1
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Ulmschneider JP, Ulmschneider MB. Melittin can permeabilize membranes via large transient pores. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7281. [PMID: 39179607 PMCID: PMC11343860 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51691-1] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Membrane active peptides are known to porate lipid bilayers, but their exact permeabilization mechanism and the structure of the nanoaggregates they form in membranes have often been difficult to determine experimentally. For many sequences at lower peptide concentrations, transient leakage is observed in experiments, suggesting the existence of transient pores. For two well-know peptides, alamethicin and melittin, we show here that molecular mechanics simulations i) can directly distinguish equilibrium poration and non-equilibrium transient leakage processes, and ii) can be used to observe the detailed pore structures and mechanism of permeabilization in both cases. Our results are in very high agreement with numerous experimental evidence for these two peptides. This suggests that molecular simulations can capture key membrane poration phenomena directly and in the future may develop to be a useful tool that can assist experimental peptide design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob P Ulmschneider
- Institute of Natural Sciences and School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Dong Z, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Tangthianchaichana J, Guo M, Du S, Lu Y. Anticancer Mechanisms and Potential Anticancer Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Nano Agents. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1017-1039. [PMID: 38317847 PMCID: PMC10840538 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s445333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy is one of the main methods of cancer treatment, which is largely limited by severe side effects and frequent development of multi-drug resistance by cancer cells. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with high efficiency and low toxicity, as one of the most promising new drugs to replace chemoradiotherapy, have become a current research hotspot, attracting the attention of worldwide researchers. AMPs are natural-source small peptides from the innate immune system, and certain AMPs can selectively kill a broad spectrum of cancer cells while exhibiting less damage to normal cells. Although it involves intracellular mechanisms, AMPs exert their anti-cancer effects mainly through membrane destruction effect; thus, AMPs also hold unique advantages in fighting drug-resistant cancer cells. However, the poor stability and hemolytic toxicity of peptides limit their clinical application. Fortunately, functionalized nanoparticles have many possibilities in overcoming the shortcomings of AMPs, which provides a huge prospect for better application of AMPs. In this paper, we briefly introduce the characteristics and different sources of AMPs, review and summarize the mechanisms of action and the research status of AMPs used as an anticancer therapy, and finally focus on the further use of AMPs nano agents in the anti-cancer direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Dong
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Research and Development Centre in Beijing, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jakkree Tangthianchaichana
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Mingxue Guo
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shouying Du
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Lu
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Garrett SR, Mietrach N, Deme J, Bitzer A, Yang Y, Ulhuq FR, Kretschmer D, Heilbronner S, Smith TK, Lea SM, Palmer T. A type VII-secreted lipase toxin with reverse domain arrangement. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8438. [PMID: 38114483 PMCID: PMC10730906 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44221-y] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VII protein secretion system (T7SS) is found in many Gram-positive bacteria and in pathogenic mycobacteria. All T7SS substrate proteins described to date share a common helical domain architecture at the N-terminus that typically interacts with other helical partner proteins, forming a composite signal sequence for targeting to the T7SS. The C-terminal domains are functionally diverse and in Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus often specify toxic anti-bacterial activity. Here we describe the first example of a class of T7 substrate, TslA, that has a reverse domain organisation. TslA is widely found across Bacillota including Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Listeria. We show that the S. aureus TslA N-terminal domain is a phospholipase A with anti-staphylococcal activity that is neutralised by the immunity lipoprotein TilA. Two small helical partner proteins, TlaA1 and TlaA2 are essential for T7-dependent secretion of TslA and at least one of these interacts with the TslA C-terminal domain to form a helical stack. Cryo-EM analysis of purified TslA complexes indicate that they share structural similarity with canonical T7 substrates. Our findings suggest that the T7SS has the capacity to recognise a secretion signal present at either end of a substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Garrett
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Nicole Mietrach
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Justin Deme
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Alina Bitzer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yaping Yang
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Fatima R Ulhuq
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Dorothee Kretschmer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Heilbronner
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Terry K Smith
- School of Biology, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Lea
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Tracy Palmer
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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4
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Wu C, Lower BA, Moreira R, Dorantes D, Le T, Giurgiu C, Shi Y, van der Donk WA. Investigation into the mechanism of action of the antimicrobial peptide epilancin 15X. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1247222. [PMID: 38029153 PMCID: PMC10652874 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1247222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Addressing the current antibiotic-resistance challenge would be aided by the identification of compounds with novel mechanisms of action. Epilancin 15X, a lantibiotic produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis 15 × 154, displays antimicrobial activity in the submicromolar range against a subset of pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. S. epidermidis is a common member of the human skin or mucosal microbiota. We here investigated the mechanism of action of epilancin 15X. The compound is bactericidal against Staphylococcus carnosus as well as Bacillus subtilis and appears to kill these bacteria by membrane disruption. Structure-activity relationship studies using engineered analogs show that its conserved positively charged residues and dehydroamino acids are important for bioactivity, but the N-terminal lactyl group is tolerant of changes. Epilancin 15X treatment negatively affects fatty acid synthesis, RNA translation, and DNA replication and transcription without affecting cell wall biosynthesis. The compound appears localized to the surface of bacteria and is most potent in disrupting the membranes of liposomes composed of negatively charged membrane lipids in a lipid II independent manner. Epilancin 15X does not elicit a LiaRS response in B. subtilis but did upregulate VraRS in S. carnosus. Treatment of S. carnosus or B. subtilis with epilancin 15X resulted in an aggregation phenotype in microscopy experiments. Collectively these studies provide new information on epilancin 15X activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - B. Alexis Lower
- Department of Chemistry, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Ryan Moreira
- Department of Chemistry, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Darian Dorantes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Tung Le
- Department of Chemistry, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Constantin Giurgiu
- Department of Chemistry, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Yanxiang Shi
- Department of Chemistry, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Wilfred A. van der Donk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
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5
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Obeidat M, Al-Khraisat IF, Jaradat DMM, Ghanim BY, Abdallah QM, Arqoub DA, Sabbah D, Al-Sanabra OM, Arafat T, Qinna NA. Mellitin peptide quantification in seasonally collected crude bee venom and its anticancer effects on myelogenous K562 human leukaemia cell line. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:132. [PMID: 37098530 PMCID: PMC10127481 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apitherapy is an emerging field in cancer research, particularly in developing communities. The potency of Melittin (MEL), a major constituent in bee venom is accounted for the cytotoxic capacity against cancer cells. It is postulated that the genotype of bees and the time of venom collection influences its specific activity against certain types of cancer. METHOD Hereby, Jordanian crude bee venom (JCBV) was collected during different seasons of the year, specifically spring, summer and autumn and investigated for in vitro antitumour effects. Venom collected during springtime comprised the highest quantity of MEL in comparison to venom collected some other time. Springtime-collected JCBV extract and MEL were tested on an immortal myelogenous leukaemia cell line, namely K562 leukemic cells. Treated cells were examined for cell modality via flow cytometry analysis and cell death mediating gene expressions. RESULTS Springtime-collected JCBV extract and MEL showed an IC50 of 3.7 ± 0.37 μg/ml and 1.84 ± 0.75 μg/ml, respectively. In comparison to JCBV and positive control, MEL-treated cells exhibited late apoptotic death with a moderate cellular arrest at G0/G1 and an increase of cell number at G2/M phase. Expression of NF-κB/MAPK14 axis was inhibited in MEL and JCBV-treated cells, as well as expression of c-MYC and CDK4. Moreover, marked upregulation in ABL1, JUN and TNF was observed. In conclusion, springtime-collected JCBV showed the highest content of MEL while both JCBV and pure MEL showed apoptotic, necrotic, and cell cycle arrest efficiency against K562 leukemic cells. CONCLUSION Integration of bee venom in chemotherapy needs more investigation and should be carefully translated into clinical use. During such translation, the correlation of bee genotype, collection time and concentration of MEL in CBV should be profiled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Obeidat
- Department of Medical Laboratory Analysis, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Ihab F Al-Khraisat
- Department of Medical Laboratory Analysis, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Da'san M M Jaradat
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Bayan Y Ghanim
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Petra Pharmaceutical Center (UPPC), Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman, Jordan
| | - Qasem M Abdallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Petra Pharmaceutical Center (UPPC), Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman, Jordan
| | - Duaa Abu Arqoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Petra Pharmaceutical Center (UPPC), Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman, Jordan
| | - Duaa Sabbah
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Petra Pharmaceutical Center (UPPC), Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ola M Al-Sanabra
- Department of Medical Laboratory Analysis, Faculty of Science, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Tawfiq Arafat
- Jordan Center for Pharmaceutical Research (JCPR), Amman, Jordan
| | - Nidal A Qinna
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Petra Pharmaceutical Center (UPPC), Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman, Jordan.
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6
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Gabriel JM, Tan T, Rinauro DJ, Hsu CM, Buettner CJ, Gilmer M, Kaur A, McKenzie TL, Park M, Cohen S, Errico S, Wright AK, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. EGCG inactivates a pore-forming toxin by promoting its oligomerization and decreasing its solvent-exposed hydrophobicity. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 371:110307. [PMID: 36535315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110307] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Natural proteinaceous pore-forming agents can bind and permeabilize cell membranes, leading to ion dyshomeostasis and cell death. In the search for antidotes that can protect cells from peptide toxins, we discovered that the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) interacts directly with melittin from honeybee venom, resulting in the elimination of its binding to the cell membrane and toxicity by markedly lowering the extent of its solvent-exposed hydrophobicity and promoting its oligomerization into larger species. These physicochemical parameters have also been shown to play a key role in the binding to cells of misfolded protein oligomers in a host of neurodegenerative diseases, where oligomer-membrane binding and associated toxicity have been shown to correlate negatively with oligomer size and positively with solvent-exposed hydrophobicity. For melittin, which is not an amyloid-forming protein and has a very distinct mechanism of toxicity compared to misfolded oligomers, we find that the size-hydrophobicity-toxicity relationship also rationalizes the pharmacological attenuation of melittin toxicity by EGCG. These results highlight the importance of the physicochemical properties of pore forming agents in mediating their interactions with cell membranes and suggest a possible therapeutic approach based on compounds with a similar mechanism of action as EGCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus M Gabriel
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Thomas Tan
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Dillon J Rinauro
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Claire M Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Caleb J Buettner
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Marshall Gilmer
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Amrita Kaur
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Tristan L McKenzie
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Martin Park
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Sophie Cohen
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Silvia Errico
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK; Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Aidan K Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA.
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Kondrashov OV, Kuzmin PI, Akimov SA. Pore Formation by Amphipathic Peptides in Closed Membranes. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW), SUPPLEMENT SERIES A: MEMBRANE AND CELL BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990747822050075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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8
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Kondrashov OV, Akimov SA. The Possibility of Pore Formation in Lipid Membranes by Several Molecules of Amphipathic Peptides. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW), SUPPLEMENT SERIES A: MEMBRANE AND CELL BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990747822050087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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9
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Park SC, Son H, Kim YM, Lee JK, Park S, Lim HS, Lee JR, Jang MK. Design of Antimicrobial Peptides with Cell-Selective Activity and Membrane-Acting Mechanism against Drug-Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1619. [PMID: 36421263 PMCID: PMC9686514 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can combat drug-resistant bacteria with their unique membrane-disruptive mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of several membrane-acting peptides with amphipathic structures and positional alterations of two tryptophan residues. The synthetic peptides exhibited potent antibacterial activities in a length-dependent manner against various pathogenic drug-resistant and susceptible bacteria. In particular, the location of tryptophan near the N-terminus of AMPs simultaneously increases their antibacterial activity and toxicity. Furthermore, the growth inhibition mechanisms of these newly designed peptides involve cell penetration and destabilization of the cell membrane. These findings provide new insights into the design of peptides as antimicrobial agents and suggest that these peptides can be used as substitutes for conventional antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyosuk Son
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- Department of Exhibition and Education, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Min Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Kook Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Song Lim
- LMO Team, National Institute of Ecology (NIE), Seocheon 33657, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- LMO Team, National Institute of Ecology (NIE), Seocheon 33657, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
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Roque-Borda CA, Bento da Silva P, Rodrigues MC, Di Filippo LD, Duarte JL, Chorilli M, Vicente EF, Garrido SS, Rogério Pavan F. Pharmaceutical nanotechnology: Antimicrobial peptides as potential new drugs against WHO list of critical, high, and medium priority bacteria. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 241:114640. [PMID: 35970075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nanobiotechnology is a relatively unexplored area that has, nevertheless, shown relevant results in the fight against some diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are biomacromolecules with potential activity against multi/extensively drug-resistant bacteria, with a lower risk of generating bacterial resistance. They can be considered an excellent biotechnological alternative to conventional drugs. However, the application of several AMPs to biological systems is hampered by their poor stability and lifetime, inactivating them completely. Therefore, nanotechnology plays an important role in the development of new AMP-based drugs, protecting and carrying the bioactive to the target. This is the first review article on the different reported nanosystems using AMPs against bacteria listed on the WHO priority list. The current shortage of information implies a nanobiotechnological potential to obtain new drugs or repurpose drugs based on the AMP-drug synergistic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Augusto Roque-Borda
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, Araraquara, São Paulo, CEP 14800-903, Brazil; Universidad Católica de Santa María, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas Bioquímicas y Biotecnológicas, Brazil
| | - Patricia Bento da Silva
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Mosar Corrêa Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Delello Di Filippo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, São Paulo, CEP 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Jonatas L Duarte
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, São Paulo, CEP 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, São Paulo, CEP 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Festozo Vicente
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Sciences and Engineering, Tupã, São Paulo, CEP 17602-496, Brazil
| | - Saulo Santesso Garrido
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, São Paulo, CEP 14801-902, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rogério Pavan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, Araraquara, São Paulo, CEP 14800-903, Brazil.
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11
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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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12
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Kreiser RP, Wright AK, Sasser LR, Rinauro DJ, Gabriel JM, Hsu CM, Hurtado JA, McKenzie TL, Errico S, Albright JA, Richardson L, Jaffett VA, Riegner DE, Nguyen LT, LeForte K, Zasloff M, Hollows JE, Chiti F, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. A Brain-Permeable Aminosterol Regulates Cell Membranes to Mitigate the Toxicity of Diverse Pore-Forming Agents. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1219-1231. [PMID: 35404569 PMCID: PMC9026273 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
The molecular composition
of the plasma membrane plays a key role
in mediating the susceptibility of cells to perturbations induced
by toxic molecules. The pharmacological regulation of the properties
of the cell membrane has therefore the potential to enhance cellular
resilience to a wide variety of chemical and biological compounds.
In this study, we investigate the ability of claramine, a blood–brain
barrier permeable small molecule in the aminosterol class, to neutralize
the toxicity of acute biological threat agents, including melittin
from honeybee venom and α-hemolysin from Staphylococcus
aureus. Our results show that claramine neutralizes
the toxicity of these pore-forming agents by preventing their interactions
with cell membranes without perturbing their structures in a detectable
manner. We thus demonstrate that the exogenous administration of an
aminosterol can tune the properties of lipid membranes and protect
cells from diverse biotoxins, including not just misfolded protein
oligomers as previously shown but also biological protein-based toxins.
Our results indicate that the investigation of regulators of the physicochemical
properties of cell membranes offers novel opportunities to develop
countermeasures against an extensive set of cytotoxic effects associated
with cell membrane disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P. Kreiser
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Aidan K. Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Liam R. Sasser
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Dillon J. Rinauro
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Justus M. Gabriel
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Claire M. Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Jorge A. Hurtado
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Tristan L. McKenzie
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Silvia Errico
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - J. Alex Albright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Lance Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Victor A. Jaffett
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Dawn E. Riegner
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Lam T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Kathleen LeForte
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Michael Zasloff
- MedStar-Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia 20010, United States
| | - Jared E. Hollows
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
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13
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Delvaux NA, Rice KG. The Reduced-Charge Melittin Analogue MelP5 Improves the Transfection of Non-Viral DNA Nanoparticles. J Pept Sci 2022; 28:e3404. [PMID: 35001445 PMCID: PMC10069327 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3404] [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: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Melittin is a 26 amino acid amphiphilic alpha-helical peptide derived from honeybee venom. Prior studies have incorporated melittin into non-viral delivery systems to effect endosomal escape of DNA nanoparticles and improve transfection efficiency. Recent advances have led to the development of two newer melittin analogues, MelP5 and Macrolittin 70, with improved pore formation in lipid bilayers while possessing fewer positive charges relative to natural melittin. Consequently, MelP5 and Macrolittin 70 were conjugated through a disulfide bond to a DNA binding polyacridine peptide. The resulting peptide conjugates were used to prepare DNA nanoparticles to compare their relative endosomolytic potency by transfection of HepG2 cells. Melittin and MelP5 conjugates were equally potent at mediating in vitro gene transfer, whereas PEGylation of DNA nanoparticles revealed improved transfection with MelP5 relative to melittin. The results demonstrate the ability to substitute a potent, reduced charge analogue of melittin to improve overall DNA nanoparticle biocompatibility needed for in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Delvaux
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Kevin G Rice
- Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
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14
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Park SC, Kim JY, Lee JK, Lim HS, Son H, Yoo SH, Mun SE, Jang MK, Lee JR. Antifungal Mechanism of Vip3Aa, a Vegetative Insecticidal Protein, against Pathogenic Fungal Strains. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121558. [PMID: 34943770 PMCID: PMC8698955 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovering new antifungal agents is difficult, since, unlike bacteria, mammalian and fungal cells are both eukaryotes. An efficient strategy is to consider new antimicrobial proteins that have variety of action mechanisms. In this study, a cDNA encoding Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa protein, a vegetative insecticidal protein, was obtained at the vegetative growth stage; its antifungal activity and mechanism were evaluated using a bacterially expressed recombinant Vip3Aa protein. The Vip3Aa protein demonstrated various concentration- and time-dependent antifungal activities, with inhibitory concentrations against yeast and filamentous fungi ranging from 62.5 to 125 µg/mL and 250 to 500 µg/mL, respectively. The uptake of propidium iodide and cellular distributions of rhodamine-labeled Vip3Aa into fungal cells indicate that its growth inhibition mechanism involves its penetration within cells and subsequent intracellular damage. Furthermore, we discovered that the death of Candida albicans cells was caused by the induction of apoptosis via the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and binding to nucleic acids. The presence of significantly enlarged Vip3Aa-treated fungal cells indicates that this protein causes intracellular damage. Our findings suggest that Vip3Aa protein has potential applications in the development of natural antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Jong-Kook Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Hye Song Lim
- LMO Research Team, National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea; (H.S.L.); (S.-H.Y.)
| | - Hyosuk Son
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, 101-75 Jangsan-ro, Janghang-eup, Seocheon-gun 33662, Korea
| | - Su-Hyang Yoo
- LMO Research Team, National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea; (H.S.L.); (S.-H.Y.)
| | - Seong-Eun Mun
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea;
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.-K.J.); (J.R.L.); Tel.: +82-62-750-3567 (M.-K.J.); +82-41-950-5820 (J.R.L.)
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- LMO Research Team, National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea; (H.S.L.); (S.-H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (M.-K.J.); (J.R.L.); Tel.: +82-62-750-3567 (M.-K.J.); +82-41-950-5820 (J.R.L.)
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15
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Zhao J, Sugihara K. Analysis of PDA Dose Curves for the Extraction of Antimicrobial Peptide Properties. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:12206-12213. [PMID: 34706534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c07533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A mechanochromic polymer, polydiacetylene, changes color upon ligand binding, being a popular material in biosensing. However, whether it can also detect ligand functions in addition to binding is left understudied. In this work, we report that the polydiacetylene can be used to determine the net charges and the mode of actions (carpet model, toroidal pore model, etc.) of antimicrobial peptides and detergents via EC50 and Hill coefficients from the colorimetric response-dose curves. This opens a potential for high-throughput peptide screening by functions, which is difficult with the conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Zhao
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest Ansermet 30, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kaori Sugihara
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest Ansermet 30, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
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16
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Dijksteel GS, Ulrich MMW, Middelkoop E, Boekema BKHL. Review: Lessons Learned From Clinical Trials Using Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). Front Microbiol 2021; 12:616979. [PMID: 33692766 PMCID: PMC7937881 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.616979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) or host defense peptides protect the host against various pathogens such as yeast, fungi, viruses and bacteria. AMPs also display immunomodulatory properties ranging from the modulation of inflammatory responses to the promotion of wound healing. More interestingly, AMPs cause cell disruption through non-specific interactions with the membrane surface of pathogens. This is most likely responsible for the low or limited emergence of bacterial resistance against many AMPs. Despite the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the potency of novel AMPs to combat such pathogens, only a few AMPs are in clinical use. Therefore, the current review describes (i) the potential of AMPs as alternatives to antibiotics, (ii) the challenges toward clinical implementation of AMPs and (iii) strategies to improve the success rate of AMPs in clinical trials, emphasizing the lessons we could learn from these trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle S Dijksteel
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Magda M W Ulrich
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Middelkoop
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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17
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Ma L, Luo Y, Ma YH, Lu X. Interaction between Antimicrobial Peptide CM15 and a Model Cell Membrane Affected by CM15 Terminal Amidation and the Membrane Phase State. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:1613-1621. [PMID: 33464910 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been proposed as an effective class of antimicrobial agents against microorganisms. In this work, the interaction between an antimicrobial peptide, CM15, and a negatively charged phospholipid bilayer, DPPG, was studied via sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. Two structurally correlated characteristic variables were introduced to reveal the interaction mechanism/efficiency, i.e. C-terminal amidation and temperature variation (∼20 °C, room temperature, and ∼35 °C, close to human body temperature). Experimental results indicated that owing to the increased positive charge, C-terminal amidation resulted in rapid adsorption onto the bilayer surface and efficient disruption of the outer layer, exhibiting less ordered insertion orientation. The elevated temperature (from ∼20 °C to ∼35 °C) promoted the penetration of both the outer and inner leaflets by the peptides and finally led to the disruption of the whole bilayer owing to the enhanced fluidity of the bilayer. From the perspective of the interaction mechanism, this experimental study provides two practical cues to understand the disruption process of the negatively charged model biomembranes, which can lay the structural foundation for designing and developing high-efficiency antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Yongsheng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Hao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu Province, P. R. China
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18
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Park SC, Kim H, Kim JY, Kim H, Cheong GW, Lee JR, Jang MK. Improved Cell Selectivity of Pseudin-2 via Substitution in the Leucine-Zipper Motif: In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120921. [PMID: 33352972 PMCID: PMC7766124 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been discovered, developed, and purified from natural sources and peptide engineering; however, the clinical applications of these AMPs are limited owing to their lack of abundance and side effects related to cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, and hemolytic activity. Accordingly, to improve cell selectivity for pseudin-2, an AMP from Pseudis paradoxa skin, in mammalian cells and pathogenic fungi, the sequence of pseudin-2 was modified by alanine or lysine at each position of two amino acids within the leucine-zipper motif. Alanine-substituted variants were highly selective toward fungi over HaCaT and erythrocytes and maintained their antifungal activities and mode of action (membranolysis). However, the antifungal activities of lysine-substituted peptides were reduced, and the compound could penetrate into fungal cells, followed by induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and cell death. In vivo antifungal assays of analogous peptide showed excellent antifungal efficiency in a Candida tropicalis skin infection mouse model. Our results demonstrated the usefulness of selective amino acid substitution in the repeated sequence of the leucine-zipper motif for the design of AMPs with potent antimicrobial activities and low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (H.K.); (J.-Y.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Heabin Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (H.K.); (J.-Y.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (H.K.); (J.-Y.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Hyeonseok Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (H.K.); (J.-Y.K.); (H.K.)
| | - Gang-Won Cheong
- Division of Applied Life Sciences and Research Institute of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.R.L.); (M.-K.J.)
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (H.K.); (J.-Y.K.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: (J.R.L.); (M.-K.J.)
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19
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Enigk K, Jentsch H, Rodloff AC, Eschrich K, Stingu CS. Activity of five antimicrobial peptides against periodontal as well as non-periodontal pathogenic strains. J Oral Microbiol 2020; 12:1829405. [PMID: 33133417 PMCID: PMC7580719 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2020.1829405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to the increasing emergence of multi-resistant bacteria the search for alternative antimicrobial substances is of high interest. Promising agents are antimicrobial peptides which are host defense molecules of the innate immune system in a wide range of different species. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the activity of nisin, melittin, lactoferrin, parasin-1 and LL-37 against 35 oral bacteria and Candida albicans employing the gold standard method for anaerobic susceptibility testing. Methods: The activity of the peptides was determined by an agar dilution method under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The test media contained final peptide concentrations between 0.125 µg/ml and 8 µg/ml (melittin, lactoferrin, parasin-1, LL-37) and between 0.125 µg/ml and 128 µg/ml (nisin). Results: Nisin completely inhibited the growth of Megasphaera sp., Bifidobacterium longum, Parvimonas micra, Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Prevotella intermedia, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus and Staphylococcus aureus. Melittin and lactoferrin reduced the growth of Megasphaera sp., P. micra, B. longum (melittin) and Selenomonas flueggei (lactoferrin). Parasin-1 and LL-37 showed no activity. Conclusion: AMPs, especially nisin and to a smaller degree lactoferrin, might be promising alternatives to antibiotics because of their antimicrobial activity, high resistance to environmental conditions and partially low costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Enigk
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Jentsch
- Center for Periodontology, Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arne C. Rodloff
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Eschrich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Catalina-Suzana Stingu
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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20
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Neubauer D, Jaśkiewicz M, Sikorska E, Bartoszewska S, Bauer M, Kapusta M, Narajczyk M, Kamysz W. Effect of Disulfide Cyclization of Ultrashort Cationic Lipopeptides on Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7208. [PMID: 33003569 PMCID: PMC7582905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrashort cationic lipopeptides (USCLs) are considered to be a promising class of antimicrobials with high activity against a broad-spectrum of microorganisms. However, the majority of these compounds are characterized by significant toxicity toward human cells, which hinders their potential application. To overcome those limitations, several approaches have been advanced. One of these is disulfide cyclization that has been shown to improve drug-like characteristics of peptides. In this article the effect of disulfide cyclization of the polar head of N-palmitoylated USCLs on in vitro biological activity has been studied. Lipopeptides used in this study consisted of three or four basic amino acids (lysine and arginine) and cystine in a cyclic peptide. In general, disulfide cyclization of the lipopeptides resulted in peptides with reduced cytotoxicity. Disulfide-cyclized USCLs exhibited improved selectivity between Candida sp., Gram-positive strains and normal cells in contrast to their linear counterparts. Interactions between selected USCLs and membranes were studied by molecular dynamics simulations using a coarse-grained force field. Moreover, membrane permeabilization properties and kinetics were examined. Fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy revealed damage to Candida cell membrane and organelles. Concluding, USCLs are strong membrane disruptors and disulfide cyclization of polar head can have a beneficial effect on its in vitro selectivity between Candida sp. and normal human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Neubauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (W.K.)
| | - Maciej Jaśkiewicz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (W.K.)
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Sylwia Bartoszewska
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (W.K.)
| | - Marta Bauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (W.K.)
| | - Małgorzata Kapusta
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Narajczyk
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (S.B.); (M.B.); (W.K.)
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21
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Duffy C, Sorolla A, Wang E, Golden E, Woodward E, Davern K, Ho D, Johnstone E, Pfleger K, Redfern A, Iyer KS, Baer B, Blancafort P. Honeybee venom and melittin suppress growth factor receptor activation in HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2020; 4:24. [PMID: 32923684 PMCID: PMC7463160 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-020-00129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of study, the molecular mechanisms and selectivity of the biomolecular components of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom as anticancer agents remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that honeybee venom and its major component melittin potently induce cell death, particularly in the aggressive triple-negative and HER2-enriched breast cancer subtypes. Honeybee venom and melittin suppress the activation of EGFR and HER2 by interfering with the phosphorylation of these receptors in the plasma membrane of breast carcinoma cells. Mutational studies reveal that a positively charged C-terminal melittin sequence mediates plasma membrane interaction and anticancer activity. Engineering of an RGD motif further enhances targeting of melittin to malignant cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells. Lastly, administration of melittin enhances the effect of docetaxel in suppressing breast tumor growth in an allograft model. Our work unveils a molecular mechanism underpinning the anticancer selectivity of melittin, and outlines treatment strategies to target aggressive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Duffy
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Anabel Sorolla
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Edina Wang
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Emily Golden
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Eleanor Woodward
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Kathleen Davern
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Monoclonal Antibody (MAb) Facility, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Diwei Ho
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Elizabeth Johnstone
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Perth, Australia
| | - Kevin Pfleger
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Molecular Endocrinology and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Perth, Australia.,Dimerix Limited; Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- Monoclonal Antibody (MAb) Facility, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Boris Baer
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research (CIBER), Department of Entomology; University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521 USA
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia.,The Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
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22
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Antifungal Effect of A Chimeric Peptide Hn-Mc against Pathogenic Fungal Strains. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080454. [PMID: 32731574 PMCID: PMC7460001 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is difficult to identify new antifungal agents because of their eukaryotic nature. However, antimicrobial peptides can well differentiate among cell types owing to their variable amino acid content. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal effect of Hn-Mc, a chimeric peptide comprised of the N-terminus of HPA3NT3 and the C-terminus of melittin. We evaluated its potent antifungal activity at low minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1–16 μM against pathogenic yeast and molds. The cell-type specificity of Hn-Mc was mediated through the formation of a random α-helical structure to mimic the fungal membrane environment. Furthermore, Hn-Mc caused cell death in C. tropicalis and F. oxysporum by inducing apoptosis via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to mitochondrial damage. The present results indicate that Hn-Mc has a high affinity for the fungal plasma membrane and induces apoptosis in fungal cells, and provide guidance for the development of new antifungal agents.
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Anti-fungal properties and mechanisms of melittin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6513-6526. [PMID: 32500268 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10701-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many fungal diseases remain poorly addressed by public health authorities, despite posing a substantial threat to humans, animals, and plants. More worryingly, few classes of anti-fungals have been developed to combat fungal infections thus far. These medications also have certain drawbacks in terms of toxicity, spectrum of activity, and pharmacokinetic properties. Hence, there is a dire need for discovery of novel anti-fungal agents. Melittin, the main constituent in the venom of European honeybee Apis mellifera, has attracted considerable attention among researchers owing to its potential therapeutic applications. To our knowledge, there has been no review pertinent to anti-fungal properties of melittin, prompting us to synopsize the results of experimental investigations with a special emphasis upon underlying mechanisms. In this respect, melittin inhibits a broad spectrum of fungal genera including Aspergillus, Botrytis, Candida, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Malassezia, Neurospora, Penicillium, Saccharomyces, Trichoderma, Trichophyton, and Trichosporon. Melittin hinders fungal growth by several mechanisms such as membrane permeabilization, apoptosis induction by reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondria/caspase-dependent pathway, inhibition of (1,3)-β-D-glucan synthase, and alterations in fungal gene expression. Overall, melittin will definitely open up new avenues for various biomedical applications, from medicine to agriculture. KEYPOINTS: • Venom-derived peptides have potential for development of anti-microbial agents. • Many fungal pathogens are susceptible to melittin at micromolar concentrations. • Melittin possesses multi-target mechanism of action against fungal cells.
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Ramamourthy G, Park J, Seo C, J. Vogel H, Park Y. Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities and the Mechanism of Action of Repeating Lysine-Tryptophan Peptides against Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E758. [PMID: 32443520 PMCID: PMC7285485 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid increase in the emergence of antifungal-resistant Candida albicans strains is becoming a serious health concern. Because antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may provide a potential alternative to conventional antifungal agents, we have synthesized a series of peptides with a varying number of lysine and tryptophan repeats (KWn-NH2). The antifungal activity of these peptides increased with peptide length, but only the longest KW5 peptide displayed cytotoxicity towards a human keratinocyte cell line. The KW4 and KW5 peptides exhibited strong antifungal activity against C. albicans, even under conditions of high-salt and acidic pH, or the addition of fungal cell wall components. Moreover, KW4 inhibited biofilm formation by a fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strain. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that fungal liposomes could interact with the longer peptides but that they did not release the fluorescent dye calcein. Subsequently, fluorescence assays with different dyes revealed that KW4 did not disrupt the membrane integrity of intact fungal cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed no changes in fungal morphology, while laser-scanning confocal microscopy indicated that KW4 can localize into the cytosol of C. albicans. Gel retardation assays revealed that KW4 can bind to fungal RNA as a potential intracellular target. Taken together, our data indicate that KW4 can inhibit cellular functions by binding to RNA and DNA after it has been translocated into the cell, resulting in the eradication of C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Ramamourthy
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.R.); (H.J.V.)
- Department of Biomedical Science and BK21-Plus Research Team for Bioactive Control Technology, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea
| | - Jonggwan Park
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kongju National University, Kongju 38065, Korea; (J.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Changho Seo
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kongju National University, Kongju 38065, Korea; (J.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Hans J. Vogel
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.R.); (H.J.V.)
| | - Yoonkyung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and BK21-Plus Research Team for Bioactive Control Technology, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea
- Research Center for Proteineous Materials, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea
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Rangel K, Curty Lechuga G, Almeida Souza AL, Rangel da Silva Carvalho JP, Simões Villas Bôas MH, De Simone SG. Pan-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, but Not Other Strains, Are Resistant to the Bee Venom Peptide Mellitin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9040178. [PMID: 32295149 PMCID: PMC7235889 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9040178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a prevalent pathogen in hospital settings with increasing importance in infections associated with biofilm production. Due to a rapid increase in its drug resistance and the failure of commonly available antibiotics to treat A. baumannii infections, this bacterium has become a critical public health issue. For these multi-drug resistant A. baumannii, polymyxin antibiotics are considered the only option for the treatment of severe infections. Concerning, several polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii strains have been isolated over the last few years. This study utilized pan drug-resistant (PDR) strains of A. baumannii isolated in Brazil, along with susceptible (S) and extreme drug-resistant (XDR) strains in order to evaluate the in vitro activity of melittin, an antimicrobial peptide, in comparison to polymyxin and another antibiotic, imipenem. From a broth microdilution method, the determined minimum inhibitory concentration showed that S and XDR strains were susceptible to melittin. In contrast, PDR A. baumannii was resistant to all treatments. Treatment with the peptide was also observed to inhibit biofilm formation of a susceptible strain and appeared to cause permanent membrane damage. A subpopulation of PDR showed membrane damage, however, it was not sufficient to stop bacterial growth, suggesting that alterations involved with antibiotic resistance could also influence melittin resistance. Presumably, mutations in the PDR that have arisen to confer resistance to widely used therapeutics also confer resistance to melittin. Our results demonstrate the potential of melittin to be used in the control of bacterial infections and suggest that antimicrobial peptides can serve as the basis for the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyne Rangel
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
- Correspondence: (K.R.); (S.G.D.S.)
| | - Guilherme Curty Lechuga
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
- FIOCRUZ, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Laboratory of Cellular Ultrastructure, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - André Luis Almeida Souza
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
| | - João Pedro Rangel da Silva Carvalho
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
| | - Maria Helena Simões Villas Bôas
- FIOCRUZ, Microbiology Department, National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Salvatore Giovanni De Simone
- FIOCRUZ, Center for Technological, Development in Health (CDTS)/National, Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900; (G.C.L.); (A.L.A.S.); (J.P.R.d.S.C.)
- FIOCRUZ, Federal Fluminense University, Biology Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Rio de Janeiro, Niterói 24020-140, Brazil
- Correspondence: (K.R.); (S.G.D.S.)
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Sabapathy T, Deplazes E, Mancera RL. Revisiting the Interaction of Melittin with Phospholipid Bilayers: The Effects of Concentration and Ionic Strength. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E746. [PMID: 31979376 PMCID: PMC7037773 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030746] [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: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin is an anti-microbial peptide (AMP) and one of the most studied membrane-disrupting peptides. There is, however, a lack of accurate measurements of the concentration-dependent kinetics and affinity of binding of melittin to phospholipid membranes. In this study, we used surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy to determine the concentration-dependent effect on the binding of melittin to 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayers in vesicles. Three concentration ranges were considered, and when combined, covered two orders of magnitudes (0.04 µM to 8 µM), corresponding to concentrations relevant to the membrane-disrupting and anti-microbial activities of melittin. Binding kinetics data were analysed using a 1:1 Langmuir-binding model and a two-state reaction model. Using in-depth quantitative analysis, we characterised the effect of peptide concentration, the addition of NaCl at physiological ionic strength and the choice of kinetic binding model on the reliability of the calculated kinetics and affinity of binding parameters. The apparent binding affinity of melittin for POPC bilayers was observed to decrease with increasing peptide/lipid (P/L) ratio, primarily due to the marked decrease in the association rate. At all concentration ranges, the two-state reaction model provided a better fit to the data and, thus, a more reliable estimate of binding affinity. Addition of NaCl significantly reduced the signal response during the association phase; however, no substantial effect on the binding affinity of melittin to the POPC bilayers was observed. These findings based on POPC bilayers could have important implications for our understanding of the mechanism of action of melittin on more complex model cell membranes of higher physiological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiru Sabapathy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Evelyne Deplazes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ricardo L. Mancera
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; (T.S.); (E.D.)
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Sharma S, Pandey M, Onteru SK, Singh D. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for Detection of Ureaplasma diversum from Cervico-vaginal Swab of Buffaloes. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 190:1201-1211. [PMID: 31729698 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-019-03155-2] [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: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The main plan of the current study was to develop a rapid, robust, and field-applicable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Ureaplasma diversum. A strain-specific 16S rRNA gene of Ureaplasma diversum was used for detection which was cloned, sequenced, and characterized earlier. LAMP results were visualized within 90 min with the naked eye. Cervico-vaginal swabs of 50 buffaloes were randomly collected from Livestock Research Center of NDRI as per the Institute Animal ethics guidelines. Out of 50 cervico-vaginal swab samples collected randomly, 34 were found positive with LAMP while 16 samples were negative. Conventional PCR results showed the same result. Therefore, the accuracy of the developed LAMP was about 100%. The developed LAMP assay can also be used to screen the animals for Ureaplasma diversum infection in cervico-vaginal swab. However, further study is needed to assess sensitivity and accuracy towards their detection and their relationship in disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Sharma
- Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Mamta Pandey
- Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Suneel Kumar Onteru
- Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Dheer Singh
- Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India.
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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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29
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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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [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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Park SC, Kim IR, Hwang JE, Kim JY, Jung YJ, Choi W, Lee Y, Jang MK, Lee JR. Functional Mechanisms Underlying the Antimicrobial Activity of the Oryza sativa Trx-like Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061413. [PMID: 30897830 PMCID: PMC6471494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants are constantly subjected to a variety of environmental stresses and have evolved regulatory responses to overcome unfavorable conditions that might reduce or adversely change a plant’s growth or development. Among these, the regulated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a signaling molecule occurs during plant development and pathogen defense. This study demonstrates the possible antifungal activity of Oryza sativa Tetratricopeptide Domain-containing thioredoxin (OsTDX) protein against various fungal pathogens. The transcription of OsTDX was induced by various environmental stresses known to elicit the generation of ROS in plant cells. OsTDX protein showed potent antifungal activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against yeast and filamentous fungi ranging between 1.56 and 6.25 and 50 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. The uptake of SYTOX-Green into fungal cells and efflux of calcein from artificial fungus-like liposomes suggest that its killing mechanism involves membrane permeabilization and damage. In addition, irregular blebs and holes apparent on the surfaces of OsTDX-treated fungal cells indicate the membranolytic action of this protein. Our results suggest that the OsTDX protein represents a potentially useful lead for the development of pathogen-resistant plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea.
| | - Il Ryong Kim
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea.
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21+ Program) and PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea.
| | - Jung Eun Hwang
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea.
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea.
| | - Young Jun Jung
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea.
| | - Wonkyun Choi
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea.
| | - Yongjae Lee
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea.
- The Research Institute for Sanitation and Environment of Coastal Areas, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea.
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea.
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Memariani H, Memariani M, Shahidi-Dadras M, Nasiri S, Akhavan MM, Moravvej H. Melittin: from honeybees to superbugs. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:3265-3276. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09698-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Park SC, Kim JY, Kim EJ, Cheong GW, Lee Y, Choi W, Lee JR, Jang MK. Hydrophilic Linear Peptide with Histidine and Lysine Residues as a Key Factor Affecting Antifungal Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123781. [PMID: 30486512 PMCID: PMC6321124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Increases in the numbers of immunocompromised patients and the emergence of drug-resistance fungal pathogens have led to the need for new, safe, efficacious antifungal agents. In this study, we designed a histidine-lysine-lysine (HKK) motif and synthesized six HKK peptides with repetitions of the motif. These peptides showed length-dependent antifungal activity against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant fungal pathogens via membranolytic or non-membranolytic action. None of the peptides were cytotoxic to rat erythrocytes or NIH3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Short-length peptides were directly translocated in fungal cytosol and reacted with mitochondria, resulting in apoptosis. Membrane-permeabilizing activity occurred in the presence of long peptides, and peptides were able to transfer to the cytosol and induce reactive oxygen species. Our results suggest that peptides composed only of cationic amino acids may be good candidates as antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 57922, Korea.
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 57922, Korea.
| | - Eun-Ji Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 57922, Korea.
| | - Gang-Won Cheong
- Division of Applied Life Sciences and Research Institute of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Korea.
| | - Yongjae Lee
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Wonkyun Choi
- National Institute of Ecology (NIE), Seocheon, Choongnam 33657, Korea.
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- National Institute of Ecology (NIE), Seocheon, Choongnam 33657, Korea.
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 57922, Korea.
- The Research Institute for Sanitation and Environment of Coastal Areas, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 57922, Korea.
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Allaoua M, Etienne P, Noirot V, Carayon JL, Téné N, Bonnafé E, Treilhou M. Pharmacokinetic and antimicrobial activity of a new carvacrol-based product against a human pathogen, Campylobacter jejuni. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:1162-1174. [PMID: 29770558 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to test a new carvacrol-based product designed to delay the carvacrol release so that it could reach the caeca of broiler chickens in order to control Campylobacter jejuni. METHODS AND RESULTS Antimicrobial activity of carvacrol, a constituent of oregano and thyme essential oil, has been demonstrated against C. jejuni in vitro, and this compound was found beneficial for broiler growth. Here, we tested a new liquid formulation that did not change the antibacterial efficacy of carvacrol against C. jejuni in vitro, as assessed by broth microdilution. The mode of action of carvacrol also remained unchanged as illustrated by electronic microscopy. A pharmacokinetic assay monitored carvacrol of the solid galenic formulation in the avian digestive tract and this showed that this compound was mainly found in the last part (caeca, large intestine) and in the droppings. Extremely low concentrations of free carvacrol were present in blood plasma, with larger amounts of carvacrol metabolites: carvacrol glucuronide and sulphate. A qPCR analysis showed that the solid galenic form of carvacrol added at 5 kg per tonne of food (i.e. 9·5 mg of carvacrol per kg of bodyweight per day) significantly decreased the C. jejuni caecal load by 1·5 log. CONCLUSIONS The new liquid formulation was as effective as unformulated carvacrol in vitro. In vivo the solid galenic form seems to delay the carvacrol release into the caeca and presented interesting results on C. jejuni load after 35 days. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Results suggested that this product could be promising to control Campylobacter contamination of broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J-L Carayon
- Biochimie et Toxicologie des Substances Biologiques, BTSB, Université de Toulouse, INU Champollion, Albi, France
| | - N Téné
- Biochimie et Toxicologie des Substances Biologiques, BTSB, Université de Toulouse, INU Champollion, Albi, France
| | - E Bonnafé
- Biochimie et Toxicologie des Substances Biologiques, BTSB, Université de Toulouse, INU Champollion, Albi, France
| | - M Treilhou
- Biochimie et Toxicologie des Substances Biologiques, BTSB, Université de Toulouse, INU Champollion, Albi, France
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Sychev SV, Sukhanov SV, Panteleev PV, Shenkarev ZO, Ovchinnikova TV. Marine antimicrobial peptide arenicin adopts a monomeric twisted β-hairpin structure and forms low conductivity pores in zwitterionic lipid bilayers. Biopolymers 2017; 110. [PMID: 29266227 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Arenicins are 21-residue β-hairpin antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) isolated from the marine lugworm Arenicola marina [Ovchinnikova et al., FEBS Lett. 2004;577:209-214]. The peptides have a high positive charge (+6) and display a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungi. Arenicins adopt the monomeric highly twisted β-hairpin in water or planar β-structural dimers in anionic liposomes and detergent micelles. Until now, the interaction of cationic β-structural AMPs with zwitterionic phospholipid bilayers mimicking eukaryotic membranes is not well understood. To study the structural basis of arenicins activity against eukaryotic cells, we investigated arenicin-2 in the solvents of low polarity (ethanol, 4% dioxane) and in zwitterionic soybean PC and PC/PE liposomes by CD and FTIR spectroscopy. It was shown that arenicin-2 adopted the twisted β-hairpin structure in all the environments studied. Measurements of the Trp fluorescence and H→D exchange in soybean PC liposomes and boundary potential in the planar DPhPC bilayers confirmed the partitioning of the arenicin-2 monomers into interfacial region of the zwitterionic membranes. The low-conductivity (0.12 nS) arenicin-2 pores were detected in the DPhPC bilayers. The lifetime of the open state (up to 260 ms) was significantly longer than lifetime of low-conductivity (0.23 nS) pores previously described in partially anionic membranes (44 ms). The formation of narrow arenicin-2 pores without disruption of the membrane was discussed in the light of the disordered toroidal pore model previously proposed for β-structural AMPs [Jean - Francois et al. Biophys. J. 2008;95:5748 - 5756]. A novel non-lytic mechanism of the arenicin-2 action was proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V Sychev
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Stanislav V Sukhanov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Pavel V Panteleev
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Zakhar O Shenkarev
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Ovchinnikova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997, Russia
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Khurshid Z, Naseem M, Yahya I Asiri F, Mali M, Sannam Khan R, Sahibzada HA, Zafar MS, Faraz Moin S, Khan E. Significance and Diagnostic Role of Antimicrobial Cathelicidins (LL-37) Peptides in Oral Health. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7040080. [PMID: 29206168 PMCID: PMC5745462 DOI: 10.3390/biom7040080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a group of oral antimicrobial peptides that play multiple vital roles in the human body, such as their antimicrobial (broad spectrum) role against oral microbes, wound healing, and angiogenesis, with recent evidences about their role in cancer regulation. Cathelicidins are present in humans and other mammals as well. By complex interactions with the microenvironment, it results in pro-inflammatory effects. Many in vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted to ultimately conclude that these unique peptides play an essential role in innate immunity. Peptides are released in the precursor form (defensins), which after cleavage results in cathelicidins formation. Living in the era where the major focus is on non-invasive and nanotechnology, this ultimately leads to further advancements in the field of salivaomics. Based on current spotlight innovations, we have highlighted the biochemistry, mode of action, and the importance of cathelicidins in the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohaib Khurshid
- College of Dentistry, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mustafa Naseem
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Dar-Al-Uloom University, Riyadh 13314, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Faris Yahya I Asiri
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 312982, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Maria Mali
- Department of Orthodontics, Islamic International Dental College, Ripah International University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Rabia Sannam Khan
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Baqai University, Super Highway, P.O. Box 2407, Karachi 74600, Pakistan.
| | | | - Muhammad Sohail Zafar
- Department of Dental Materials, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Madinah Munawwarah 41311, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Dental Materials, Islamic International Dental College, Riphah International University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Faraz Moin
- National Center for Proteomics, Karachi University, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Erum Khan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro 71000, Pakistan.
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Zhu M, Liu P, Niu ZW. A perspective on general direction and challenges facing antimicrobial peptides. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Therrien A, Lafleur M. Melittin-Induced Lipid Extraction Modulated by the Methylation Level of Phosphatidylcholine Headgroups. Biophys J 2016; 110:400-410. [PMID: 26789763 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein- and peptide-induced lipid extraction from membranes is a critical process for many biological events, including reverse cholesterol transport and sperm capacitation. In this work, we examine whether such processes could display specificity for some lipid species. Melittin, the main component of dry bee venom, was used as a model amphipathic α-helical peptide. We specifically determined the modulation of melittin-induced lipid extraction from membranes by the change of the methylation level of phospholipid headgroups. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayers were demethylated either by substitution with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) or chemically by using mono- and dimethylated PE. It is shown that demethylation reduces the association of melittin with membranes, likely because of the resulting tighter chain packing of the phospholipids, which reduces the capacity of the membranes to accommodate inserted melittin. This reduced binding of the peptide is accompanied by an inhibition of the lipid extraction caused by melittin. We demonstrate that melittin selectively extracts PC from PC/PE membranes. This selectivity is proposed to be a consequence of a PE depletion in the surroundings of bound melittin to minimize disruption of the interphospholipid interactions. The resulting PC-enriched vicinity of melittin would be responsible for the observed formation of PC-enriched lipid/peptide particles resulting from the lipid efflux. These findings reveal that modulating the methylation level of phospholipid headgroups is a simple way to control the specificity of lipid extraction from membranes by peptides/proteins and thereby modulate the lipid composition of the membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Therrien
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Self-Assembled Chemical Structures, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Lafleur
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Self-Assembled Chemical Structures, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Miao J, Liu G, Ke C, Fan W, Li C, Chen Y, Dixon W, Song M, Cao Y, Xiao H. Inhibitory effects of a novel antimicrobial peptide from kefir against Escherichia coli. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2016.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abstract
The structure-function relationship for a family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from the skin of Australian tree frogs is discussed and compared with that of peptide toxins from bee and Australian scorpion venoms. Although these membrane-active peptides induce a similar cellular fate by disrupting the lipid bilayer integrity, their lytic activity is achieved via different modes of action, which are investigated in relation to amino acid sequence, secondary structure, and membrane lipid composition. In order to better understand what structural features govern the interaction between peptides and lipid membranes, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which translocate through the membrane without compromising its integrity, are also discussed. AMPs possess membrane lytic activities that are naturally designed to target the cellular membrane of pathogens or competitors. They are extremely diverse in amino acid composition and often show specificity against a particular strain of microbe. Since our antibiotic arsenal is declining precariously in the face of the rise in multiantibiotic resistance, AMPs increasingly are seen as a promising alternative. In an effort to understand their molecular mechanism, biophysical studies of a myriad of AMPs have been reported, yet no unifying mechanism has emerged, rendering difficult the rational design of drug leads. Similarly, a wide variety of cytotoxic peptides are found in venoms, the best known being melittin, yet again, predicting their activity based on a particular amino acid composition or secondary structure remains elusive. A common feature of these membrane-active peptides is their preference for the lipid environment. Indeed, they are mainly unstructured in solution and, in the presence of lipid membranes, quickly adsorb onto the surface, change their secondary structure, eventually insert into the hydrophobic core of the membrane bilayer, and finally disrupt the bilayer integrity. These steps define the molecular mechanism by which these membrane-active peptides lyse membranes. The last class of membrane-active peptides discussed are the CPPs, which translocate across the lipid bilayer without inducing severe disruption and have potential as drug vehicles. CPPs are typically highly charged and can show antimicrobial activity by targeting an intracellular target rather than via a direct membrane lytic mechanism. A critical aspect in the structure-function relationship of membrane-active peptides is their specific activity relative to the lipid membrane composition of the cell target. Cell membranes have a wide diversity of lipids, and those of eukaryotic and prokaryotic species differ greatly in composition and structure. The activity of AMPs from Australian tree frogs, toxins, and CPPs has been investigated within various lipid systems to assess whether a relationship between peptide and membrane composition could be identified. NMR spectroscopy techniques are being used to gain atomistic details of how these membrane-active peptides interact with model membranes and cells, and in particular, competitive assays demonstrate the difference between affinity and activity for a specific lipid environment. Overall, the interactions between these relatively small sized peptides and various lipid bilayers give insight into how these peptides function at the membrane interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Sani
- School of Chemistry, Bio21
Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, Bio21
Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Juhaniewicz J, Sek S. Interaction of Melittin with Negatively Charged Lipid Bilayers Supported on Gold Electrodes. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.11.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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41
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Membrane disruption and DNA binding of Staphylococcus aureus cell induced by a novel antimicrobial peptide produced by Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. tolerans FX-6. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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42
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Antibacterial Mechanism of (−)-Nortrachelogenin in Escherichia coli O157. Curr Microbiol 2015; 72:48-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-015-0918-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Kim YM, Kim NH, Lee JW, Jang JS, Park YH, Park SC, Jang MK. Novel chimeric peptide with enhanced cell specificity and anti-inflammatory activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:322-8. [PMID: 26028561 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
An antimicrobial peptide (AMP), Hn-Mc, was designed by combining the N-terminus of HPA3NT3 and the C-terminus of melittin. This chimeric AMP exhibited potent antibacterial activity with low minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), ranging from 1 to 2 μM against four drug-susceptible bacteria and ten drug-resistant bacteria. Moreover, the hemolysis and cytotoxicity was reduced significantly compared to those of the parent peptides, highlighting its high cell selectivity. The morphological changes in the giant unilamellar vesicles and bacterial cell surfaces caused by the Hn-Mc peptide suggested that it killed the microbial cells by damaging the membrane envelope. An in vivo study also demonstrated the antibacterial activity of the Hn-Mc peptide in a mouse model infected with drug-resistant bacteria. In addition, the chimeric peptide inhibited the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells by preventing the interaction between LPS and Toll-like receptors. These results suggest that this chimeric peptide is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory candidate as a pharmaceutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Nam-Hong Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Jong-Wan Lee
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Jin-Sun Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Yung-Hoon Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea.
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea.
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44
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Modifiers of membrane dipole potentials as tools for investigating ion channel formation and functioning. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 315:245-97. [PMID: 25708465 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Electrostatic fields generated on and within biological membranes play a fundamental role in key processes in cell functions. The role of the membrane dipole potential is of particular interest because of its powerful impact on membrane permeability and lipid-protein interactions, including protein insertion, oligomerization, and function. The membrane dipole potential is defined by the orientation of electric dipoles of lipid headgroups, fatty acid carbonyl groups, and membrane-adsorbed water. As a result, the membrane interior is several hundred millivolts more positive than the external aqueous phase. This potential decrease depends on the lipid, and especially sterol, composition of the membrane. The adsorption of certain electroneutral molecules known as dipole modifiers may also lead to significant changes in the magnitude of the potential decrease. These agents are widely used to study the effects of the dipole potential on membrane transport. This review presents a critical analysis of a variety of data from studies dedicated to ion channel formation and functioning in membranes with different dipole potentials. The types of ion channels found in cellular membranes and pores formed by antimicrobial agents and toxins in artificial lipid membranes are summarized. The mechanisms underlying the influence of the membrane dipole potential on ion channel activity, including dipole-dipole and charge-dipole interactions in the pores and in membranes, are discussed. A hypothesis, in which lipid rafts in both model and cellular membranes also modulate ion channel activity by virtue of an increased or decreased dipole potential, is also considered.
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45
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Sychev SV, Balandin SV, Panteleev PV, Barsukov LI, Ovchinnikova TV. Lipid-dependent pore formation by antimicrobial peptides arenicin-2 and melittin demonstrated by their proton transfer activity. J Pept Sci 2014; 21:71-6. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V. Sychev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Sergey V. Balandin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Pavel V. Panteleev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Leonid I. Barsukov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
| | - Tatiana V. Ovchinnikova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Russian Academy of Sciences; Miklukho-Maklaya St, 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
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46
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Ryu S, Park Y, Kim B, Cho SM, Lee J, Lee HH, Gurley C, Song K, Johnson A, Armstrong C, Song P. Inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects of theHelicobacter pylori-derived antimicrobial peptide HPA3NT3 againstPropionibacterium acnesin the skin. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171:1358-67. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Ryu
- Department of Dermatology; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock AR U.S.A
- Department of Biochemistry; Chosun University School of Medicine; Gwangju South Korea
| | - Y. Park
- Department of Biochemistry; Chosun University School of Medicine; Gwangju South Korea
| | - B. Kim
- Department of Dermatology; Chung-Ang University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - S.-M. Cho
- Functional Food and Nutrition Division; National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration; Suwon South Korea
| | - J. Lee
- Department of Biochemistry; Chosun University School of Medicine; Gwangju South Korea
| | - H.-H. Lee
- Department of Biology; Chosun University School of Medicine; Gwangju South Korea
| | - C. Gurley
- Department of Dermatology; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock AR U.S.A
| | - K. Song
- Department of Dermatology; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock AR U.S.A
| | - A. Johnson
- Department of Dermatology; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock AR U.S.A
| | - C.A. Armstrong
- Division of Dermatology; Denver Health Medical Center; 777 Bannock Street Denver CO 80204 U.S.A
- Department of Dermatology; University of Colorado Denver; Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl. Aurora CO 80045 U.S.A
| | - P.I. Song
- Department of Dermatology; University of Colorado Denver; Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl. Aurora CO 80045 U.S.A
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Lohan S, Kalanta A, Sonkusre P, Cameotra SS, Bisht GS. Development of novel membrane active lipidated peptidomimetics active against drug resistant clinical isolates. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:4544-52. [PMID: 25131957 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A new series of small cationic lipidated peptidomimetics have been synthesized and found to be highly active against several susceptible as well as drug resistant clinical isolates of bacteria and fungi. All lipidated peptidomimetics do not cause significant lysis of human erythrocytes (HC50>200μg/mL). Calcein dye leakage experiment revealed membranolytic effect of LPEP08 which was further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The involvement of intracellular targets as an alternate mode of action was precluded by DNA retardation assay. Additionally, LPEP08 exhibit high proteolytic stability and dose not elicit resistance against drug resistant clinical isolate of Staphylococcusaureus, even after 16 rounds of passaging. These results demonstrate the potential of lipidated peptidomimetics as biocompatible anti-infective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Lohan
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan 173234, India
| | - Arneesh Kalanta
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan 173234, India
| | - Praveen Sonkusre
- Environmental Biotechnology & Microbial Biochemistry, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Swaranjit Singh Cameotra
- Environmental Biotechnology & Microbial Biochemistry, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Gopal Singh Bisht
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan 173234, India.
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48
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Panjwani A, Strauss M, Gold S, Wenham H, Jackson T, Chou JJ, Rowlands DJ, Stonehouse NJ, Hogle JM, Tuthill TJ. Capsid protein VP4 of human rhinovirus induces membrane permeability by the formation of a size-selective multimeric pore. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004294. [PMID: 25102288 PMCID: PMC4125281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-enveloped viruses must deliver their viral genome across a cell membrane without the advantage of membrane fusion. The mechanisms used to achieve this remain poorly understood. Human rhinovirus, a frequent cause of the common cold, is a non-enveloped virus of the picornavirus family, which includes other significant pathogens such as poliovirus and foot-and-mouth disease virus. During picornavirus cell entry, the small myristoylated capsid protein VP4 is released from the virus, interacts with the cell membrane and is implicated in the delivery of the viral RNA genome into the cytoplasm to initiate replication. In this study, we have produced recombinant C-terminal histidine-tagged human rhinovirus VP4 and shown it can induce membrane permeability in liposome model membranes. Dextran size-exclusion studies, chemical crosslinking and electron microscopy demonstrated that VP4 forms a multimeric membrane pore, with a channel size consistent with transfer of the single-stranded RNA genome. The membrane permeability induced by recombinant VP4 was influenced by pH and was comparable to permeability induced by infectious virions. These findings present a molecular mechanism for the involvement of VP4 in cell entry and provide a model system which will facilitate exploration of VP4 as a novel antiviral target for the picornavirus family. Human rhinovirus (HRV) is a non-enveloped virus of the picornavirus family and is responsible for respiratory infections (common colds) costing billions of dollars ($) annually. There remains no vaccine or licensed drug to prevent or reduce infection. Related members of the picornavirus family include significant pathogens such as poliovirus, enterovirus 71 and foot-and-mouth disease virus, for which improved control measures are also required. A fundamental step in virus infection is the delivery of the viral genetic material through the barrier of the cellular membrane. Viruses such as HIV and influenza are enveloped in an outer membrane which can fuse with the host cell membrane to allow the viral genome to penetrate into the cytoplasm. However, non-enveloped viruses such as picornaviruses lack a membrane and the mechanisms for penetration of the membrane by these viruses remain poorly understood. The capsid protein VP4 has previously been implicated in the delivery of the picornavirus genome. In this study we demonstrate that HRV VP4 interacts with membranes to make them permeable by the formation of multimeric, size-selective membrane pores with properties consistent with the transport of viral genome through the membrane. This function of VP4 provides a novel antiviral target for this family of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Panjwani
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Strauss
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sarah Gold
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Wenham
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Terry Jackson
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - James J. Chou
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David J. Rowlands
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J. Stonehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - James M. Hogle
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Gradual pediocin PA-1 resistance in Enterococcus faecalis confers cross-protection to diverse pore-forming cationic antimicrobial peptides displaying changes in cell wall and mannose PTS expression. ANN MICROBIOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-014-0912-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
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50
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Antimicrobial properties and membrane-active mechanism of a potential α-helical antimicrobial derived from cathelicidin PMAP-36. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86364. [PMID: 24466055 PMCID: PMC3897731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which present in the non-specific immune system of organism, are amongst the most promising candidates for the development of novel antimicrobials. The modification of naturally occurring AMPs based on their residue composition and distribution is a simple and effective strategy for optimization of known AMPs. In this study, a series of truncated and residue-substituted derivatives of antimicrobial peptide PMAP-36 were designed and synthesized. The 24-residue truncated peptide, GI24, displayed antimicrobial activity comparable to the mother peptide PMAP-36 with MICs ranging from 1 to 4 µM, which is lower than the MICs of bee venom melittin. Although GI24 displayed high antimicrobial activity, its hemolytic activity was much lower than melittin, suggesting that GI24 have optimal cell selectivity. In addition, the crucial site of GI24 was identified through single site-mutation. An amino acid with high hydrophobicity at position 23 played an important role in guaranteeing the high antimicrobial activity of GI24. Then, lipid vesicles and whole bacteria were employed to investigate the membrane-active mechanisms. Membrane-simulating experiments showed that GI24 interacted strongly with negatively charged phospholipids and weakly with zwitterionic phospholipids, which corresponded well with the data of its biological activities. Membrane permeabilization and flow cytometry provide the evidence that GI24 killed microbial cells by permeabilizing the cell membrane and damaging membrane integrity. GI24 resulted in greater cell morphological changes and visible pores on cell membrane as determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Taken together, the peptide GI24 may provide a promising antimicrobial agent for therapeutic applications against the frequently-encountered bacteria.
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