives. Food detergents, sucrose esters of fatty acids, and polyglycerol esters of fatty acids can effectively inhibit tolaasin cytotoxicity. These chemicals, named tolaasin-inhibitory factors (TIF), were effective at concentrations ranging from 10-4 to 10-5 M. The most effective compound, TIF 16, inhibited tolaasin-induced hemolysis independent of temperature and pH, while tolaasin toxicity increased at higher temperatures. When TIF 16 was added to tolaasin-pretreated erythrocytes, the cytotoxic activity of tolaasin immediately stopped, and no further hemolysis was observed. In the artificial lipid bilayer, the single-channel activity of the tolaasin channel was completely and irreversibly blocked by TIF 16. When TIF 16 was sprayed onto pathogen-treated oyster mushrooms growing on the shelves of cultivation houses, the development of disease was completely suppressed, and normal growth of oyster mushrooms was observed. Furthermore, the treatment with TIF 16 did not show any adverse effect on the growth of oyster mushrooms. These results indicate that TIF 16 is a good candidate for the biochemical control of brown blotch disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong-Bae Yun
- Department of Environmental and Biological Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Forest Medicinal Resources Research Center, National Institute of Forest Science, Yeongju 36040, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Cho
- Department of Environmental and Biological Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kee Kim
- Department of Environmental and Biological Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
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13
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Naiel MAE, Abd El-Hack ME, Patra AK. The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) in Aquaculture Farming. ANTIBIOTIC ALTERNATIVES IN POULTRY AND FISH FEED 2022:215-234. [DOI: 10.2174/9789815049015122010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the vital constituents that stimulate the
innate immune defense system against pathogens and perform several biological
activities, which provide the first defensive line against infectious diseases. Owing to
their unique structure, they can be utilized as a therapeutic strategy for infectious
diseases in fishes. Several kinds of AMPs are reported in fishes with broad-spectrum
antimicrobial properties. Besides, the bacterial cells cannot develop resistance strains
against these cationic compounds with low molecular weight. Thus, AMPs may be
considered an alternative to antibiotics to prevent or control infectious diseases in
aquaculture. It is essential to provide sufficient knowledge about the mode of action of
AMPs against fish pathogenic agents and their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amlan Kumar Patra
- West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences,Department of Animal Nutrition,Kolkata,India
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14
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Kumar M, Hasan M, Choyal P, Tomar M, Gupta OP, Sasi M, Changan S, Lorenzo JM, Singh S, Sampathrajan V, Dhumal S, Pandiselvam R, Sharma K, Satankar V, Waghmare R, Senapathy M, Sayed AA, Radha, Dey A, Amarowicz R, Kennedy JF. Cottonseed feedstock as a source of plant-based protein and bioactive peptides: Evidence based on biofunctionalities and industrial applications. Food Hydrocoll 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2022.107776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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15
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Yang Y, Distaffen H, Jalali S, Nieuwkoop AJ, Nilsson BL, Dias CL. Atomic Insights into Amyloid-Induced Membrane Damage. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:2766-2777. [PMID: 36095304 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphipathic peptides can cause biological membranes to leak either by dissolving their lipid content via a detergent-like mechanism or by forming pores on the membrane surface. These modes of membrane damage have been related to the toxicity of amyloid peptides and to the activity of antimicrobial peptides. Here, we perform the first all-atom simulations in which membrane-bound amphipathic peptides self-assemble into β-sheets that subsequently either form stable pores inside the bilayer or drag lipids out of the membrane surface. An analysis of these simulations shows that the acyl tail of lipids interact strongly with non-polar side chains of peptides deposited on the membrane. These strong interactions enable lipids to be dragged out of the bilayer by oligomeric structures accounting for detergent-like damage. They also disturb the orientation of lipid tails in the vicinity of peptides. These distortions are minimized around pore structures. We also show that membrane-bound β-sheets become twisted with one of their extremities partially penetrating the lipid bilayer. This allows peptides on opposite leaflets to interact and form a long transmembrane β-sheet, which initiates poration. In simulations, where peptides are deposited on a single leaflet, the twist in β-sheets allows them to penetrate the membrane and form pores. In addition, our simulations show that fibril-like structures produce little damage to lipid membranes, as non-polar side chains in these structures are unavailable to interact with the acyl tail of lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxing Yang
- Department of Physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102-1982, United States
| | - Hannah Distaffen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Sharareh Jalali
- Department of Physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102-1982, United States
| | - Andrew J Nieuwkoop
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Bradley L Nilsson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Cristiano L Dias
- Department of Physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102-1982, United States
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16
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Kanemitsu S, Morita K, Tominaga Y, Nishimura K, Yashiro T, Sakurai H, Yamamoto Y, Kurisaki I, Tanaka S, Matsui M, Ooya T, Tamura A, Maruyama T. Inhibition of Melittin Activity Using a Small Molecule with an Indole Ring. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:5793-5802. [PMID: 35913127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c03595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated d-amino acids as potential inhibitors targeting l-peptide toxins. Among the l- and d-amino acids tested, we found that d-tryptophan (d-Trp) acted as an inhibitor of melittin-induced hemolysis. We then evaluated various Trp derivatives and found that 5-chlorotryptamine (5CT) had the largest inhibitory effect on melittin. The indole ring, amino group, and steric hindrance of an inhibitor played important roles in the inhibition of melittin activity. Despite the small size and simple molecular structure of 5CT, its IC50 was approximately 13 μg/mL. Fluorescence quenching, circular dichroism measurements, and size-exclusion chromatography revealed that 5CT interacted with Trp19 in melittin and affected the formation of the melittin tetramer involved in hemolysis. Molecular dynamics simulation of melittin also indicated that the interaction of 5CT with Trp19 in melittin affected the formation of the tetramer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuki Kanemitsu
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Kenta Morita
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Yudai Tominaga
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Kanon Nishimura
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yashiro
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Haruka Sakurai
- Graduate School of Science, Department of Chemistry, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Yumemi Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Science, Department of Chemistry, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kurisaki
- Department of Computational Science, Graduate School of System Informatics, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Shigenori Tanaka
- Department of Computational Science, Graduate School of System Informatics, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Masaki Matsui
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tooru Ooya
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Atsuo Tamura
- Graduate School of Science, Department of Chemistry, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Maruyama
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.,Research Center for Membrane and Film Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
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17
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Di Bartolo AL, Tomes CN, Mayorga LS, Masone D. Enhanced Expansion and Reduced Kiss-and-Run Events in Fusion Pores Steered by Synaptotagmin-1 C2B Domains. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:4544-4554. [PMID: 35759758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The fusion pore controls the release of exocytotic vesicle contents through a precise orchestration of lipids from the fusing membranes and proteins. There is a major lipid reorganization during the different stages in life of the fusion pore (membrane fusion, nucleation, and expansion) that can be scrutinized thermodynamically. In this work, using umbrella sampling simulations we describe the expansion of the fusion pore. We have calculated free energy profiles to drive a nascent, just nucleated, fusion pore to its expanded configuration. We have quantified the effects on the free energy of one and two Synaptotagmin-1 C2B domains in the cytosolic space. We show that C2B domains cumulatively reduce the cost for expansion, favoring the system to evolve toward full fusion. Finally, by conducting thousands of unbiased molecular dynamics simulations, we show that C2B domains significantly decrease the probability of kiss-and-run events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ary Lautaro Di Bartolo
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia N Tomes
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Diego Masone
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
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18
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Blair JMA, Zeth K, Bavro VN, Sancho-Vaello E. The role of bacterial transport systems in the removal of host antimicrobial peptides in Gram-negative bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6617596. [PMID: 35749576 PMCID: PMC9629497 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global issue that threatens our progress in healthcare and life expectancy. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been considered as promising alternatives to the classic antibiotics. AMPs are potentially superior due to their lower rate of resistance development, since they primarily target the bacterial membrane ('Achilles' heel' of the bacteria). However, bacteria have developed mechanisms of AMP resistance, including the removal of AMPs to the extracellular space by efflux pumps such as the MtrCDE or AcrAB-TolC systems, and the internalization of AMPs to the cytoplasm by the Sap transporter, followed by proteolytic digestion. In this review, we focus on AMP transport as a resistance mechanism compiling all the experimental evidence for the involvement of efflux in AMP resistance in Gram-negative bacteria and combine this information with the analysis of the structures of the efflux systems involved. Finally, we expose some open questions with the aim of arousing the interest of the scientific community towards the AMPs-efflux pumps interactions. All the collected information broadens our understanding of AMP removal by efflux pumps and gives some clues to assist the rational design of AMP-derivatives as inhibitors of the efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M A Blair
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kornelius Zeth
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Vassiliy N Bavro
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Enea Sancho-Vaello
- Corresponding author. College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. E-mail:
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19
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Akbarzadeh-Khiavi M, Torabi M, Olfati AH, Rahbarnia L, Safary A. Bio-nano scale modifications of melittin for improving therapeutic efficacy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:895-909. [PMID: 35687355 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2088277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melittin (MLT), a natural membrane-active component, is the most prominent cytolytic peptide from bee venom. Remarkable biological properties of MLT, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-protozoan, and antiarthritic activities, make it an up-and-coming therapeutic candidate for a wide variety of human diseases. Therapeutic applications of MLT may be hindered due to low stability, high toxicity, and weak tissue penetration. Different bio-nano scale modifications hold promise for improving its functionality and therapeutic efficacy. AREAS COVERED In the current review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into strategies used for MLT conjugations and modifications, cellular delivery of modified forms, and their clinical perspectives by reviewing the published literature on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. We also emphasized the MLT structure modifications, mechanism of action, and cellular toxicity. EXPERT OPINION Developing new analogs and conjugates of MLT as a natural drug with improved functions and fewer side effects is crucial for the clinical translation of this approach worldwide, especially where the chemicals and synthetic drugs are more expensive or unavailable in the healthcare system. MLT-nanoconjugation may be one of the best-optimized strategies for improving peptide delivery, increasing its therapeutic efficacy, and providing minimal nonspecific cellular lytic activity. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Akbarzadeh-Khiavi
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mitra Torabi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir-Hossein Olfati
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Rahbarnia
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Azam Safary
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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20
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Kalathingal M, Sumikama T, Oiki S, Saito S. Vectorial insertion of a β-helical peptide into membrane: a theoretical study on polytheonamide B. Biophys J 2021; 120:4786-4797. [PMID: 34555359 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous unidirectional, or vectorial, insertion of transmembrane peptides is a fundamental biophysical process for toxin and viral actions. Polytheonamide B (pTB) is a potent cytotoxic peptide with a β6.3-helical structure. Previous experimental studies revealed that the pTB inserts into the membrane in a vectorial fashion and forms a channel with its single molecular length long enough to span the membrane. Also, molecular dynamics simulation studies demonstrated that the pTB is prefolded in aqueous solution. These are unique features of pTB because most of the peptide toxins form channels through oligomerization of transmembrane helices. Here, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to examine the dynamic mechanism of the vectorial insertion of pTB, providing underlying elementary processes of the membrane insertion of a prefolded single transmembrane peptide. We find that the insertion of pTB proceeds with only the local lateral compression of the membrane in three successive phases: "landing," "penetration," and "equilibration" phases. The free energy calculations using the replica-exchange umbrella sampling simulations present an energy cost of 4.3 kcal/mol at the membrane surface for the membrane insertion of pTB from bulk water. The trajectories of membrane insertion revealed that the insertion process can occur in two possible pathways, namely "trapped" and "untrapped" insertions; in some cases, pTB is trapped in the upper leaflet during the penetration phase. Our simulations demonstrated the importance of membrane anchoring by the hydrophobic N-terminal blocking group in the landing phase, leading to subsequent vectorial insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahroof Kalathingal
- School of Physical Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Sumikama
- PRESTO, JST, Kawaguchi, Japan; Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Oiki
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Shinji Saito
- School of Physical Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Japan; Institute for Molecular Science, Okazaki, Japan.
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21
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Róg T, Girych M, Bunker A. Mechanistic Understanding from Molecular Dynamics in Pharmaceutical Research 2: Lipid Membrane in Drug Design. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1062. [PMID: 34681286 PMCID: PMC8537670 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as a drug design tool in the context of the role that the lipid membrane can play in drug action, i.e., the interaction between candidate drug molecules and lipid membranes. In the standard "lock and key" paradigm, only the interaction between the drug and a specific active site of a specific protein is considered; the environment in which the drug acts is, from a biophysical perspective, far more complex than this. The possible mechanisms though which a drug can be designed to tinker with physiological processes are significantly broader than merely fitting to a single active site of a single protein. In this paper, we focus on the role of the lipid membrane, arguably the most important element outside the proteins themselves, as a case study. We discuss work that has been carried out, using MD simulation, concerning the transfection of drugs through membranes that act as biological barriers in the path of the drugs, the behavior of drug molecules within membranes, how their collective behavior can affect the structure and properties of the membrane and, finally, the role lipid membranes, to which the vast majority of drug target proteins are associated, can play in mediating the interaction between drug and target protein. This review paper is the second in a two-part series covering MD simulation as a tool in pharmaceutical research; both are designed as pedagogical review papers aimed at both pharmaceutical scientists interested in exploring how the tool of MD simulation can be applied to their research and computational scientists interested in exploring the possibility of a pharmaceutical context for their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Alex Bunker
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
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22
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Sumon TA, Hussain MA, Hasan M, Rashid A, Abualreesh MH, Jang WJ, Sharifuzzaman SM, Brown CL, Lee EW, Hasan MT. Antiviral peptides from aquatic organisms: Functionality and potential inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2. AQUACULTURE (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 541:736783. [PMID: 33883784 PMCID: PMC8049179 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2021.736783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Several antiviral peptides (AVPs) from aquatic organisms have been effective in interfering with the actions of infectious viruses, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus-1 and 2. AVPs are able to block viral attachment or entry into host cells, inhibit internal fusion or replication events by suppressing viral gene transcription, and prevent viral infections by modulating host immunity. Therefore, as promising therapeutics, the potential of aquatic AVPs for use against the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is considered. At present no therapeutic drugs are yet available. A total of 32 AVPs derived from fish and shellfish species are discussed in this review paper with notes on their properties and mechanisms of action in the inhibition of viral diseases both in humans and animals, emphasizing on SARS-CoV-2. The molecular structure of novel SARS-CoV-2 with its entry mechanisms, clinical signs and symptoms are also discussed. In spite of only a few study of these AVPs against SARS-CoV-2, aquatic AVPs properties and infection pathways (entry, replication and particle release) into coronaviruses are linked in this paper to postulate an analysis of their potential but unconfirmed actions to impair SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tofael Ahmed Sumon
- Department of Fish Health Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashraf Hussain
- Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmudul Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Biotechnology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Aminur Rashid
- Department of Aquaculture, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Muyassar Hamid Abualreesh
- Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80207, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Won Je Jang
- Biopharmaceutical Engineering Major, Division of Applied Bioengineering, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - S M Sharifuzzaman
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Christopher Lyon Brown
- FAO World Fisheries University Pilot Programme, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Eun-Woo Lee
- Biopharmaceutical Engineering Major, Division of Applied Bioengineering, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Tawheed Hasan
- Department of Aquaculture, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
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23
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Antimicrobial Peptides from Plants: A cDNA-Library Based Isolation, Purification, Characterization Approach and Elucidating Their Modes of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168712. [PMID: 34445412 PMCID: PMC8395713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Even in a natural ecosystem, plants are continuously threatened by various microbial diseases. To save themselves from these diverse infections, plants build a robust, multilayered immune system through their natural chemical compounds. Among the several crucial bioactive compounds possessed by plants’ immune systems, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) rank in the first tier. These AMPs are environmentally friendly, anti-pathogenic, and do not bring harm to humans. Antimicrobial peptides can be isolated in several ways, but recombinant protein production has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the Escherichia coli expression system being the most widely used. However, the efficacy of this expression system is compromised due to the difficulty of removing endotoxin from its system. Therefore, this review suggests a high-throughput cDNA library-based plant-derived AMP isolation technique using the Bacillus subtilis expression system. This method can be performed for large-scale screening of plant sources to classify unique or homologous AMPs for the agronomic and applied field of plant studies. Furthermore, this review also focuses on the efficacy of plant AMPs, which are dependent on their numerous modes of action and exceptional structural stability to function against a wide range of invaders. To conclude, the findings from this study will be useful in investigating how novel AMPs are distributed among plants and provide detailed guidelines for an effective screening strategy of AMPs.
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24
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Talandashti R, Mehrnejad F, Rostamipour K, Doustdar F, Lavasanifar A. Molecular Insights into Pore Formation Mechanism, Membrane Perturbation, and Water Permeation by the Antimicrobial Peptide Pleurocidin: A Combined All-Atom and Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:7163-7176. [PMID: 34171196 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c01954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptide (AMP) pleurocidin has a broad antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria by perturbation and permeabilizing their membranes; however, understanding the mechanism of action of pleurocidin, a promising AMP for replacing current antibiotic agents, has tremendous importance for future applications. Hence, we applied all-atom (AA) and coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to provide molecular-level insights into the pore-forming process. The early stages of pore formation were examined by 500 ns AA simulations. The results demonstrated that pleurocidin has the ability to create a pore with two peptides through which water molecules can flow. However, the results of the 25 μs CG simulations indicate that the final pore will be created by accumulation of more than two peptides. The results show that after 2.5 μs of simulations, peptides will aggregate and create a channel-like pore across the membrane. Pleurocidin can construct a more efficient and stable pore in the anionic membranes than in the zwitterionic membranes. Moreover, the structure amphipathicity, polarity, and basic residues play crucial roles in the pore formation and flow of water molecules across the lipid bilayers. In general, the findings revealed that based on the lipid compositions of the membranes, pleurocidin could act by forming either toroidal or disordered toroidal pores with different peptide arrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Talandashti
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 1985717443 Tehran, Iran.,Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 14395-1561, Iran
| | - Faramarz Mehrnejad
- Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 14395-1561, Iran
| | - Kiana Rostamipour
- Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 14395-1561, Iran
| | - Farahnoosh Doustdar
- Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 14395-1561, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Lavasanifar
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
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25
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Hammond K, Cipcigan F, Al Nahas K, Losasso V, Lewis H, Cama J, Martelli F, Simcock PW, Fletcher M, Ravi J, Stansfeld PJ, Pagliara S, Hoogenboom BW, Keyser UF, Sansom MSP, Crain J, Ryadnov MG. Switching Cytolytic Nanopores into Antimicrobial Fractal Ruptures by a Single Side Chain Mutation. ACS NANO 2021; 15:9679-9689. [PMID: 33885289 PMCID: PMC8219408 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of cell membranes is a fundamental host defense response found in virtually all forms of life. The molecular mechanisms vary but generally lead to energetically favored circular nanopores. Here, we report an elaborate fractal rupture pattern induced by a single side-chain mutation in ultrashort (8-11-mers) helical peptides, which otherwise form transmembrane pores. In contrast to known mechanisms, this mode of membrane disruption is restricted to the upper leaflet of the bilayer where it exhibits propagating fronts of peptide-lipid interfaces that are strikingly similar to viscous instabilities in fluid flow. The two distinct disruption modes, pores and fractal patterns, are both strongly antimicrobial, but only the fractal rupture is nonhemolytic. The results offer wide implications for elucidating differential membrane targeting phenomena defined at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Hammond
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London WC1H 0AH, UK
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Kareem Al Nahas
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | | | - Helen Lewis
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Jehangir Cama
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Phys Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
| | | | - Patrick W Simcock
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Marcus Fletcher
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Jascindra Ravi
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | | | - Stefano Pagliara
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Bart W Hoogenboom
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London WC1H 0AH, UK
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ulrich F Keyser
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Mark S P Sansom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jason Crain
- IBM Research Europe, Hartree Centre, Daresbury WA4 4AD, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Maxim G Ryadnov
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
- Department of Physics, King’s College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
- Corresponding author: Prof Maxim G Ryadnov; National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK, Tel: (+44) 20 89436078;
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Tyagi A, Mishra A. Methacrylamide based antibiotic polymers with no detectable bacterial resistance. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:3404-3416. [PMID: 33645619 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm02176h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The growing number of multidrug-resistant pathogens is a major healthcare concern. In search of alternatives to antibiotics, synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides (SMAMPs) in the form of antimicrobial polymers have gained tremendous attention. Here, we report the synthesis of a set of 7 amphiphilic water-soluble cationic copolymers using aminopropyl methacrylamide and benzyl methacrylamide repeat units that show significant antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay against S. aureus and E. coli, while toxicity to mammalian cells was quantified by hemolysis assay with human red blood cells (RBCs). We find that the antibacterial activity and selectivity of the polymers depends on the mole fraction of aromatic benzyl units (fbenzyl) and the average molecular weight (Mn). Polymers with fbenzyl of 0.10 and 0.19, named AB-10 and AB-19 respectively, exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy without inducing hemolysis and were chosen for further study. Liposome dye leakage study and observations from confocal and scanning electron microscopy indicate that the AB polymers killed bacterial cells primarily by disrupting the cytoplasmic membrane. No resistant mutants of E. coli and S. aureus were obtained with AB-19 in a 30 day serial passage study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Tyagi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
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27
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Muthukrishnan L. Imminent antimicrobial bioink deploying cellulose, alginate, EPS and synthetic polymers for 3D bioprinting of tissue constructs. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 260:117774. [PMID: 33712131 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.117774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
3D printing, one of its kinds has been a recent technological trend to fabricate complex and patterned biomaterial with controlled precision. With the conventional kick-start of printing metals and plastics, advancements in printing viable cells, polysaccharides or microbes themselves have been achieved. The additive antimicrobial properties in bioinks sourced from organic and inorganic materials have profound implications in tissue engineering. Cellulose, alginate, exopolysaccharides, ceramics and synthetic polymers are integrated as a viable component in inks and used for bio-printing. To date, bacterial infection and immunogenicity pose a potential health risk during a tissue implant or bone substitution. In order to mitigate microbial infection, antimicrobial bioinks with significant antimicrobial potential have been the much sought after strategies. This approach could be an effective frontline defense against microbial interference in tissue engineering and biomedical applications. An overview on the antimicrobial potential of polysaccharides as bioinks for 3D bioprinting has been critically reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmipathy Muthukrishnan
- Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Poonamallee High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India.
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Bertrand B, Garduño-Juárez R, Munoz-Garay C. Estimation of pore dimensions in lipid membranes induced by peptides and other biomolecules: A review. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1863:183551. [PMID: 33465367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasmic membrane is one of the most frequent cell targets of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other biomolecules. Understanding the mechanism of action of AMPs at the molecular level is of utmost importance for designing of new membrane-specific molecules. In particular, the formation of pores, the structure and size of these pores are of great interest and require nanoscale resolution approaches, therefore, biophysical strategies are essential to achieve an understanding of these processes at this scale. In the case of membrane active peptides, pore formation or general membrane disruption is usually the last step before cell death, and so, pore size is generally directly associated to pore structure and stability and loss of cellular homeostasis, implicated in overall peptide activity. Up to date, there has not been a critical review discussing the methods that can be used specifically for estimating the pore dimensions induced by membrane active peptides. In this review we discuss the scope, relevance and popularity of the different biophysical techniques such as liposome leakage experiments, advanced microscopy, neutron or X-ray scattering, electrophysiological techniques and molecular dynamics studies, all of them useful for determining pore structure and dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandt Bertrand
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ICF-UNAM), Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ramón Garduño-Juárez
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ICF-UNAM), Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Carlos Munoz-Garay
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ICF-UNAM), Avenida Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, 62210 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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29
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Syafriza D, Sutadi H, Primasari A, Siregar Y. Spectrophotometric Analysis of Streptococcus mutans Growth and Biofilm Formation in Saliva and Histatin-5 Relate to pH and Viscosity. PESQUISA BRASILEIRA EM ODONTOPEDIATRIA E CLÍNICA INTEGRADA 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/pboci.2021.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Pore-forming proteins: From defense factors to endogenous executors of cell death. Chem Phys Lipids 2020; 234:105026. [PMID: 33309552 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2020.105026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pore-forming proteins (PFPs) and small antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a large family of molecules with the common ability to punch holes in cell membranes to alter their permeability. They play a fundamental role as infectious bacteria's defensive tools against host's immune system and as executors of endogenous machineries of regulated cell death in eukaryotic cells. Despite being highly divergent in primary sequence and 3D structure, specific folds of pore-forming domains have been conserved. In fact, pore formation is considered an ancient mechanism that takes place through a general multistep process involving: membrane partitioning and insertion, oligomerization and pore formation. However, different PFPs and AMPs assemble and form pores following different mechanisms that could end up either in the formation of protein-lined or protein-lipid pores. In this review, we analyze the current findings in the mechanism of action of different PFPs and AMPs that support a wide role of membrane pore formation in nature. We also provide the newest insights into the development of state-of-art techniques that have facilitated the characterization of membrane pores. To understand the physiological role of these peptides/proteins or develop clinical applications, it is essential to uncover the molecular mechanism of how they perforate membranes.
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Liu S, Brul S, Zaat SAJ. Bacterial Persister-Cells and Spores in the Food Chain: Their Potential Inactivation by Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8967. [PMID: 33260797 PMCID: PMC7731242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of bacterial pathogens in the food chain has caused a severe impact on public health and welfare in both developing and developed countries. Moreover, the existence of antimicrobial-tolerant persisting morphotypes of these pathogens including both persister-cells as well as bacterial spores contributes to difficulty in elimination and in recurrent infection. Therefore, comprehensive understanding of the behavior of these persisting bacterial forms in their environmental niche and upon infection of humans is necessary. Since traditional antimicrobials fail to kill persisters and spores due to their (extremely) low metabolic activities, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been intensively investigated as one of the most promising strategies against these persisting bacterial forms, showing high efficacy of inactivation. In addition, AMP-based foodborne pathogen detection and prevention of infection has made significant progress. This review focuses on recent research on common bacterial pathogens in the food chain, their persisting morphotypes, and on AMP-based solutions. Challenges in research and application of AMPs are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Liu
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Stanley Brul
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sebastian A. J. Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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Melittin Induces Local Order Changes in Artificial and Biological Membranes as Revealed by Spectral Analysis of Laurdan Fluorescence. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110705. [PMID: 33171598 PMCID: PMC7695215 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of molecules widely used in applications on eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Independent of the peptide target, all of them need to first pass or interact with the plasma membrane of the cells. In order to have a better image of the peptide action mechanism with respect to the particular features of the membrane it is necessary to better understand the changes induced by AMPs in the membranes. Laurdan, a lipid membrane probe sensitive to polarity changes in the environment, is used in this study for assessing changes induced by melittin, a well-known peptide, both in model and natural lipid membranes. More importantly, we showed that generalized polarization (GP) values are not always efficient or sufficient to properly characterize the changes in the membrane. We proved that a better method to investigate these changes is to use the previously described log-normal deconvolution allowing us to infer other parameters: the difference between the relative areas of elementary peak (ΔSr), and the ratio of elementary peaks areas (Rs). Melittin induced a slight decrease in local membrane fluidity in homogeneous lipid membranes. The addition of cholesterol stabilizes the membrane more in the presence of melittin. An opposite response was observed in the case of heterogeneous lipid membranes in cells, the local order of lipids being diminished. RS proved to be the most sensitive parameter characterizing the local membrane order, allowing us to distinguish among the responses to melittin of both classes of membrane we investigated (liposomes and cellular membranes). Molecular simulation of the melittin pore in homogeneous lipid bilayer suggests that lipids are more closely packed in the proximity of the melittin pore (a smaller area per lipid), supporting the experimental observation.
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33
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Remington JM, Liao C, Sharafi M, Marie ES, Ferrell JB, Hondal R, Wargo MJ, Schneebeli ST, Li J. Aggregation State of Synergistic Antimicrobial Peptides. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:9501-9506. [PMID: 33108730 PMCID: PMC8299379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c02094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
By integrating various simulation and experimental techniques, we discovered that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may achieve synergy at an optimal concentration and ratio, which can be caused by aggregation of the synergistic peptides. On multiple time and length scales, our studies obtain novel evidence of how peptide coaggregation in solution can affect the disruption of membranes by synergistic AMPs. Our findings provide crucial details about the complex molecular origins of AMP synergy, which will help guide the future development of synergistic AMPs as well as applications of anti-infective peptide cocktail therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chenyi Liao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Mona Sharafi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Emma Ste. Marie
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | | | - Robert Hondal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Matthew J. Wargo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | | | - Jianing Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
- Corresponding Author Jianing Li ()
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34
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Mercer DK, O'Neil DA. Innate Inspiration: Antifungal Peptides and Other Immunotherapeutics From the Host Immune Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2177. [PMID: 33072081 PMCID: PMC7533533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe antifungal therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical development derived from, or directly influenced by, the immune system, with a specific focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Although the focus of this review is AMP with direct antimicrobial effects on fungi, we will also discuss compounds with direct antifungal activity, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb), as well as immunomodulatory molecules that can enhance the immune response to fungal infection, including immunomodulatory AMP, vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, interferon and colony stimulating factors as well as immune cell therapies. The focus of this manuscript will be a non-exhaustive review of antifungal compounds in preclinical and clinical development that are based on the principles of immunology and the authors acknowledge the incredible amount of in vitro and in vivo work that has been conducted to develop such therapeutic candidates.
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Shoji K, Kawano R, White RJ. Analysis of Membrane Protein Deinsertion-Associated Currents with Nanoneedle-Supported Bilayers to Discover Pore Formation Mechanisms. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:10012-10021. [PMID: 32787048 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c00833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of the pore formation mechanisms of biological nanopores can provide insight into pore-forming peptide-induced diseases and into the characterization of nanopores employed in sensing methods. Evaluation of pore formation mechanisms is typically performed using microscopy including atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, as well as electrically via channel current measurements using a patch-clamp amplifier. However, due to the relatively low temporal resolution of the above-mentioned microscopy techniques and the low analysis accuracy of the channel current measurements, new analytical methods are required. Here, we describe a new analytical strategy to measure and analyze both ionic currents associated with biological nanopore insertion and deinsertion into and out of lipid bilayers to determine pore formation mechanisms for several representative proteins. The current changes associated with protein deinsertion are monitored as the lipid membrane leaflets are pulled apart-a unique phenomenon enabled by our gold nanoneedle measurement probe. This deinsertion current analysis (DiCA) is performed using a gold nanoneedle-supported lipid bilayer at which a bilayer membrane is formed by bringing together two lipid monolayers on the surface of the nanoneedle and at the interface of an aqueous solution and a lipid/oil mixture. The lipid bilayer can be pulled apart by removing the nanoneedle from this interface. In this study, we demonstrate the determination of pore formation mechanisms for four different pore-forming proteins and peptides-α-hemolysin, streptolysin O, alamethicin, and amyloid β 1-42 using DiCA. As a result, we successfully discern the pore formation mechanism, either addition or expansion, for each protein/peptide by analyzing the ratio and magnitude of insertion and deinsertion current events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Shoji
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Niigata 840-2188, Japan
| | - Ryuji Kawano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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36
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Wang F, Xiong Y, Xiao Y, Han J, Deng X, Lin L. MMPphg from the thermophilic Meiothermus bacteriophage MMP17 as a potential antimicrobial agent against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Virol J 2020; 17:130. [PMID: 32843096 PMCID: PMC7448439 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background New strategies are urgently needed to deal with the growing problem of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. As the natural viruses against bacteria, recently, bacteriophages have received particular attention. Here, we identified and characterized a novel peptidoglycan hydrolase named MMPphg by decoding the complete genome sequence of Meiothermus bacteriophage MMP17, which was isolated in Tengchong hot spring in China and contains a circular genome of 33,172 bp in size and a GC content of 63.4%. Findings We cloned the MMPphg gene, overproduced and purified the phage lytic protein, which contains a highly conserved M23 metallopeptidase domain and can be activated by Mg2+ and Zn2+. MMPphg is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 70 °C, and preserved more than 80% of its activity after a 30 min treatment between 35 and 65 °C. More interestingly, by disrupting bacterial cells, MMPphg exhibits surprising antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant strains such as Escherichia coli O157, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. Conclusions In the current age of mounting antibiotic resistance, these results suggest the great potential of MMPphg, the gene product of bacteriophage MMP17, in combating bacterial infections and shed light on bacteriophage-based strategies to develop alternatives to conventional antibiotics for human or veterinary applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jian Han
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xianyu Deng
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Lianbing Lin
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China. .,Engineering Research Center for Replacement Technology of Feed Antibiotics of Yunnan College, 727 South Jingming Road, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China.
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37
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Luca S, Seal P, Parekh HS, Tupally KR, Smith SC. Cell Membrane Penetration without Pore Formation: Chameleonic Properties of Dendrimers in Response to Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Environments. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.201900152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Luca
- Integrated Materials Design LaboratoryDepartment of Applied MathematicsResearch School of PhysicsAustralian National University Acton ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Prasenjit Seal
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Helsinki P.O. Box 55 (A.I. Virtasen aukio 1) Helsinki 00014 Finland
| | - Harendra S. Parekh
- School of PharmacyThe University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | | | - Sean C. Smith
- Integrated Materials Design LaboratoryDepartment of Applied MathematicsResearch School of PhysicsAustralian National University Acton ACT 2601 Australia
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38
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Identification of antibacterial peptides generated from enzymatic hydrolysis of cottonseed proteins. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.109199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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39
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TSPphg Lysin from the Extremophilic Thermus Bacteriophage TSP4 as a Potential Antimicrobial Agent against Both Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Pathogenic Bacteria. Viruses 2020; 12:v12020192. [PMID: 32050494 PMCID: PMC7077265 DOI: 10.3390/v12020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
New strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens are urgently needed but are not within reach. Here, we present in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of TSPphg, a novel phage lysin identified from extremophilic Thermus phage TSP4 by sequencing its whole genome. By breaking down the bacterial cells, TSPphg is able to cause bacteria destruction and has shown bactericidal activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, in which the complete elimination and highest reduction in bacterial counts by greater than 6 logs were observed upon 50 μg/mL TSPphg treatment at 37 °C for 1 h. A murine skin infection model further confirmed the in vivo efficacy of TSPphg in removing a highly dangerous and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from skin damage and in accelerating wound closure. Together, our findings may offer a therapeutic alternative to help fight bacterial infections in the current age of mounting antibiotic resistance, and to shed light on bacteriophage-based strategies to develop novel anti-infectives.
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40
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Reconstitution of Proteoliposomes for Phospholipid Scrambling and Nonselective Channel Assays. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2127:207-225. [PMID: 32112325 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0373-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipid scramblases catalyze the rapid trans-bilayer movement of lipids down their concentration gradients. This process is essential for numerous cellular signaling functions including cell fusion, blood coagulation, and apoptosis. The importance of scramblases is highlighted by the number of human diseases caused by mutations in these proteins. Because of their indispensable function, it is essential to understand and characterize the molecular function of phospholipid scramblases. Powerful tools to measure lipid transport in cells are available. However, these approaches provide limited mechanistic insights into the molecular bases of scrambling. Here we describe in detail an in vitro phospholipid scramblase assay and the accompanying analysis which allows for determination of the macroscopic rate constants associated with phospholipid scrambling. Notably, members of the TMEM16 family of scramblases also function as nonselective ion channels. To better understand the physiological relevance of this channel function as well as its relationship to the scrambling activity of the TMEM16s we also describe in detail an in vitro flux assay to measure nonselective channel activity. Together, these two assays can be used to investigate the dual activities of the TMEM16 scramblases/nonselective channels.
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41
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Lee Y, Yamada H, Pradipta A, Ma JS, Okamoto M, Nagaoka H, Takashima E, Standley DM, Sasai M, Takei K, Yamamoto M. Initial phospholipid-dependent Irgb6 targeting to Toxoplasma gondii vacuoles mediates host defense. Life Sci Alliance 2019; 3:3/1/e201900549. [PMID: 31852733 PMCID: PMC6925386 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite capable of infecting warm-blooded animals by ingestion. The organism enters host cells and resides in the cytoplasm in a membrane-bound parasitophorous vacuole (PV). Inducing an interferon response enables IFN-γ-inducible immunity-related GTPase (IRG protein) to accumulate on the PV and to restrict parasite growth. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which IRG proteins recognize and destroy T. gondii PV. We characterized the role of IRG protein Irgb6 in the cell-autonomous response against T. gondii, which involves vacuole ubiquitination and breakdown. We show that Irgb6 is capable of binding a specific phospholipid on the PV membrane. Furthermore, the absence of Irgb6 causes reduced targeting of other effector IRG proteins to the PV. This suggests that Irgb6 has a role as a pioneer in the process by which multiple IRG proteins access the PV. Irgb6-deficient mice are highly susceptible to infection by a strain of T. gondii avirulent in wild-type mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngae Lee
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamada
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ariel Pradipta
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ji Su Ma
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaaki Okamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Daron M Standley
- Department of Genome Informatics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Systems Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miwa Sasai
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kohji Takei
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan .,Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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42
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Soliman C, Eastwood S, Truong VK, Ramsland PA, Elbourne A. The membrane effects of melittin on gastric and colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224028. [PMID: 31622415 PMCID: PMC6797111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxic effects of melittin, a bee-venom peptide, have been widely studied towards cancer cells. Typically, these studies have examined the effect of melittin over extended-time courses (6-24 hours), meaning that immediate cellular interactions have been overlooked. In this work, we demonstrate the rapid effects of melittin on both gastric and colorectal cancer, specifically AGS, COLO205 and HCT-15 cell lines, over a period of 15 minutes. Melittin exhibited a dose dependent effect at 4 hours of treatment, with complete cellular death occurring at the highest dose of 20 μg/mL. Interestingly, when observed at shorter time points, melittin induced cellular changes within seconds; membrane damage was observed as swelling, breakage or blebbing. High-resolution imaging revealed treated cells to be compromised, showing clear change in cellular morphology. After 1 minute of melittin treatment, membrane changes were observed, and intracellular material could be seen expelled from the cells. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of the fast acting anti-cancer effects of melittin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Soliman
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Eastwood
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vi Khanh Truong
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, RMIT University, Melbourne City Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul A. Ramsland
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School (Monash University), Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery Austin Health (University of Melbourne), Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron Elbourne
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campusm Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, RMIT University, Melbourne City Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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43
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Mesa-Galloso H, Valiente PA, Valdés-Tresanco ME, Epand RF, Lanio ME, Epand RM, Alvarez C, Tieleman DP, Ros U. Membrane Remodeling by the Lytic Fragment of SticholysinII: Implications for the Toroidal Pore Model. Biophys J 2019; 117:1563-1576. [PMID: 31587828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sticholysins are pore-forming toxins of biomedical interest and represent a prototype of proteins acting through the formation of protein-lipid or toroidal pores. Peptides spanning the N-terminus of sticholysins can mimic their permeabilizing activity and, together with the full-length toxins, have been used as a tool to understand the mechanism of pore formation in membranes. However, the lytic mechanism of these peptides and the lipid shape modulating their activity are not completely clear. In this article, we combine molecular dynamics simulations and experimental biophysical tools to dissect different aspects of the pore-forming mechanism of StII1-30, a peptide derived from the N-terminus of sticholysin II (StII). With this combined approach, membrane curvature induction and flip-flop movement of the lipids were identified as two important membrane remodeling steps mediated by StII1-30. Pore formation by this peptide was enhanced by the presence of the negatively curved lipid phosphatidylethanolamine in membranes. This lipid emerged not only as a facilitator of membrane interactions but also as a structural element of the StII1-30 pore that is recruited to the ring upon its assembly. Collectively, these, to our knowledge, new findings support a toroidal model for the architecture of the pore formed by StII1-30 and provide new molecular insight into the role of phosphatidylethanolamine as a membrane component that can easily integrate into the ring of toroidal pores, thus probably aiding in their stabilization. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the permeabilizing activity of StII1-30 and peptides or proteins acting via a toroidal pore mechanism and offers an informative framework for the optimization of the biomedical application of this and similar molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydee Mesa-Galloso
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Molecular Simulation, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Pedro A Valiente
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Mario E Valdés-Tresanco
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Molecular Simulation, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Raquel F Epand
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Health Science Center, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria E Lanio
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Richard M Epand
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Health Science Center, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carlos Alvarez
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - D Peter Tieleman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Molecular Simulation, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Uris Ros
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba; Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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44
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Effects of Peptide Charge, Orientation, and Concentration on Melittin Transmembrane Pores. Biophys J 2019; 114:2865-2874. [PMID: 29925023 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin is a short cationic peptide that exerts cytolytic effects on bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Experiments suggest that in zwitterionic membranes, melittin forms transmembrane toroidal pores supported by four to eight peptides. A recently constructed melittin variant with a reduced cationic charge, MelP5, is active at 10-fold lower concentrations. In previous work, we performed molecular dynamics simulations on the microsecond timescale to examine the supramolecular pore structure of a melittin tetramer in zwitterionic and partially anionic membranes. We now extend that study to include the effects of peptide charge, initial orientation, and number of monomers on the pore formation and stabilization processes. Our results show that parallel transmembrane orientations of melittin and MelP5 are more consistent with experimental data. Whereas a MelP5 parallel hexamer forms a large stable pore during the 5-μs simulation time, a melittin hexamer and an octamer are not fully stable, with several monomers dissociating during the simulation time. Interaction-energy analysis shows that this difference in behavior between melittin and MelP5 is not due to stronger electrostatic repulsion between neighboring melittin peptides but to peptide-lipid interactions that disfavor the isolated MelP5 transmembrane monomer. The ability of melittin monomers to diffuse freely in the 1,2-dimyristoyl-SN-glycero-3-phosphocholine membrane leads to dynamic pores with varying molecularity.
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45
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Pandidan S, Mechler A. Nano-viscosimetry analysis of the membrane disrupting action of the bee venom peptide melittin. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10841. [PMID: 31346251 PMCID: PMC6658469 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47325-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin is one of the most studied α-helical cationic membrane disrupting peptides. It is the main component of bee venom, however it is considered an antimicrobial peptide for its ability to kill bacteria. Melittin is believed to act by opening large toroidal pores in the plasma membrane of the targeted cells/bacteria, although this is questioned by some authors. Little is known, however, about the molecular mechanism leading to this activity. In this study the mechanism of action of melittin was studied by dye leakage and quartz crystal microbalance fingerprinting analysis in biomimetic model membranes. The results revealed the existence of multiple stages in the membrane disrupting action with characteristic differences between different membrane types. In bacterial-mimetic (charged) lipid mixtures the viscoelastic fingerprints suggest a surface-acting mechanism, whereas in mammalian-mimetic (neutral) membranes melittin appears to penetrate the bilayer already at low concentrations. In domain-forming mixed membranes melittin shows a preference for the domain containing predominantly zwitterionic lipids. The results confirm membrane poration but are inconsistent with the insertion-to-toroidal pore pathway. Therefore hypotheses of the two membrane disrupting pathways were developed, describing the membrane disruption as either surface tension modulation leading to toroidal pore formation, or linear aggregation leading to fissure formation in the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pandidan
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam Mechler
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
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46
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Andreev K, Martynowycz MW, Gidalevitz D. Peptoid drug discovery and optimization via surface X-ray scattering. Biopolymers 2019; 110:e23274. [PMID: 30892696 PMCID: PMC6661014 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic polymers mimicking antimicrobial peptides have drawn considerable interest as potential therapeutics. N-substituted glycines, or peptoids, are recognized by their in vivo stability and ease of synthesis. Peptoids are thought to act primarily on the negatively charged lipids that are abundant in bacterial cell membranes. A mechanistic understanding of lipid-peptoid interaction at the molecular level will provide insights for rational design and optimization of peptoids. Here, we highlight recent studies that utilize synchrotron liquid surface X-ray scattering to characterize the underlying peptoid interactions with bacterial and eukaryotic membranes. Cellular membranes are highly complex, and difficult to characterize at the molecular level. Model systems including Langmuir monolayers, are used in these studies to reduce system complexity. The general workflow of these systems and the corresponding data analysis techniques are presented alongside recent findings. These studies investigate the role of peptoid physicochemical characteristics on membrane activity. Specifically, the roles of cationic charge, conformational constraint via macrocyclization, and hydrophobicity are shown to correlate their membrane interactions to biological activities in vitro. These structure-activity relationships have led to new insights into the mechanism of action by peptoid antimicrobials, and suggest optimization strategies for future therapeutics based on peptoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Andreev
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | | | - David Gidalevitz
- Center for the Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter and Department of Physics, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
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47
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Song C, de Groot BL, Sansom MSP. Lipid Bilayer Composition Influences the Activity of the Antimicrobial Peptide Dermcidin Channel. Biophys J 2019; 116:1658-1666. [PMID: 31010668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) carry great potential as new antibiotics against "superbugs." Dermcidin (DCD), a broad-spectrum AMP in human sweat, has been recently crystallized in its oligomeric state and showed channel-like properties. In this work, we performed multiscale molecular dynamics simulations to study how the membrane composition influences the behavior of a transmembrane pore formed by the DCD oligomer in the hope of revealing the origin of the membrane selectivity of this AMP toward bacteria. Our results indicate that bilayers composed of various lipids (DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC) with different thicknesses result in different orientations of the DCD oligomer when embedded in lipid bilayers. The thicker the bilayer, the less tilted the channel. Cholesterol makes the bilayers more rigid and thicker, which also affects the orientation of the channel. Furthermore, we observed that the predicted conductance of the channel from computational electrophysiology simulations is related to its orientation in the lipid bilayer: the larger the tilt, the larger the conductance. Our results indicate that the membrane composition has a significant influence on the activity of the DCD channel, with thicker, cholesterol-rich membranes showing lower conductance than that of thinner membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Song
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Bert L de Groot
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mark S P Sansom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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48
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Miyazaki Y, Okazaki S, Shinoda W. Free energy analysis of membrane pore formation process in the presence of multiple melittin peptides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1409-1419. [PMID: 30885804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying pore formation in lipid membranes by antimicrobial peptides is of great importance in biological sciences as well as in drug design applications. Melittin has been widely studied as a pore forming peptide, though the molecular mechanism for pore formation is still illusive. We examined the free energy barrier for the creation of a pore in lipid membranes with and without multiple melittin peptides. It was found that six melittin peptides significantly stabilized a pore, though a small barrier (a few kBT) for the formation still existed. With five melittin peptides or fewer, the pore formation barrier was much higher, though the established pore was in a local energy minimum. Although seven melittins effectively reduced the free energy barrier, a single melittin peptide left the pore after a long time MD simulation probably because of the overcrowded environment around the bilayer pore. Thus, it is highly selective for the number of melittin peptides to stabilize the membrane pore, as was also suggested by the line tension evaluations. The free energy cost required to insert a single melittin into the membrane is too high to explain the one-by-one insertion mechanism for pore formation, which also supports the collective melittin mechanism for pore formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Miyazaki
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Susumu Okazaki
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Wataru Shinoda
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan.
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49
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Molecular details on the intermediate states of melittin action on a cell membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:2234-2241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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50
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Pfeil MP, Pyne ALB, Losasso V, Ravi J, Lamarre B, Faruqui N, Alkassem H, Hammond K, Judge PJ, Winn M, Martyna GJ, Crain J, Watts A, Hoogenboom BW, Ryadnov MG. Tuneable poration: host defense peptides as sequence probes for antimicrobial mechanisms. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14926. [PMID: 30297841 PMCID: PMC6175903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33289-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of antimicrobial resistance stimulates discovery strategies that place emphasis on mechanisms circumventing the drawbacks of traditional antibiotics and on agents that hit multiple targets. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are promising candidates in this regard. Here we demonstrate that a given HDP sequence intrinsically encodes for tuneable mechanisms of membrane disruption. Using an archetypal HDP (cecropin B) we show that subtle structural alterations convert antimicrobial mechanisms from native carpet-like scenarios to poration and non-porating membrane exfoliation. Such distinct mechanisms, studied using low- and high-resolution spectroscopy, nanoscale imaging and molecular dynamics simulations, all maintain strong antimicrobial effects, albeit with diminished activity against pathogens resistant to HDPs. The strategy offers an effective search paradigm for the sequence probing of discrete antimicrobial mechanisms within a single HDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Philipp Pfeil
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Alice L B Pyne
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK
| | - Valeria Losasso
- STFC Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury, Warrington, WA4 4AD, UK
| | - Jascindra Ravi
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Baptiste Lamarre
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Nilofar Faruqui
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Hasan Alkassem
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Katharine Hammond
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK
| | - Peter J Judge
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Martyn Winn
- STFC Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury, Warrington, WA4 4AD, UK
| | | | - Jason Crain
- IBM Research, Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, USA
| | - Anthony Watts
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Bart W Hoogenboom
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Maxim G Ryadnov
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK.
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