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Basotra SD, Kumari Y, Vij M, Tyagi A, Sharma D, Bhattacharyya MS. ASLdC3: A Derivative of Acidic Sophorolipid Disrupts Mitochondrial Function, Induces ROS Generation, and Inhibits Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 39093050 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections account for more than 140 million cases of severe and life-threatening conditions each year, causing approximately 1.7 million deaths annually. Candida albicans and related species are the most common human fungal pathogens, causing both superficial (mucosal and cutaneous) and life-threatening invasive infections (candidemia) with a 40-75% mortality rate. Among many virulence factors of Candida albicans, morphological transition from yeast to hyphae, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, and formation of biofilms are considered to be crucial for pathogenicity. However, the arsenals for the treatment against these pathogens are restricted to only a few classes of approved drugs, the efficacy of which is being compromised by host toxicity, fungistatic activity, and the emergence of drug resistance. In this study, we have described the development of a molecule, exhibiting excellent antifungal activity (MIC 8 μg/mL), by tailoring acidic sophorolipids with aryl alcohols via enzyme catalysis. This novel derivative, ASLdC3, is a surface-active compound that lowers the surface tension of the air-water interface up to 2-fold before reaching the critical micelle concentration of 25 μg/mL. ASLdC3 exhibits excellent antibiofilm properties against Candida albicans and other nonalbicans Candida species. The molecule primarily exhibits its antifungal activity by perturbing mitochondrial function through the alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS damages fungal cell membrane function and cell wall integrity, eventually leading to cell death. ASLdC3 was found to be nontoxic in in vitro assay and nonhemolytic. Besides, it does not cause toxicity in the C. elegans model. Our study provides a valuable foundation for the potential of acidic sophorolipid as a nontoxic, biodegradable precursor for the design and synthesis of novel molecules for use as antimicrobial drugs as well as for other clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandal Deep Basotra
- Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre (BERPDC), CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Sector-39A, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Yachna Kumari
- Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre (BERPDC), CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Sector-39A, Chandigarh 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Mansi Vij
- Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre (BERPDC), CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Sector-39A, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Arpit Tyagi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- GN Ramachandran Protein Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Sector-39A, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Deepak Sharma
- GN Ramachandran Protein Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Sector-39A, Chandigarh 160036, India
| | - Mani Shankar Bhattacharyya
- Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre (BERPDC), CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Sector-39A, Chandigarh 160036, India
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do Nascimento Dias J, Hurtado Erazo FA, Bessa LJ, Eaton P, Leite JRDSDA, Paes HC, Nicola AM, Silva-Pereira I, Albuquerque P. Synergic Effect of the Antimicrobial Peptide ToAP2 and Fluconazole on Candida albicans Biofilms. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7769. [PMID: 39063009 PMCID: PMC11276877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is one of the agents of invasive candidiasis, a life-threatening disease strongly associated with hospitalization, particularly among patients in intensive care units with central venous catheters. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic activity of the antifungal peptide ToAP2 combined with fluconazole against C. albicans biofilms grown on various materials. We tested combinations of different concentrations of the peptide ToAP2 with fluconazole on C. albicans biofilms. These biofilms were generated on 96-well plates, intravenous catheters, and infusion tubes in RPMI medium at two maturation stages. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were employed to assess the biofilm structure. We also evaluated the expression of genes previously proven to be involved in C. albicans biofilm formation in planktonic and biofilm cells after treatment with the peptide ToAP2 using qPCR. ToAP2 demonstrated a synergistic effect with fluconazole at concentrations up to 25 µM during both the early and mature stages of biofilm formation in 96-well plates and on medical devices. Combinations of 50, 25, and 12.5 µM of ToAP2 with 52 µM of fluconazole significantly reduced the biofilm viability compared to individual treatments and untreated controls. These results were supported by substantial structural changes in the biofilms observed through both scanning and atomic force microscopy. The gene expression analysis of C. albicans cells treated with 25 µM of ToAP2 revealed a decrease in the expression of genes associated with membrane synthesis, along with an increase in the expression of genes involved in efflux pumps, adhesins, and filamentation. Our results highlight the efficacy of the combined ToAP2 and fluconazole treatment against C. albicans biofilms. This combination not only shows therapeutic potential but also suggests its utility in developing preventive biofilm tools for intravenous catheters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhones do Nascimento Dias
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Fungi, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (J.d.N.D.); (F.A.H.E.)
| | - Fabián Andrés Hurtado Erazo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Fungi, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (J.d.N.D.); (F.A.H.E.)
| | - Lucinda J. Bessa
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (L.J.B.); (P.E.)
| | - Peter Eaton
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (L.J.B.); (P.E.)
- The Bridge, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | | | - Hugo Costa Paes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (H.C.P.); (A.M.N.)
| | - André Moraes Nicola
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (H.C.P.); (A.M.N.)
| | - Ildinete Silva-Pereira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Fungi, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (J.d.N.D.); (F.A.H.E.)
| | - Patrícia Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Fungi, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil; (J.d.N.D.); (F.A.H.E.)
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Mulukutla A, Shreshtha R, Kumar Deb V, Chatterjee P, Jain U, Chauhan N. Recent advances in antimicrobial peptide-based therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107151. [PMID: 38359706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a group of polypeptide chains that have the property to target and kill a myriad of microbial organisms including viruses, bacteria, protists, etc. The first discovered AMP was named gramicidin, an extract of aerobic soil bacteria. Further studies discovered that these peptides are present not only in prokaryotes but in eukaryotes as well. They play a vital role in human innate immunity and wound repair. Consequently, they have maintained a high level of intrigue among scientists in the field of immunology, especially so with the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens decreasing the reliability of antibiotics in healthcare. While AMPs have promising potential to substitute for common antibiotics, their use as effective replacements is barred by certain limitations. First, they have the potential to be cytotoxic to human cells. Second, they are unstable in the blood due to action by various proteolytic agents and ions that cause their degradation. This review provides an overview of the mechanism of AMPs, their limitations, and developments in recent years that provide techniques to overcome those limitations. We also discuss the advantages and drawbacks of AMPs as a replacement for antibiotics as compared to other alternatives such as synthetically modified bacteriophages, traditional medicine, and probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Mulukutla
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Romi Shreshtha
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vishal Kumar Deb
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pallabi Chatterjee
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Utkarsh Jain
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nidhi Chauhan
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
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Gong W, Sun Y, Tu T, Huang J, Zhu C, Zhang J, Salah M, Zhao L, Xia X, Wang Y. Chitosan inhibits Penicillium expansum possibly by binding to DNA and triggering apoptosis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129113. [PMID: 38181919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129113] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that is abundant, biocompatible and exhibits effective antifungal activity against various pathogenic fungi. However, the potential intracellular targets of chitosan in pathogenic fungi and the way of activity of chitosan are far from well known. The present work demonstrated that chitosan could inhibit Penicillium expansum, the principal causal agent of postharvest blue mold decay on apple fruits, by binding to DNA and triggering apoptosis. UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and electrophoretic mobility assay proved the interaction between chitosan and DNA, while atomic force microscope (AFM) observation revealed the binding morphology of chitosan to DNA. Chitosan could inhibit in vitro DNA replication, and cell cycle analysis employing flow cytometry demonstrated that cell cycle was retarded by chitosan treatment. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay and membrane potential analysis showed that apoptosis was induced in P. expansum cells after exposure to chitosan. In conclusion, our results confirmed that chitosan interacts with DNA and induces apoptosis. These findings are expected to provide a feasible theoretical basis and practical direction for the promoting and implementing of chitosan in plant protection and further illuminate the possible antifungal mechanisms of chitosan against fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Gong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yemei Sun
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Tingting Tu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Juanying Huang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Chenyang Zhu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Mahmoud Salah
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Department of Environmental Agricultural Science, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Environmental Research, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Luning Zhao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Xia
- Center of Analysis, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yun Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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5
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Bienvenu AL, Ballut L, Picot S. Specifically Targeting Metacaspases of Candida: A New Therapeutic Opportunity. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:90. [PMID: 38392762 PMCID: PMC10889698 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020090] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a list of fungal priority pathogens, including Candida albicans and C. auris. The increased level of resistance of Candida is raising concern, considering the availability of only four classes of medicine. The WHO is seeking novel agent classes with different targets and mechanisms of action. Targeting Candida metacaspases to control intrinsic cell death could provide new therapeutic opportunities for invasive candidiasis. In this review, we provide the available evidence for Candida cell death, describe Candida metacaspases, and discuss the potential of Candida metacaspases to offer a new specific target. Targeting Candida cell death has good scientific rationale given that the fungicidal activity of many marketed antifungals is mediated, among others, by cell death triggering. But none of the available antifungals are specifically activating Candida metacaspases, making this target a new therapeutic opportunity for non-susceptible isolates. It is expected that antifungals based on the activation of fungi metacaspases will have a broad spectrum of action, as metacaspases have been described in many fungi, including filamentous fungi. Considering this original mechanism of action, it could be of great interest to combine these new antifungal candidates with existing antifungals. This approach would help to avoid the development of antifungal resistance, which is especially increasing in Candida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lise Bienvenu
- Service Pharmacie, Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
- Malaria Research Unit, University Lyon, UMR 5246 CNRS-INSA-CPE-University Lyon1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Lionel Ballut
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, UMR 5086, CNRS-Université de Lyon, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - Stephane Picot
- Malaria Research Unit, University Lyon, UMR 5246 CNRS-INSA-CPE-University Lyon1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Institute of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
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Hsiao WW, Lau KM, Chien SC, Chu FH, Chung WH, Wang SY. Antifungal Activity of Cedrol from Cunninghamia lanceolate var. konishii against Phellinus noxius and Its Mechanism. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:321. [PMID: 38276778 PMCID: PMC10821468 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Phellinus noxius is a highly destructive fungus that causes brown root disease in trees, leading to decay and death. In Taiwan, five prized woods-Taiwania cryptomerioides, Calocedrus macrolepis var. formosana, Cunninghamia lanceolata var. konishii, Chamaecyparis formosensis, and Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana-are known for their fragrance and durability. This study aims to explore the anti-brown-root-rot-fungus activity of Cunninghamia lanceolata var. konishii (CL) essential oil (CLOL) and its primary components, while also delving into their mechanisms of action and inhibition pathways. The essential oil (CLOL) from CL wood demonstrated significant efficacy against P. noxius, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 37.5 µg/mL. Cedrol, the major component (78.48%) in CLOL, emerged as a potent antifungal agent, surpassing the reference drug triflumizole. Further assays with cedrol revealed a stronger anti-brown-root-disease activity (IC50 = 15.7 µg/mL) than triflumizole (IC50 = 32.1 µg/mL). Scanning electron microscopy showed deformation and rupture of fungal hyphae treated with CLOL and cedrol, indicating damage to the fungal cell membrane. Cedrol-induced oxidative stress in P. noxius was evidenced by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, leading to DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, and fungal apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Gel electrophoresis confirmed cedrol-induced DNA fragmentation, whereas TUNEL staining demonstrated increased apoptosis with rising cedrol concentrations. Moreover, protein expression analysis revealed cedrol-triggered release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9, and subsequent caspase-3 activation, initiating a caspase cascade reaction. This groundbreaking study establishes cedrol as the first compound to induce apoptosis in P. noxius while inhibiting its growth through oxidative stress, an increase in mitochondrial membrane permeability, and activation of the mitochondrial pathway. The findings offer compelling evidence for cedrol's potential as an effective antifungal agent against the destructive brown root disease caused by P. noxius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wei Hsiao
- Experimental Forest, College of Bio-Resources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Ka-Man Lau
- Department of Forestry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40202, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Chang Chien
- Experimental Forest Management Office, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40202, Taiwan;
| | - Fang-Hua Chu
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106217, Taiwan;
| | - Wen-Hsin Chung
- Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40202, Taiwan;
| | - Sheng-Yang Wang
- Department of Forestry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40202, Taiwan;
- Special Crop and Metabolome Discipline Cluster, Academy Circle Economy, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40202, Taiwan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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Ramesh S, Roy U, Roy S. The elucidation of the multimodal action of the investigational anti- Candida lipopeptide (AF 4) lead from Bacillus subtilis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1248444. [PMID: 38131013 PMCID: PMC10736182 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1248444] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Candida species are the main etiological agents for candidiasis, and Candida albicans are the most common infectious species. Candida species' growing resistance to conventional therapies necessitates more research into novel antifungal agents. Antifungal peptides isolated from microorganisms have potential applications as novel therapeutics. AF4 a Bacillus-derived lipopeptide demonstrating broad-spectrum antifungal activity has been investigated for its ability to cause cell death in Candida species via membrane damage and oxidative stress. Methods: Using biophysical techniques, the secondary structure of the AF4 lipopeptide was identified. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy with fluorescent dyes were performed to visualise the effect of the lipopeptide. The membrane disruption and permeabilization were assessed using the 1,6-diphenyl hexatriene (DPH) fluorescence assay and flow cytometric (FC) assessment of propidium iodide (PI) uptake, respectively. The reactive oxygen species levels were estimated using the FC assessment. The induction of apoptosis and DNA damage were studied using Annexin V-FITC/PI and DAPI. Results: Bacillus-derived antifungal variant AF4 was found to have structural features typical of lipopeptides. Microscopy imaging revealed that AF4 damages the surface of treated cells and results in membrane permeabilization, facilitating the uptake of the fluorescent dyes. A loss of membrane integrity was observed in cells treated with AF4 due to a decrease in DPH fluorescence and a dose-dependent increase in PI uptake. Cell damage was also determined from the log reduction of viable cells treated with AF4. AF4 treatment also caused elevated ROS levels, induced phosphatidylserine externalisation, late-stage apoptosis, and alterations to nuclear morphology revealed by DAPI fluorescence. Conclusion: Collectively, the mode of action studies revealed that AF4 acts primarily on the cell membrane of C. albicans and has the potential to act as an antifungal drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Ramesh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
| | - Utpal Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
| | - Subhashis Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
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Yu L, Yang M, Jiang D, Jin H, Jin Z, Chu X, Zhao M, Wu S, Zhang F, Hu X. Antibacterial peptides from Monochamus alternatus induced oxidative stress and reproductive defects in pine wood nematode through the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105511. [PMID: 37532327 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Pine wilt disease is a devastating disease of pine caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Long-term use of chemical nematicides leads to the development of resistance in nematodes and harms the environment. Evaluations for green environmental protection agents, identified the antibacterial peptide, MaltDef1, from Monochamus alternatus which had nematicidal effect. We studied its nematicidal activity and action against PWN. In this study, the antibacterial peptide S-defensin was synthesized from M. alternatus. The results showed that S-defensin caused mortality to the PWN, causing shrinkage, pore, cell membrane dissolution and muscle atrophy. In addition, PWN reproduction was also affected by S-defensin; it decreased in a concentration dependent manner with increasing treatment concentration. By contrast, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo increased in a concentration-dependent manner. We applied transcriptome to analyze the changes in gene expressions in S-defensin treated PWN, and found that the most significantly enriched pathway was the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. RNAi was used to validate the functions of four differential genes (Let-23, Let-60, Mek-2 and Lin-1) in this pathway. The results showed that knockdown of these genes significantly decreased the survival rate and reproductive yield of, and also increased ROS in PWN. The antibacterial peptide S-defensin had a significant inhibitory effect on the survival and reproduction of PWN, shown by cell membrane damage and intracellular biological oxidative stress via regulating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. This indicates that S-defensin has a target in B. xylophilus, against which new green target pesticides can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Meijiao Yang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Di Jiang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Haole Jin
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zehong Jin
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xu Chu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Mingzhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feiping Zhang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Xia Hu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Zhou Y, Meng X, Chen F, Xiong M, Zhang W, Wang KJ. Newly Discovered Antimicrobial Peptide Scyampcin 44-63 from Scylla paramamosain Exhibits a Multitargeted Candidacidal Mechanism In Vitro and Is Effective in a Murine Model of Vaginal Candidiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0002223. [PMID: 37162345 PMCID: PMC10269043 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00022-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of azole-resistant and biofilm-forming Candida spp. contributes to the constantly increasing incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is imperative to explore new antifungal drugs or potential substituents, such as antimicrobial peptides, to alleviate the serious crisis caused by resistant fungi. In this study, a novel antimicrobial peptide named Scyampcin44-63 was identified in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Scyampcin44-63 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, was particularly effective against planktonic and biofilm cells of Candida albicans, and exhibited no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells (HaCaT and RAW264.7) or mouse erythrocytes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed four potential candidacidal modes of Scyampcin44-63, including promotion of apoptosis and autophagy and inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and the cell cycle. Further study showed that Scyampcin44-63 caused damage to the plasma membrane and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M in C. albicans. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that Scyampcin44-63-treated C. albicans cells were deformed with vacuolar expansion and destruction of organelles. In addition, C. albicans cells pretreated with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine significantly delayed the candidacidal effect of Scyampcin44-63, suggesting that Scyampcin44-63 might contribute to autophagic cell death. In a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis, the fungal burden of vaginal lavage was significantly decreased after treatment with Scyampcin44-63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ming Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Weibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ke-Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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10
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Darwish RM, Salama AH. A pilot study on ultrashort peptide with fluconazole: A promising novel anticandidal combination. Vet World 2023; 16:1284-1288. [PMID: 37577210 PMCID: PMC10421555 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1284-1288] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Human infections caused by Candida albicans are common and range in severity from relatively treatable skin and mucosal conditions to systemic, fatal invasive candidiasis. The treatment of fungal infections is challenged by major obstacles, including the scarcity of effective therapeutic options, the toxicity of available medications, and the escalating antifungal resistance. Hence, there exists an urgent need to develop new classes of antimicrobial agents. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of KW-23 peptide against standard and resistant strains of C. albicans alone and in combination with fluconazole. Materials and Methods A conjugated ultrashort antimicrobial peptide (KW-23) was designed and synthesized. KW-23 was challenged against standard and multidrug-resistant C. albicans alone and in combination with fluconazole using standard antimicrobial and checkerboard assays. The toxicity of the peptide was examined using hemolytic assays. Results KW-23 positively affected the standard and resistant Candidal strains (at 5 and 15 μg/mL respectively), exhibiting potent synergistic antimicrobial activity against the standard strain when combined with fluconazole. The effect of the combination was additive against the resistant strain (0.6 μg/mL). Furthermore, the peptide exhibited negligible toxicity on human erythrocytes. Conclusion KW-23 and its combination with fluconazole could be a promising candidate for developing anticandidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rula M. Darwish
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, the University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Ali H. Salama
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
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11
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Pourhajibagher M, Parker S, Pourakbari B, Valian NK, Raoofian R, Bahador A. Enhancement of hypericin nanoparticle-mediated sonoinduced disruption of biofilm and persister cells of Streptococcus mutans by dermcidin-derived peptide DCD-1L. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2023; 41:103308. [PMID: 36709017 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus mutans is considered a major significant contributor to dental caries and its effective removal is difficult due to the formation of biofilm. Therefore, the development of adjuvant therapeutic strategies with anti-biofilm properties is a promising approach. In the present study, we examined the effect of dermcidin-derived peptide DCD-1 L on the antibacterial activity of hypericin nanoparticle (HypNP)-mediated antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy (aSDT) against persister cells growing- and biofilm cultures of S. mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Following synthesis and confirmation of HypNP, the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of HypNP and DCD-1 L was determined by checkerboard assay. Cellular uptake of HypNP-DCD-1 L and generation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed and followed by the determination of antimicrobial sonoactivity of HypNP-DCD-1 L against persister cells growing- and biofilm cultures of S. mutans. The water-insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and expression of the gtfD, comDE, and smuT genes were then evaluated in persister cells growing- and biofilm cultures of S. mutans. RESULTS There was a synergistic activity in the combination of HypNP and DCD-1 L against S. mutans with an FIC index value of 0.37. The HypNP-DCD-1L-mediated aSDT also displayed the highest cellular uptake and endogenous ROS generation by bacterial cells. When biofilm and persister cells of S. mutans were treated with HypNP-DCD-1 L and subsequently exposed to ultrasound waves, 5.1 log and 3.8 log reductions, respectively, in bacterial numbers were observed (P<0.05). According to the data, EPS in both persister cells growing- and biofilm cultures of S. mutans were significantly decreased after exposure to the HypNP-DCD-1L-mediated aSDT (P<0.05). In addition, the quantitative real-time PCR data illustrated the high level of similarities in very low-expression profiles of the gtfD before and after all treated groups for persister cells. While, following HypNP-DCD-1L-mediated aSDT treatment, the expression levels of gtfD, comDE, and smuT were significantly lower in treated persister cells growing- and biofilm cultures of S. mutans in comparison with control groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Combined, the results of this study indicate that ultrasound waves-activated HypNP-DCD-1 L can sonoinactivate S. mutans biofilms and persister cells, as well as reduce effectively pathogenicity potency of S. mutans. Hence, HypNP-DCD-1L-mediated aSDT may be proposed as a promising adjunctive therapeutic approach for dental caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Pourhajibagher
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Steven Parker
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, United Kingdom.
| | - Babak Pourakbari
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nasrin Keshavarz Valian
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Raoofian
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Bahador
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Fellowship in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, BioHealth Lab, Tehran, Iran.
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Liu E, Chen Y, Xu J, Gu S, An N, Xin J, Wang W, Liu Z, An Q, Yi J, Yin W. Platelets Inhibit Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Inducing Hydroxyl Radical-Mediated Apoptosis-Like Cell Death. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0244121. [PMID: 35852345 PMCID: PMC9431477 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02441-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common drug-resistant bacteria and poses a significant threat to human health. Due to the emergence of multidrug resistance, limited drugs are available for the treatment of MRSA infections. In recent years, platelets have been reported to play important roles in inflammation and immune responses, in addition to their functions in blood hemostasis and clotting. We and other researchers have previously reported that platelets can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth. However, it remained unclear whether platelets have the same antibacterial effect on drug-resistant strains. In this study, we hypothesized that platelets may also inhibit the growth of MRSA; the results confirmed that platelets significantly inhibited the growth of MRSA in vitro. In a murine model of MRSA infection, we found that a platelet transfusion alleviated the symptoms of MRSA infection; in contrast, depletion of platelets aggravated infective symptoms. Moreover, we observed an overproduction of hydroxyl radicals in MRSA following platelet treatment, which induced apoptosis-like death of MRSA. Our findings demonstrate that platelets can inhibit MRSA growth by promoting the overproduction of hydroxyl radicals and inducing apoptosis-like death. IMPORTANCE The widespread use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, particularly multidrug-resistant bacteria. MRSA is the most common drug-resistant bacterium that causes suppurative infections in humans. As only a limited number of drugs are available to treat the infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens, it is imperative to develop novel and effective biological agents for treating MRSA infections. This is the first study to show that platelets can inhibit MRSA growth in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that platelets enhanced the production of hydroxyl radicals in MRSA, which induced a series of apoptosis hallmarks in MRSA, including DNA fragmentation, chromosome condensation, phosphatidylserine exposure, membrane potential depolarization, and increased intracellular caspase activity. These findings may further our understanding of platelet function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erxiong Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Yutong Chen
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Jinmei Xu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Shunli Gu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Ning An
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiajia Xin
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Qunxing An
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Jing Yi
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Wen Yin
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
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Lycosin-II Exhibits Antifungal Activity and Inhibits Dual-Species Biofilm by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8090901. [PMID: 36135626 PMCID: PMC9504746 DOI: 10.3390/jof8090901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance is a global public health issue. To address this, new antimicrobial agents have been developed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial activities against pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Lycosin-II, isolated from the venom of the spider Lycosa singoriensis, has shown antibacterial activity by disrupting membranes. However, the mode of action of Lycosin-II and its antifungal activity have not been clearly described. Therefore, we confirmed that Lycosin-II showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans). To investigate the mode of action, membrane-related assays were performed, including an evaluation of C. albicans membrane depolarization and membrane integrity after exposure to Lycosin-II. Our results indicated that Lycosin-II damaged the C. albicans membrane. Additionally, Lycosin-II induced oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. albicans. Moreover, Lycosin-II exhibited an inhibitory effect on dual-species biofilm formation by C. albicans and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which are the most co-isolated fungi and bacteria. These results revealed that Lycosin-II can be utilized against C. albicans and dual-species strain infections.
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14
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Rodrigues G, Souza Santos L, Franco OL. Antimicrobial Peptides Controlling Resistant Bacteria in Animal Production. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:874153. [PMID: 35663853 PMCID: PMC9161144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.874153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a worldwide concern. The excessive use of antibiotics affects animal and human health. In the last few years, livestock production has used antibiotics as food supplementation. This massive use can be considered a principal factor in the accelerated development of genetic modifications in bacteria. These modifications are responsible for AMR and can be widespread to pathogenic and commensal bacteria. In addition, these antibiotic residues can be dispersed by water and sewer water systems, the contamination of soil and, water and plants, in addition, can be stocked in tissues such as muscle, milk, eggs, fat, and others. These residues can be spread to humans by the consumption of water or contaminated food. In addition, studies have demonstrated that antimicrobial resistance may be developed by vertical and horizontal gene transfer, producing a risk to public health. Hence, the World Health Organization in 2000 forbid the use of antibiotics for feed supplementation in livestock. In this context, to obtain safe food production, one of the potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics is the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In general, AMPs present anti-infective activity, and in some cases immune response. A limited number of AMP-based drugs are now available for use in animals and humans. This use is still not widespread due to a few problems like in-vivo effectiveness, stability, and high cost of production. This review will elucidate the different AMPs applications in animal diets, in an effort to generate safe food and control AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Rodrigues
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Lucas Souza Santos
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Octávio Luiz Franco
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15
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Zhang C, Yang M. Antimicrobial Peptides: From Design to Clinical Application. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030349. [PMID: 35326812 PMCID: PMC8944448 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, brings public health issues and causes economic burden. Pathogenic bacteria develop several methods to resist antibiotic killing or inhibition, such as mutation of antibiotic function sites, activation of drug efflux pumps, and enzyme-mediated drug degradation. Antibiotic resistance components can be transferred between bacteria by mobile genetic elements including plasmids, transposons, and integrons, as well as bacteriophages. The development of antibiotic resistance limits the treatment options for bacterial infection, especially for MDR bacteria. Therefore, novel or alternative antibacterial agents are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display multiple killing mechanisms against bacterial infections, including directly bactericidal activity and immunomodulatory function, as potential alternatives to antibiotics. In this review, the development of antibiotic resistance, the killing mechanisms of AMPs, and especially, the design, optimization, and delivery of AMPs are reviewed. Strategies such as structural change, amino acid substitution, conjugation with cell-penetration peptide, terminal acetylation and amidation, and encapsulation with nanoparticles will improve the antimicrobial efficacy, reduce toxicity, and accomplish local delivery of AMPs. In addition, clinical trials in AMP studies or applications of AMPs within the last five years were summarized. Overall, AMPs display diverse mechanisms of action against infection of pathogenic bacteria, and future research studies and clinical investigations will accelerate AMP application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Antifungal Activity of a Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet 1,064-Nanometer Laser against Sporothrix globosa by Inducing Apoptosis and Pyroptosis via the NLRP3/Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway: In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0136421. [PMID: 34908455 PMCID: PMC8672895 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01364-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a deep fungal infection caused by Sporothrix species. Currently, itraconazole is the main treatment, but fungal resistance, adverse effects, and drug interactions remain major concerns, especially in patients with immune dysfunction. Therefore, an alternative treatment is greatly in demand. This animal study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) 1,064-nm laser treatment on Sporothrix globosa and to explore whether it happens through regulation of the Nod-like receptor thermoprotein domain-related protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1 pyroptosis and apoptosis pathway. After laser irradiation, a series of studies, including assays of viability (using the cell counting kit-8 [CCK-8]), morphological structure changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, cell cycle progression, and metacaspase activation, were conducted to estimate the effect of Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser treatment on Sporothrix globosa cell apoptosis in vitro. For in vivo studies, mice were infected with S. globosa and then treated with laser or itraconazole, and their footpad skin lesions and the changes in the histology of tissue samples were compared. In addition, changes in the levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and caspase-3 were assessed by immunohistochemistry, while the levels of interleukin 17 (IL-17), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in peripheral blood were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The in vitro growth of S. globosa was inhibited and apoptosis was observed after laser treatment. According to the in vivo studies, the efficacy of the laser treatment was similar to that of itraconazole. Moreover, the NLRP3/caspase-1 pyroptosis pathway was activated, with a Th1/Th17 cell response, and the expression of caspase-3 was also upregulated. Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser treatment can effectively inhibit the growth of S. globosa by activating fungal apoptosis and pyroptosis through the NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway. Therefore, Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser irradiation is an alternative for sporotrichosis therapy. IMPORTANCE Nd:YAG 1,064-nm laser irradiation is a useful alternative for the treatment of sporotrichosis, especially in patients with liver dysfunction, pregnant women, and children, for whom the administration of antifungal drugs is not suitable. It may improve the overall treatment effect by shortening the duration of antifungal treatment and reducing tissue inflammation.
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17
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Chen YC, Yang Y, Zhang C, Chen HY, Chen F, Wang KJ. A Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Sparamosin 26-54 From the Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain Showing Potent Antifungal Activity Against Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:746006. [PMID: 34690992 PMCID: PMC8531530 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.746006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant fungi and the limitations of current treatment strategies to fungal infections, exploration and development of new antifungal drugs or substituents are necessary. In the study, a novel antimicrobial peptide, named Sparamosin, was identified in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain, which contains a signal peptide of 22 amino acids and a mature peptide of 54 amino acids. The antimicrobial activity of its synthetic mature peptide and two truncated peptides (Sparamosin1-25 and Sparamosin26-54) were determined. The results showed that Sparamosin26-54 had the strongest activity against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, in particular had rapid fungicidal kinetics (killed 99% Cryptococcus neoformans within 10 min) and had potent anti-biofilm activity against C. neoformans, but had no cytotoxic effect on mammalian cells. The RNA-seq results showed that after Sparamosin26-54 treatment, the expression of genes involved in cell wall component biosynthesis, cell wall integrity signaling pathway, anti-oxidative stress, apoptosis and DNA repair were significantly up-regulated, indicating that Sparamosin26-54 might disrupt the cell wall of C. neoformans, causing oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell apoptosis. The underlying mechanism was further confirmed. Sparamosin26-54 could bind to several phospholipids in the cell membrane and effectively killed C. neoformans through disrupting the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane observed by electron microscope and staining assay. In addition, it was found that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was disrupted, and DNA fragmentation was induced after Sparamosin26-54 treatment, which are all hallmarks of apoptosis. Taken together, Sparamosin26-54 has a good application prospect as an effective antimicrobial agent, especially for C. neoformans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hui-Yun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ke-Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Antimicrobial peptides used as growth promoters in livestock production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7115-7121. [PMID: 34499200 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been administered in livestock for decades to improve food digestion in growing animals, while also contributing to the control of microbial pathogens. The long-term and indiscrimate use of AGPs has generated genetic modifications in bacteria, leading to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which can be disseminated to commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Thus, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are used to replaced AGPs. AMPs are found in all domains of life, and their cationic characteristics can establish electrostatic interactions with the bacterial membrane. These molecules used as growth promoters can present benefits for nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and immune function activities. Therefore, this review focuses on the application of AMPs with growth promoting potential in livestock, as an alternative to conventional antibiotic growth promoters, in an attempt to control AMR. KEY POINTS: • The long-term and indiscriminate use of AGPs in animal food can cause AMR. • AMPs can be used as substitute of antibiotics in animal food suplementation. • Animal food suplementated with AMPs can provied economic efficiency and sustainable livestock production.
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Sun FJ, Li M, Gu L, Wang ML, Yang MH. Recent progress on anti-Candida natural products. Chin J Nat Med 2021; 19:561-579. [PMID: 34419257 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(21)60057-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Candida is an intractable life-threatening pathogen. Candida infection is extremely difficult to eradicate, and thus is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Morevover, the rapid spread of drug-resistant fungi has led to significant decreases in the therapeutic effects of clinical drugs. New anti-Candida agents are urgently needed to solve the complicated medical problem. Natural products with intricate structures have attracted great attention of researchers who make every endeavor to discover leading compounds for antifungal agents. Their novel mechanisms and diverse modes of action expand the variety of fungistatic agents and reduce the emergence of drug resistance. In recent decades, considerable effort has been devoted to finding unique antifungal agents from nature and revealing their unusual mechanisms, which results in important progress on the development of new antifungals, such as the novel cell wall inhibitors YW3548 and SCY-078 which are being tested in clinical trials. This review will present a brief summary on the landscape of anti-Candida natural products within the last decade. We will also discuss in-depth the research progress on diverse natural fungistatic agents along with their novel mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Juan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Liang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ming-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ming-Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Maaroufi H, Potvin M, Cusson M, Levesque RC. Novel antimicrobial anionic cecropins from the spruce budworm feature a poly-L-aspartic acid C-terminus. Proteins 2021; 89:1205-1215. [PMID: 33973678 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cecropins form a family of amphipathic α-helical cationic peptides with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and potent anticancer activity. The emergence of bacteria and cancer cells showing resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) has fostered a search for new, more selective and more effective alternatives to CAMPs. With this goal in mind, we looked for cecropin homologs in the genome and transcriptome of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. Not only did we find paralogs of the conventional cationic cecropins (Cfcec+ ), our screening also led to the identification of previously uncharacterized anionic cecropins (Cfcec- ), featuring a poly-l-aspartic acid C-terminus. Comparative peptide analysis indicated that the C-terminal helix of Cfcec- is amphipathic, unlike that of Cfcec+ , which is hydrophobic. Interestingly, molecular dynamics simulations pointed to the lower conformational flexibility of Cfcec- peptides, relative to that of Cfcec+ . Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the evolution of distinct Cfcec+ and Cfcec- peptides may have resulted from an ancient duplication event within the Lepidoptera. Finally, we found that both anionic and cationic cecropins contain a BH3-like motif (G-[KQR]-[HKQNR]-[IV]-[KQR]) that could interact with Bcl-2, a protein involved in apoptosis; this observation is congruent with previous reports indicating that cecropins induce apoptosis. Altogether, our observations suggest that cecropins may provide templates for the development of new anticancer drugs. We also estimated the antibacterial activity of Cfcec-2 and a ∆Cfce-2 peptide as AMPs by testing directly their ability in inhibiting bacterial growth in a disk diffusion assay and their potential for development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halim Maaroufi
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Marianne Potvin
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Michel Cusson
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Roger C Levesque
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS) and Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
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Bianchi J, Cavicchioli R, Kubota LT, Carrilho E, de Sousa CP, Freitas Anibal FD. Antigenotoxic potential of the fermentation broth produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa RNC-D in vitro. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:471-485. [PMID: 33960819 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Evaluate the chemopreventive potential of the extract from P. polymyxa RNC-D. Methods: Concentrations of P. polymyxa RNC-D extract were tested in HepG2/C3A cells to assess their genotoxic (comet assay), mutagenic (micronucleus test) and antigenotoxic potential (comet assay) in vitro. Results: 400 and 40 μg/ml concentrations induced DNA lesions, whereas the 4 μg/ml induced a desmutagenic effect. Complementary tests indicated that the extract minimized the formation of reactive oxygen species induced by methyl methanesulfonate and normalized the loss of membrane potential. The quantification of cytokines indicated that TNF-α was immunostimulated by the extract. However, when administered in conjunction with the methyl methanesulfonate, the extract blocked the TNF-α release. Conclusion: The fermentation broth from P. polymyxa RNC-D showed an antigenotoxic effect, and thus the potential to be used as chemopreventive compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Bianchi
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Cavicchioli
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Lauro T Kubota
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13083-970, SP, Brazil.,Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, 13566-590, SP, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Carrilho
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, 13566-590, SP, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Bioanalítica - INCTBio, Campinas, 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristina P de Sousa
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, 13565-905, SP, Brazil.,Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos, 13566-590, SP, Brazil
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22
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da Silva MS, Gomes VM, Taveira GB, de Azevedo Dos Santos L, Maracahipes ÁC, Rodrigues R, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Fernandes KVS, Oliveira AEA. Bifunctional Inhibitors from Capsicum chinense Seeds with Antimicrobial Activity and Specific Mechanism of Action Against Phytopathogenic Fungi. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 28:149-163. [PMID: 32552632 DOI: 10.2174/0929866527666200617124221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in the defense system in virtually all life forms, being present in many, if not all, plant species. OBJECTIVE The present work evaluated the antimicrobial, enzymatic activity and mechanism of action of the PEF2 fraction from Capsicum chinense Jack. seeds against phytopathogenic fungi. METHODS Peptides were extracted from C. chinense seeds and subjected to reverse-phase chromatography on an HPLC system using a C18 column coupled to a C8 guard column, then the obtained PEF2 fraction was rechromatographed using a C2/C18 column. Two fractions, named PEF2A and PEF2B, were obtained. The fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani. Trypsin inhibition assays, reverse zymographic detection of protease inhibition and α-amylase activity assays were also performed. The mechanism of action by which PEF2 acts on filamentous fungi was studied through analysis of membrane permeability and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, we investigated mitochondrial functionality and caspase activation in fungal cells. RESULTS It is possible to observe that PEF2 significantly inhibited trypsin activity and T. molitor larval α-amylase activity. The PEF2 fraction was able to inhibit the growth of C. gloeosporioides, C. lindemuthianum and F. oxysporum. PEF2A inhibited the growth of C. lindemuthianum (75%) and F. solani (43%). PEF2B inhibited C. lindemuthianum growth (66%) and F. solani (94%). PEF2 permeabilized F. solani cell membranes and induced ROS in F. oxysporum and F. solani. PEF2 could dissipate mitochondrial membrane potential but did not cause the activation of caspases in all studied fungi. CONCLUSION The results may contribute to the biotechnological application of these AMPs in the control of pathogenic microorganisms in plants of agronomic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Layrana de Azevedo Dos Santos
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Álan C Maracahipes
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratorio de Melhoramento e Genetica Vegetal, Centro de Ciencias e Tecnologias Agropecuarias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Katia Valevski S Fernandes
- Laboratorio de Quimica e Funcao de Proteinas e Peptideos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonia Elenir A Oliveira
- Laboratorio de Quimica e Funcao de Proteinas e Peptideos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
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23
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Wang Y, Ouyang J, Luo X, Zhang M, Jiang Y, Zhang F, Zhou J, Wang Y. Identification and characterization of novel bi-functional cathelicidins from the black-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculata) with both anti-infective and antioxidant activities. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 116:103928. [PMID: 33242568 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are an important family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which play pivotal roles in vertebrate immune responses against microbial infections. They are regarded as potential drug leads for the development of novel antimicrobial agents and three related drugs have been developed into clinical trials. Thus, it is meaningful to identify more cathelicidins from vertebrate species. Cathelicidins from ranid frogs possess special structural characteristics and activities, but to date only 12 ranid frog cathelicidins have been identified. In the present study, two novel cathelicidins (PN-CATH1 and 2) were identified from the black-spotted frog, Pelophylax nigromaculata. PN-CATHs possess low sequence similarity with the known cathelicidins. They exhibited moderate, but broad-spectrum and rapid antimicrobial activities against the tested bacteria. They kill bacteria by mainly inducing bacterial membrane disruption and possibly generating intracellular ROS formation. They also possess potent anti-biofilm and persister cell killing activity, indicating their potential in combating infections induced by biofilms-forming bacteria. Besides direct antimicrobial activity, they exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by effectively inhibiting the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse macrophages, which could be partly ascribed to their direct LPS-neutralizing ability. Furthermore, PN-CATHs demonstrated powerful in vitro free radical scavenging activities. Ultraviolet radiation significantly increased their in vivo gene expression in frog skin. Meanwhile, they possess weak cytotoxic activity and extremely low hemolytic activity. PN-CATHs represent the first discovery of cathelicidins family AMPs with both potent anti-infective and antioxidant activities. The discovery of PN-CATHs provides potential peptide leads for the development of novel anti-infective and antioxidant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Biology Department, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Jianhong Ouyang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xuanjin Luo
- Biology Department, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Biology Department, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, China
| | - Fen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Jiang Zhou
- Biology Department, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, China.
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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24
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Reactive oxygen mediated apoptosis as a therapeutic approach against opportunistic Candida albicans. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 125:25-49. [PMID: 33931141 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans are polymorphic fungal species commonly occurs in a symbiotic association with the host's usual microflora. Certain specific changes in its usual microenvironment can lead to diseases ranging from external mucosal to severally lethal systemic infections like invasive candidiasis hospital-acquired fatal infection caused by different species of Candida. The patient acquired with this infection has a high mortality and morbidity rate, ranging from 40% to 60%. This is an ill-posed problem by its very nature. Hence, early diagnosis and management is a crucial part. Antifungal drug resistance against the first and second generation of antifungal drugs has made it difficult to treat such fatal diseases. After a few dormant years, recently, there has been a rapid turnover of identifying novel drugs with low toxicity to limit the problem of drug resistance. After an initial overview of related work, we examine specific prior work on how a change in oxidative stress can facilitate apoptosis in C. albicans. Subsequently, it was investigated that Candida spp. suppresses the production of ROS mediated host defense system. Here, we have reviewed possibly all the small molecule inhibitors, natural products, antimicrobial peptide, and some naturally derived semi-synthetic compounds which are known to influence oxidative stress, to generate a proper apoptotic response in C. albicans and thus might be a novel therapeutic approach to augment the current treatment options.
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25
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Transcriptome Analysis of Psacothea hilaris: De Novo Assembly and Antimicrobial Peptide Prediction. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11100676. [PMID: 33027983 PMCID: PMC7601695 DOI: 10.3390/insects11100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the frontline innate defense system evolutionarily preserved in insects to combat invading pathogens. These AMPs could serve as an alternative to classical antibiotics to overcome the burden of treating multidrug resistant bacteria. Psacotheasin, a knottin type AMP was isolated from Psacothea hilaris and shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity, especially against fungi through apoptosis mediated cell death. In this study, we aimed to identify novel probable AMPs from Psacothea hilaris, the yellow spotted longicorn beetle. The beetle was immunized with the two bacterial strains (E. coli and S. aureus), and the yeast strain C. albicans. After immunization, total RNA was isolated and sequenced in Illumina platform. Then, beetle transcriptome was de novo assembled and searched for putative AMPs with the known physiochemical features of the AMPs. A selection of AMP candidates were synthesized and tested for antimicrobial activity. Four peptides showed stronger activity against E. coli than the control AMP, melittin while one peptide showed similar activity against S. aureus. Moreover, four peptides and two peptides showed antifungal activity stronger than and similar to melittin, respectively. Collectively one peptide showed both antibacterial and antifungal activity superior to melittin; thus, it provides a potent antimicrobial peptide. All the peptides showed no hemolysis in all the tested concentrations. These results suggest that in silico mining of insects' transcriptome could be a promising tool to obtain and optimize novel AMPs for human needs.
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26
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Yang Y, Chen F, Chen HY, Peng H, Hao H, Wang KJ. A Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Scyreprocin From Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain Showing Potent Antifungal and Anti-biofilm Activity. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1589. [PMID: 32849331 PMCID: PMC7396596 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential antibiotic alternatives. Marine crustaceans are thought to generate more powerful and various AMPs to protect themselves from infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms in their complex aquatic habitat, thus becoming one of the most promising sources of AMPs or other bioactive substances. In the study, a novel protein was identified as an interacting partner of male-specific AMP SCY2 in Scylla paramamosain and named scyreprocin. The recombinant product of scyreprocin (rScyreprocin) was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. rScyreprocin exerted potent, broad-spectrum antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm activity (minimum inhibitory concentrations from 0.5 to 32 μM) through differential modes of action, including disruption of cell membrane integrity and induction of cell apoptosis, and has rapid bactericidal (in 0.5–2 h) and fungicidal (in 8–10 h) kinetics. In addition to its fungicidal activity against planktonic fungi, rScyreprocin also prevented the adhesion of fungal cells, inhibited biofilm formation, and eradicated the mature biofilms. Moreover, rScyreprocin showed a profound inhibitory effect on spore germination of Aspergillus spp. (minimum inhibitory concentrations from 4 to 8 μM). This peptide was not cytotoxic to murine and mammalian cells and could increase the survival rate of Oryzias melastigma under the challenge of Vibrio harveyi. Taken together, the novel AMP scyreprocin would be a promising alternative to antibiotics used in aquaculture and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hui-Yun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hua Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ke-Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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27
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Zhao BR, Zheng Y, Gao J, Wang XW. Maturation of an Antimicrobial Peptide Inhibits Aeromonas hydrophila Infection in Crayfish. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 204:487-497. [PMID: 31852752 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Rapid synthesis and release of active antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is an important strategy in innate immune. Processing of the precursor into the active form is a common posttranslational modification of AMPs in mammals. However, in invertebrates, the mechanism of AMP maturation is largely unknown. In the current study, to our knowledge, a novel potential AMP, designated as PcnAMP, was identified because of its significant induction by bacterial infection in the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). PcnAMP was cleaved into a short fragment postinfection. Using the purified native peptide, this cleavage was found to be mediated by trypsin after synthesis. Proteolysis produced an N-terminal peptide that exerted the antibacterial function. Although the N-terminal peptide did not show significant similarity to any other sequences, it was predicted to have an overall helical structure and high amphipathicity, both of which are typical features of many AMPs. The N-terminal active peptide exhibited a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Atomic force microscope imaging and flow cytometry analysis showed that treatment with the active form of PcnAMP led to the collapse of the bacterial cell wall and permeabilization of the bacterial cell membrane. Thus, this study provided a new candidate for therapeutic agent development, and revealed new insights into the maturation of AMPs in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Rui Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; and
| | - Yi Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; and
| | - Jie Gao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; and
| | - Xian-Wei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; and .,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
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28
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Singulani JDL, Galeane MC, Ramos MD, Gomes PC, Dos Santos CT, de Souza BM, Palma MS, Fusco Almeida AM, Mendes Giannini MJS. Antifungal Activity, Toxicity, and Membranolytic Action of a Mastoparan Analog Peptide. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:419. [PMID: 31867293 PMCID: PMC6908851 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections, such as cryptococcosis and paracoccidioidomycosis are associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. Cryptococcosis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, is distributed worldwide and has received much attention as a common complication in patients with HIV. Invasive fungal infections are usually treated with a combination of amphotericin B and azoles. In addition, 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) is applied in cryptococcosis, specifically to treat central nervous system infection. However, host toxicity, high cost, emerging number of resistant strains, and difficulty in developing new selective antifungals pose challenges. The need for new antifungals has therefore prompted a screen for inhibitory peptides, which have multiple mechanisms of action. The honeycomb moth Galleria mellonella has been widely used as a model system for evaluating efficacy of antifungal agents. In this study, a peptide analog from the mastoparan class of wasps (MK58911) was tested against Cryptococcus spp. and Paracoccidioides spp. In addition, peptide toxicity tests on lung fibroblasts (MRC5) and glioblastoma cells (U87) were performed. Subsequent tests related to drug interaction and mechanism of action were also performed, and efficacy and toxicity of the peptide were evaluated in vivo using the G. mellonella model. Our results reveal promising activity of the peptide, with an MIC in the range of 7.8-31.2 μg/mL, and low toxicity in MRC and U87 cells (IC50 > 500 μg/mL). Taken together, these results demonstrate that MK58911 is highly toxic in fungal cells, but not mammalian cells (SI > 16). The mechanism of toxicity involved disruption of the plasma membrane, leading to death of the fungus mainly by necrosis. In addition, no interaction with the drugs amphotericin B and fluconazole was found either in vitro or in vivo. Finally, the peptide showed no toxic effects on G. mellonella, and significantly enhanced survival rates of larvae infected with C. neoformans. Although not statistically significant, treatment of larvae with all doses of MK58911 showed a similar trend in decreasing the fungal burden of larvae. These effects were independent of any immunomodulatory activity. Overall, these results present a peptide with potential for use as a new antifungal drug to treat systemic mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya de Lacorte Singulani
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Mariana Cristina Galeane
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marina Dorisse Ramos
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Paulo César Gomes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Claudia Tavares Dos Santos
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Bibiana Monson de Souza
- Department of Biology, Center for the Study of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Department of Biology, Center for the Study of Social Insects, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil
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29
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Das K, Datta K, Karmakar S, Datta SK. Antimicrobial Peptides - Small but Mighty Weapons for Plants to Fight Phytopathogens. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:720-742. [PMID: 31215363 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190619112438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have diverse structures, varied modes of actions, and can inhibit the growth of a wide range of pathogens at low concentrations. Plants are constantly under attack by a wide range of phytopathogens causing massive yield losses worldwide. To combat these pathogens, nature has armed plants with a battery of defense responses including Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). These peptides form a vital component of the two-tier plant defense system. They are constitutively expressed as part of the pre-existing first line of defense against pathogen entry. When a pathogen overcomes this barrier, it faces the inducible defense system, which responds to specific molecular or effector patterns by launching an arsenal of defense responses including the production of AMPs. This review emphasizes the structural and functional aspects of different plant-derived AMPs, their homology with AMPs from other organisms, and how their biotechnological potential could generate durable resistance in a wide range of crops against different classes of phytopathogens in an environmentally friendly way without phenotypic cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Das
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Karabi Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasis Karmakar
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Swapan K Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
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30
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Dias LP, Souza PFN, Oliveira JTA, Vasconcelos IM, Araújo NMS, Tilburg MFV, Guedes MIF, Carneiro RF, Lopes JLS, Sousa DOB. RcAlb-PepII, a synthetic small peptide bioinspired in the 2S albumin from the seed cake of Ricinus communis, is a potent antimicrobial agent against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida parapsilosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1862:183092. [PMID: 31678367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.183092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important constituents of the innate immunity system of all living organisms. They participate in the first line of defense against invading pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In view of the increasing difficulties to treat infectious diseases due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, AMPs have great potential to control infectious diseases in humans and animals. In this study, two small peptides, RcAlb-PepI and RcAlb-PepII, were designed based on the primary structure of Rc-2S-Alb, a 2S albumin from the seed cake of Ricinus communis, and their antimicrobial activity assessed. RcAlb-PepII strongly inhibited the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida parapsilosis, and induced morphological alterations in their cell surface. C. parapsilosis exposed to RcAlb-PepII presented higher cell membrane permeabilization and elevated content of reactive oxygen species. RcAlb-PepII also degraded and reduced the biofilm formation in C. parapsilosis and in K. pneumonia cells. Experimentally, RcAlb-PepII was not hemolytic and had low toxicity to mammalian cells. These are advantageous characteristics, which suggest that RcAlb-PepII is safe and apparently effective for its intended use and has great potential for the future development of an antimicrobial agent with the ability to kill or inhibit K. pneumoniae and C. parapsilosis cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas P Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil.
| | - Ilka M Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Nadine M S Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Mauricio F V Tilburg
- Department of Biotechnology, State University of Ceara (UECE), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Maria I F Guedes
- Department of Biotechnology, State University of Ceara (UECE), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - José L S Lopes
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Sao Paulo (IF-USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniele O B Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
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Ren Z, Yao R, Liu Q, Deng Y, Shen L, Deng H, Zuo Z, Wang Y, Deng J, Cui H, Hu Y, Ma X, Fang J. Effects of antibacterial peptides on rumen fermentation function and rumen microorganisms in goats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221815. [PMID: 31469857 PMCID: PMC6716671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many studies have confirmed that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs: PBD-mI and LUC-n) can be used as feed additives, there are few reports of their use in ruminants. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of AMPs on ameliorating rumen fermentation function and rumen microorganisms in goats. Eighteen 4-month-old Chuanzhong black goats were used in a 60-day experiment (6 goats per group). Group I was used as the control and was fed a basal diet, the group II were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2 g of AMPs [per goat/day] and group III were fed the basal diet supplemented 3 g of AMPs [per goat/day], respectively. Rumen fluid samples were collected at 0, 20 and 60 days. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes and ciliate protozoal 18S rRNA genes were amplified by PCR from DNA extracted from rumen samples. The amplicons were sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. Rumen fermentation parameters and digestive enzyme activities were also examined. Our results showed that dietary supplementation with AMPs increased the levels of the bacterial genera Fibrobacter, Anaerovibrio and Succiniclasticum and also increased the ciliates genus Ophryoscolex, but reduced the levels of the bacterial genera Selenomonas, Succinivibrio and Treponema, and the ciliate genera Polyplastron, Entodinium, Enoploplastron and Isotricha. Supplementation with AMPs increased the activities of xylanase, pectinase and lipase in the rumen, and also increased the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid and total volatile fatty acids. These changes were associated with improved growth performance in the goats. The results revealed that the goats fed AMPs showed improved rumen microbiota structures, altered ruminal fermentation, and improved efficiency regarding the utilization of feed; thereby indicating that AMPs can improve growth performance. AMPs are therefore suitable as feed additives in juvenile goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Renjie Yao
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Qi Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Youtian Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Liuhong Shen
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Huidan Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Zhicai Zuo
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Ya Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Junliang Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Hengmin Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Yanchun Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
| | - Jing Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmental Hazard and Animal Disease of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuang Agricultural University, Chengdu Sichuang, China
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Plasma Membrane Potential of Candida albicans Measured by Di-4-ANEPPS Fluorescence Depends on Growth Phase and Regulatory Factors. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7040110. [PMID: 31022974 PMCID: PMC6518178 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of the plasma membrane (Δѱ) regulates the electrochemical potential between the outer and inner sides of cell membranes. The opportunistic fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, regulates the membrane potential in response to environmental conditions, as well as the physiological state of the cell. Here we demonstrate a new method for detection of cell membrane depolarization/permeabilization in C. albicans using the potentiometric zwitterionic dye di-4-ANEPPS. Di-4-ANEPPS measures the changes in the cell Δѱ depending on the phases of growth and external factors regulating Δѱ, such as potassium or calcium chlorides, amiodarone or DM-11 (inhibitor of H+-ATPase). We also demonstrated that di-4-ANEPPS is a good tool for fast measurement of the influence of amphipathic compounds on Δѱ.
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Leiter É, Csernoch L, Pócsi I. Programmed cell death in human pathogenic fungi - a possible therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:1039-1048. [PMID: 30360667 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1541087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi are increasing because of antibiotic overuse, the rise of immunosuppressive therapies, and climate change. The limited variety of antimycotics and the rapid adaptation of pathogenic fungi to antifungal agents serve to exacerbate this issue. Unfortunately, about 1.6 million people are killed by fungal infections annually. Areas covered: The discovery of the small antimicrobial proteins produced by microorganisms, animals, humans, and plants will hopefully overcome challenges in the treatment of fungal infections. These small proteins are highly stable and any resistance to them rarely evolves; therefore, they are potentially good candidates for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by pathogenic fungi. Some of these proteins target the programmed cell death machinery of pathogenic fungi; this is potentially a novel approach in antimycotic therapies. In this review, we highlight the elements of apoptosis in human pathogenic fungi and related model organisms and discuss the possible therapeutic potential of the apoptosis-inducing, small, antifungal proteins. Expert opinion: Small antimicrobial proteins may establish a new class of antimycotics in the future. The rarity of resistance and their synergistic effects with other frequently used antifungal agents may help pave the way for their use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Leiter
- a Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| | - László Csernoch
- b Department of Physiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- a Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology , University of Debrecen , Debrecen , Hungary
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Zeng H, Ding HP, Tian J, Zhang LL. Pore-forming mechanism of TUBP1 protein act on Verticillium dahliae. Process Biochem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2018.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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TUBP1 protein lead to mitochondria-mediated apoptotic cell death in Verticillium dahliae. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 103:35-44. [PMID: 30081099 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, is a cancer of cotton which affects cotton quality and yield in China. In our previous study, a novel anti-Verticillium dahliae protein TUBP1 was obtained from Bacillus axarquiensis. Then, we have systematically studied the anti-V. dahliae activity and the pore formation action of TUBP1 protein on V. dahliae membrane. In present study, we provide detailed whether TUBP1 protein induced mitochondrial damaged and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic cell death in V. dahliae. In V. dahliae cells exposed to the TUBP1 protein, the mitochondrial dehydrogenases, F0F1-ATPase, malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities were reduced and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is a major cause of apoptosis, were increased. The results demonstrated that mitochondria dysfunction and ROS-induced oxidative stress caused the release of apoptotic factors. The following cellular changes, which are characteristic of apoptosis, were measured including mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Cytochrome c (Cyt C) release, metacaspase activation, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, and DNA condensation and fragmentation. The results showed that an important feature of apoptosis, MMP, was caused by ROS. Significantly, cyt c was released, which is a factor in metacaspase activity after treatment with the TUBP1 protein. Number of stained cells with activated intracellular metacaspases exposed to TUBP1 protein was increased in a concentration-dependent manner. We also showed that in the early and late stages of apoptosis, the effects of the TUBP1 protein were mediated by PS and DNA fragmentation and condensation in the plasma membrane, respectively. There turned out that the TUBP1 protein led to mitochondria-mediated apoptotic cell death in V.dahliae. The results of this investigation indicated that TUBP1 stain or protein is a potent candidate against V.dahliae infections in crop species.
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Programmed cell death in yeast by thionin-like peptide from Capsicum annuum fruits involving activation of caspases and extracellular H + flux. Biosci Rep 2018; 38:BSR20180119. [PMID: 29599127 PMCID: PMC5920138 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20180119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CaThi is a thionin-like peptide isolated from fruits of Capsicum annuum, which has strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi, and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in fungi. ROS are molecules that appear in the early stages of programmed cell death or apoptosis in fungi. Due to this fact, in this work we analyzed some events that may be related to process of apoptosis on yeast induced by CaThi. To investigate this possibility, we evaluated phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, presence of active caspases and the ability of CaThi to bind to DNA in Candida tropicalis cells. Additionally, we investigated mitochondrial membrane potential, cell surface pH, and extracellular H+ fluxes in C. tropicalis cells after treatment with CaThi. Our results showed that CaThi induced PS externalization in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, activation of caspases, and it had the ability for DNA binding and to dissipate mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the cell surface pH increased significantly when the C. tropicalis cells were exposed to CaThi which corroborates with ~96% inhibition on extracellular H+ efflux. Taking together, these data suggest that this peptide is capable of promoting an imbalance in pH homeostasis during yeast cell death playing a modulatory role in the H+ transport systems. In conclusion, our results strongly indicated that CaThi triggers apoptosis in C. tropicalis cells, involving a pH signaling mechanism.
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Regulated Cell Death as a Therapeutic Target for Novel Antifungal Peptides and Biologics. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:5473817. [PMID: 29854086 PMCID: PMC5944218 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5473817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The rise of microbial pathogens refractory to conventional antibiotics represents one of the most urgent and global public health concerns for the 21st century. Emergence of Candida auris isolates and the persistence of invasive mold infections that resist existing treatment and cause severe illness has underscored the threat of drug-resistant fungal infections. To meet these growing challenges, mechanistically novel agents and strategies are needed that surpass the conventional fungistatic or fungicidal drug actions. Host defense peptides have long been misunderstood as indiscriminant membrane detergents. However, evidence gathered over the past decade clearly points to their sophisticated and selective mechanisms of action, including exploiting regulated cell death pathways of their target pathogens. Such peptides perturb transmembrane potential and mitochondrial energetics, inducing phosphatidylserine accessibility and metacaspase activation in fungi. These mechanisms are often multimodal, affording target pathogens fewer resistance options as compared to traditional small molecule drugs. Here, recent advances in the field are examined regarding regulated cell death subroutines as potential therapeutic targets for innovative anti-infective peptides against pathogenic fungi. Furthering knowledge of protective host defense peptide interactions with target pathogens is key to advancing and applying novel prophylactic and therapeutic countermeasures to fungal resistance and pathogenesis.
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Taveira GB, Mello ÉO, Carvalho AO, Regente M, Pinedo M, de La Canal L, Rodrigues R, Gomes VM. Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of a thionin-like peptide from Capsicum annuum fruits and combinatorial treatment with fluconazole against Fusarium solani. Biopolymers 2018; 108. [PMID: 28073158 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Many Fusarium species are able to cause severe infections in plants as well as in animals and humans. Therefore, the discovery of new antifungal agents is of paramount importance. CaThi belongs to the thionins, which are cationic peptides with low molecular weights (∼5 kDa) that have toxic effects against various microorganisms. Herein, we study the mechanism of action of CaThi and its combinatory effect with fluconazole (FLC) against Fusarium solani. The mechanism of action of CaThi was studied by growth inhibition, viability, plasma membrane permeabilization, ROS induction, caspase activation, localization, and DNA binding capability, as assessed with Sytox green, DAB, FITC-VAD-FMK, CaThi-FITC, and gel shift assays. The combinatory effect of CaThi and FLC was assessed using a growth inhibition assay. Our results demonstrated that CaThi present a dose dependent activity and at the higher used concentration (50 µg mL-1 ) inhibits 83% of F. solani growth, prevents the formation of hyphae, permeabilizes membranes, induces endogenous H2 O2 , activates caspases, and localizes intracellularly. CaThi combined with FLC, at concentrations that alone do not inhibit F. solani, result in 100% death of F. solani when combined. The data presented in this study demonstrate that CaThi causes death of F. solani via apoptosis; an intracellular target may also be involved. Combined treatment using CaThi and FLC is a strong candidate for studies aimed at improved targeting of F. solani. This strategy is of particular interest because it minimizes selection of resistant microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel B Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio De Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Érica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio De Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - André O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio De Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Mariana Regente
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET, Funes 3250, Mar del Plata, 7600, Argentina
| | - Marcela Pinedo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET, Funes 3250, Mar del Plata, 7600, Argentina
| | - Laura de La Canal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET, Funes 3250, Mar del Plata, 7600, Argentina
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio De Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio De Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
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The antimicrobial peptide nisin Z induces selective toxicity and apoptotic cell death in cultured melanoma cells. Biochimie 2017; 144:28-40. [PMID: 29054798 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is now considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. Most malignant cells present with altered energy metabolism which is associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This is also evident for melanoma, the leading cause of skin cancer related deaths. Altered mechanisms affecting mitochondrial bioenergetics pose attractive targets for novel anticancer therapies. Antimicrobial peptides have been shown to exhibit selective anticancer activities. In this study, the anti-melanoma potential of the antimicrobial peptide, nisin Z, was evaluated in vitro. Nisin Z was shown to induce selective toxicity in melanoma cells compared to non-malignant keratinocytes. Furthermore, nisin Z was shown to negatively affect the energy metabolism (glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration) of melanoma cells, increase reactive oxygen species generation and cause apoptosis. Results also indicate that nisin Z can decrease the invasion and proliferation of melanoma cells demonstrating its potential use against metastasis associated with melanoma. As nisin Z seems to place a considerable extra burden on the energy metabolism of melanoma cells, combination therapies with known anti-melanoma agents may be effective treatment options.
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Use of antimicrobial peptides as a feed additive for juvenile goats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12254. [PMID: 28947748 PMCID: PMC5612951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12394-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been used as feed additives, only a few studies have examined their use in ruminants. In this study, we evaluated the use of AMPs(recombinant swine defensin and a fly antibacterial peptide were mixed by 1:1) as a medicated feed additive for juvenile goats. Dietary treatments included control groups (group I: 300 g concentrate; group III: 600 g concentrate), and AMP-supplemented groups (group II: 300 g concentrate + 3.0 g AMPs; group IV: 600 g concentrate + 3.0 g AMPs). AMP-treated groups exhibited an increase in bacterial genera, including Fibrobacter, Anaerovibrio, and Succiniclasticum, and the ciliate genus Ophryoscolex; as well a reduction in bacterial genera, such as Selenomonas, Succinivibrio, and Treponema, and the ciliate genera Polyplastron, Entodinium, and Isotricha. The changes in Fibrobacter, Anaerovibrio, Ophryoscolex, Polyplastron, Entodinium, and Isotricha were related to the concentrate. AMP treatment led to increased body weight, average daily weight gain, enzymatic activity (pectinase, xylanase, and lipase), especially in the normal concentrate group, and influence on ruminal fermentation function. In addition, goats treated with AMPs had higher rumen microorganism diversity indices than the control groups. Our results demonstrate that AMPs can be utilized as feed additives for juvenile goats.
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Kumar SN, Mohandas C. An Antifungal Mechanism of Protolichesterinic Acid from the Lichen Usnea albopunctata Lies in the Accumulation of Intracellular ROS and Mitochondria-Mediated Cell Death Due to Apoptosis in Candida tropicalis. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:301. [PMID: 28611662 PMCID: PMC5447038 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida species causes superficial and life-threatening systemic infections and are difficult to treat due to the resistance of these organism to various clinically used drugs. Protolichesterinic acid is a well-known lichen compound. Although the antibacterial activity of protolichesterinic acid has been reported earlier, the antifungal property and its mechanism of action are still largely unidentified. The goal of the present investigation is to explore the anticandidal activity and mechanism of action of protolichesterinic acid, especially against Candida tropicalis. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value was established through microdilution techniques against four Candida species and out of four species tested, C. tropicalis showed a significant effect (MIC: 2 μg/ml). In the morphological interference assay, we observed the enhanced inhibition of hyphae when the cells were treated with protolichesterinic acid. Time-kill assay demonstrated that the maximum rate of killing was recorded between 2 and 6 h. C. tropicalis exposed to protolichesterinic acid exhibited an increased ROS production, which is one of the key factors of fungal death. The rise in ROS was due to the dysfunction of mitochondria caused by protolichesterinic acid. We confirmed that protolichesterinic acid-induced dysfunction of mitochondria in C. tropicalis. The damage of cell membrane due to protolichesterinic acid treatment was confirmed by the influx of propidium iodide and was further confirmed by the release of potassium ions. The treatment of protolichesterinic acid also triggered calcium ion signaling. Moreover, it commenced apoptosis which is clearly evidenced by Annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Interestingly protolichesterinic acid recorded excellent immunomodulatory property when tested against lymphocytes. Finally protolichesterinic acid showed low toxicity toward a normal human cell line Foreskin (FS) normal fibroblast. In in vivo test, protolichesterinic acid significantly enhanced the survival of C. tropicalis infected Caenorhabditis elegans. This investigation proposes that the protolichesterinic acid induces apoptosis in C. tropicalis via the enhanced accumulation of intracellular ROS and mitochondrial damage, which leads fungal cell death via apoptosis. Our work revealed a new key aspect of mechanisms of action of protolichesterinic acid in Candida species. This article is the first study on the antifungal and mechanism of action of protolichesterinic acid in Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Kumar
- Division of Crop Protection, Central Tuber Crops Research InstituteSreekariyam, India
| | - C Mohandas
- Division of Crop Protection, Central Tuber Crops Research InstituteSreekariyam, India
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Purification and characterization of peptides from Capsicum annuum fruits which are α-amylase inhibitors and exhibit high antimicrobial activity against fungi of agronomic importance. Protein Expr Purif 2017; 132:97-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Juang V, Lee HP, Lin AMY, Lo YL. Cationic PEGylated liposomes incorporating an antimicrobial peptide tilapia hepcidin 2-3: an adjuvant of epirubicin to overcome multidrug resistance in cervical cancer cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:6047-6064. [PMID: 27895479 PMCID: PMC5117904 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s117618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been recently evaluated as a new generation of adjuvants in cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we designed PEGylated liposomes encapsulating epirubicin as an antineoplastic agent and tilapia hepcidin 2–3, an AMP, as a multidrug resistance (MDR) transporter suppressor and an apoptosis/autophagy modulator in human cervical cancer HeLa cells. Cotreatment of HeLa cells with PEGylated liposomal formulation of epirubicin and hepcidin 2–3 significantly increased the cytotoxicity of epirubicin. The liposomal formulations of epirubicin and/or hepcidin 2–3 were found to noticeably escalate the intracellular H2O2 and O2− levels of cancer cells. Furthermore, these treatments considerably reduced the mRNA expressions of MDR protein 1, MDR-associated protein (MRP) 1, and MRP2. The addition of hepcidin 2–3 in liposomes was shown to markedly enhance the intracellular epirubicin uptake and mainly localized into the nucleus. Moreover, this formulation was also found to trigger apoptosis and autophagy in HeLa cells, as validated by significant increases in the expressions of cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase, caspase-3, caspase-9, and light chain 3 (LC3)-II, as well as a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. The apoptosis induction was also confirmed by the rise in sub-G1 phase of cell cycle assay and apoptosis percentage of annexin V/propidium iodide assay. We found that liposomal epirubicin and hepcidin 2–3 augmented the accumulation of GFP-LC3 puncta as amplified by chloroquine, implying the involvement of autophagy. Interestingly, the partial inhibition of necroptosis and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition by this combination was also verified. Altogether, our results provide evidence that coincubation with PEGylated liposomes of hepcidin 2–3 and epirubicin caused programmed cell death in cervical cancer cells through modulation of multiple signaling pathways, including MDR transporters, apoptosis, autophagy, and/or necroptosis. Thus, this formulation may provide a new platform for the combined treatment of traditional chemotherapy and hepcidin 2–3 as a new adjuvant for effective MDR reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Juang
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University
| | - Hsin-Pin Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National University of Tainan
| | - Anya Maan-Yuh Lin
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University; Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Li Lo
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University
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Galleria mellonella lysozyme induces apoptotic changes in Candida albicans cells. Microbiol Res 2016; 193:121-131. [PMID: 27825480 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella has been increasingly used as a model host to determine Candida albicans virulence and efficacy of antifungal treatment. The G. mellonella lysozyme, similarly to its human counterpart, is a member of the c-type family of lysozymes that exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity. However, in contrast to the relatively well explained bactericidal action, the mechanism of fungistatic and/or fungicidal activity of lysozymes is still not clear. In the present study we provide the direct evidences that the G. mellonella lysozyme binds to the protoplasts as well as to the intact C. albicans cells and decreases the survival rate of both these forms in a time-dependent manner. No enzymatic activity of the lysozyme towards typical chitinase and β-glucanase substrates was detected, indicating that hydrolysis of main fungal cell wall components is not responsible for anti-Candida activity of the lysozyme. On the other hand, pre-treatment of cells with tetraethylammonium, a potassium channel blocker, prevented them from the lysozyme action, suggesting that lysozyme acts by induction of programmed cell death. In fact, the C. albicans cells treated with the lysozyme exhibited typical apoptotic features, i.e. loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine exposure in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, as well as chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation.
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Ding Y, Li Y, Li Z, Zhang J, Lu C, Wang H, Shen Y, Du L. Alteramide B is a microtubule antagonist of inhibiting Candida albicans. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:2097-106. [PMID: 27373684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alteramide B (ATB), isolated from Lysobacter enzymogenes C3, was a new polycyclic tetramate macrolactam (PTM). ATB exhibited potent inhibitory activity against several yeasts, particularly Candida albicans SC5314, but its antifungal mechanism is unknown. METHODS The structure of ATB was established by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including high-resolution mass spectrometry, 1D- and 2D-NMR, and CD spectra. Flow cytometry, fluorescence microscope, transmission electron microscope, molecular modeling, overexpression and site-directed mutation studies were employed to delineate the anti-Candida molecular mechanism of ATB. RESULTS ATB induced apoptosis in C. albicans through inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by disrupting microtubules. Molecular dynamics studies revealed the binding patterns of ATB to the β-tubulin subunit. Overexpression of the wild type and site-directed mutants of the β-tubulin gene (TUBB) changed the sensitivity of C. albicans to ATB, confirming the binding of ATB to β-tubulin, and indicating that the binding sites are L215, L217, L273, L274 and R282. In vivo, ATB significantly improved the survival of the candidiasis mice and reduced fungal burden. CONCLUSION The molecular mechanism underlying the ATB-induced apoptosis in C. albicans is through inhibiting tubulin polymerization that leads to cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. The identification of ATB and the study of its activity provide novel mechanistic insights into the mode of action of PTMs against the human pathogen. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This study shows that ATB is a new microtubule inhibitor and a promising anti-Candida lead compound. The results also support β-tubulin as a potential target for anti-Candida drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Juanli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Chunhua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Haoxin Wang
- State Key laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 27 South Shanda Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, PR China
| | - Yuemao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China; State Key laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 27 South Shanda Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, PR China.
| | - Liangcheng Du
- State Key laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 27 South Shanda Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, PR China; Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA.
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Bolouri Moghaddam MR, Vilcinskas A, Rahnamaeian M. Cooperative interaction of antimicrobial peptides with the interrelated immune pathways in plants. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2016; 17. [PMID: 26220619 PMCID: PMC6638509 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Plants express a diverse repertoire of functionally and structurally distinct antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which provide innate immunity by acting directly against a wide range of pathogens. AMPs are expressed in nearly all plant organs, either constitutively or in response to microbial infections. In addition to their direct activity, they also contribute to plant immunity by modulating defence responses resulting from pathogen-associated molecular pattern/effector-triggered immunity, and also interact with other AMPs and pathways involving mitogen-activated protein kinases, reactive oxygen species, hormonal cross-talk and sugar signalling. Such links among AMPs and defence signalling pathways are poorly understood and there is no clear model for their interactions. This article provides a critical review of the empirical data to shed light on the wider role of AMPs in the robust and resource-effective defence responses of plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Bolouri Moghaddam
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse 2, Giessen, D-35394, Germany
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Giessen, D-35392, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse 2, Giessen, D-35394, Germany
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, Giessen, D-35392, Germany
| | - Mohammad Rahnamaeian
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse 2, Giessen, D-35394, Germany
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Ding Y, Li Z, Li Y, Lu C, Wang H, Shen Y, Du L. HSAF-induced antifungal effects in Candida albicans through ROS-mediated apoptosis. RSC Adv 2016; 6:30895-30904. [PMID: 27594989 PMCID: PMC5006743 DOI: 10.1039/c5ra26092b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF) belongs to polycyclic tetramate macrolactams (PTMs), which inhibits many fungal pathogens and is effective in inhibiting Candida albicans (C. albicans). In this study, we found that HSAF induced the apoptosis of Candida albicans SC5314 through inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, we validated the efficacy of HSAF against candidiasis caused by C. albicans in a murine model in vivo, and HSAF significantly improved survival and reduced fungal burden compared to vehicles. A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was also investigated, revealing the theoretical binding mode of HSAF to the β-tubulin of C. albicans. This study first found PTMs-induced fungal apoptosis through ROS accumulation in C. albicans and its potential as a novel agent for fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Yaoyao Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chunhua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Haoxin Wang
- State Key laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 27 South Shanda Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P. R. China
| | - Yuemao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, No. 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
- State Key laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, No. 27 South Shanda Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, P. R. China
| | - Liangcheng Du
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
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Taveira GB, Carvalho AO, Rodrigues R, Trindade FG, Da Cunha M, Gomes VM. Thionin-like peptide from Capsicum annuum fruits: mechanism of action and synergism with fluconazole against Candida species. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:12. [PMID: 26819228 PMCID: PMC4729097 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thionins are a family of plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which participate in plant defense system against pathogens. Here we describe some aspects of the CaThi thionin-like action mechanism, previously isolated from Capsicum annuum fruits. Thionin-like peptide was submitted to antimicrobial activity assays against Candida species for IC50 determination and synergism with fluconazole evaluation. Viability and plasma membrane permeabilization assays, induction of intracellular ROS production analysis and CaThi localization in yeast cells were also investigated. Results CaThi had strong antimicrobial activity against six tested pathogenic Candida species, with IC50 ranging from 10 to 40 μg.mL−1. CaThi antimicrobial activity on Candida species was candidacidal. Moreover, CaThi caused plasma membrane permeabilization in all yeasts tested and induces oxidative stresses only in Candida tropicalis. CaThi was intracellularly localized in C. albicans and C. tropicalis, however localized in nuclei in C. tropicalis, suggesting a possible nuclear target. CaThi performed synergistically with fluconazole inhibiting all tested yeasts, reaching 100 % inhibition in C. parapsilosis. The inhibiting concentrations for the synergic pair ranged from 1.3 to 4.0 times below CaThi IC50 and from zero to 2.0 times below fluconazole IC50. Conclusion The results reported herein may ultimately contribute to future efforts aiming to employ this plant-derived AMP as a new therapeutic substance against yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel B Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - André O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda G Trindade
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - Maura Da Cunha
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
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The Use of a Liposomal Formulation Incorporating an Antimicrobial Peptide from Tilapia as a New Adjuvant to Epirubicin in Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Pluripotent Testicular Embryonic Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:22711-34. [PMID: 26393585 PMCID: PMC4613332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160922711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of hepcidin, a potential antimicrobial peptide from Tilapia, and epirubicin (Epi), an antineoplastic agent, on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and link the ROS levels to the reversal mechanisms of multidrug resistance (MDR) by epirubicin and hepcidin in human squamous cell carcinoma SCC15 and human embryonal carcinoma NT2D1 cells. The cells, pretreated with hepcidin, epirubicin, or a combination of these compounds in PEGylated liposomes, were used to validate the molecular mechanisms involved in inhibiting efflux transporters and inducing apoptosis as evaluated by cytotoxicity, intracellular accumulation, mRNA levels, cell cycle distribution, and caspase activity of this combination. We found that hepcidin significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of epirubicin in liposomes. The co-incubation of epirubicin with hepcidin in liposomes intensified the ROS production, including hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radicals. Hepcidin significantly increased epirubicin intracellular uptake into NT2D1 and SCC15 cells, as supported by the diminished mRNA expressions of MDR1, MDR-associated protein (MRP) 1, and MRP2. Hepcidin and/or epirubicin in liposomes triggered apoptosis, as verified by the reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased sub-G1 phase of cell cycle, incremental populations of apoptosis using annexin V/PI assay, and chromatin condensation. As far as we know, this is the first example showing that PEGylated liposomal TH1-5 and epirubicin gives rise to cell death in human squamous carcinoma and testicular embryonic carcinoma cells through the reduced epirubicin efflux via ROS-mediated suppression of P-gp and MRPs and concomitant initiation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Hence, hepcidin in PEGylated liposomes may function as an adjuvant to anticancer drugs, thus demonstrating a novel strategy for reversing MDR.
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50
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Xi D, Wang X, Teng D, Mao R. Mechanism of action of the tri-hybrid antimicrobial peptide LHP7 from lactoferricin, HP and plectasin on Staphylococcus aureus. Biometals 2015; 27:957-68. [PMID: 25015218 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-014-9768-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The tri-hybrid peptide-LHP7 has the potent activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative as well as fungi, but its mechanism of action has remained elusive. The effluences of LHP7 on the Staphylococcus aureus cell membrane and targets of intracellular action were investigated. LHP7 exhibited an inhibitory effect on the S. aureus growth, similar to those achieved by plectasin, vancomycin and gramicidin. The membrane integrity studies confirmed that LHP7 disrupted the cell membrane, indicating a membrane permeabilizing killing action. A marginal decline in the intensity fluorescence indicated no significant depolarization of the membrane potential following LHP7 treatment. Furthermore, electron microscopy showed that cell shrinkage, cell wall thickening, cellular content leakage, and cell disruption were observed in the cells treated with LHP7. A gel retardation assay showed that LHP7 bound to the genomic DNA of S. aureus or plasmid DNA at a mass ratio of 2.5–10 (peptide/DNA). Circular dichroism indicated that LHP7 inserted into the groove of DNA. The cell cycle analysis showed that after the treatment with LHP7 for 30 and 60 min, the proportion of cells in I-phase increased from 8.71 to 12.09 % and from 8.71 to 15.68 %, indicating that LHP7 induced arrest of cells in the I-phase. These results would conduce to elucidate its underlying antibacterial mechanism.
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