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Zhou L, Meng G, Zhu L, Ma L, Chen K. Insect Antimicrobial Peptides as Guardians of Immunity and Beyond: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3835. [PMID: 38612644 PMCID: PMC11011964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073835] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as immune effectors synthesized by a variety of organisms, not only constitute a robust defense mechanism against a broad spectrum of pathogens in the host but also show promising applications as effective antimicrobial agents. Notably, insects are significant reservoirs of natural AMPs. However, the complex array of variations in types, quantities, antimicrobial activities, and production pathways of AMPs, as well as evolution of AMPs across insect species, presents a significant challenge for immunity system understanding and AMP applications. This review covers insect AMP discoveries, classification, common properties, and mechanisms of action. Additionally, the types, quantities, and activities of immune-related AMPs in each model insect are also summarized. We conducted the first comprehensive investigation into the diversity, distribution, and evolution of 20 types of AMPs in model insects, employing phylogenetic analysis to describe their evolutionary relationships and shed light on conserved and distinctive AMP families. Furthermore, we summarize the regulatory pathways of AMP production through classical signaling pathways and additional pathways associated with Nitric Oxide, insulin-like signaling, and hormones. This review advances our understanding of AMPs as guardians in insect immunity systems and unlocks a gateway to insect AMP resources, facilitating the use of AMPs to address food safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Zhou
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Guanliang Meng
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, 53113 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Ling Zhu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China;
| | - Li Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030810, China
| | - Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
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Makwana P, Rahul K, Ito K, Subhadra B. Diversity of Antimicrobial Peptides in Silkworm. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051161. [PMID: 37240807 DOI: 10.3390/life13051161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a phenomenon that the present-day world is witnessing that poses a serious threat to global health. The decline in the development of novel therapeutics over the last couple of decades has exacerbated the situation further. In this scenario, the pursuit of new alternative therapeutics to commonly used antibiotics has gained predominance amongst researchers across the world. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from natural sources have drawn significant interest in the recent years as promising pharmacological substitutes over the conventional antibiotics. The most notable advantage of AMPs is that microorganisms cannot develop resistance to them. Insects represent one of the potential sources of AMPs, which are synthesized as part of an innate immune defence against invading pathogens. AMPs from different insects have been extensively studied, and silkworm is one of them. Diverse classes of AMPs (including attacins, cecropins, defensins, enbocins, gloverins, lebocins and moricins) were identified from silkworm that exhibit antimicrobial property against bacteria, fungi and viruses, indicating their potential therapeutic benefits. This review briefs about the immune responses of silkworm to invading pathogens, the isolation of AMPs from silkworms, AMPs reported in silkworms and their activity against various microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Makwana
- Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Berhampore, Murshidabad 742101, West Bengal, India
| | - Kamidi Rahul
- Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Berhampore, Murshidabad 742101, West Bengal, India
| | - Katsuhiko Ito
- Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu-shi 183-8509, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bindu Subhadra
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, NY 11548, USA
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Keshavarz M, Zanchi C, Rolff J. The effect of combined knockdowns of Attacins on survival and bacterial load in Tenebrio molitor. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1140627. [PMID: 37063911 PMCID: PMC10090678 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1140627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionUpon infection, insect hosts simultaneously express a cocktail of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which can impede pathogen colonization and increase host fitness. It has been proposed that such a cocktail might be adaptive if the effects of co-expressed AMPs are greater than the sum of individual activities. This could potentially prevent the evolution of bacterial resistance. However, in vivo studies on AMPs in combination are scarce. Attacins are one of the relatively large AMP families, which show anti-Gram-negative activity in vitro.Material and methodsHere, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence three members of the Attacin family genes in the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor: (TmAttacin1a (TmAtt1a), TmAttacin1b (TmAtt1b), and TmAttacin2 (TmAtt2) both individually and in combination. We then infected T. molitor with the Gram negative entomopathogen Pseudomonas entomophila.ResultsWe found that survival of the beetles was only affected by the knockdown of TmAttacin1b, TmAttacin2 and the knockdown of all three Attacins together. Triple knockdown, rather than individual or double knockdowns of AMPs, changes the temporal dynamics of their efficiency in controlling the colonization of P. entomophila in the insect body.DiscussionMore precisely, AMP gene expression influences P. entomophila load early in the infection process, resulting in differences in host survival. Our results highlight the importance of studying AMP-interactions in vivo.
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Li G, Cai M, Zheng X, Xie X, Zhu Y, Long Y. Impact of disinfectants on the intestinal bacterial symbionts and immunity of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:79545-79554. [PMID: 35713834 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The insect egg surface can serve as a vehicle for vertical symbiont transmission from the maternal parent to its offspring. Hypochlorite and formaldehyde are two common disinfectants used for insect egg surface sterilization. Here, we explored the intestinal microecology and immune response profile of the silkworm Bombyx mori strain Dazao after disinfectant exposure by using high-throughput sequencing technology and real-time PCR analysis. After egg surface sterilization, no significant difference (P > 0.05) in overall body weight was observed among the control, sodium hypochlorite, and formaldehyde groups. 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing revealed that the main abundant intestinal bacteria were Enterococcus, Burkholderia, Phenylobacterium, Ralstonia, Chitinophaga, Bradyrhizobium, Herbaspirillum, and two unclassified Bacteroidetes species. Egg surface sterilization evidently altered the composition and abundance of intestinal microbiota but did not significantly change its alpha diversity. The dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota resulted in the perturbation of the immune response profile of the silkworm intestine. Our findings reveal that hypochlorite has a blocking effect on the symbiont transmission compared with formaldehyde. More importantly, egg surface sterilization exerts substantial effects on the ecophysiological traits of insects. The present study contributes to the scientific and reasonable application of disinfectants for insect egg surface sterilization during industrial silk production and laboratory-scale insect rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guannan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Miao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Foshan Nanshanhu Experimental High School, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Xiaofan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yaohang Long
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China.
- Engineering Research Center of Medical Biotechnology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China.
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Luong AD, Buzid A, Luong JHT. Important Roles and Potential Uses of Natural and Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) in Oral Diseases: Cavity, Periodontal Disease, and Thrush. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13040175. [PMID: 36278644 PMCID: PMC9589978 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13040175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous epithelial cells and sometimes leukocytes release AMPs as their first line of defense. AMPs encompass cationic histatins, defensins, and cathelicidin to encounter oral pathogens with minimal resistance. However, their concentrations are significantly below the effective levels and AMPs are unstable under physiological conditions due to proteolysis, acid hydrolysis, and salt effects. In parallel to a search for more effective AMPs from natural sources, considerable efforts have focused on synthetic stable and low-cytotoxicy AMPs with significant activities against microorganisms. Using natural AMP templates, various attempts have been used to synthesize sAMPs with different charges, hydrophobicity, chain length, amino acid sequence, and amphipathicity. Thus far, sAMPs have been designed to target Streptococcus mutans and other common oral pathogens. Apart from sAMPs with antifungal activities against Candida albicans, future endeavors should focus on sAMPs with capabilities to promote remineralization and antibacterial adhesion. Delivery systems using nanomaterials and biomolecules are promising to stabilize, reduce cytotoxicity, and improve the antimicrobial activities of AMPs against oral pathogens. Nanostructured AMPs will soon become a viable alternative to antibiotics due to their antimicrobial mechanisms, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low drug residue, and ease of synthesis and modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Donald Luong
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Alyah Buzid
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - John H. T. Luong
- School of Chemistry and Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, College Road, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: or
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Structure of Lacticaseicin 30 and Its Engineered Variants Revealed an Interplay between the N-Terminal and C-Terminal Regions in the Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091921. [PMID: 36145669 PMCID: PMC9505257 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lacticaseicin 30 is one of the five bacteriocins produced by the Gram-positive Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CNCM I-5369. This 111 amino acid bacteriocin is noteworthy for being active against Gram-negative bacilli including Escherichia coli strains resistant to colistin. Prediction of the lacticaseicin 30 structure using the Alphafold2 pipeline revealed a largely helical structure including five helix segments, which was confirmed by circular dichroism. To identify the structural requirements of the lacticaseicin 30 activity directed against Gram-negative bacilli, a series of variants, either shortened or containing point mutations, was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and assayed for their antibacterial activity against a panel of target strains including Gram-negative bacteria and the Gram-positive Listeria innocua. Lacticaseicin 30 variants comprising either the N-terminal region (amino acids 1 to 39) or the central and C-terminal regions (amino acids 40 to 111) were prepared. Furthermore, mutations were introduced by site-directed mutagenesis to obtain ten bacteriocin variants E6G, T7P, E32G, T33P, T52P, D57G, A74P, Y78S, Y93S and A97P. Compared to lacticaseicin 30, the anti-Gram-negative activity of the N-terminal peptide and variants E32G, T33P and D57G remained almost unchanged, while that of the C-terminal peptide and variants E6G, T7P, T52P, A74P, Y78S, Y93S and A97P was significantly altered. Finally, the N-terminal region was further shortened to keep only the first 20 amino acid part that was predicted to include the first helix. The anti-Gram-negative activity of this truncated peptide was completely abolished. Overall, this study shows that activity of lacticaseicin 30, one of the rare Gram-positive bacteriocins inhibiting Gram-negative bacteria, requires at least two helices in the N-terminal region and that the C-terminal region carries amino acids playing a role in modulation of the activity. Taken together, these data will help to design forthcoming variants of lacticaseicin 30 as promising therapeutic agents to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacilli.
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Ko HJ, Patnaik BB, Park KB, Kim CE, Baliarsingh S, Jang HA, Lee YS, Han YS, Jo YH. TmIKKε Is Required to Confer Protection Against Gram-Negative Bacteria, E. coli by the Regulation of Antimicrobial Peptide Production in the Tenebrio molitor Fat Body. Front Physiol 2022; 12:758862. [PMID: 35069235 PMCID: PMC8777057 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.758862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) kinase (IKK) is the core regulator of the NF-κB pathway against pathogenic invasion in vertebrates or invertebrates. IKKβ, -ε and -γ have pivotal roles in the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathways. In this study, a homolog of IKKε (TmIKKε) was identified from Tenebrio molitor RNA sequence database and functionally characterized for its role in regulating immune signaling pathways in insects. The TmIKKε gene is characterized by two exons and one intron comprising an open reading frame (ORF) of 2,196 bp that putatively encodes a polypeptide of 731 amino acid residues. TmIKKε contains a serine/threonine protein kinases catalytic domain. Phylogenetic analysis established the close homology of TmIKKε to Tribolium castaneum IKKε (TcIKKε) and its proximity with other IKK-related kinases. The expression of TmIKKε mRNA was elevated in the gut, integument, and hemocytes of the last-instar larva and the fat body, Malpighian tubules, and testis of 5-day-old adults. TmIKKε expression was significantly induced by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans challenge in whole larvae and tissues, such as hemocytes, gut, and fat body. The knockdown of the TmIKKε messenger RNA (mRNA) expression significantly reduced the survival of the larvae against microbial challenges. Further, we investigated the induction patterns of 14 T. molitor antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) genes in TmIKKε gene-silencing model after microbial challenges. While in hemocytes, the transcriptional regulation of most AMPs was negatively regulated in the gut and fat body tissue of T. molitor, AMPs, such as TmTenecin 1, TmTenecin 4, TmDefensin, TmColeoptericin A, TmColeoptericin B, TmAttacin 1a, and TmAttacin 2, were positively regulated in TmIKKε-silenced individuals after microbial challenge. Collectively, the results implicate TmIKKε as an important factor in antimicrobial innate immune responses in T. molitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Ko
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Bharat Bhusan Patnaik
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, India
| | - Ki Beom Park
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Chang Eun Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Snigdha Baliarsingh
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, India
| | - Ho Am Jang
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yong Seok Lee
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| | - Yeon Soo Han
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Yong Hun Jo
- Department of Applied Biology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
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Radwan MH, Alaidaroos BA, Jastaniah SD, Abu el-naga MN, El-Gohary EGE, Barakat EM, ElShafie AM, Abdou MA, Mostafa NG, El-Saadony MT, Momen SA. Evaluation of antibacterial activity induced by Staphylococcus aureus and Ent A in the hemolymph of Spodoptera littoralis. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:2892-2903. [PMID: 35531219 PMCID: PMC9073143 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.01.025] [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: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The problem of antibiotic resistance considers one of the most dangerous challenges facing the medical field. So, it is necessary to find substitutions to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a bio-functional derivative that have been observed as one of the important solutions to such upcoming crisis. Owing to their role as the first line of defense against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This study was conducted to induce the immune response of Spodoptera littoralis larvae by inoculation of sub lethal doses of Staphylococcus aureus and its enterotoxin. Since Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) considers the major causative agents of Staphylococcal food poisoning, our study oriented to purify and characterize this toxin to provoke its role in yielding AMPs with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. A great fluctuation was recorded in the biochemical properties of immunized hemolymph not only in the total protein content but also protein banding pattern. Protein bands of ∼22 kDa (attacin-like) and ∼15 kDa (lysozyme-like) were found to be common between the AMPs induced as a result of both treatments. While protein bands of molecular weight ∼70 kDa (phenoloxidase-like) and ∼14 kDa (gloverin-like) were found specific for SEA treatment. Chromatographic analysis using HPLC for the induced AMPs showed different types of amino acids appeared with differences in their quantities and velocities. These peptides exhibited noticeable antimicrobial activity against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In conclusion, the antimicrobial potential of the antimicrobial peptides (AMP) induced in the larval hemolymph of S. littoralis will be a promising molecule for the development of new therapeutic alternatives.
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Wang Z, Feng K, Tang F, Xu M. Activation of the Host Immune Response in Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Induced by Serratia marcescens Bizio. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12110983. [PMID: 34821784 PMCID: PMC8617612 DOI: 10.3390/insects12110983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Hyphantria cunea (Drury) is a quarantine pest, due to its extensive host, leading to serious economic losses in the agricultural and forestry industries. To control this pest, it is increasingly important to use microbial pesticides because they are biologically active and ecologically safe. Serratia marcescens Bizio (SM1) is a potential biocontrol bacterium. Although SM1 has a pathogenic role in H. cunea, H. cunea self-defense reduces the pathogenic effect of SM1. In this study, immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in H. cunea were first identified after SM1 infection, and the immune regulation mode of H. cunea in response to SM1, including antimicrobial peptide synthesis pathways, melanization and cellular immunity, was revealed. According to the analysis, the immune system of H. cunea was induced by SM1. In summary, our study demonstrates how the immune systems of the H. cunea work to resist the infection of SM1, which provides the theoretical basis for researching more efficient microbial pesticides for H. cunea. Abstract Host–pathogen interactions are essential to our understanding of biological pesticides. Hyphantria cunea (Drury) is an important forest pest worldwide. The immune mechanism of the interaction between H. cunea and Serratia marcescens Bizio (SM1) is unclear. First, transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis described the H. cunea immune response to SM1. A total of 234 immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found. Many immune regulatory genes in three classical pathways were found. Antimicrobial peptides, including attacin B, cecropin A, gloverin, lebocin and diapausin, are involved in defending against SM1 challenge, and are mainly produced by Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathways. Some melanization genes were changed in H. cunea, which suggested that H. cunea melanization was activated by SM1. Furthermore, phagocytosis, autophagolysosome and apoptosis pathways in cellular immunity were activated in H. cunea against SM1. Finally, the expression patterns of 10 immune genes were analyzed systematically by qRT-PCR, and most of the genes were upregulated compared to the control. Our studies provide useful information about the immune response of H. cunea under the stress of SM1, which is important to understand how SM1 affects the immune system of H. cunea and provides new ideas to control H. cunea by using SM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Z.W.); (K.F.); (M.X.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Kai Feng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Z.W.); (K.F.); (M.X.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Z.W.); (K.F.); (M.X.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13813966269
| | - Meng Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (Z.W.); (K.F.); (M.X.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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De Mandal S, Panda AK, Murugan C, Xu X, Senthil Kumar N, Jin F. Antimicrobial Peptides: Novel Source and Biological Function With a Special Focus on Entomopathogenic Nematode/Bacterium Symbiotic Complex. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:555022. [PMID: 34335484 PMCID: PMC8318700 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.555022] [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] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of multidrug resistant microorganisms has become one of the most critical threats to public health. A decrease in the effectiveness of available antibiotics has led to the failure of infection control, resulting in a high risk of death. Among several alternatives, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) serve as potential alternatives to antibiotics to resolve the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens. These small proteins exhibit potent antimicrobial activity and are also an essential component of the immune system. Although several AMPs have been reported and characterized, studies associated with their potential medical applications are limited. This review highlights the novel sources of AMPs with high antimicrobial activities, including the entomopathogenic nematode/bacterium (EPN/EPB) symbiotic complex. Additionally, the AMPs derived from insects, nematodes, and marine organisms and the design of peptidomimetic antimicrobial agents that can complement the defects of therapeutic peptides have been used as a template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit De Mandal
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Chandran Murugan
- SRM Research Institute, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Fengliang Jin
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Moretta A, Scieuzo C, Petrone AM, Salvia R, Manniello MD, Franco A, Lucchetti D, Vassallo A, Vogel H, Sgambato A, Falabella P. Antimicrobial Peptides: A New Hope in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Fields. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:668632. [PMID: 34195099 PMCID: PMC8238046 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.668632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are essential drugs used to treat pathogenic bacteria, but their prolonged use contributes to the development and spread of drug-resistant microorganisms. Antibiotic resistance is a serious challenge and has led to the need for new alternative molecules less prone to bacterial resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have aroused great interest as potential next-generation antibiotics, since they are bioactive small proteins, naturally produced by all living organisms, and representing the first line of defense against fungi, viruses and bacteria. AMPs are commonly classified according to their sources, which are represented by microorganisms, plants and animals, as well as to their secondary structure, their biosynthesis and their mechanism of action. They find application in different fields such as agriculture, food industry and medicine, on which we focused our attention in this review. Particularly, we examined AMP potential applicability in wound healing, skin infections and metabolic syndrome, considering their ability to act as potential Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme I and pancreatic lipase inhibitory peptides as well as antioxidant peptides. Moreover, we argued about the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic approaches to develop new antibiotics, the drug development strategies and the formulation approaches which need to be taken into account in developing clinically suitable AMP applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Moretta
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Franco
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Donatella Lucchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Vassallo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Alessandro Sgambato
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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12
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Manniello MD, Moretta A, Salvia R, Scieuzo C, Lucchetti D, Vogel H, Sgambato A, Falabella P. Insect antimicrobial peptides: potential weapons to counteract the antibiotic resistance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4259-4282. [PMID: 33595669 PMCID: PMC8164593 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed in the last decades to a phenomenon known as antibiotic resistance which is currently considered one of the principal threats to global public health by the World Health Organization. The aim to find alternative drugs has been demonstrated as a real challenge. Thanks to their biodiversity, insects represent the largest class of organisms in the animal kingdom. The humoral immune response includes the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are released into the insect hemolymph after microbial infection. In this review, we have focused on insect immune responses, particularly on AMP characteristics, their mechanism of action and applications, especially in the biomedical field. Furthermore, we discuss the Toll, Imd, and JAK-STAT pathways that activate genes encoding for the expression of AMPs. Moreover, we focused on strategies to improve insect peptides stability against proteolytic susceptibility such as D-amino acid substitutions, N-terminus modification, cyclization and dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Manniello
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - A Moretta
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - R Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - C Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - D Lucchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - H Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - A Sgambato
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture (PZ), Italy
| | - P Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
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Buonocore F, Fausto AM, Della Pelle G, Roncevic T, Gerdol M, Picchietti S. Attacins: A Promising Class of Insect Antimicrobial Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:212. [PMID: 33672685 PMCID: PMC7924397 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects produce a large repertoire of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as the first line of defense against bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. These peptides are produced from a large precursor that contains a signal domain, which is cleaved in vivo to produce the mature protein with antimicrobial activity. At present, AMPs from insects include several families which can be classified as cecropins, ponericins, defensins, lebocins, drosocin, Metchnikowin, gloverins, diptericins and attacins according to their structure and/or function. This short review is focused on attacins, a class of glycine-rich peptides/proteins that have been first discovered in the cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia). They are a rather heterogeneous group of immunity-related proteins that exhibit an antimicrobial effect mainly against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we discuss different attacin and attacin-like AMPs that have been discovered so far and analyze their structure and phylogeny. Special focus is given to the physiological importance and mechanism of action of attacins against microbial pathogens together with their potential pharmacological applications, emphasizing their roles as antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Buonocore
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 05100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (A.M.F.); (G.D.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Anna Maria Fausto
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 05100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (A.M.F.); (G.D.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Giulia Della Pelle
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 05100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (A.M.F.); (G.D.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Tomislav Roncevic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, Rudera Boskovica 33, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Marco Gerdol
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, TS, Italy;
| | - Simona Picchietti
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems, University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università snc, 05100 Viterbo, VT, Italy; (A.M.F.); (G.D.P.); (S.P.)
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14
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Huan Y, Kong Q, Mou H, Yi H. Antimicrobial Peptides: Classification, Design, Application and Research Progress in Multiple Fields. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:582779. [PMID: 33178164 PMCID: PMC7596191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.582779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 593] [Impact Index Per Article: 148.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of small peptides that widely exist in nature and they are an important part of the innate immune system of different organisms. AMPs have a wide range of inhibitory effects against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and the increasing of concerns about the use of antibiotics resulted in the development of AMPs, which have a good application prospect in medicine, food, animal husbandry, agriculture and aquaculture. This review introduces the progress of research on AMPs comprehensively and systematically, including their classification, mechanism of action, design methods, environmental factors affecting their activity, application status, prospects in various fields and problems to be solved. The research progress on antivirus peptides, especially anti-coronavirus (COVID-19) peptides, has been introduced given the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qing Kong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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15
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Li Q, Zhang J, Sun Y, Wang L, Qian C, Wei G, Zhu B, Liu C. Immunological Function of the Antibacterial Peptide Attacin-Like in the Chinese Oak Silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. Protein Pept Lett 2020; 27:953-961. [PMID: 32370699 DOI: 10.2174/0929866527666200505210113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibacterial peptides play important roles in the innate immune system of insects and are divided into four categories according to their structures. Although many antibacterial peptides have been reported in lepidopteran insects, the roles of an attacin-like gene in immune response of Antheraea pernyi remain unclear. OBJECTIVE In this study, the cloning and immunological functions of an attacin-like gene from Antheraea pernyi were investigated. METHODS The open reading frame of Ap-attacin-like gene was cloned by PCR using the specific primers and then was ligated to the pET-32a vector to construct the recombinant plasmids Ap-attacin- like-pET-32a. The recombinant Ap-attacin-like protein was expressed in E. coli (BL21 DE3) cells and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The expression patterns of Ap-attacin-like in different tissues or under microorganism challenges were investigated by real-time PCR and western blotting. Finally, agar well diffusion assay was performed to determine the antimicrobial activity of the recombinant Ap-attacin-like proteins based on the inhibition rate. RESULTS The expression level of Ap-attacin-like was highest in the fat body compared with the other examined tissues. The expression of Ap-attacin-like in the fat body was significantly elevated after E. coli, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus or Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus challenges. In addition, the recombinant Ap-attacin-like proteins had obvious antibacterial activity against E. coli. CONCLUSION Ap-attacin-like was highly expressed in immune-related tissues and its expression level was significantly induced by different microorganism challenges, suggesting that Ap-attacin-like participated in the innate immunity of A. pernyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Li
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yu Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Cen Qian
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Guoqing Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Baojian Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chaoliang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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16
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Shin HS, Park SI. Novel attacin from Hermetia illucens: cDNA cloning, characterization, and antibacterial properties. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 49:279-285. [PMID: 30767702 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2018.1541807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we report a novel member of the attacin family from Hermetia illucens. The cDNA clone encoding the attacin-like protein was isolated by screening a cDNA library prepared from immunized fat body. The complete 510 bp cDNA of HI-attacin was predicted to encode a protein of 169 amino acids with a molecular weight of 17.7 kDa. The putative mature protein of H. illucens attacin (HI-attacin) had 50% identity with that of Bactrocera dorsalis attacin B. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the HI-attacin was separated from the other dipteran attacins with a high bootstrap percentage. Compared to that in the other dipteran attacins, the G1 domain of HI-attacin was shorter and the sequence of the G2 domain of HI-attacin was more conserved than that of the G1 domain. We produced the recombinant attacin (rHI-attacin) protein using a prokaryotic expression system to confirm its antibacterial character. The rHI-attacin was produced as inclusion bodies and refolded by on-column refolding. rHI-attacin exhibited antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Using real-time PCR, the expression of HI-attacin was was barely detected before the immunization, but was mostly evident in the fat body after immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hak Sup Shin
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Dankook University , Cheonan , Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Ik Park
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Dankook University , Cheonan , Republic of Korea
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17
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Li Z, Liu X, Li Y, Lan X, Leung PH, Li J, Li G, Xie M, Han Y, Lin X. Composite Membranes of Recombinant Silkworm Antimicrobial Peptide and Poly (L-lactic Acid) (PLLA) for biomedical application. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31149. [PMID: 27503270 PMCID: PMC4977571 DOI: 10.1038/srep31149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides, produced by innate immune system of hosts in response to invading pathogens, are capable of fighting against a spectrum of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and cancer cells. Here, a recombinant silkworm AMP Bmattacin2 from heterologous expression is studied, indicating a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and showing selective killing ability towards skin and colon cancer cells over their normal cell counterparts. For the purpose of biomedical application, the electrospinning fabrication technique is employed to load Bmattacin2 into PLLA nanofibrous membrane. In addition to a good compatibility with the normal cells, Bmattacin2 loaded nanofibrous membranes demonstrate instant antibacterial effects and sustained anticancer effects. The cancer cell and bacteria targeting dynamics of recombinant Bmattacin2 are investigated. With these characteristics, PLLA/Bmattacin2 composite membranes have a great potential for developing novel biomedical applications such as cancer therapies and wound healing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, College of Textiles and Garments, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xuan Liu
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yi Li
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Xiqian Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Polly Hangmei Leung
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Jiashen Li
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Gang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Maobin Xie
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yanxia Han
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaofen Lin
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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18
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Al Souhail Q, Hiromasa Y, Rahnamaeian M, Giraldo MC, Takahashi D, Valent B, Vilcinskas A, Kanost MR. Characterization and regulation of expression of an antifungal peptide from hemolymph of an insect, Manduca sexta. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 61:258-68. [PMID: 26976231 PMCID: PMC4866881 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Insects secrete antimicrobial peptides as part of the innate immune response. Most antimicrobial peptides from insects have antibacterial but not antifungal activity. We have characterized an antifungal peptide, diapausin-1 from hemolymph of a lepidopteran insect, Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworm). Diapausin-1 was isolated by size exclusion chromatography from hemolymph plasma of larvae that were previously injected with a yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fractions containing activity against S. cerevisiae were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS/MS and found to contain a 45-residue peptide that was encoded by sequences identified in M. sexta transcriptome and genome databases. A cDNA for diapausin-1 was cloned from cDNA prepared from fat body RNA. Diapausin-1 is a member of the diapausin family of peptides, which includes members known to have antifungal activity. The M. sexta genome contains 14 genes with high similarity to diapausin-1, each with 6 conserved Cys residues. Diapausin-1 was produced as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. Purified recombinant diapausin-1 was active against S. cerevisiae, with IC50 of 12 μM, but had no detectable activity against bacteria. Spores of some plant fungal pathogens treated with diapausin-1 had curled germination tubes or reduced and branched hyphal growth. Diapausin-1 mRNA level in fat body strongly increased after larvae were injected with yeast or with Micrococcus luteus. In addition, diapausin-1 mRNA levels increased in midgut and fat body at the wandering larval stage prior to pupation, suggesting developmental regulation of the gene. Our results indicate that synthesis of diapausin-1 is part of an antifungal innate immune response to infection in M. sexta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasim Al Souhail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Yasuaki Hiromasa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Mohammad Rahnamaeian
- LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen Winchesterstrasse 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Martha C Giraldo
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Daisuke Takahashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Barbara Valent
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen Winchesterstrasse 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 39592 Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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Molecular cloning and characterization of gloverin from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. and its interaction with bacterial membrane. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 31:1529-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-015-1901-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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20
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Liao YY, Zuo YH, Tsai CL, Hsu CM, Chen ME. cDNA CLONING AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF THE CECROPIN AND ATTACIN FROM THE ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY, Bactrocera dorsalis (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 89:111-126. [PMID: 25781309 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We described the cDNA cloning of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cecropin (BdCec), and attacin C (BdAttC), from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a serious insect pest of fruit trees. Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends, fragments encompassing the entire open reading frames of BdCec and BdAttC were cloned and sequenced. The complete 425 bp cDNA of BdCec encodes a protein of 64 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 6.84 kDa. The 931 bp cDNA of BdAttC encodes a protein of 239 residues with a predicted molecular weight of 24.97 kDa. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that the developmental transcription profiles of BdCec and BdAttC were similar in each larvae, pupae, and adults. The constitutive expression levels of both AMPs were high in the first-instar and late third-instar larvae, suggesting that their antimicrobial activity is active in the newly hatched larvae and just before pupation. The basal expression levels were not significant different in adult fat bodies. The expression of BdCec and BdAttC was upregulated after bacterial challenge in adult fat bodies. The ratio of inducible expression to constitutive expression was lower in males compared to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Yin Liao
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Zuo
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Lung Tsai
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ming Hsu
- Bachelor Program of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Er Chen
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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21
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Yi HY, Chowdhury M, Huang YD, Yu XQ. Insect antimicrobial peptides and their applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:5807-22. [PMID: 24811407 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-5792-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Insects are one of the major sources of antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs). Since observation of antimicrobial activity in the hemolymph of pupae from the giant silk moths Samia Cynthia and Hyalophora cecropia in 1974 and purification of first insect AMP (cecropin) from H. cecropia pupae in 1980, over 150 insect AMPs have been purified or identified. Most insect AMPs are small and cationic, and they show activities against bacteria and/or fungi, as well as some parasites and viruses. Insect AMPs can be classified into four families based on their structures or unique sequences: the α-helical peptides (cecropin and moricin), cysteine-rich peptides (insect defensin and drosomycin), proline-rich peptides (apidaecin, drosocin, and lebocin), and glycine-rich peptides/proteins (attacin and gloverin). Among insect AMPs, defensins, cecropins, proline-rich peptides, and attacins are common, while gloverins and moricins have been identified only in Lepidoptera. Most active AMPs are small peptides of 20-50 residues, which are generated from larger inactive precursor proteins or pro-proteins, but gloverins (~14 kDa) and attacins (~20 kDa) are large antimicrobial proteins. In this mini-review, we will discuss current knowledge and recent progress in several classes of insect AMPs, including insect defensins, cecropins, attacins, lebocins and other proline-rich peptides, gloverins, and moricins, with a focus on structural-functional relationships and their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yu Yi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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22
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Zhang M, Zhou F, Chu Y, Zhao Z, An C. Identification and expression profile analysis of antimicrobial peptide/protein in Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Int J Biol Sci 2013; 9:1004-12. [PMID: 24155672 PMCID: PMC3805904 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.6813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) are a group of immune proteins that exhibit strong antibiotic properties against numerous infectious bacterial strains. They are evolutionarily conserved and present in every kingdom and phylum, ranging from prokaryotes to humans. We analyzed the transciptome from the larvae of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), and identified several putative AMP transcripts, OfgLys5, OfgLys6, OfgLys10, OfgAtt, and OfgIID. OfgLys5, OfgLys6, and OfgLys10 are all highly homologous with c-type lysozymes, and OfgAtt shows significant identities with Lepidoptera attacin. The amino acid sequence of OfgLys5 and OfgLys6 possessed all conserved features critical for fundamental structure and function of c-type lysozyme, including the two catalytic sites, Glu32 and Asp50. OfgAtt is a typical glycine-rich protein. The antimicrobial activity of O. furnacalis hemolymph increased significantly after injection with Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, or Beauveria bassiana. OfgAtt, IDD, and Lys6 are expressed at low level prior to the challenge, but strongly induced against Gram-positive and negative bacteria, and fungi. Under the same inducement conditions, the transcripts of these three genes elevated most when fifth instar larvae were injected. Therefore, O. furnacalis larvae are induced to produce antimicrobial materials in the hemolymph after the infection, and increase of lysozyme and attacin may contribute to the antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
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Molecular cloning, expression in Escherichia coli of Attacin A gene from Drosophila and detection of biological activity. Mol Biol Rep 2009; 37:2463-9. [PMID: 19711194 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-009-9758-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Attacin, a 20 kDa antibacterial peptide, plays an important role in immunity. To understand this gene better, gene cloning, expression and biological activity detection of Attacin A was carried out in present study. The full-length open reading frame (ORF) coding for Attacin A gene was generated using RT-PCR which takes total RNA extracted from Drosophila as the template. The gene was inserted directionally into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a (+). The resulting recombinant plasmid was transformed into E. coli Rosetta. SDS-PAGE was carried out to detect the expression product which was induced by IPTG. The antimicrobial activity and hemolysis activity were tested in vitro after purification. Agarose gel electrophoresis indicated that the complete ORF of Attacin A gene has been cloned successfully from Drosophila stimulated by E. coli which includes 666 bp and encodes 221 AA. The gene encoding mature Attacin A protein was amplified by PCR from the recombinant plasmid containing Attacin A, which includes 570 bp in all. SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that the fusion protein expressed was approximately 39.2 kDa. Biological activities detection showed that this peptide exhibited certain antibacterial activity to several G- bacteria, as well as minor hemolysis activity for porcine red blood cells. In conclusion, Attacin A gene was cloned and expressed successfully. It was the basis for further study of Attacin.
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