1
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Fathi F, Alizadeh B, Tabarzad MV, Tabarzad M. Important structural features of antimicrobial peptides towards specific activity: Trends in the development of efficient therapeutics. Bioorg Chem 2024; 149:107524. [PMID: 38850782 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Proteins and peptides, as polypeptide chains, have usually got unique conformational structures for effective biological activity. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a group of bioactive peptides, which have been increasingly studied during recent years for their promising antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as, other esteemed bioactivities. Numerous AMPs have been separated from a wide range of natural resources, or produced in vitro through chemical synthesis and recombinant protein expression. Natural AMPs have had limited clinical application due to several drawbacks, such as their short half-life due to protease degradation, lack of activity at physiological salt concentrations, toxicity to mammalian cells, and the absence of suitable methods of delivery for the AMPs that are targeted and sustained. The creation of synthetic analogs of AMPs would both avoid the drawbacks of the natural analogs and maintain or even increase the antimicrobial effectiveness. The structure-activity relationship of discovered AMPs or their derivatives facilitates the development of synthetic AMPs. This review discovered that the relationship between the activity of AMPs and their positive net charge, hydrophobicity, and amino acid sequence and the relationship between AMPs' function and other features like their topology, glycosylation, and halogenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Fathi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Alizadeh
- Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Vahid Tabarzad
- Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Tabarzad
- Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Liang Q, Liu Z, Liang Z, Zhu C, Li D, Kong Q, Mou H. Development strategies and application of antimicrobial peptides as future alternatives to in-feed antibiotics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172150. [PMID: 38580107 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The use of in-feed antibiotics has been widely restricted due to the significant environmental pollution and food safety concerns they have caused. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted widespread attention as potential future alternatives to in-feed antibiotics owing to their demonstrated antimicrobial activity and environment friendly characteristics. However, the challenges of weak bioactivity, immature stability, and low production yields of natural AMPs impede practical application in the feed industry. To address these problems, efforts have been made to develop strategies for approaching the AMPs with enhanced properties. Herein, we summarize approaches to improving the properties of AMPs as potential alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, mainly including optimization of structural parameters, sequence modification, selection of microbial hosts, fusion expression, and industrially fermentation control. Additionally, the potential for application of AMPs in animal husbandry is discussed. This comprehensive review lays a strong theoretical foundation for the development of in-feed AMPs to achieve the public health globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingping Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Zhemin Liu
- Fundamental Science R&D Center of Vazyme Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Ziyu Liang
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Changliang Zhu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Dongyu Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Qing Kong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Haijin Mou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China.
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3
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Tiwari P, Srivastava Y, Sharma A, Vinayagam R. Antimicrobial Peptides: The Production of Novel Peptide-Based Therapeutics in Plant Systems. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1875. [PMID: 37763279 PMCID: PMC10532476 DOI: 10.3390/life13091875] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance is alarming and has a significant impact on the economies of emerging and underdeveloped nations. The redundancy of antibiotic discovery platforms (ADPs) and injudicious use of conventional antibiotics has severely impacted millions, across the globe. Potent antimicrobials from biological sources have been extensively explored as a ray of hope to counter the growing menace of antibiotic resistance in the population. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are gaining momentum as powerful antimicrobial therapies to combat drug-resistant bacterial strains. The tremendous therapeutic potential of natural and synthesized AMPs as novel and potent antimicrobials is highlighted by their unique mode of action, as exemplified by multiple research initiatives. Recent advances and developments in antimicrobial discovery and research have increased our understanding of the structure, characteristics, and function of AMPs; nevertheless, knowledge gaps still need to be addressed before these therapeutic options can be fully exploited. This thematic article provides a comprehensive insight into the potential of AMPs as potent arsenals to counter drug-resistant pathogens, a historical overview and recent advances, and their efficient production in plants, defining novel upcoming trends in drug discovery and research. The advances in synthetic biology and plant-based expression systems for AMP production have defined new paradigms in the efficient production of potent antimicrobials in plant systems, a prospective approach to countering drug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Tiwari
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yashdeep Srivastava
- RR Institute of Modern Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226201, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Institute of Advanced Research, Koba Institutional Area, Gandhinagar 392426, Gujarat, India;
| | - Ramachandran Vinayagam
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea;
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4
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Rončević T, Maleš M, Sonavane Y, Guida F, Pacor S, Tossi A, Zoranić L. Relating Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Functional Activity for Gly-Rich Membranolytic Helical Kiadin Peptides. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051433. [PMID: 37242675 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051433] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Kiadins are in silico designed peptides with a strong similarity to diPGLa-H, a tandem sequence of PGLa-H (KIAKVALKAL) and with single, double or quadruple glycine substitutions. They were found to show high variability in their activity and selectivity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as cytotoxicity against host cells, which are influenced by the number and placing of glycine residues along the sequence. The conformational flexibility introduced by these substitutions contributes differently peptide structuring and to their interactions with the model membranes, as observed by molecular dynamics simulations. We relate these results to experimentally determined data on the structure of kiadins and their interactions with liposomes having a phospholipid membrane composition similar to simulation membrane models, as well as to their antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, and also discuss the challenges in interpreting these multiscale experiments and understanding why the presence of glycine residues in the sequence affected the antibacterial potency and toxicity towards host cells in a different manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Rončević
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Matko Maleš
- Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Yogesh Sonavane
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Filomena Guida
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabrina Pacor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tossi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Larisa Zoranić
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Campoccia D, Montanaro L, Ravaioli S, Mariani V, Bottau G, De Donno A, Arciola CR. Antibacterial Activity on Orthopedic Clinical Isolates and Cytotoxicity of the Antimicrobial Peptide Dadapin-1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010779. [PMID: 36614222 PMCID: PMC9821071 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In orthopedic surgery, biomaterial-associated infections represent a complication of serious concern. Most promising strategies to prevent these infections currently rely on the use of anti-infective biomaterials. Desirably, in anti-infective biomaterials, the antibacterial properties should be achieved by doping, grafting, or coating the material surfaces with molecules that are alternative to conventional antibiotics and exhibit a potent and highly specific activity against bacteria, without altering the biocompatibility. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are among the most interesting candidate molecules for this biomaterial functionalization. Here, the potential expressed by the recently discovered peptide Dadapin-1 was explored by assaying its MIC, MBIC and MBC on clinical strains of relevant bacterial species isolated from orthopedic infections and by assessing its cytotoxicity on the human osteoblast-like MG63 cells. When appropriately tested in diluted Mueller Hinton Broth II (MHB II), Dadapin-1 exhibited significant antibacterial properties. MIC values were in the range of 3.1-6.2 µM for the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus warneri, and 12.4-24.9 µM for the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Interestingly, the peptide was found non-cytotoxic, with an IC50 exceeding the highest concentration tested of 179 µM. Overall, Dadapin-1 expresses considerable potential for future application in the production of anti-infective biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Campoccia
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.C.); (C.R.A.); Tel.: +39-0516-366-666 (D.C.); +39-0516-366-599 (C.R.A.)
| | - Lucio Montanaro
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ravaioli
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Mariani
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Bottau
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea De Donno
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Renata Arciola
- Laboratorio di Patologia delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.C.); (C.R.A.); Tel.: +39-0516-366-666 (D.C.); +39-0516-366-599 (C.R.A.)
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6
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Morales-Martínez A, Bertrand B, Hernández-Meza JM, Garduño-Juárez R, Silva-Sanchez J, Munoz-Garay C. Membrane fluidity, composition, and charge affect the activity and selectivity of the AMP ascaphin-8. Biophys J 2022; 121:3034-3048. [PMID: 35842753 PMCID: PMC9463648 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascaphins are cationic antimicrobial peptides that have been shown to have potential in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDR). However, to date, their principal molecular target and mechanism of action are unknown. Results from peptide prediction software and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that ascaphin-8 is an alpha-helical peptide. For the first time, the peptide was described as membranotrophic using biophysical approaches including calcein liposome leakage, Laurdan general polarization, and dynamic light scattering. Ascaphin-8's activity and selectivity were modulated by rearranging the spatial distribution of lysine (Var-K5), aspartic acid (Var-D4) residues, or substitution of phenylalanine with tyrosine (Var-Y). The parental peptide and its variants presented high affinity toward the bacterial membrane model (≤2 μM), but lost activity in sterol-enriched membranes (mammal and fungal models, with cholesterol and ergosterol, respectively). The peptide-induced pore size was estimated to be >20 nm in the bacterial model, with no difference among peptides. The same pattern was observed in membrane fluidity (general polarization) assays, where all peptides reduced membrane fluidity of the bacterial model but not in the models containing sterols. The peptides also showed high activity toward MDR bacteria. Moreover, peptide sensitivity of the artificial membrane models compared with pathogenic bacterial isolates were in good agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Morales-Martínez
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ICF-UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Brandt Bertrand
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ICF-UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Juan M Hernández-Meza
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ICF-UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Ramón Garduño-Juárez
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ICF-UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Jesús Silva-Sanchez
- Centro de Investigación sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Carlos Munoz-Garay
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (ICF-UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
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7
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Chou S, Zhang S, Guo H, Chang YF, Zhao W, Mou X. Targeted Antimicrobial Agents as Potential Tools for Modulating the Gut Microbiome. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:879207. [PMID: 35875544 PMCID: PMC9302920 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.879207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of the hosts; however, there is accumulating evidence that certain bacteria in the host, termed pathobionts, play roles in the progression of diseases. Although antibiotics can be used to eradicate unwanted bacteria, the side effects of antibiotic treatment lead to a great need for more targeted antimicrobial agents as tools to modulate the microbiome more precisely. Herein, we reviewed narrow-spectrum antibiotics naturally made by plants and microorganisms, followed by more targeted antibiotic agents including synthetic peptides, phage, and targeted drug delivery systems, from the perspective of using them as potential tools for modulating the gut microbiome for favorable effects on the health of the host. Given the emerging discoveries on pathobionts and the increasing knowledge on targeted antimicrobial agents reviewed in this article, we anticipate targeted antimicrobial agents will emerge as a new generation of a drug to treat microbiome-involved diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Chou
- Center for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shiqing Zhang
- Center for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huating Guo
- Center for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yung-fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- Center for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjing Zhao, ;
| | - Xiangyu Mou
- Center for Infection and Immunity Studies, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Xiangyu Mou,
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8
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Xiang W, Clemenza P, Klousnitzer J, Chen J, Qin W, Tristram-Nagle S, Doi Y, Di YP, Deslouches B. Rational Framework for the Design of Trp- and Arg-Rich Peptide Antibiotics Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:889791. [PMID: 35694289 PMCID: PMC9186412 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.889791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The threat of antibiotic resistance warrants the discovery of agents with novel antimicrobial mechanisms. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) directly disrupting bacterial membranes may overcome resistance to traditional antibiotics. AMP development for clinical use has been mostly limited to topical application to date. We developed a rational framework for systematically addressing this challenge using libraries composed of 86 novel Trp- and Arg-rich engineered peptides tested against clinical strains of the most common multidrug-resistant bacteria known as ESKAPE pathogens. Structure-function correlations revealed minimum lengths (as low as 16 residues) and Trp positioning for maximum antibacterial potency with mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2–4 μM and corresponding negligible toxicity to mammalian cells. Twelve peptides were selected based on broad-spectrum activity against both gram-negative and -positive bacteria and <25% toxicity to mammalian cells at maximum test concentrations. Most of the selected PAX remained active against the colistin-resistant clinical strains. Of the selected peptides, the shortest (the 16-residue E35) was further investigated for antibacterial mechanism and proof-of-concept in vivo efficacy. E35 killed an extensively-resistant isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA239 from the CDC, also resistant to colistin) by irreversibly disrupting the cell membranes as shown by propidium iodide incorporation, using flow cytometry and live cell imaging. As proof of concept, in vivo toxicity studies showed that mice tolerated a systemic dose of up to 30 mg/kg peptide and were protected with a single 5 mg/kg intravenous (IV) dose against an otherwise lethal intraperitoneal injection of PA239. Efficacy was also demonstrated in an immune-compromised Klebsiella pneumoniae infection model using a daily dose of 4mg/kg E35 systemically for 2 days. This framework defines the determinants of efficacy of helical AMPs composed of only cationic and hydrophobic amino acids and provides a path for a potential departure from the restriction to topical use of AMPs toward systemic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Xiang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Patrice Clemenza
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jessie Klousnitzer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jespar Chen
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Weiheng Qin
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Stephanie Tristram-Nagle
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yohei Doi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Y Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Berthony Deslouches
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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9
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Traditional and Computational Screening of Non-Toxic Peptides and Approaches to Improving Selectivity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030323. [PMID: 35337121 PMCID: PMC8953747 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides have positively impacted the pharmaceutical industry as drugs, biomarkers, or diagnostic tools of high therapeutic value. However, only a handful have progressed to the market. Toxicity is one of the main obstacles to translating peptides into clinics. Hemolysis or hemotoxicity, the principal source of toxicity, is a natural or disease-induced event leading to the death of vital red blood cells. Initial screenings for toxicity have been widely evaluated using erythrocytes as the gold standard. More recently, many online databases filled with peptide sequences and their biological meta-data have paved the way toward hemolysis prediction using user-friendly, fast-access machine learning-driven programs. This review details the growing contributions of in silico approaches developed in the last decade for the large-scale prediction of erythrocyte lysis induced by peptides. After an overview of the pharmaceutical landscape of peptide therapeutics, we highlighted the relevance of early hemolysis studies in drug development. We emphasized the computational models and algorithms used to this end in light of historical and recent findings in this promising field. We benchmarked seven predictors using peptides from different data sets, having 7–35 amino acids in length. According to our predictions, the models have scored an accuracy over 50.42% and a minimal Matthew’s correlation coefficient over 0.11. The maximum values for these statistical parameters achieved 100.0% and 1.00, respectively. Finally, strategies for optimizing peptide selectivity were described, as well as prospects for future investigations. The development of in silico predictive approaches to peptide toxicity has just started, but their important contributions clearly demonstrate their potential for peptide science and computer-aided drug design. Methodology refinement and increasing use will motivate the timely and accurate in silico identification of selective, non-toxic peptide therapeutics.
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10
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Design of Membrane Active Peptides Considering Multi-Objective Optimization for Biomedical Application. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12020180. [PMID: 35207101 PMCID: PMC8880019 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A multitude of membrane active peptides exists that divides into subclasses, such as cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) capable to enter eukaryotic cells or antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) able to interact with prokaryotic cell envelops. Peptide membrane interactions arise from unique sequence motifs of the peptides that account for particular physicochemical properties. Membrane active peptides are mainly cationic, often primary or secondary amphipathic, and they interact with membranes depending on the composition of the bilayer lipids. Sequences of these peptides consist of short 5–30 amino acid sections derived from natural proteins or synthetic sources. Membrane active peptides can be designed using computational methods or can be identified in screenings of combinatorial libraries. This review focuses on strategies that were successfully applied to the design and optimization of membrane active peptides with respect to the fact that diverse features of successful peptide candidates are prerequisites for biomedical application. Not only membrane activity but also degradation stability in biological environments, propensity to induce resistances, and advantageous toxicological properties are crucial parameters that have to be considered in attempts to design useful membrane active peptides. Reliable assay systems to access the different biological characteristics of numerous membrane active peptides are essential tools for multi-objective peptide optimization.
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11
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Gan BH, Gaynord J, Rowe SM, Deingruber T, Spring DR. The multifaceted nature of antimicrobial peptides: current synthetic chemistry approaches and future directions. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:7820-7880. [PMID: 34042120 PMCID: PMC8689412 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00729c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial infections caused by 'superbugs' are increasing globally, and conventional antibiotics are becoming less effective against these bacteria, such that we risk entering a post-antibiotic era. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained significant attention for their clinical potential as a new class of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. In this review, we discuss several facets of AMPs including their diversity, physicochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and effects of environmental factors on these features. This review outlines various chemical synthetic strategies that have been applied to develop novel AMPs, including chemical modifications of existing peptides, semi-synthesis, and computer-aided design. We will also highlight novel AMP structures, including hybrids, antimicrobial dendrimers and polypeptides, peptidomimetics, and AMP-drug conjugates and consider recent developments in their chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bee Ha Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Josephine Gaynord
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Sam M Rowe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Tomas Deingruber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
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12
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Machine-learning Applications to Membrane Active Peptides. SYSTEMS MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801238-3.11544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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13
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Ortiz-Gómez V, Rodríguez-Ramos VD, Maldonado-Hernández R, González-Feliciano JA, Nicolau E. Antimicrobial Polymer-Peptide Conjugates Based on Maximin H5 and PEG to Prevent Biofouling of E. coli and P. aeruginosa. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:46991-47001. [PMID: 32937073 PMCID: PMC8177746 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c13492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Many pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli bacteria can easily attach to surfaces and form stable biofilms. The formation of such biofilms in surfaces presents a problem in environmental, biomedical, and industrial processes, among many others. Aiming to provide a plausible solution to this issue, the anionic and hydrophobic peptide Maximin H5 C-terminally deaminated isoform (MH5C) has been modified with a cysteine in the C-terminal (MH5C-Cys) and coupled to polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers of varying sizes (i.e., 2 kDa and 5 kDa) to serve as a surface protective coating. Briefly, the MH5C-Cys was bioconjugated to PEG and purified by size exclusion chromatography while the reaction was confirmed via SDS-PAGE and MALDI ToF. Moreover, the preventive antimicrobial activity of the MH5C-Cys-PEG conjugates was performed via the growth curves method, showing inhibition of bacterial growth after 24 h. The efficacy of these peptide-polymer conjugates was extensively characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) assays to evaluate their ability to eradicate and prevent the biofilms. Interestingly, this work demonstrated a critical PEG polymer weight of 5 kDa as ideal when coupled to the peptide to achieve inhibition and eradication of the biofilm formation in both bacteria strains. According to the MICs (40 μM) and MBICs (300 μM), we can conclude that this conjugate (MH5C-Cys-5 kDa) has an action that prevents/inhibits the formation of biofilms and the eradication of biofilms (MBEC 500 μM). In contrast, the MH5C-Cys peptide with PEG polymer of 2 kDa did not show inhibition or eradication of the biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Ortiz-Gómez
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, 17 Avenido, Universidad Suite 1701, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925-2537
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, 1390 Ponce De Leon Avenido, Suite 2, San Juan Puerto Rico 00931-3346
| | - Victor D Rodríguez-Ramos
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, 17 Avenido, Universidad Suite 1701, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925-2537
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, 1390 Ponce De Leon Avenido, Suite 2, San Juan Puerto Rico 00931-3346
| | - Rafael Maldonado-Hernández
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, 17 Avenido, Universidad Suite 1701, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925-2537
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, 1390 Ponce De Leon Avenido, Suite 2, San Juan Puerto Rico 00931-3346
| | - José A González-Feliciano
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, 1390 Ponce De Leon Avenido, Suite 2, San Juan Puerto Rico 00931-3346
| | - Eduardo Nicolau
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, 17 Avenido, Universidad Suite 1701, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00925-2537
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, 1390 Ponce De Leon Avenido, Suite 2, San Juan Puerto Rico 00931-3346
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14
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León Madrazo A, Segura Campos MR. Review of antimicrobial peptides as promoters of food safety: Limitations and possibilities within the food industry. J Food Saf 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anaí León Madrazo
- Facultad de Ingeniería Química Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida Yucatán Mexico
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15
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Carratalá JV, Serna N, Villaverde A, Vázquez E, Ferrer-Miralles N. Nanostructured antimicrobial peptides: The last push towards clinics. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 44:107603. [PMID: 32738381 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Peptide drugs hold great potential for the treatment of infectious diseases due to their unconventional mechanisms of action, biocompatibility, biodegradability and ease of synthesis and modification. The increasing rising of bacterial strains resistant to classical antibiotics have pushed the development of new peptide-based antimicrobial therapies. In this context, over the past few years, different approaches have reached a clinical approval. Furthermore, the application of nanotechnological principles to the design of antimicrobial peptide-based composites increases even more the already known benefits of antimicrobial peptides as competent protein drugs. Then, we provide here an overview of the current strategies for antimicrobial peptide discovery and modification and the status of such peptides already under clinical development. In addition, we summarize the innovative formulation strategies for their application, focusing on the controlled self-assembly for the fabrication of antimicrobial nanostructures without the assistance of external nanocarriers, and with emphasis on bioengineering, design of ultra-short peptides and rising insights in bacterial selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Vicente Carratalá
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
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16
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Lee H, Hwang JS, Lee DG. Analogs of Periplanetasin-4 Exhibit Deteriorated Membrane-Targeted Action. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 30:382-390. [PMID: 32238758 PMCID: PMC9728181 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1912.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Periplanetasin-4 is an antimicrobial peptide with 13 amino acids identified in cockroaches. It has been reported to induce fungal cell death by apoptosis and membrane-targeted action. Analogs were designed by substituting arginine residues to modify the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions accordingly and explore the effect of periplanetasin-4 through the increase of net charge and the decrease of hydrophobicity. The analogs showed lower activity than periplanetasin-4 against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Similar to periplanetasin-4, the analogs exhibited slight hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes. Membrane studies, including determination of changes in membrane potential and permeability, and fluidity assays, revealed that the analogs disrupt less membrane integrity compared to periplanetasin-4. Likewise, when the analogs were treated to the artificial membrane model, the passage of molecules bigger than FD4 was difficult. In conclusion, arginine substitution could not maintain the membrane disruption ability of periplanetasin-4. The results indicated that the attenuation of hydrophobic interactions with the plasma membrane caused a reduction in the accumulation of the analogs on the membrane before the formation of electrostatic interactions. Our findings will assist in the further development of antimicrobial peptides for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejeong Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK2 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 4566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sam Hwang
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gun Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK2 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 4566, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author Phone: +82-53-950-5373 Fax: +82-53-955-5522 E-mail:
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17
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Cardoso MH, Orozco RQ, Rezende SB, Rodrigues G, Oshiro KGN, Cândido ES, Franco OL. Computer-Aided Design of Antimicrobial Peptides: Are We Generating Effective Drug Candidates? Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3097. [PMID: 32038544 PMCID: PMC6987251 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), especially antibacterial peptides, have been widely investigated as potential alternatives to antibiotic-based therapies. Indeed, naturally occurring and synthetic AMPs have shown promising results against a series of clinically relevant bacteria. Even so, this class of antimicrobials has continuously failed clinical trials at some point, highlighting the importance of AMP optimization. In this context, the computer-aided design of AMPs has put together crucial information on chemical parameters and bioactivities in AMP sequences, thus providing modes of prediction to evaluate the antibacterial potential of a candidate sequence before synthesis. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) computational models, for instance, have greatly contributed to AMP sequence optimization aimed at improved biological activities. In addition to machine-learning methods, the de novo design, linguistic model, pattern insertion methods, and genetic algorithms, have shown the potential to boost the automated design of AMPs. However, how successful have these approaches been in generating effective antibacterial drug candidates? Bearing this in mind, this review will focus on the main computational strategies that have generated AMPs with promising activities against pathogenic bacteria, as well as anti-infective potential in different animal models, including sepsis and cutaneous infections. Moreover, we will point out recent studies on the computer-aided design of antibiofilm peptides. As expected from automated design strategies, diverse candidate sequences with different structural arrangements have been generated and deposited in databases. We will, therefore, also discuss the structural diversity that has been engendered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon H Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Raquel Q Orozco
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Imunologia/Genética e Biotecnologia), Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Samilla B Rezende
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Gisele Rodrigues
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Karen G N Oshiro
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Elizabete S Cândido
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio L Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Imunologia/Genética e Biotecnologia), Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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18
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Tan P, Lai Z, Jian Q, Shao C, Zhu Y, Li G, Shan A. Design of Heptad Repeat Amphiphiles Based on Database Filtering and Structure-Function Relationships to Combat Drug-Resistant Fungi and Biofilms. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:2129-2144. [PMID: 31887002 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b19927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to the emergence of reports of multidrug-resistant fungi, infections caused by multidrug-resistant fungi and biofilms are considered to be a global threat to human health due to the lack of effective broad-spectrum drugs. Here, we developed a series heptad repeat sequences based on an antimicrobial peptide database (APD) and structure-function relationships. Among the developed peptides, the target peptide ACR3 exhibited good activity against all fungi and bacteria tested, including fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcu saureus (S. aureus), while demonstrating relatively low toxicity and good salt tolerance. The peptide ACR3 inhibits the formation of C. albicans biofilms and has a therapeutic effect on mature biofilms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we did not observe any resistance of C. albicans and E. coli against the peptide ACR3. A series of assays and microscopy were used to analyze the antimicrobial mechanism. These results showed that the antimicrobial activity of the peptide ACR3 utilizes a multimodal mechanism that degrades the cell wall barrier, alters the cytoplasmic membrane electrical potential, and induces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In general, the peptide ACR3 is a potent antibacterial agent that shows great potential for use in biomedical coatings and healthcare formulas to combat the growing threat of fungal and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Zhenheng Lai
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Qiao Jian
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Changxuan Shao
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
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19
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Rončević T, Puizina J, Tossi A. Antimicrobial Peptides as Anti-Infective Agents in Pre-Post-Antibiotic Era? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5713. [PMID: 31739573 PMCID: PMC6887943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to antibiotics is one of the main current threats to human health and every year multi-drug resistant bacteria are infecting millions of people worldwide, with many dying as a result. Ever since their discovery, some 40 years ago, the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate defense have been hailed as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics due to their relatively low potential to elicit resistance. Despite continued effort by both academia and start-ups, currently there are still no antibiotics based on AMPs in use. In this study, we discuss what we know and what we do not know about these agents, and what we need to know to successfully translate discovery to application. Understanding the complex mechanics of action of these peptides is the main prerequisite for identifying and/or designing or redesigning novel molecules with potent biological activity. However, other aspects also need to be well elucidated, i.e., the (bio)synthetic processes, physiological and pathological contexts of their activity, and a quantitative understanding of how physico-chemical properties affect activity. Research groups worldwide are using biological, biophysical, and algorithmic techniques to develop models aimed at designing molecules with the necessary blend of antimicrobial potency and low toxicity. Shedding light on some open questions may contribute toward improving this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Rončević
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Laboratory for Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Jasna Puizina
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Alessandro Tossi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
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20
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Maravić A, Rončević T, Krce L, Ilić N, Galić B, Čulić Čikeš V, Carev I. Halogenated boroxine dipotassium trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate K 2[B 3O 3F 4OH] inhibits emerging multidrug-resistant and β-lactamase-producing opportunistic pathogens. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2019; 45:1770-1776. [PMID: 31418595 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2019.1656736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Halogenated boroxine dipotassium trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate, K2[B3O3F4OH] (boroxine) was previously shown to be very effective in inhibition of several carcinoma cell lines, including the skin cancer. Here, we investigated its antimicrobial potential by targeting the multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens associated with skin and wound infections. The antimicrobial testing against eleven bacterial and four fungal species revealed good activity of boroxine against pathogenic filamentous fungi Penicillium funiculosum and Aspergillus niger (MIC50 64 and 128 µg/ml), and a moderate bioactivity against the yeast Candida albicans (MIC50 512 µg/ml). Among the tested multidrug-resistant bacteria, the best antibacterial effect, stable over a 24-h period, was observed against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain (MRSA) at MIC of 1024 µg/ml. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) used to investigate the morphology of S. aureus cells revealed indentations on its cell envelope after the boroxine exposure. These results show that in addition to the antitumor effect, boroxine exerts wide spectrum antimicrobial activity, thus may help preventing the development of skin and wound-related opportunistic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maravić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split , Split , Croatia
| | - Tomislav Rončević
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Split , Split , Croatia
| | - Lucija Krce
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Split , Split , Croatia
| | - Nada Ilić
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Split , Split , Croatia
| | - Borivoj Galić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Sarajevo , Sarajevo , Bosnia And Herzegovina
| | - Vedrana Čulić Čikeš
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Split , Split , Croatia
| | - Ivana Carev
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Engineering, University of Split , Split , Croatia
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21
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Juretić D, Simunić J. Design of α-helical antimicrobial peptides with a high selectivity index. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:1053-1063. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1642322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Davor Juretić
- Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Split, Croatia
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Juraj Simunić
- Division of molecular biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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22
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Hou X, Feng C, Li S, Luo Q, Shen G, Wu H, Li M, Liu X, Chen A, Ye M, Zhang Z. Mechanism of antimicrobial peptide NP-6 from Sichuan pepper seeds against E. coli and effects of different environmental factors on its activity. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:6593-6604. [PMID: 31286166 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09981-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A novel antimicrobial peptide named NP-6 was identified in our previous work. Here, the mechanisms of the peptide against Escherichia coli (E. coli) were further investigated, as well as the peptide's resistance to temperature, pH, salinity, and enzymes. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microcopy (CLSM), and flow cytometric (FCM) analysis, combined with measurement of released K+, were performed to evaluate the effect of NP-6 E. coli cell membrane. The influence of NP-6 on bacterial DNA/RNA and enzyme was also investigated. The leakage of K+ demonstrated that NP-6 could increase the permeability of E. coli cell membrane. The ATP leakage, FCM, and CLSM assays suggested that NP-6 caused the disintegration of bacterial cell membrane. The TEM observation indicated that NP-6 could cause the formation of empty cells and debris. Besides, the DNA-binding assay indicated that NP-6 could bind with bacterial genomic DNA in a way that ethidium bromide (EB) did, and suppress the migration of DNA/RNA in gel retardation. Additionally, NP-6 could also affect the activity of β-galactosidase. Finally, the effect of different surroundings such as heating, pH, ions, and protease on the antimicrobial activity of NP-6 against E. coli was also investigated. Results showed that the peptide was heat stable in the range of 60~100 °C and performed well at pH 6.0~8.0. However, the antimicrobial activity of NP-6 decreased significantly in the presence of Mg2+/Ca2+, and after incubation with trypsin/proteinase K. The results will provide a theoretical support in the further application of NP-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Hou
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Chaoyang Feng
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Qingying Luo
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Guanghui Shen
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Hejun Wu
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Meiliang Li
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingyan Liu
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Anjun Chen
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Ye
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiqing Zhang
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, Sichuan, China.
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