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Carpenter AM, van Hoek ML. Development of a defibrinated human blood hemolysis assay for rapid testing of hemolytic activity compared to computational prediction. J Immunol Methods 2024; 529:113670. [PMID: 38604530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Cytotoxicity studies determining hemolytic properties of antimicrobial peptides or other drugs are an important step in the development of novel therapeutics for clinical use. Hemolysis is an affordable, accessible, and rapid method for initial assessment of cellular toxicity for all drugs under development. However, variability in species of red blood cells and protocols used may result in significant differences in results. AMPs generally possess higher selectivity for bacterial cells but can have toxicity against host cells at high concentrations. Knowing the hemolytic activity of the peptides we are developing contributes to our understanding of their potential toxicity. Computational approaches for predicting hemolytic activity of AMPs exist and were tested head-to-head with our experimental results. RESULTS Starting with an observation of high hemolytic activity of LL-37 peptide against human red blood cells that were collected in EDTA, we explored alternative approaches to develop a more robust, accurate and simple hemolysis assay using defibrinated human blood. We found significant differences between the sensitivity of defibrinated red blood cells and EDTA treated red blood cells. SIGNIFICANCE Accurately determining the hemolytic activity using human red blood cells will allow for a more robust calculation of the therapeutic index of our potential antimicrobial compounds, a critical measure in their pre-clinical development. CONCLUSION We introduce a standardized, more accurate protocol for assessing hemolytic activity using defibrinated human red blood cells. This approach, facilitated by the increased commercial availability of de-identified human blood and defibrination methods, offers a robust tool for evaluating toxicity of emerging drug compounds, especially AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Carpenter
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America; Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America.
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Santos ATD, Kumar S, Albuquerque JVDS, Arcce IML, Chaves OA, Cruz GS, Carretero VJ, Melo LM, Chaves MS, Guijo JMH, Freitas VJDF, Rádis-Baptista G. The anti-infective crotalicidin peptide analog RhoB-Ctn[1-9] is harmless to bovine oocytes and able to induce parthenogenesis in vitro. Toxicon 2023; 234:107274. [PMID: 37657514 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107274] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Crotalicidin is a cathelicidin-related anti-infective (antimicrobial) peptide expressed in the venom glands of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Congener peptides of crotalicidin, named vipericidins, are found in other pit vipers inhabiting South America. Crotalicidin is active against bacteria and pathogenic yeasts and has anti-proliferative activity for some cancer cells. The structural dissection of crotalicidin produced fragments (e.g., Ctn [15-34]) with multiple biological functionalities that mimic the native peptide. Another structural characteristic of crotalidicin and congeners is a unique repetitive stretch of amino acid sequences in tandem embedded in their primary structures. One of the encrypted vipericidn peptides (Ctn [1-9]) was synthesized, and the analog covalently conjugated with rhodamine B (RhoB-Ctn [1-9]) displayed considerable antimicrobial activity and selective cytotoxicity. Methods to evaluate antimicrobial peptides' toxicity include lysis of red blood cells (hemolysis) in vitro and cytotoxicity of healthy cultured cells (e.g., fibroblasts). Here, as a non-conventional model of toxicity, the bovine oocytes were exposed to two standardized concentrations of RhoB-Ctn [1-9], and embryo viability and development at its first stage of cleavage (division of cells) and blastocyst formation were evaluated. Oocytes treated with peptide at 10 and 40 μM induced cleavage rates of 44.94% and 51.53%, resulting in the formation of blastocysts of 7.07% and 11.73%, respectively. Light sheet microscopy and in silico prediction analysis indicated that RhoB-Ctn [1-9] peptide interacts with zona pellucida and internalizes into bovine oocytes and developing embryos. The ADMET prediction estimated good bioavailability of RhoB-Ctn [1-9]. In conclusion, the peptide appeared harmless to bovine oocytes and, remarkably, activated the parthenogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Teixeira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Satish Kumar
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Irving Mitchell Laines Arcce
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Otávio Augusto Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; CQC-IMS, Departament of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga S/n, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Victoria Jimenez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Molecular Genetics Research Unit, University Center Fametro (UNIFAMETRO), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maiana Silva Chaves
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jesus Miguel Hernandez Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Andalibi A, Veneziano R, Paige M, Buschmann M, Haymond A, Espina V, Luchini A, Liotta L, Bishop B, Van Hoek M. Drug discovery efforts at George Mason University. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:270-274. [PMID: 36921802 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
With over 39,000 students, and research expenditures in excess of $200 million, George Mason University (GMU) is the largest R1 (Carnegie Classification of very high research activity) university in Virginia. Mason scientists have been involved in the discovery and development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics in areas as diverse as infectious diseases and cancer. Below are highlights of the efforts being led by Mason researchers in the drug discovery arena. To enable targeted cellular delivery, and non-biomedical applications, Veneziano and colleagues have developed a synthesis strategy that enables the design of self-assembling DNA nanoparticles (DNA origami) with prescribed shape and size in the 10 to 100 nm range. The nanoparticles can be loaded with molecules of interest such as drugs, proteins and peptides, and are a promising new addition to the drug delivery platforms currently in use. The investigators also recently used the DNA origami nanoparticles to fine tune the spatial presentation of immunogens to study the impact on B cell activation. These studies are an important step towards the rational design of vaccines for a variety of infectious agents. To elucidate the parameters for optimizing the delivery efficiency of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), Buschmann, Paige and colleagues have devised methods for predicting and experimentally validating the pKa of LNPs based on the structure of the ionizable lipids used to formulate the LNPs. These studies may pave the way for the development of new LNP delivery vehicles that have reduced systemic distribution and improved endosomal release of their cargo post administration. To better understand protein-protein interactions and identify potential drug targets that disrupt such interactions, Luchini and colleagues have developed a methodology that identifies contact points between proteins using small molecule dyes. The dye molecules noncovalently bind to the accessible surfaces of a protein complex with very high affinity, but are excluded from contact regions. When the complex is denatured and digested with trypsin, the exposed regions covered by the dye do not get cleaved by the enzyme, whereas the contact points are digested. The resulting fragments can then be identified using mass spectrometry. The data generated can serve as the basis for designing small molecules and peptides that can disrupt the formation of protein complexes involved in disease processes. For example, using peptides based on the interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP), Luchini, Liotta, Paige and colleagues disrupted the formation of IL-1/IL-R/IL-1RAcP complex and demonstrated that the inhibition of complex formation reduced the inflammatory response to IL-1B. Working on the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents, Bishop, van Hoek and colleagues have discovered a number of antimicrobial peptides from reptiles and other species. DRGN-1, is a synthetic peptide based on a histone H1-derived peptide that they had identified from Komodo Dragon plasma. DRGN-1 was shown to disrupt bacterial biofilms and promote wound healing in an animal model. The peptide, along with others, is being developed and tested in preclinical studies. Other research by van Hoek and colleagues focuses on in silico antimicrobial peptide discovery, screening of small molecules for antibacterial properties, as well as assessment of diffusible signal factors (DFS) as future therapeutics. The above examples provide insight into the cutting-edge studies undertaken by GMU scientists to develop novel methodologies and platform technologies important to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Andalibi
- School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Remi Veneziano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Mikell Paige
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Michael Buschmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Amanda Haymond
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Virginia Espina
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Alessandra Luchini
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Lance Liotta
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Barney Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Monique Van Hoek
- School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
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Alsaab FM, Dean SN, Bobde S, Ascoli GG, van Hoek ML. Computationally Designed AMPs with Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1396. [PMID: 37760693 PMCID: PMC10525135 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new antimicrobials is necessary to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially those that infect wounds and form prodigious biofilms, such as Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising class of new therapeutics against drug-resistant bacteria, including gram-negatives. Here, we utilized a computational AMP design strategy combining database filtering technology plus positional analysis to design a series of novel peptides, named HRZN, designed to be active against A. baumannii. All of the HRZN peptides we synthesized exhibited antimicrobial activity against three MDR A. baumannii strains with HRZN-15 being the most active (MIC 4 µg/mL). This peptide also inhibited and eradicated biofilm of A. baumannii strain AB5075 at 8 and 16 µg/mL, which is highly effective. HRZN-15 permeabilized and depolarized the membrane of AB5075 rapidly, as demonstrated by the killing kinetics. HRZN 13 and 14 peptides had little to no hemolysis activity against human red blood cells, whereas HRZN-15, -16, and -17 peptides demonstrated more significant hemolytic activity. HRZN-15 also demonstrated toxicity to waxworms. Further modification of HRZN-15 could result in a new peptide with an improved toxicity profile. Overall, we successfully designed a set of new AMPs that demonstrated activity against MDR A. baumannii using a computational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad M. Alsaab
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Scott N. Dean
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
| | - Shravani Bobde
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
| | - Gabriel G. Ascoli
- Aspiring Scientist Summer Internship Program, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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Sahsuvar S, Kocagoz T, Gok O, Can O. In vitro efficacy of different PEGylation designs on cathelicidin-like peptide with high antibacterial and antifungal activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11213. [PMID: 37433952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent reports on antibiotic resistance have highlighted the need to reduce the impact of this global health issue through urgent prevention and control. The World Health Organization currently considers antibiotic resistance as one of the most dangerous threats to global health. Therefore, Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising for the development of novel antibiotic molecules due to their high antimicrobial effects, non-inducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) properties, and broad spectrum. Hence, in this study, we developed novel antimicrobial peptide/polymer conjugates to reduce the adverse effects of TN6 (RLLRLLLRLLR) peptide. We demonstrate how our constructs function in vitro in terms of antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, cytotoxicity, and protease resistance. Our findings show that our molecules are effective against different types of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enteroccus faecium, and Candida albicans, which are known to be pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant. Our constructs generally showed low cytotoxicity relative to the peptide in HaCaT and 3T3 cells. Especially these structures are very successful in terms of hemotoxicity. In the bacteremia model with S. aureus, the naked peptide (TN6) was hemotoxic even at 1 µg/mL, while the hemotoxicity of the conjugates was considerably lower than the peptide. Remarkably in this model, the hemolytic activity of PepC-PEG-pepC conjugate decreased 15-fold from 2.36 to 31.12 µg/mL compared to the bacteria-free 60-min treatment. This is proof that in the case of bacteremia and sepsis, the conjugates specifically direct to bacterial cell membranes rather than red blood cells. In addition, the PepC-PEG-pepC conjugate is resistant to plasma proteases. Moreover, morphological and intracellular damage of the peptide/conjugates to Escherichia coli are demonstrated in SEM and TEM images. These results suggest our molecules can be considered potential next-generation broad-spectrum antibiotic molecule/drug candidates that might be used in clinical cases such as bacteremia and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seray Sahsuvar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tanil Kocagoz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgul Gok
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ozge Can
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Li Y, Ma Y, Yu J, Li C, Yu D, Dai R, Li Q, Cao CY. A dual functional polypeptide with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of periodontitis. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124920. [PMID: 37196724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Periodontitis has been reported as the sixth most prevalent disease in human beings. This destructive disease is closely related to systemic diseases. Existing local drug delivery systems for periodontitis suffer from poor antibacterial effect and drug resistance. Inspired by the pathogenesis of periodontitis, we implemented a strategy to construct a dual functional polypeptide LL37-C15, which exhibited remarkable antibacterial effect against P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, LL37-C15 inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by controlling the inflammatory pathway and reversing macrophage M1. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of LL37-C15 was also verified in vivo in a periodontitis rat model through the morphometry and histological observations of alveolar bone, hematoxylin-eosin, and Trap staining in gingival tissue. The results of molecular dynamics simulations showed that LL37-C15 could selectively destroy the bacterial cell membrane and protect the animal cell membrane in a self-destructive manner. The results showed that the polypeptide LL37-C15, as a novel promising therapeutic agent, exhibited a great potential for the periodontitis management. What's more, this dual functional polypeptide provides a promising strategy for building a multifunctional therapeutic platform against the inflammation and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexiang Li
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yunfeng Ma
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jianan Yu
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cancan Li
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Da Yu
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ruoxi Dai
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Department of Comprehensive Care, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Quanli Li
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chris Ying Cao
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China.
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Calderón-Rivera N, Múnera-Jaramillo J, Jaramillo-Berrio S, Suesca E, Manrique-Moreno M, Leidy C. Cardiolipin Strongly Inhibits the Leakage Activity of the Short Antimicrobial Peptide ATRA-1 in Comparison to LL-37, in Model Membranes Mimicking the Lipid Composition of Staphylococcus aureus. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:304. [PMID: 36984691 PMCID: PMC10051595 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cardiolipin is one of the main phospholipid components of Staphylococcus aureus membranes. This lipid is found at varying concentrations in the bilayer, depending on the growth stage of the bacteria, and as a response to environmental stress. Cardiolipin is an anionic phospholipid with four acyl chains, which modulates the bending properties of the membrane due to its inverted conical shape. It has been shown to inhibit the pore forming activity of several antimicrobial peptides, in general doubling the peptide concentration needed to induce leakage. Here we find that the short snake-derived antimicrobial peptide ATRA-1 is inhibited by several orders of magnitude in the presence of cardiolipin in saturated membranes (DMPG) compared to the human cathelicidin LL-37, which is only inhibited two-fold in its leakage-inducing concentration. The ATRA-1 is too short to span the membrane and its leakage activity is likely related to detergent-like alterations of bilayer structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows only a minor effect on ATRA-1 binding to DMPG membranes due to the presence of cardiolipin. However, FTIR spectroscopy shows that the acyl chain structure of DMPG membranes, containing cardiolipin, become more organized in the presence of ATRA-1, as reflected by an increase in the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature. Instead, a depression in the melting temperature is induced by ATRA-1 in DMPG in the absence of cardiolipin. In comparison, LL-37 induces a depression of the main phase transition of DMPG even in the presence of cardiolipin. These data suggest that cardiolipin inhibits the penetration of ATRA-1 into the membrane core, impeding its capacity to disrupt lipid packing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Calderón-Rivera
- Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Jessica Múnera-Jaramillo
- Faculty of Natural of Exact Sciences, Chemistry Institute, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin 050010, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Sara Jaramillo-Berrio
- Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Suesca
- Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Faculty of Natural of Exact Sciences, Chemistry Institute, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin 050010, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Chad Leidy
- Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Cundinamarca, Colombia
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Past, Present, and Future of Naturally Occurring Antimicrobials Related to Snake Venoms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040744. [PMID: 36830531 PMCID: PMC9952678 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on proteins and peptides with antimicrobial activity because these biopolymers can be useful in the fight against infectious diseases and to overcome the critical problem of microbial resistance to antibiotics. In fact, snakes show the highest diversification among reptiles, surviving in various environments; their innate immunity is similar to mammals and the response of their plasma to bacteria and fungi has been explored mainly in ecological studies. Snake venoms are a rich source of components that have a variety of biological functions. Among them are proteins like lectins, metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, L-amino acid oxidases, phospholipases type A2, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, as well as many oligopeptides, such as waprins, cardiotoxins, cathelicidins, and β-defensins. In vitro, these biomolecules were shown to be active against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that are pathogenic to humans. Not only cathelicidins, but all other proteins and oligopeptides from snake venom have been proteolyzed to provide short antimicrobial peptides, or for use as templates for developing a variety of short unnatural sequences based on their structures. In addition to organizing and discussing an expressive amount of information, this review also describes new β-defensin sequences of Sistrurus miliarius that can lead to novel peptide-based antimicrobial agents, using a multidisciplinary approach that includes sequence phylogeny.
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Memariani H, Memariani M. Antibiofilm properties of cathelicidin LL-37: an in-depth review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:99. [PMID: 36781570 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding ceaseless endeavors toward developing effective antibiofilm chemotherapeutics, biofilm-associated infections continue to be one of the most perplexing challenges confronting medicine today. Endogenous host defense peptides, such as the human cathelicidin LL-37, are being propounded as promising options for treating such infectious diseases. Over the past decennium, LL-37 has duly received tremendous research attention by virtue of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. No attempt has hitherto been made, as far as we are aware, to comprehensively review the antibiofilm effects of LL-37. Accordingly, the intent in this paper is to provide a fairly all-embracing review of the literature available on the subject. Accumulating evidence suggests that LL-37 is able to prevent biofilm establishment by different bacterial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides fragilis, Burkholderia thailandensis, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Francisella tularensis, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion, downregulation of biofilm-associated genes, suppression of quorum-sensing pathways, degradation of biofilm matrix, and eradication of biofilm-residing cells are the major mechanisms responsible for antibiofilm properties of LL-37. In terms of its efficacy and safety in vivo, there are still many questions to be answered. Undoubtedly, LL-37 can open up new windows of opportunity to prevent and treat obstinate biofilm-mediated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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In pursuit of next-generation therapeutics: Antimicrobial peptides against superbugs, their sources, mechanism of action, nanotechnology-based delivery, and clinical applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 218:135-156. [PMID: 35868409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attracted attention as potential source of novel antimicrobials. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections have emerged as a global threat to public health in recent years. Furthermore, due to rapid emergence of new diseases, there is pressing need for development of efficient antimicrobials. AMPs are essential part of the innate immunity in most living organisms, acting as the primary line of defense against foreign invasions. AMPs kill a wide range of microorganisms by primarily targeting cell membranes or intracellular components through a variety of ways. AMPs can be broadly categorized based on their physico-chemical properties, structure, function, target and source of origin. The synthetic analogues produced either with suitable chemical modifications or with the use of suitable delivery systems are projected to eliminate the constraints of toxicity and poor stability commonly linked with natural AMPs. The concept of peptidomimetics is gaining ground around the world nowadays. Among the delivery systems, nanoparticles are emerging as potential delivery tools for AMPs, amplifying their utility against a variety of pathogens. In the present review, the broad classification of various AMPs, their mechanism of action (MOA), challenges associated with AMPs, current applications, and novel strategies to overcome the limitations have been discussed.
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Tena-Garitaonaindia M, Ceacero-Heras D, Montoro MDMM, de Medina FS, Martínez-Augustin O, Daddaoua A. A Standardized Extract of Lentinula edodes Cultured Mycelium Inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infectivity Mechanisms. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:814448. [PMID: 35369436 PMCID: PMC8966770 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.814448] [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: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The priority pathogen list of the World Health Organization classified Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the second top critical pathogen. Hence, the development of novel antibacterial strategies to tackle this bacterium is highly necessary. Herein we explore the potential antibacterial effect of a standardized extract of cultured mycelium of Lentinula edodes (AHCC®) on P. aeruginosa. AHCC® was found to inhibit the growth rate and biofilm formation of strain PAO1. No change in swarming was observed, but AHCC® hampered swimming and twitching motility. In accordance, a decreased expression of metabolism, growth, and biofilm formation genes was shown. AHCC® also diminished the levels of exotoxin A and bacteria inside IEC18 cells and the secretion of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF by infected macrophages. This effect was related to a reduced phosphorylation of MAPKs and to bacteria internalization. Taken together, our data suggest that AHCC® has a potential role to prevent P. aeruginosa infections and may lead to the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Tena-Garitaonaindia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Pharmacy School, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Diego Ceacero-Heras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Pharmacy School, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Del Mar Maldonado Montoro
- Clinical Analysis Service, Hospital Campus de la Salud, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain
| | - Fermín Sánchez de Medina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy School, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Olga Martínez-Augustin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Pharmacy School, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy School, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix," Center of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Abdelali Daddaoua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Pharmacy School, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (IBS), Granada, Spain.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix," Center of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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12
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Castillo-Juárez I, Blancas-Luciano BE, García-Contreras R, Fernández-Presas AM. Antimicrobial peptides properties beyond growth inhibition and bacterial killing. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12667. [PMID: 35116194 PMCID: PMC8785659 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are versatile molecules with broad antimicrobial activity produced by representatives of the three domains of life. Also, there are derivatives of AMPs and artificial short peptides that can inhibit microbial growth. Beyond killing microbes, AMPs at grow sub-inhibitory concentrations also exhibit anti-virulence activity against critical pathogenic bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. Anti-virulence therapies are an alternative to antibiotics since they do not directly affect viability and growth, and they are considered less likely to generate resistance. Bacterial biofilms significantly increase antibiotic resistance and are linked to establishing chronic infections. Various AMPs can kill biofilm cells and eradicate infections in animal models. However, some can inhibit biofilm formation and promote dispersal at sub-growth inhibitory concentrations. These examples are discussed here, along with those of peptides that inhibit the expression of traits controlled by quorum sensing, such as the production of exoproteases, phenazines, surfactants, toxins, among others. In addition, specific targets that are determinants of virulence include secretion systems (type II, III, and VI) responsible for releasing effector proteins toxic to eukaryotic cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the anti-virulence properties of AMPs and the future directions of their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Castillo-Juárez
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica, Posgrado de Botánica, Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Blanca Esther Blancas-Luciano
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo García-Contreras
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana María Fernández-Presas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
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13
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Abstract
Antibiotic resistance constitutes a global threat and could lead to a future pandemic. One strategy is to develop a new generation of antimicrobials. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are recognized templates and some are already in clinical use. To accelerate the discovery of new antibiotics, it is useful to predict novel AMPs from the sequenced genomes of various organisms. The antimicrobial peptide database (APD) provided the first empirical peptide prediction program. It also facilitated the testing of the first machine-learning algorithms. This chapter provides an overview of machine-learning predictions of AMPs. Most of the predictors, such as AntiBP, CAMP, and iAMPpred, involve a single-label prediction of antimicrobial activity. This type of prediction has been expanded to antifungal, antiviral, antibiofilm, anti-TB, hemolytic, and anti-inflammatory peptides. The multiple functional roles of AMPs annotated in the APD also enabled multi-label predictions (iAMP-2L, MLAMP, and AMAP), which include antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antibiofilm, anticancer, anti-HIV, antimalarial, insecticidal, antioxidant, chemotactic, spermicidal activities, and protease inhibiting activities. Also considered in predictions are peptide posttranslational modification, 3D structure, and microbial species-specific information. We compare important amino acids of AMPs implied from machine learning with the frequently occurring residues of the major classes of natural peptides. Finally, we discuss advances, limitations, and future directions of machine-learning predictions of antimicrobial peptides. Ultimately, we may assemble a pipeline of such predictions beyond antimicrobial activity to accelerate the discovery of novel AMP-based antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA;,Corresponding to: Dr. Monique van Hoek: ; Dr. Iosif Vaisman: ; Dr. Guangshun Wang:
| | - Iosif I. Vaisman
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.,Corresponding to: Dr. Monique van Hoek: ; Dr. Iosif Vaisman: ; Dr. Guangshun Wang:
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.,Corresponding to: Dr. Monique van Hoek: ; Dr. Iosif Vaisman: ; Dr. Guangshun Wang:
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14
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Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Cardoso MH, Alencar-Silva T, Bogéa GMR, Carvalho JL, Franco OL, Saldanha-Araujo F. Dissecting the relationship between antimicrobial peptides and mesenchymal stem cells. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 233:108021. [PMID: 34637839 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Among the various biological properties presented by Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), their ability to control the immune response and fight pathogen infection through the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been the subject of intense research in recent years. AMPs secreted by MSCs exhibit activity against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and viruses. The main AMPs produced by these cells are hepcidin, cathelicidin LL-37, and β-defensin-2. In addition to acting against pathogens, those AMPs have also been shown to interact with MSCs to modulate MSC proliferation, migration, and regeneration, indicating that such peptides exert a more diverse biological effect than initially thought. In the present review, we discuss the production of AMPs by MSCs, revise the multiple functions of these peptides, including their influence over MSCs, and present an overview of clinical situations in which the antimicrobial properties of MSCs may be explored for therapy. Finally, we discuss possibilities of combining MSCs and AMPs to generate improved therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandda Évelin Silva-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marlon Henrique Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Thuany Alencar-Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Muller Reche Bogéa
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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15
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Suresh RV, Bradley EW, Higgs M, Russo VC, Alqahtani M, Huang W, Bakshi CS, Malik M. Nlrp3 Increases the Host's Susceptibility to Tularemia. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:725572. [PMID: 34690967 PMCID: PMC8527020 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.725572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) is a Gram-negative, intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of a fatal human disease known as tularemia. The CDC has classified F. tularensis as a Tier 1 Category A select agent based on its ease of aerosolization, low infectious dose, past use as a bioweapon, and the potential to be used as a bioterror agent. Francisella has a unique replication cycle. Upon its uptake, Francisella remains in the phagosomes for a short period and then escapes into the cytosol, where the replication occurs. Francisella is recognized by cytosolic pattern recognition receptors, Absent In Melanoma 2 (Aim2) and Nacht LRR and PYD domains containing Protein 3 (Nlrp3). The recognition of Francisella ligands by Aim2 and Nlrp3 triggers the assembly and activation of the inflammasome. The mechanism of activation of Aim2 is well established; however, how Nlrp3 inflammasome is activated in response to F. tularensis infection is not known. Unlike Aim2, the protective role of Nlrp3 against Francisella infection is not fully established. This study investigated the role of Nlrp3 and the potential mechanisms through which Nlrp3 exerts its detrimental effects on the host in response to F. tularensis infection. The results from in vitro studies demonstrate that Nlrp3 dampens NF-κB and MAPK signaling, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which allows replication of F. tularensis in infected macrophages. In vivo, Nlrp3 deficiency results in differential expression of several genes required to induce a protective immune response against respiratory tularemia. Nlrp3-deficient mice mount a stronger innate immune response, clear bacteria efficiently with minimal organ damage, and are more resistant to Francisella infection than their wild-type counterparts. Together, these results demonstrate that Nlrp3 enhances the host's susceptibility to F. tularensis by modulating the protective innate immune responses. Collectively, this study advances our understanding of the detrimental role of Nlrp3 in tularemia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragavan V. Suresh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Elizabeth W. Bradley
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Matthew Higgs
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Vincenzo C. Russo
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Maha Alqahtani
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Wiehua Huang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Chandra Shekhar Bakshi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Meenakshi Malik
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, United States
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16
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Ridyard KE, Overhage J. The Potential of Human Peptide LL-37 as an Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Agent. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10060650. [PMID: 34072318 PMCID: PMC8227053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in antimicrobial resistant bacteria threatens the current methods utilized to treat bacterial infections. The development of novel therapeutic agents is crucial in avoiding a post-antibiotic era and the associated deaths from antibiotic resistant pathogens. The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been considered as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics as it displays broad spectrum antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities as well as immunomodulatory functions. While LL-37 has shown promising results, it has yet to receive regulatory approval as a peptide antibiotic. Despite the strong antimicrobial properties, LL-37 has several limitations including high cost, lower activity in physiological environments, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, and high toxicity to human cells. This review will discuss the challenges associated with making LL-37 into a viable antibiotic treatment option, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and cross-resistance as well as adaptive responses to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the peptide. The possible methods to overcome these challenges, including immobilization techniques, LL-37 delivery systems, the development of LL-37 derivatives, and synergistic combinations will also be considered. Herein, we describe how combination therapy and structural modifications to the sequence, helicity, hydrophobicity, charge, and configuration of LL-37 could optimize the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of LL-37 for future clinical use.
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17
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Kassinger SJ, van Hoek ML. Genetic Determinants of Antibiotic Resistance in Francisella. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:644855. [PMID: 34054749 PMCID: PMC8149597 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.644855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia, caused by Francisella tularensis, is endemic to the northern hemisphere. This zoonotic organism has historically been developed into a biological weapon. For this Tier 1, Category A select agent, it is important to expand our understanding of its mechanisms of antibiotic resistance (AMR). Francisella is unlike many Gram-negative organisms in that it does not have significant plasmid mobility, and does not express AMR mechanisms on plasmids; thus plasmid-mediated resistance does not occur naturally. It is possible to artificially introduce plasmids with AMR markers for cloning and gene expression purposes. In this review, we survey both the experimental research on AMR in Francisella and bioinformatic databases which contain genomic and proteomic data. We explore both the genetic determinants of intrinsic AMR and naturally acquired or engineered antimicrobial resistance as well as phenotypic resistance in Francisella. Herein we survey resistance to beta-lactams, monobactams, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, polymyxins, macrolides, rifampin, fosmidomycin, and fluoroquinolones. We also highlight research about the phenotypic AMR difference between planktonic and biofilm Francisella. We discuss newly developed methods of testing antibiotics against Francisella which involve the intracellular nature of Francisella infection and may better reflect the eventual clinical outcomes for new antibiotic compounds. Understanding the genetically encoded determinants of AMR in Francisella is key to optimizing the treatment of patients and potentially developing new antimicrobials for this dangerous intracellular pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
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18
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Greer HM, Overton K, Ferguson MA, Spain EM, Darling LEO, Núñez ME, Volle CB. Extracellular Polymeric Substance Protects Some Cells in an Escherichia coli Biofilm from the Biomechanical Consequences of Treatment with Magainin 2. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050976. [PMID: 33946431 PMCID: PMC8147140 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms have long been recognized as a source of persistent infections and industrial contamination with their intransigence generally attributed to their protective layer of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPS, consisting of secreted nucleic acids, proteins, and polysaccharides, make it difficult to fully eliminate biofilms by conventional chemical or physical means. Since most bacteria are capable of forming biofilms, understanding how biofilms respond to new antibiotic compounds and components of the immune system has important ramifications. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are both potential novel antibiotic compounds and part of the immune response in many different organisms. Here, we use atomic force microscopy to investigate the biomechanical changes that occur in individual cells when a biofilm is exposed to the AMP magainin 2 (MAG2), which acts by permeabilizing bacterial membranes. While MAG2 is able to prevent biofilm initiation, cells in an established biofilm can withstand exposure to high concentrations of MAG2. Treated cells in the biofilm are classified into two distinct populations after treatment: one population of cells is indistinguishable from untreated cells, maintaining cellular turgor pressure and a smooth outer surface, and the second population of cells are softer than untreated cells and have a rough outer surface after treatment. Notably, the latter population is similar to planktonic cells treated with MAG2. The EPS likely reduces the local MAG2 concentration around the stiffer cells since once the EPS was enzymatically removed, all cells became softer and had rough outer surfaces. Thus, while MAG2 appears to have the same mechanism of action in biofilm cells as in planktonic ones, MAG2 cannot eradicate a biofilm unless coupled with the removal of the EPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Greer
- Department of Biology, Cottey College, Nevada, MO 64772, USA; (H.M.G.); (K.O.)
| | - Kanesha Overton
- Department of Biology, Cottey College, Nevada, MO 64772, USA; (H.M.G.); (K.O.)
| | - Megan A. Ferguson
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA;
| | - Eileen M. Spain
- Department of Chemistry, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA;
| | - Louise E. O. Darling
- Department of Biological Sciences and Program in Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA;
| | - Megan E. Núñez
- Department of Chemistry and Program in Biochemistry, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA;
| | - Catherine B. Volle
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA 52314, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(319)-895-4413
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19
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Guglielmi P, Pontecorvi V, Rotondi G. Natural compounds and extracts as novel antimicrobial agents. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 30:949-962. [PMID: 33203288 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1853101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide problem accounting for the reduction or in some cases absence of drugs effectiveness normally used in infections treatment. In the light of the even more spread ability of microbials to develop resistance, there is an urgent necessity to find novel and alternative routes to fight infections. Natural compounds or extracts can be a valid alternative either as monotherapy or as adjuvant in order to improve the effectiveness of the failing drugs. Areas covered: This review provides a comprehensive update (2018-2020) on the development state of innovative antimicrobial agents based on natural compounds and extracts, also describing their compositions, methods of production and use, mechanism of action, along with anti-microbial data when available. Expert opinion: Owing to the pivotal role that natural compounds often cover in the finding of novel drugs, their in-depth analysis could pave the way to the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Most of the alternative approaches reported in this short review were validated through in vitro and in vivo (animal as well as human) models. The employment of natural derived compounds and extracts, alone or in combination with classical antimicrobial drugs, as antimicrobial agents could represent an important achievement to challenge pathogens resistant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Guglielmi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Pontecorvi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Rotondi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
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20
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Lima HVD, Dos Santos TMC, de Sousa Silva MMA, da Silva Albuquerque JV, Melo LM, de Figueirêdo Freitas VJ, Rádis-Baptista G. The Rhodamine B-encrypted vipericidin peptide, RhoB-Ctn[1-9], displays in vitro antimicrobial activity against opportunistic bacteria and yeasts. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:172-179. [PMID: 33749557 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210322123903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crotalicidin (Ctn), a snake venom cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide, is a 34-residue-long linear lysine-rich vipericidin obtained from the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus terrificus. Ctn contains tandem repeats of nine amino acid residues (1KRFKKFFKK9 and 16KRLKKIFKK24; consensus: 1KRhKKhFKK9, h = hydrophobic amino acid) as an integral part of its structure. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the encrypted vipericidin nonapeptide KRFKKFFKK, designated as Ctn[1-9], and its structural analogue, rhodamine-B‒conjugated Ctn[1-9], designated as RhoB-Ctn[1-9]. METHOD The susceptibility of representative pathogenic bacteria and yeasts to antimicrobial agents was determined using the broth microdilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Cytotoxicity was estimated using a hemolytic assay. The accumulation of RhoB-Ctn[1-9] in microbial cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The antimicrobial synergism of RhoB-Ctn[1-9] with antimicrobials was evaluated using a checkerboard analysis. RESULTS RhoB-conjugated Ctn[1-9] displayed selective antimicrobial activity against infectious gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogenic species of Candida with low hemolytic effects on human erythrocytes which was not observed with unconjugated Ctn[1-9]. RhoB-Ctn[1-9] could permeate cell membranes and accumulate intracellularly in microbial cells. RhoB-Ctn[1-9] exhibits synergistic effects when used with antibiotics or antifungal agents and reduced the MICs of the peptide and antimicrobials. CONCLUSION These findings indicate the potential of crotalicidin-related short peptides as structural motifs for the diversification of biological functionalities. Further, they set the stage to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which chemically modified vipericidin repeats modulate cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilania Valeria Doudou Lima
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | - Thales Márcio Cabral Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | | | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
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21
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Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:147. [PMID: 33671927 PMCID: PMC7919042 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise a class of short polypeptides that possess the ability to selectively interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of certain cell types, translocate across plasma membranes and accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, organelles (e.g., the nucleus and mitochondria) and other subcellular compartments. CPPs are either of natural origin or de novo designed and synthesized from segments and patches of larger proteins or designed by algorithms. With such intrinsic properties, along with membrane permeation, translocation and cellular uptake properties, CPPs can intracellularly convey diverse substances and nanomaterials, such as hydrophilic organic compounds and drugs, macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins), nanoparticles (nanocrystals and polyplexes), metals and radionuclides, which can be covalently attached via CPP N- and C-terminals or through preparation of CPP complexes. A cumulative number of studies on animal toxins, primarily isolated from the venom of arthropods and snakes, have revealed the cell-penetrating activities of venom peptides and toxins, which can be harnessed for application in biomedicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this review, I aimed to collate examples of peptides from animal venoms and toxic secretions that possess the ability to penetrate diverse types of cells. These venom CPPs have been chemically or structurally modified to enhance cell selectivity, bioavailability and a range of target applications. Herein, examples are listed and discussed, including cysteine-stabilized and linear, α-helical peptides, with cationic and amphipathic character, from the venom of insects (e.g., melittin, anoplin, mastoparans), arachnids (latarcin, lycosin, chlorotoxin, maurocalcine/imperatoxin homologs and wasabi receptor toxin), fish (pardaxins), amphibian (bombesin) and snakes (crotamine and cathelicidins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
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22
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Simora RMC, Xing D, Bangs MR, Wang W, Ma X, Su B, Khan MGQ, Qin Z, Lu C, Alston V, Hettiarachchi D, Johnson A, Li S, Coogan M, Gurbatow J, Terhune JS, Wang X, Dunham RA. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in of alligator cathelicidin gene in a non-coding region of channel catfish genome. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22271. [PMID: 33335280 PMCID: PMC7746764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-based gene knockout in animal cells, particularly in teleosts, has proven to be very efficient with regards to mutation rates, but the precise insertion of exogenous DNA or gene knock-in via the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway has seldom been achieved outside of the model organisms. Here, we succeeded in integrating with high efficiency an exogenous alligator cathelicidin gene into a targeted non-coding region of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) chromosome 1 using two different donor templates (synthesized linear dsDNA and cloned plasmid DNA constructs). We also tested two different promoters for driving the gene, zebrafish ubiquitin promoter and common carp β-actin promoter, harboring a 250-bp homologous region flanking both sides of the genomic target locus. Integration rates were found higher in dead fry than in live fingerlings, indicating either off-target effects or pleiotropic effects. Furthermore, low levels of mosaicism were detected in the tissues of P1 individuals harboring the transgene, and high transgene expression was observed in the blood of some P1 fish. This can be an indication of the localization of cathelicidin in neutrophils and macrophage granules as also observed in most antimicrobial peptides. This study marks the first use of CRISPR/Cas9 HDR for gene integration in channel catfish and may contribute to the generation of a more efficient system for precise gene integration in catfish and other aquaculture species, and the development of gene-edited, disease-resistant fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda Mae C Simora
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 5023, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines.
| | - De Xing
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Max R Bangs
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32304, USA
| | - Wenwen Wang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Baofeng Su
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Mohd G Q Khan
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Zhenkui Qin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Cuiyu Lu
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Veronica Alston
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Darshika Hettiarachchi
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Andrew Johnson
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Shangjia Li
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Michael Coogan
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jeremy Gurbatow
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jeffery S Terhune
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA
| | - Rex A Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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Kurpe SR, Grishin SY, Surin AK, Panfilov AV, Slizen MV, Chowdhury SD, Galzitskaya OV. Antimicrobial and Amyloidogenic Activity of Peptides. Can Antimicrobial Peptides Be Used against SARS-CoV-2? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9552. [PMID: 33333996 PMCID: PMC7765370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, much attention is paid to the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of natural and artificial origin to combat pathogens. AMPs have several points that determine their biological activity. We analyzed the structural properties of AMPs, as well as described their mechanism of action and impact on pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Recently published data on the development of new AMP drugs based on a combination of molecular design and genetic engineering approaches are presented. In this article, we have focused on information on the amyloidogenic properties of AMP. This review examines AMP development strategies from the perspective of the current high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the potential prospects and challenges of using AMPs against infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav R. Kurpe
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Sergei Yu. Grishin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Alexey K. Surin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
- The Branch of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Panfilov
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Mikhail V. Slizen
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Saikat D. Chowdhury
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India;
| | - Oxana V. Galzitskaya
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
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Hitt SJ, Bishop BM, van Hoek ML. Komodo-dragon cathelicidin-inspired peptides are antibacterial against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:1262-1272. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.The rise of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a growing crisis that requires development of novel therapeutics.Hypothesis.To this end, cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) represent a possible source of new potential therapeutics to treat difficult pathogens such as carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP), which has gained resistance to many if not all currently approved antibiotics, making treatment difficult.Aim.To examine the anti-CRKP antimicrobial activity of the predicted cathelicidins derived fromVaranus komodoensis(Komodo dragon) as well as synthetic antimicrobial peptides that we created.Methodology.We determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the peptides against CRKP. We also characterized the abilities of these peptides to disrupt the hyperpolarization of the bacterial membrane as well as their ability to form pores in the membrane.Results.We did not observe significant anti-CRKP activity for the predicted native Komodo cathelicidin peptides. We found that the novel peptides DRGN-6,-7 and -8 displayed significant antimicrobial activity against CRKP with MICs of 4–8 µg ml−1. DRGN-6 peptide was the most effective peptide against CRKP. Unfortunately, these peptides showed higher than desired levels of hemolysis, althoughin vivotesting in the waxwormGalleria mellonellashowed no mortality associated with treatment by the peptide; however, CRKP-infected waxworms treated with peptide did not show an improvement in survival.Conclusion.Given the challenges of treating CRKP, identification of peptides with activity against it represents a promising avenue for further research. Given DRGN-6′s similar level of activity to colistin, DRGN-6 is a promising template for the development of novel antimicrobial peptide-based therapeutics.
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25
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Hitchhiking with Nature: Snake Venom Peptides to Fight Cancer and Superbugs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040255. [PMID: 32326531 PMCID: PMC7232197 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract For decades, natural products in general and snake venoms (SV) in particular have been a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and they remain a promising substrate for therapeutic development. Currently, a handful of SV-based drugs for diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders and blood abnormalities are on the market. Likewise, far more SV compounds and their mimetics are under investigation today for diverse therapeutic applications, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cancer. In this review, we analyze the state of the art regarding SV-derived compounds with therapeutic potential, focusing on the development of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Specifically, information about SV peptides experimentally validated or predicted to act as antimicrobial and anticancer peptides (AMPs and ACPs, respectively) has been collected and analyzed. Their principal activities both in vitro and in vivo, structures, mechanisms of action, and attempts at sequence optimization are discussed in order to highlight their potential as drug leads. Key Contribution This review describes the state of the art in snake venom-derived peptides and their therapeutic applications. This work reinforces the potential of snake venom components as therapeutic agents, particularly in the quest for new antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
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Dean SN, Milton ME, Cavanagh J, van Hoek ML. Francisella novicida Two-Component System Response Regulator BfpR Modulates iglC Gene Expression, Antimicrobial Peptide Resistance, and Biofilm Production. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:82. [PMID: 32232010 PMCID: PMC7082314 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00082] [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: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Response regulators are a critical part of the two-component system of gene expression regulation in bacteria, transferring a signal from a sensor kinase into DNA binding activity resulting in alteration of gene expression. In this study, we investigated a previously uncharacterized response regulator in Francisella novicida, FTN_1452 that we have named BfpR (Biofilm-regulating Francisella protein Regulator, FTN_1452). In contrast to another Francisella response regulator, QseB/PmrA, BfpR appears to be a negative regulator of biofilm production, and also a positive regulator of antimicrobial peptide resistance in this bacterium. The protein was crystallized and X-ray crystallography studies produced a 1.8 Å structure of the BfpR N-terminal receiver domain revealing interesting insight into its potential interaction with the sensor kinase. Structural analysis of BfpR places it in the OmpR/PhoP family of bacterial response regulators along with WalR and ResD. Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses suggest that BfpR overexpression affects expression of the critical Francisella virulence factor iglC, as well as other proteins in the bacterium. We demonstrate that mutation of bfpR is associated with an antimicrobial peptide resistance phenotype, a phenotype also associated with other response regulators, for the human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 and a sheep antimicrobial peptide SMAP-29. F. novicida with mutated bfpR replicated better than WT in intracellular infection assays in human-derived macrophages suggesting that the down-regulation of iglC expression in bfpR mutant may enable this intracellular replication to occur. Response regulators have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of bacterial biofilm production. We demonstrate that F. novicida biofilm formation was highly increased in the bfpR mutant, corresponding to altered glycogen synthesis. Waxworm infection experiments suggest a role of BfpR as a negative modulator of iglC expression with de-repression by Mg2+. In this study, we find that the response regulator BfpR may be a negative regulator of biofilm formation, and a positive regulator of antimicrobial peptide resistance in F. novicida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott N Dean
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, and School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Morgan E Milton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - John Cavanagh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, and School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
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27
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Rubio-Gómez JM, Santiago CM, Udaondo Z, Garitaonaindia MT, Krell T, Ramos JL, Daddaoua A. Full Transcriptomic Response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to an Inulin-Derived Fructooligosaccharide. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:202. [PMID: 32153524 PMCID: PMC7044273 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an ubiquitous gram-negative opportunistic human pathogen which is not considered part of the human commensal gut microbiota. However, depletion of the intestinal microbiota (Dysbiosis) following antibiotic treatment facilitates the colonization of the intestinal tract by Multidrug-Resistant P. aeruginosa. One possible strategy is based on the use of functional foods with prebiotic activity. The bifidogenic effect of the prebiotic inulin and its hydrolyzed form (fructooligosaccharide: FOS) is well established since they promote the growth of specific beneficial (probiotic) gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria. Previous studies of the opportunistic nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 have shown that inulin and to a greater extent FOS reduce growth and biofilm formation, which was found to be due to a decrease in motility and exotoxin secretion. However, the transcriptional basis for these phenotypic alterations remains unclear. To address this question we conducted RNA-sequence analysis. Changes in the transcript level induced by inulin and FOS were similar, but a set of transcript levels were increased in response to inulin and reduced in the presence of FOS. In the presence of inulin or FOS, 260 and 217 transcript levels, respectively, were altered compared to the control to which no polysaccharide was added. Importantly, changes in transcript levels of 57 and 83 genes were found to be specific for either inulin or FOS, respectively, indicating that both compounds trigger different changes. Gene pathway analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEG) revealed a specific FOS-mediated reduction in transcript levels of genes that participate in several canonical pathways involved in metabolism and growth, motility, biofilm formation, β-lactamase resistance, and in the modulation of type III and VI secretion systems; results that have been partially verified by real time quantitative PCR measurements. Moreover, we have identified a genomic island formed by a cluster of 15 genes, encoding uncharacterized proteins, which were repressed in the presence of FOS. The analysis of isogenic mutants has shown that genes of this genomic island encode proteins involved in growth, biofilm formation and motility. These results indicate that FOS selectively modulates bacterial pathogenicity by interfering with different signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Rubio-Gómez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Molina Santiago
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Zulema Udaondo
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Mireia Tena Garitaonaindia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Tino Krell
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan-Luis Ramos
- Department of Environmental Protection, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Abdelali Daddaoua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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28
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Burkes RM, Ceppe AS, Couper DJ, Comellas AP, Wells JM, Peters SP, Criner GJ, Kanner RE, Paine R, Christenson SA, Cooper CB, Barjaktarevic IZ, Krishnan JA, Labaki WW, Han MK, Curtis JL, Hansel NN, Wise RA, Drummond MB. Plasma Cathelicidin is Independently Associated with Reduced Lung Function in COPD: Analysis of the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study Cohort. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES-JOURNAL OF THE COPD FOUNDATION 2020; 7:370-381. [PMID: 33108110 DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.7.4.2020.0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ratrionale The antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin, also known in humans as LL-37, is a defensin secreted by immune and airway epithelial cells. Deficiencies in this peptide may contribute to adverse pulmonary outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives Using clinical and biological samples from the SubPopulations and InteRmediate Outcome Measures In COPD Study (SPIROMICS), we assessed the associations of plasma cathelicidin levels with cross-sectional and longitudinal COPD outcomes. Methods A total of 1609 SPIROMICS participants with COPD and available plasma samples were analyzed. Cathelicidin was modeled dichotomously (lowest quartile [< 50 ng/ml] versus highest 75% [≥ 50 ng/ml]) and continuously per 10 ng/ml. Fixed-effect multilevel regression analyses were used to assess associations between cathelicidin and cross-sectional as well as longitudinal lung function. The associations between cathelicidin and participant-reported retrospective and prospective COPD exacerbations were assessed via logistic regression. Measurements and Main Results Cathelicidin < 50 ng/ml (N=383) was associated with female sex, black race, and lower body mass index (BMI).At baseline,cathelicidin < 50 ng/ml was independently associated with 3.55% lower % predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)(95% confidence interval [CI] -6.22% to -0.88% predicted; p=0.01), while every 10 ng/ml lower cathelicidin was independently associated with 0.65% lower % predicted FEV1 (95% CI -1.01% to -0.28% predicted; p< 0.001). No independent associations with longitudinal lung function decline or participant-reported COPD exacerbations were observed. Conclusions Reduced cathelicidin is associated with lower lung function at baseline. Plasma cathelicidin may potentially identify COPD patients at increased risk for more severe lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Burkes
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Agathe S Ceppe
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - David J Couper
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Alejandro P Comellas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - J Michael Wells
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham
| | - Stephen P Peters
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Immunologic Disease, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Gerard J Criner
- Division of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard E Kanner
- Division of Respiratory, Critical Care and Occupational Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Robert Paine
- Division of Respiratory, Critical Care and Occupational Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Stephanie A Christenson
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Christopher B Cooper
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Igor Z Barjaktarevic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jerry A Krishnan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago
| | - Wassim W Labaki
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - MeiLan K Han
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jeffrey L Curtis
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.,Medicine Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nadia N Hansel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert A Wise
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M Bradley Drummond
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.,Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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29
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Narayana JL, Mishra B, Lushnikova T, Golla RM, Wang G. Modulation of antimicrobial potency of human cathelicidin peptides against the ESKAPE pathogens and in vivo efficacy in a murine catheter-associated biofilm model. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1592-1602. [PMID: 31319057 PMCID: PMC6689428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are essential components of innate immune systems that protect hosts from infection. They are also useful candidates for developing a new generation of antibiotics to fight antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Human innate immune peptide LL-37 can inhibit biofilm formation, but suffers from high cost due to a long peptide length and rapid protease degradation. To improve the peptide, we previously identified the major active region and changed the peptide backbone structure. This study designed two families of new peptides by altering peptide side chains. Interestingly, these peptides displayed differential potency against various ESKAPE pathogens in vitro and substantially reduced hemolysis. Further potency test in vivo revealed that 17tF-W eliminated the burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300 in both mouse-embedded catheters and their surrounding tissues. In addition, peptide treatment suppressed the level of chemokine TNFα, and boosted the levels of chemokines MCP-1, IL-17A and IL-10 in the surrounding tissues of the infected catheter embedded in mice. In conclusion, we have designed a set of new LL-37 peptides with varying antimicrobial activities, opening the door to potential topical treatment of infections involving different drug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Tamara Lushnikova
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Radha M Golla
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA.
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30
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Functionalized Polymeric Materials with Bio-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides for "Active" Packaging. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030601. [PMID: 30704080 PMCID: PMC6387462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Food packaging is not only a simple protective barrier, but a real “active” component, which is expected to preserve food quality, safety and shelf-life. Therefore, the materials used for packaging production should show peculiar features and properties. Specifically, antimicrobial packaging has recently gained great attention with respect to both social and economic impacts. In this paper, the results obtained by using a polymer material functionalized by a small synthetic peptide as “active” packaging are reported. The surface of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), one of the most commonly used plastic materials in food packaging, was plasma-activated and covalently bio-conjugated to a bactenecin-derivative peptide named 1018K6, previously characterized in terms of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. The immobilization of the peptide occurred at a high yield and no release was observed under different environmental conditions. Moreover, preliminary data clearly demonstrated that the “active” packaging was able to significantly reduce the total bacterial count together with yeast and mold spoilage in food-dairy products. Finally, the functionalized-PET polymer showed stronger efficiency in inhibiting biofilm growth, using a Listeria monocytogenes strain isolated from food products. The use of these “active” materials would greatly decrease the risk of pathogen development and increase the shelf-life in the food industry, showing a real potential against a panel of microorganisms upon exposure to fresh and stored products, high chemical stability and re-use possibility.
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31
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Palmieri G, Balestrieri M, Capuano F, Proroga YTR, Pomilio F, Centorame P, Riccio A, Marrone R, Anastasio A. Bactericidal and antibiofilm activity of bactenecin-derivative peptides against the food-pathogen Listeria monocytogenes: New perspectives for food processing industry. Int J Food Microbiol 2018; 279:33-42. [PMID: 29727856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides have received great attention for their potential benefits to extend the shelf-life of food-products. Innate defense regulator peptide-1018 (IDR-1018) represents a promising candidate for such applications, due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, although food-isolated pathogens have been poorly investigated. Herein, we describe the design and the structural-functional characterization of a new 1018-derivative peptide named 1018-K6, in which the alanine in position 6 was replaced with a lysine. Spectroscopic analysis revealed a noticeable switch from β-sheet to helical conformations of 1018-K6 respect to IDR-1018, with a faster folding kinetic and increased structural stability. Moreover, 1018-K6 evidenced a significant antibiofilm/bactericidal efficiency specifically against Listeria monocytogenes isolates from food-products and food-processing environments, belonging to serotype 4b involved in the majority of human-listeriosis cases, with EC50 values two- five-fold lower than those measured for IDR-1018. Therefore, a single amino-acid substitution in IDR-1018 sequence produced severe changes in peptide conformation and antimicrobial performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianna Palmieri
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR)-UOS Na, National Research Council (CNR-IBBR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; Materias S.r.l., Corso N. Protopisani n. 50, 80146 Naples, Italy.
| | - Marco Balestrieri
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR)-UOS Na, National Research Council (CNR-IBBR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; Materias S.r.l., Corso N. Protopisani n. 50, 80146 Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Capuano
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, via della salute, 2, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Yolande T R Proroga
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, via della salute, 2, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Francesco Pomilio
- National reference laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Via Campo Boario 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Centorame
- National reference laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Via Campo Boario 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Riccio
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR)-UOS Na, National Research Council (CNR-IBBR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Marrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Aniello Anastasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
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Alejo-Armijo A, Glibota N, Frías MP, Altarejos J, Gálvez A, Salido S, Ortega-Morente E. Synthesis and Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties of A-Type Procyanidin Analogues against Resistant Bacteria in Food. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:2151-2158. [PMID: 29464945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural A-type procyanidins have shown very interesting biological activities, such as their proven antiadherence properties against pathogenic bacteria. In order to find the structural features responsible for their activities, we describe herein the design and synthesis of six A-type procyanidin analogues and the evaluation of their antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against 12 resistant bacteria, both Gram positive and Gram negative, isolated from organic foods. The natural A-type procyanidin A-2, which had known antiadherence activity, was also tested as a reference compound for the comparative studies. Within the series, analogue 4, which had a NO2 group on ring A, showed the highest antimicrobial activity (MIC of 10 μg/mL) and was one of the best molecules at preventing biofilm formation (up to 40% decreases at 100 μg/mL) and disrupting preformed biofilms (up to 40% reductions at 0.1 μg/mL). Structure-activity relationships are also analyzed.
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Von Borowski RG, Macedo AJ, Gnoatto SCB. Peptides as a strategy against biofilm-forming microorganisms: Structure-activity relationship perspectives. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 114:114-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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AlMatar M, Makky EA, Yakıcı G, Var I, Kayar B, Köksal F. Antimicrobial peptides as an alternative to anti-tuberculosis drugs. Pharmacol Res 2017; 128:288-305. [PMID: 29079429 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) presently accounts for high global mortality and morbidity rates, despite the introduction four decades ago of the affordable and efficient four-drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol). Thus, a strong need exists for new drugs with special structures and uncommon modes of action to effectively overcome M. tuberculosis. Within this scope, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are small, cationic and amphipathic peptides that comprise a section of the innate immune system, are currently the leading potential agents for the treatment of TB. Many studies have recently illustrated the capability of anti-mycobacterial peptides to disrupt the normal mycobacterial cell wall function through various modes, thereby interacting with the intracellular targets, as well as encompassing nucleic acids, enzymes and organelles. This review presents a wide array of antimicrobial activities, alongside the associated properties of the AMPs that could be utilized as potential agents in therapeutic tactics for TB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manaf AlMatar
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Natural and Applied Sciences (Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü) Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Essam A Makky
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Gambang, 26300 Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Gülfer Yakıcı
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Işıl Var
- Department of Food Engineering, Agricultural Faculty, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Begüm Kayar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Fatih Köksal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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Barksdale SM, Hrifko EJ, van Hoek ML. Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from Alligator mississippiensis has antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumanii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 70:135-144. [PMID: 28089718 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator), a member of order Crocodilia, lives in bacteria-laden environments but is not often known to succumb to bacterial infections. Their serum has been shown to have antibacterial activity beyond that of human serum, and it is believed that this activity is partially due to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). CAMPs are produced by many organisms as part of the innate immune system. CAMPs are attractive possible therapies against multi-drug resistant bacteria, such as those found in biofilm-infected war wounds, because they seldom cause genetic resistance in bacteria and are effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria. In this work, we identified, synthesized, and characterized a cathelicidin and two shorter fragments from the American alligator. We discovered the cathelicidin using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) alignment and by comparing A. mississippiensis expressed sequence tags (ESTs) with propeptide cathelicidins of other reptiles. We analyzed the structure using bioinformatics tools and circular dichroism and predicted that the full-length cathelicidin peptide has a mixed structure, with an N-terminal α-helix and a center Pro hinge. In minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, it was determined that the cathelicidin and the two shorter fragments have strong activity against multiple Gram-negative bacteria, including clinical isolates of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Using the ethidium bromide uptake assay, it was found that these peptides permeabilize the bacterial membrane and are less sensitive to salt inhibition than many other known CAMPs. The alligator cathelicidin peptides were not hemolytic against sheep red blood cells at 300 μg/ml and were not significantly cytotoxic against A549 human lung epithelial cells after 24 h exposure in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. These alligator cathelicidin peptides have activity similar to other CAMPs from reptiles such as NA-CATH. It is possible that the alligator cathelicidins play an important role in the innate immune response of A. mississippiensis, similar to LL-37 in humans. In addition, due to their activities against MDR bacteria and lack of cytotoxicity, the AM-CATH peptides could be an attractive platform for further development as a potential therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyn J Hrifko
- College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA.
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Komodo dragon-inspired synthetic peptide DRGN-1 promotes wound-healing of a mixed-biofilm infected wound. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2017. [PMID: 28649410 PMCID: PMC5445593 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-017-0017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides are multifunctional molecules that have a high potential as therapeutic agents. We have identified a histone H1-derived peptide from the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), called VK25. Using this peptide as inspiration, we designed a synthetic peptide called DRGN-1. We evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of both peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. DRGN-1, more than VK25, exhibited potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, and permeabilized bacterial membranes. Wound healing was significantly enhanced by DRGN-1 in both uninfected and mixed biofilm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus)-infected murine wounds. In a scratch wound closure assay used to elucidate the wound healing mechanism, the peptide promoted the migration of HEKa keratinocyte cells, which was inhibited by mitomycin C (proliferation inhibitor) and AG1478 (epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor). DRGN-1 also activated the EGFR-STAT1/3 pathway. Thus, DRGN-1 is a candidate for use as a topical wound treatment. Wound infections are a major concern; made increasingly complicated by the emerging, rapid spread of bacterial resistance. The novel synthetic peptide DRGN-1 (inspired by a peptide identified from Komodo dragon) exhibits pathogen-directed and host-directed activities in promoting the clearance and healing of polymicrobial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa & Staphylococcus aureus) biofilm infected wounds. The effectiveness of this peptide cannot be attributed solely to its ability to act upon the bacteria and disrupt the biofilm, but also reflects the peptide’s ability to promsote keratinocyte migration. When applied in a murine model, infected wounds treated with DRGN-1 healed significantly faster than did untreated wounds, or wounds treated with other peptides. The host-directed mechanism of action was determined to be via the EGFR-STAT1/3 pathway. The pathogen-directed mechanism of action was determined to be via anti-biofilm activity and antibacterial activity through membrane permeabilization. This novel peptide may have potential as a future therapeutic for treating infected wounds. A synthetic peptide based on a natural molecule found in the Komodo dragon promotes healing of biofilm-infected wounds. Peptides are small protein-like molecules. Monique van Hoek, Barney Bishop and colleagues at George Mason University in Virginia, USA, isolated a natural peptide with some antimicrobial properties from Komodo dragon plasma. They designed a modified synthetic version with rearranged amino acids, named DRGN-1 in recognition of the “Komodo dragon” peptide that inspired it. In preliminary trials, DRGN-1 enhanced the healing of biofilm-infected wounds in mice, and was more effective than the natural peptide. This may be due to both bacterial- and host-directed effects. DRGN-1 reduced biofilm and bacterial number while increasing wound closure. The authors suggest DRGN-1 could be developed into a therapeutic agent that may treat the biofilm-infected wounds that are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics.
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Boldrini-França J, Cologna CT, Pucca MB, Bordon KDCF, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Cordeiro FA, Wiezel GA, Cerni FA, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Shibao PYT, Ferreira IG, de Oliveira IS, Cardoso IA, Arantes EC. Minor snake venom proteins: Structure, function and potential applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:824-838. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Luo Y, McLean DTF, Linden GJ, McAuley DF, McMullan R, Lundy FT. The Naturally Occurring Host Defense Peptide, LL-37, and Its Truncated Mimetics KE-18 and KR-12 Have Selected Biocidal and Antibiofilm Activities Against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli In vitro. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:544. [PMID: 28408902 PMCID: PMC5374219 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Amongst the recognized classes of naturally occurring antimicrobials, human host defense peptides are an important group with an advantage (given their source) that they should be readily translatable to medicinal products. It is also plausible that truncated versions will display some of the biological activities of the parent peptide, with the benefit that they are less costly to synthesize using solid-phase chemistry. The host defense peptide, LL-37, and two truncated mimetics, KE-18 and KR-12, were tested for their inhibitory effects and antibiofilm properties against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, microorganisms commonly implicated in biofilm-related infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Using in silico prediction tools, the truncated peptides KE-18 and KR-12 were selected for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and antibiofilm testing on the basis of their favorable cationicity, hydrophobic ratio, and amphipathicity compared with the parent peptide. Two methods were analyzed for determining peptide efficacy against biofilms; a crystal violet assay and an XTT [2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] assay. The biocidal activities (measured by MIC) and antibiofilm activities (measured by a crystal violet assay) appeared to be independent. LL-37 had no biocidal action against C. albicans (MIC > 250 μg/ml) but significant effects in both biofilm-prevention and biofilm-inhibition assays. KE-18 and KR-12 yielded superior MIC values against all three microorganisms. Only KE-18 had a significant effect in the biofilm-prevention assay, which persisted even at sub-MICs. Neither of the truncated peptides were active in the biofilm-inhibition assay. KE-18 was shown to bind lipopolysaccharide as effectively as LL-37 and to bind lipoteichoic acid more effectively. None of the peptides showed hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes at the concentrations tested. KE-18 should be considered for further development as a natural peptide-derived therapeutic for prevention of multi-species biofilm-related infections such as VAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Luo
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University BelfastBelfast, UK
| | - Denise T F McLean
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University BelfastBelfast, UK
| | - Gerard J Linden
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University BelfastBelfast, UK
| | - Danny F McAuley
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University BelfastBelfast, UK
| | - Ronan McMullan
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University BelfastBelfast, UK
| | - Fionnuala T Lundy
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University BelfastBelfast, UK
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Bishop BM, Juba ML, Russo PS, Devine M, Barksdale SM, Scott S, Settlage R, Michalak P, Gupta K, Vliet K, Schnur JM, van Hoek ML. Discovery of Novel Antimicrobial Peptides from Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) by Large-Scale Analyses and De-Novo-Assisted Sequencing Using Electron-Transfer Dissociation Mass Spectrometry. J Proteome Res 2017; 16:1470-1482. [PMID: 28164707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards and are the apex predators in their environs. They endure numerous strains of pathogenic bacteria in their saliva and recover from wounds inflicted by other dragons, reflecting the inherent robustness of their innate immune defense. We have employed a custom bioprospecting approach combining partial de novo peptide sequencing with transcriptome assembly to identify cationic antimicrobial peptides from Komodo dragon plasma. Through these analyses, we identified 48 novel potential cationic antimicrobial peptides. All but one of the identified peptides were derived from histone proteins. The antimicrobial effectiveness of eight of these peptides was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), with seven peptides exhibiting antimicrobial activity against both microbes and one only showing significant potency against P. aeruginosa. This study demonstrates the power and promise of our bioprospecting approach to cationic antimicrobial peptide discovery, and it reveals the presence of a plethora of novel histone-derived antimicrobial peptides in the plasma of the Komodo dragon. These findings may have broader implications regarding the role that intact histones and histone-derived peptides play in defending the host from infection. Data are available via ProteomeXChange with identifier PXD005043.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barney M Bishop
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University , 10920 George Mason Circle, 4C7, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, United States
| | - Melanie L Juba
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University , 10920 George Mason Circle, 4C7, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, United States
| | - Paul S Russo
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University , 10920 George Mason Circle, 1A9, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Megan Devine
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University , 10920 George Mason Circle, 4C7, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, United States
| | - Stephanie M Barksdale
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University , 10920 George Mason Circle, 1H8, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Shaylyn Scott
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University , 10920 George Mason Circle, 4C7, Manassas, Virginia, 20110, United States
| | - Robert Settlage
- Advanced Research Computing, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , 620 Drillfield Drive, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Pawel Michalak
- Biocomplexity Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , 1015 Life Science Circle, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Kajal Gupta
- College of Science, George Mason University , 4400 University Drive, 5C3, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Kent Vliet
- Department of Biology, University of Florida , 876 Newell Drive, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, Florida 32511, United States
| | - Joel M Schnur
- College of Science, George Mason University , 4400 University Drive, 5C3, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University , 10920 George Mason Circle, 1H8, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
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Alejo-Armijo A, Glibota N, Frías MP, Altarejos J, Gálvez A, Ortega-Morente E, Salido S. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of procyanidins extracted from laurel wood against a selection of foodborne microorganisms. Int J Food Sci Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Alejo-Armijo
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales; Universidad de Jaén; Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) Jaén 23071 Spain
| | - Nicolás Glibota
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales; Universidad de Jaén; Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) Jaén 23071 Spain
| | - María P. Frías
- Departamento de Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales; Universidad de Jaén; Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) Jaén 23071 Spain
| | - Joaquín Altarejos
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales; Universidad de Jaén; Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) Jaén 23071 Spain
| | - Antonio Gálvez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales; Universidad de Jaén; Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) Jaén 23071 Spain
| | - Elena Ortega-Morente
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales; Universidad de Jaén; Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) Jaén 23071 Spain
| | - Sofía Salido
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales; Universidad de Jaén; Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario (ceiA3) Jaén 23071 Spain
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41
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Kaushal A, Gupta K, Shah R, van Hoek ML. Antimicrobial activity of mosquito cecropin peptides against Francisella. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 63:171-180. [PMID: 27235883 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the cause of the zoonotic disease tularemia. In Sweden and Scandinavia, epidemiological studies have implicated mosquitoes as a vector. Prior research has demonstrated the presence of Francisella DNA in infected mosquitoes but has not shown definitive transmission of tularemia from a mosquito to a mammalian host. We hypothesized that antimicrobial peptides, an important component of the innate immune system of higher organisms, may play a role in mosquito host-defense to Francisella. We established that Francisella sp. are susceptible to two cecropin antimicrobial peptides derived from the mosquito Aedes albopictus as well as Culex pipiens. We also demonstrated induced expression of Aedes albopictus antimicrobial peptide genes by Francisella infection C6/36 mosquito cell line. We demonstrate that mosquito antimicrobial peptides act against Francisella by disrupting the cellular membrane of the bacteria. Thus, it is possible that antimicrobial peptides may play a role in the inability of mosquitoes to establish an effective natural transmission of tularemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Kaushal
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Kajal Gupta
- College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Ruhee Shah
- Thomas Jefferson School of Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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42
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Barksdale SM, Hrifko EJ, Chung EMC, van Hoek ML. Peptides from American alligator plasma are antimicrobial against multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogens including Acinetobacter baumannii. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:189. [PMID: 27542832 PMCID: PMC4992317 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0799-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our group has developed a new process for isolating and identifying novel cationic antimicrobial peptides from small amounts of biological samples. Previously, we identified several active antimicrobial peptides from 100 μl of plasma from Alligator mississippiensis. These peptides were found to have in vitro antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this work, we further characterize three of the novel peptides discovered using this process: Apo5, Apo6, and A1P. RESULTS We examined the activity of these peptides against multi-drug resistant strains and clinical isolates of common human pathogens. We investigated their structural characteristics using circular dichroism and tested for membrane disruption and DNA binding. These peptides were found to have strong in vitro activity against multi-drug resistant and clinically isolated strains of S. aureus, Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Apo5 and Apo6, peptides derived from alligator apolipoprotein C-1, depolarized the bacterial membrane. A1P, a peptide from the serpin proteinase inhibitor, did not permeabilize membranes. Performing circular dichroism analysis, Apo5 and Apo6 were found to be predominantly helical in SDS and TFE buffer, while A1P has significantly different structures in phosphate buffer, SDS, and TFE. None of these peptides were found to be hemolytic to sheep red blood cells or significantly cytotoxic up to 100 μg/ml after 24 h exposure. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we suggest that Apo5 and Apo6 have a different mode of action than A1P, and that all three peptides make promising candidates for the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria, such as A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyn J Hrifko
- College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Ezra Myung-Chul Chung
- National Center of Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Cir, 10920 George Mason Circle, MSN 1H8, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.,Present Address: STCube Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 401 Professional Dr. Suite 108, Gaithersburg, MD, 20879-3429, USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA. .,National Center of Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Cir, 10920 George Mason Circle, MSN 1H8, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.
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Findlay F, Proudfoot L, Stevens C, Barlow PG. Cationic host defense peptides; novel antimicrobial therapeutics against Category A pathogens and emerging infections. Pathog Glob Health 2016; 110:137-47. [PMID: 27315342 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2016.1195036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic Host Defense Peptides (HDP, also known as antimicrobial peptides) are crucial components of the innate immune system and possess broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities. They can contribute to the rapid clearance of biological agents through direct killing of the organisms, inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as lipopolysaccharide, and by modulating the inflammatory response to infection. Category A biological agents and materials, as classified by the United States National Institutes for Health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the US Department of Homeland Security, carry the most severe threat in terms of human health, transmissibility, and preparedness. As such, there is a pressing need for novel frontline approaches for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by these organisms, and exploiting the broad antimicrobial activity exhibited by cationic host defense peptides represents an exciting priority area for clinical research. This review will summarize what is known about the antimicrobial and antiviral effects of the two main families of cationic host defense peptides, cathelicidins, and defensins in the context of Category A biological agents which include, but are not limited to; anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), plague (Yersinia pestis), smallpox (Variola major), tularemia (Francisella tularensis). In addition, we highlight priority areas, particularly emerging viral infections, where more extensive research is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fern Findlay
- a School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University , Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN , UK
| | - Lorna Proudfoot
- a School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University , Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN , UK
| | - Craig Stevens
- a School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University , Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN , UK
| | - Peter G Barlow
- a School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University , Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN , UK
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44
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Propst CN, Pylypko SL, Blower RJ, Ahmad S, Mansoor M, van Hoek ML. Francisella philomiragia Infection and Lethality in Mammalian Tissue Culture Cell Models, Galleria mellonella, and BALB/c Mice. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:696. [PMID: 27252681 PMCID: PMC4877389 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella (F.) philomiragia is a Gram-negative bacterium with a preference for brackish environments that has been implicated in causing bacterial infections in near-drowning victims. The purpose of this study was to characterize the ability of F. philomiragia to infect cultured mammalian cells, a commonly used invertebrate model, and, finally, to characterize the ability of F. philomiragia to infect BALB/c mice via the pulmonary (intranasal) route of infection. This study shows that F. philomiragia infects J774A.1 murine macrophage cells, HepG2 cells and A549 human Type II alveolar epithelial cells. However, replication rates vary depending on strain at 24 h. F. philomiragia infection after 24 h was found to be cytotoxic in human U937 macrophage-like cells and J774A.1 cells. This is in contrast to the findings that F. philomiragia was non-cytotoxic to human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HepG2 cells and A549 cells. Differential cytotoxicity is a point for further study. Here, it was demonstrated that F. philomiragia grown in host-adapted conditions (BHI, pH 6.8) is sensitive to levofloxacin but shows increased resistance to the human cathelicidin LL-37 and murine cathelicidin mCRAMP when compared to related the Francisella species, F. tularensis subsp. novicida and F. tularensis subsp. LVS. Previous findings that LL-37 is strongly upregulated in A549 cells following F. tularensis subsp. novicida infection suggest that the level of antimicrobial peptide expression is not sufficient in cells to eradicate the intracellular bacteria. Finally, this study demonstrates that F. philomiragia is lethal in two in vivo models; Galleria mellonella via hemocoel injection, with a LD50 of 1.8 × 103, and BALB/c mice by intranasal infection, with a LD50 of 3.45 × 103. In conclusion, F. philomiragia may be a useful model organism to study the genus Francisella, particularly for those researchers with interest in studying microbial ecology or environmental strains of Francisella. Additionally, the Biosafety level 2 status of F. philomiragia makes it an attractive model for virulence and pathogenesis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal N Propst
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA USA
| | | | - Ryan J Blower
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA USA
| | - Saira Ahmad
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA USA
| | | | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VAUSA; National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VAUSA
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Samuel R, Gillmor S. Membrane phase characteristics control NA-CATH activity. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:1974-1982. [PMID: 27216315 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Our studies presented in this report focus on the behavior of NA-CATH, an α-helical cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, originally discovered in the Naja atra snake. It has demonstrated high potency against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with minimal hemolysis. Here we examine the kinetics, behaviors and potential mechanisms of the peptide in the presence of membrane liposome, modeling Escherichia coli, whose membrane exhibits distinct lipid phases. To understand NA-CATH interactions, the role of lipid phases is critical. We test three different lipid compositions to detangle the effect of phase on NA-CATH's activity using a series of leakage experiments. From these studies, we observe that NA-CATH changes from membrane disruption to pore-based lysing, depending on phases and lipid composition. This behavior also plays a major role in its kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Samuel
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - Susan Gillmor
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States.
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Rios AC, Moutinho CG, Pinto FC, Del Fiol FS, Jozala A, Chaud MV, Vila MMDC, Teixeira JA, Balcão VM. Alternatives to overcoming bacterial resistances: State-of-the-art. Microbiol Res 2016; 191:51-80. [PMID: 27524653 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, bacterial resistance to chemical antibiotics has reached such a high level that endangers public health. Presently, the adoption of alternative strategies that promote the elimination of resistant microbial strains from the environment is of utmost importance. This review discusses and analyses several (potential) alternative strategies to current chemical antibiotics. Bacteriophage (or phage) therapy, although not new, makes use of strictly lytic phage particles as an alternative, or a complement, in the antimicrobial treatment of bacterial infections. It is being rediscovered as a safe method, because these biological entities devoid of any metabolic machinery do not possess any affinity whatsoever to eukaryotic cells. Lysin therapy is also recognized as an innovative antimicrobial therapeutic option, since the topical administration of preparations containing purified recombinant lysins with amounts in the order of nanograms, in infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, demonstrated a high therapeutic potential by causing immediate lysis of the target bacterial cells. Additionally, this therapy exhibits the potential to act synergistically when combined with certain chemical antibiotics already available on the market. Another potential alternative antimicrobial therapy is based on the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), amphiphilic polypeptides that cause disruption of the bacterial membrane and can be used in the treatment of bacterial, fungal and viral infections, in the prevention of biofilm formation, and as antitumoral agents. Interestingly, bacteriocins are a common strategy of bacterial defense against other bacterial agents, eliminating the potential opponents of the former and increasing the number of available nutrients in the environment for their own growth. They can be applied in the food industry as biopreservatives and as probiotics, and also in fighting multi-resistant bacterial strains. The use of antibacterial antibodies promises to be extremely safe and effective. Additionally, vaccination emerges as one of the most promising preventive strategies. All these will be tackled in detail in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra C Rios
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Carla G Moutinho
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Fernando S Del Fiol
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Angela Jozala
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Marco V Chaud
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - Marta M D C Vila
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil
| | - José A Teixeira
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Victor M Balcão
- LaBNUS-Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Laboratory, i(bs)2i(bs)(2)-intelligent biosensing and biomolecule stabilization research group, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba/SP, Brazil; CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
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Dean SN, van Hoek ML. Screen of FDA-approved drug library identifies maprotiline, an antibiofilm and antivirulence compound with QseC sensor-kinase dependent activity in Francisella novicida. Virulence 2016; 6:487-503. [PMID: 26155740 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1046029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of new therapeutics against Select Agents such as Francisella is critical preparation in the event of bioterrorism. Testing FDA-approved drugs for this purpose may yield new activities unrelated to their intended purpose and may hasten the discovery of new therapeutics. A library of 420 FDA-approved drugs was screened for antibiofilm activity against a model organism for human tularemia, Francisella (F.) novicida, excluding drugs that significantly inhibited growth. The initial screen was based on the 2-component system (TCS) dependent biofilm effect, thus, the QseC dependence of maprotiline anti-biofilm action was demonstrated. By comparing their FDA-approved uses, chemical structures, and other properties of active drugs, toremifene and polycyclic antidepressants maprotiline and chlorpromazine were identified as being highly active against F. novicida biofilm formation. Further down-selection excluded toremifene for its membrane active activity and chlorpromazine for its high antimicrobial activity. The mode of action of maprotiline against F. novicida was sought. It was demonstrated that maprotiline was able to significantly down-regulate the expression of the virulence factor IglC, encoded on the Francisella Pathogenicity Island (FPI), suggesting that maprotiline is exerting an effect on bacterial virulence. Further studies showed that maprotiline significantly rescued F. novicida infected wax worm larvae. In vivo studies demonstrated that maprotiline treatment could prolong time to disease onset and survival in F. novicida infected mice. These results suggest that an FDA-approved drug such as maprotiline has the potential to combat Francisella infection as an antivirulence agent, and may have utility in combination with antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott N Dean
- a National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases ; Manassas , VA , USA
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Juba M, Porter D, Dean S, Gillmor S, Bishop B. Characterization and performance of short cationic antimicrobial peptide isomers. Biopolymers 2016; 100:387-401. [PMID: 23532931 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) represent an ancient defense mechanism against invading bacteria, with peptides such as the cathelicidins being essential elements of vertebrate innate immunity. CAMPs are typically associated with broad-spectrum antimicrobial potency and limited bacterial resistance. The cathelicidin identified from the elapid snake Naja atra (NA-CATH) contains a semi-conserved repeated 11-residue motif (ATRA motif) with a sequence pattern consistent with formation of an amphipathic helical conformation. Short peptide amides (ATRA-1, -1A, -1P, and -2) generated based on the pair of ATRA motifs in NA-CATH exhibited varied antimicrobial potencies. The small size of the ATRA peptides, coupled with their varied antimicrobial performances, make them interesting models to study the impact various physico-chemical properties have on antimicrobial performance in helical CAMPs. Accordingly, the D- and L-enantiomers of the peptide ATRA-1A, which in earlier studies had shown both good antimicrobial performance and strong helical character, were investigated in order to assess the impact peptide stereochemistry has on antimicrobial performance and interaction with chiral membranes. The ATRA-1A isomers exhibit varied potencies against four bacterial strains, and their conformational properties in the presence of mixed zwitterionic/anionic liposomes are influenced by anionic lipid content. These studies reveal subtle differences in the properties of the peptide isomers. Differences are also seen in the abilities of the ATRA-1A isomers to induce liposome fusion/aggregation, bilayer rearrangement and lysing through turbidity studies and fluorescence microscopy. The similarities and differences in the properties of the ATRA-1A isomers could aid in efforts to develop D-peptide-based therapeutics using high-performing L-peptides as templates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Juba
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
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de la Fuente-Núñez C, Mansour SC, Wang Z, Jiang L, Breidenstein EB, Elliott M, Reffuveille F, Speert DP, Reckseidler-Zenteno SL, Shen Y, Haapasalo M, Hancock RE. Anti-Biofilm and Immunomodulatory Activities of Peptides That Inhibit Biofilms Formed by Pathogens Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Patients. Antibiotics (Basel) 2016. [PMID: 26221537 PMCID: PMC4515429 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics3040509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients often acquire chronic respiratory tract infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) species. In the CF lung, these bacteria grow as multicellular aggregates termed biofilms. Biofilms demonstrate increased (adaptive) resistance to conventional antibiotics, and there are currently no available biofilm-specific therapies. Using plastic adherent, hydroxyapatite and flow cell biofilm models coupled with confocal and scanning electron microscopy, it was demonstrated that an anti-biofilm peptide 1018 prevented biofilm formation, eradicated mature biofilms and killed biofilms formed by a wide range of P. aeruginosa and B. cenocepacia clinical isolates. New peptide derivatives were designed that, compared to their parent peptide 1018, showed similar or decreased anti-biofilm activity against P. aeruginosa biofilms, but increased activity against biofilms formed by the Gram-positive bacterium methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, some of these new peptide derivatives retained the immunomodulatory activity of 1018 since they induced the production of the chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and suppressed lipopolysaccharide-mediated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and were non-toxic towards these cells. Peptide 1018 and its derivatives provide promising leads for the treatment of chronic biofilm infections and hyperinflammatory lung disease in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- César de la Fuente-Núñez
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mails: (C.D.L.F.-N.); (S.C.M.); (L.J.); (E.B.M.B.); (M.E.); (F.R.)
| | - Sarah C. Mansour
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mails: (C.D.L.F.-N.); (S.C.M.); (L.J.); (E.B.M.B.); (M.E.); (F.R.)
| | - Zhejun Wang
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; E-Mails: (Z.W.); (Y.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Lucy Jiang
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mails: (C.D.L.F.-N.); (S.C.M.); (L.J.); (E.B.M.B.); (M.E.); (F.R.)
| | - Elena B.M. Breidenstein
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mails: (C.D.L.F.-N.); (S.C.M.); (L.J.); (E.B.M.B.); (M.E.); (F.R.)
| | - Melissa Elliott
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mails: (C.D.L.F.-N.); (S.C.M.); (L.J.); (E.B.M.B.); (M.E.); (F.R.)
| | - Fany Reffuveille
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mails: (C.D.L.F.-N.); (S.C.M.); (L.J.); (E.B.M.B.); (M.E.); (F.R.)
| | - David P. Speert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4, Canada; E-Mail:
| | | | - Ya Shen
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; E-Mails: (Z.W.); (Y.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Markus Haapasalo
- Division of Endodontics, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; E-Mails: (Z.W.); (Y.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Robert E.W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; E-Mails: (C.D.L.F.-N.); (S.C.M.); (L.J.); (E.B.M.B.); (M.E.); (F.R.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel: +1-604-822-2682; Fax: +1-604-827-5566
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The human cathelicidin LL-37 — A pore-forming antibacterial peptide and host-cell modulator. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:546-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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