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Paul S, Verma S, Chen YC. Peptide Dendrimer-Based Antibacterial Agents: Synthesis and Applications. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1034-1055. [PMID: 38428037 PMCID: PMC11019562 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria cause the deaths of millions of people every year. With the development of antibiotics, hundreds and thousands of people's lives have been saved. Nevertheless, bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics, rendering them insensitive to antibiotics over time. Peptides containing specific amino acids can be used as antibacterial agents; however, they can be easily degraded by proteases in vivo. To address these issues, branched peptide dendrimers are now being considered as good antibacterial agents due to their high efficacy, resistance to protease degradation, and low cytotoxicity. The ease with which peptide dendrimers can be synthesized and modified makes them accessible for use in various biological and nonbiological fields. That is, peptide dendrimers hold a promising future as antibacterial agents with prolonged efficacy without bacterial resistance development. Their in vivo stability and multivalence allow them to effectively target multi-drug-resistant strains and prevent biofilm formation. Thus, it is interesting to have an overview of the development and applications of peptide dendrimers in antibacterial research, including the possibility of employing machine learning approaches for the design of AMPs and dendrimers. This review summarizes the synthesis and applications of peptide dendrimers as antibacterial agents. The challenges and perspectives of using peptide dendrimers as the antibacterial agents are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchita Paul
- Institute
of Semiconductor Technology, National Yang
Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department
of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology
Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sandeep Verma
- Department
of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology
Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Gangwal
School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yu-Chie Chen
- Institute
of Semiconductor Technology, National Yang
Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming
Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
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2
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Rangel K, Lechuga GC, Provance DW, Morel CM, De Simone SG. An Update on the Therapeutic Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides against Acinetobacter baumannii Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1281. [PMID: 37765087 PMCID: PMC10537560 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of clinically important pathogens is a major threat to global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the urgent need to develop alternative treatments to address the growing list of priority pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) rank among the suggested options with proven activity and high potential to be developed into effective drugs. Many AMPs are naturally produced by living organisms protecting the host against pathogens as a part of their innate immunity. Mechanisms associated with AMP actions include cell membrane disruption, cell wall weakening, protein synthesis inhibition, and interference in nucleic acid dynamics, inducing apoptosis and necrosis. Acinetobacter baumannii is a critical pathogen, as severe clinical implications have developed from isolates resistant to current antibiotic treatments and conventional control procedures, such as UV light, disinfectants, and drying. Here, we review the natural AMPs representing primary candidates for new anti-A. baumannii drugs in post-antibiotic-era and present computational tools to develop the next generation of AMPs with greater microbicidal activity and reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyne Rangel
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (K.R.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.); (C.M.M.)
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Curty Lechuga
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (K.R.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.); (C.M.M.)
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - David W. Provance
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (K.R.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.); (C.M.M.)
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos M. Morel
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (K.R.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Salvatore G. De Simone
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (K.R.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.); (C.M.M.)
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institut, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation on Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 22040-036, RJ, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation on Parasitic Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
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Borgio JF, Rasdan AS, Sonbol B, Alhamid G, Almandil NB, AbdulAzeez S. Emerging Status of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria and Fungi in the Arabian Peninsula. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111144. [PMID: 34827138 PMCID: PMC8614875 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The incidence and developing status of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi, as well as their related mortality, is reviewed by a systematic published literature search from nine countries in the Arabian Peninsula. In order to analyse the emerging status and mortality, a total of 382 research articles were selected from a comprehensive screening of 1705 papers. More than 850 deaths reported since 2010 in the Arabian Peninsula due to the infection of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi. Multidrug-resistant bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi Candida auris are the most prevalent and causing high deaths. To control these infections and associated deaths in the Arabian Peninsula, continuous preventive measures, accurate methods for early diagnosis of infection, active surveillance, constant monitoring, developing vaccines, eradicating multidrug resistance modulators, and data sharing among countries are required. Abstract We aimed to identify the prevalence and emerging status of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi and their associated mortality in nine countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Original research articles and case studies regarding multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi in the Arabian Peninsula, published during the last 10 years, were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus. A total of 382 studies were included as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the PRISMA guidelines, from a thorough screening of 1705 articles, in order to analyse the emerging status and mortality. The emerging nature of >120 multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and fungi in the Arabian Peninsula is a serious concern that requires continuous monitoring and immediate preventive measures. More than 50% (n = 453) of multidrug-resistant, microbe-associated mortality (n = 871) in the Arabian Peninsula was due to MDR Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Overall, a 16.51% mortality was reported among MDR-infected patients in the Arabian Peninsula from the 382 articles of this registered systematic review. MDR A. baumannii (5600 isolates) prevailed in all the nine countries of the Arabian Peninsula and was one of the fastest emerging MDR bacteria with the highest mortality (n = 210). A total of 13,087 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were reported in the region. Candida auris (580 strains) is the most prevalent among the MDR fungal pathogen in the Arabian Peninsula, having caused 54 mortalities. Active surveillance, constant monitoring, the development of a candidate vaccine, an early diagnosis of MDR infection, the elimination of multidrug resistance modulators and uninterrupted preventive measures with enhanced data sharing are mandatory to control MDR infection and associated diseases of the Arabian Peninsula. Accurate and rapid detection methods are needed to differentiate MDR strain from other strains of the species. This review summarises the logical relation, prevalence, emerging status and associated mortality of MDR microbes in the Arabian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Francis Borgio
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.R.); (B.S.); (G.A.)
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +966-013-3330864
| | - Alia Saeed Rasdan
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.R.); (B.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Bayan Sonbol
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.R.); (B.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Galyah Alhamid
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.R.); (B.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Noor B. Almandil
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sayed AbdulAzeez
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
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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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Neshani A, Sedighian H, Mirhosseini SA, Ghazvini K, Zare H, Jahangiri A. Antimicrobial peptides as a promising treatment option against Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Microb Pathog 2020; 146:104238. [PMID: 32387392 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter, the World Health Organization introduced the carbapenem-resistant isolates in the priority pathogens list for which innovative new treatments are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the antimicrobial agents with high potential to produce new anti-Acinetobacter drugs. This review aims to summarize recent advances and compare AMPs with anti-Acinetobacter baumannii activity. METHODS Active AMPs against Acinetobacter were considered, and essential features, including structure, mechanism of action, anti-A. baumannii potent, and other prominent characteristics, were investigated and compared to each other. In this regard, the Google Scholar search engine and databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used. RESULTS Forty-six anti-Acinetobacter peptides were identified and classified into ten groups: Cathelicidins, Defensins, Frog AMPs, Melittin, Cecropins, Mastoparan, Histatins, Dermcidins, Tachyplesins, and computationally designed AMPs. According to the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) reports, six peptides of Melittin, Histatin-8, Omega76, AM-CATH36, Hymenochirin, and Mastoparan have the highest anti-A. baumannii power against sensitive and antibiotic-resistant isolates. All anti-Acinetobacter peptides except Dermcidin have a net positive charge. Most of these peptides have alpha-helical structure; however, β-sheet and other structures have been observed among them. The mechanism of action of these antimicrobial agents is divided into two categories of membrane-based and intracellular target-based attack. CONCLUSION Evidence from this review indicates that AMPs would be likely among the main anti-A. baumannii drugs in the post-antibiotic era. Also, the application of computer science to increase anti-A. baumannii activity and reduce toxicity could be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Neshani
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Sedighian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mirhosseini
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiarash Ghazvini
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hosna Zare
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Varga JFA, Bui-Marinos MP, Katzenback BA. Frog Skin Innate Immune Defences: Sensing and Surviving Pathogens. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3128. [PMID: 30692997 PMCID: PMC6339944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibian skin is a mucosal surface in direct and continuous contact with a microbially diverse and laden aquatic and/or terrestrial environment. As such, frog skin is an important innate immune organ and first line of defence against pathogens in the environment. Critical to the innate immune functions of frog skin are the maintenance of physical, chemical, cellular, and microbiological barriers and the complex network of interactions that occur across all the barriers. Despite the global decline in amphibian populations, largely as a result of emerging infectious diseases, we understand little regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the innate immune function of amphibian skin and defence against pathogens. In this review, we discuss the structure, cell composition and cellular junctions that contribute to the skin physical barrier, the antimicrobial peptide arsenal that, in part, comprises the chemical barrier, the pattern recognition receptors involved in recognizing pathogens and initiating innate immune responses in the skin, and the contribution of commensal microbes on the skin to pathogen defence. We briefly discuss the influence of environmental abiotic factors (natural and anthropogenic) and pathogens on the immunocompetency of frog skin defences. Although some aspects of frog innate immunity, such as antimicrobial peptides are well-studied; other components and how they contribute to the skin innate immune barrier, are lacking. Elucidating the complex network of interactions occurring at the interface of the frog's external and internal environments will yield insight into the crucial role amphibian skin plays in host defence and the environmental factors leading to compromised barrier integrity, disease, and host mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F A Varga
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Kozic M, Fox SJ, Thomas JM, Verma CS, Rigden DJ. Large scale ab initio modeling of structurally uncharacterized antimicrobial peptides reveals known and novel folds. Proteins 2018; 86:548-565. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.25473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Kozic
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool; Liverpool L69 7ZB U.K
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Bioinformatics Institute; Singapore
| | - Stephen J. Fox
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Bioinformatics Institute; Singapore
| | - Jens M. Thomas
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool; Liverpool L69 7ZB U.K
| | - Chandra S. Verma
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Bioinformatics Institute; Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences; National University of Singapore; Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences; Nanyang Technological University; Singapore
| | - Daniel J. Rigden
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool; Liverpool L69 7ZB U.K
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Mariano DOC, Yamaguchi LF, Jared C, Antoniazzi MM, Sciani JM, Kato MJ, Pimenta DC. Pipa carvalhoi skin secretion profiling: absence of peptides and identification of kynurenic acid as the major constitutive component. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 167:1-6. [PMID: 25181950 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The presence of peptides has been identified in all African pipid genera; nevertheless, little is known about skin secretion of South American frog genus Pipa. Skin secretion from captive and wild Pipa carvalhoi were obtained in the presence or absence of norepinephrine stimulation. The <10 kDa fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, searching for peptides. Chromatographic profiles show the presence of a major component in this secretion, regardless of the stimulation method (norepinephrine or mechanical stimulation) and the origin of the animal (captivity or wild), as well as in the absence of any stimulus. The general mass distribution profile in P. carvalhoi skin secretion shows numerous components below 800 Da. Moreover, no peptide could be identified, regardless of the chromatographic approach. The major component was purified and identified as kynurenic acid, an L-tryptophan derivative. P. carvalhoi does not secrete peptides as toxins in its skin. In addition, we here report that kynurenic acid is the main component of P. carvalhoi skin secretion. Although no biological activity was associated with kynurenic acid, we propose that this molecule is a pheromone that signals the presence of a co-specific in the shady environment in which this animal lives. In this study we demonstrate the absence of peptidic toxins in the skin secretion of P. carvalhoi, a break of paradigm in the pipid family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Oscar Ceolin Mariano
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Av Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Lydia Fumiko Yamaguchi
- Instituto de Química - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, Sala 1115, Bloco 11 térreo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos Jared
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Butantan, Av Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Marta Maria Antoniazzi
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Butantan, Av Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana Mozer Sciani
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Av Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Massuo Jorge Kato
- Instituto de Química - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, Sala 1115, Bloco 11 térreo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel Carvalho Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Av Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil.
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Conlon JM, Mechkarska M, Kolodziejek J, Nowotny N, Coquet L, Leprince J, Jouenne T, Vaudry H. Host-defense peptides from skin secretions of Fraser's clawed frog Xenopus fraseri (Pipidae): Further insight into the evolutionary history of the Xenopodinae. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2014; 12:45-52. [PMID: 25463057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Peptidomic analysis of norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions of the tetraploid frog Xenopus fraseri Boulenger, 1905 (Pipidae) led to identification of 13 host-defense peptides. The primary structures of the peptides demonstrate that they belong to the magainin (3 peptides), peptide glycine-leucine-amide, PGLa (4 peptides), and xenopsin-precursor fragment, XPF (2 peptides) families, first identified in Xenopus laevis, together with caerulein precursor fragment-related peptides, CPF-RP (4 peptides), first identified in Silurana tropicalis. In addition, the secretions contain a molecular variant of xenopsin displaying the substitution Arg(4)→Lys compared with X. laevis xenopsin and peptide glycine-tyrosine-amide (PGYa) (GRIIPIYPEFERVFA KKVYPLY.NH2) whose function is unknown. The most potent antimicrobial peptide identified is CPF-RP-F1 (GFGSVLGKALKFGANLL.NH2) with MIC=12.5μM against Staphylococcus aureus and 50μM against Escherichia coli. On the basis of similarities in morphology and advertisement calls, X. fraseri has been placed in a species group that includes the octoploids Xenopus amieti and Xenopus andrei, and the tetraploid Xenopus pygmaeus. Cladistic analyses based upon the primary structures of magainin, PGLa, and CPF-RP peptides support a close evolutionary relationship between X. fraseri, X. amieti and X. andrei but suggest a more distant relationship with X. pygmaeus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Laurent Coquet
- PISSARO, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; CNRS UMR 6270, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- INSERM U-982, PRIMACEN, CNRS, IRIB, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Thierry Jouenne
- PISSARO, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; CNRS UMR 6270, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Hubert Vaudry
- INSERM U-982, PRIMACEN, CNRS, IRIB, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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Mechkarska M, Coquet L, Leprince J, Jouenne T, Vaudry H, Michalak K, Michalak P, Conlon JM. Host-defense peptides from skin secretions of the octoploid frogs Xenopus vestitus and Xenopus wittei (Pipidae): insights into evolutionary relationships. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2014; 11:20-8. [PMID: 25086320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The primary structures of host-defense peptides have proved useful in elucidating the evolution history of frogs. Peptidomic analysis was used to compare the diversity of host-defense peptides in norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from the octoploid frogs, Xenopus vestitus (Kivu clawed frog) and Xenopus wittei (De Witte's clawed frog) in the family Pipidae. Structural characterization demonstrated that the X. vestitus peptides belong to the magainin (3 peptides), peptide glycine-leucine-amide (PGLa; 4 peptides), xenopsin-precursor fragment (XPF; 1 peptide), and caerulein-precursor fragment (CPF; 5 peptides) families. The X. wittei peptides comprise magainin (4 peptides), PGLa (1 peptide), XPF (2 peptides), and CPF (7 peptides). In addition, secretions from both species contain caerulein, identical to the peptide from Xenopus laevis, but X. wittei secretions contains the novel peptide [R4K]xenopsin. The variability in the numbers of paralogs in each peptide family indicates a selective silencing of the host-defense peptide genes following the polyploidization events. The primary structures of the peptides provide insight into phylogenetic relationships among the octoploid Xenopus frogs. The data support a sister-group relationship between X. vestitus and Xenopus lenduensis, suggestive of bifurcating speciation after allopolyploidization, whereas X. wittei is more closely related to the Xenopus amieti-Xenopus andrei group suggesting a common tetraploid ancestor. Consistent with previous data, the CPF peptides showed the highest growth inhibitory activity against bacteria with CPF-W6 (GIGSLLAKAAKLAAGLV.NH2) combining high antimicrobial potency against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC=4 μM) with relatively low hemolytic activity (LC50=190 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laurent Coquet
- PISSARO, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; CNRS UMR 6270, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- INSERM U-982, PRIMACEN, CNRS, IRIB, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Thierry Jouenne
- PISSARO, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France; CNRS UMR 6270, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Hubert Vaudry
- INSERM U-982, PRIMACEN, CNRS, IRIB, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Katarzyna Michalak
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Washington Street, MC 0477 Blacksburg, VA 24061-0477, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0477, USA
| | - Pawel Michalak
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Washington Street, MC 0477 Blacksburg, VA 24061-0477, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0477, USA
| | - J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Matthijs S, Ye L, Stijlemans B, Cornelis P, Bossuyt F, Roelants K. Low structural variation in the host-defense peptide repertoire of the dwarf clawed frog Hymenochirus boettgeri (Pipidae). PLoS One 2014; 9:e86339. [PMID: 24466037 PMCID: PMC3899252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
THE skin secretion of many amphibians contains peptides that are able to kill a broad range of microorganisms (antimicrobial peptides: AMPs) and potentially play a role in innate immune defense. Similar to the toxin arsenals of various animals, amphibian AMP repertoires typically show major structural variation, and previous studies have suggested that this may be the result of diversifying selection in adaptation to a diverse spectrum of pathogens. Here we report on transcriptome analyses that indicate a very different pattern in the dwarf clawed frog H. boettgeri. Our analyses reveal a diverse set of transcripts containing two to six tandem repeats, together encoding 14 distinct peptides. Five of these have recently been identified as AMPs, while three more are shown here to potently inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria, including multi-drug resistant strains of the medically important Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Although the number of predicted peptides is similar to the numbers of related AMPs in Xenopus and Silurana frog species, they show significantly lower structural variation. Selection analyses confirm that, in contrast to the AMPs of other amphibians, the H. boettgeri peptides did not evolve under diversifying selection. Instead, the low sequence variation among tandem repeats resulted from purifying selection, recent duplication and/or concerted gene evolution. Our study demonstrates that defense peptide repertoires of closely related taxa, after diverging from each other, may evolve under differential selective regimes, leading to contrasting patterns of structural diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severine Matthijs
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lumeng Ye
- Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Research Group of Microbiology and Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoit Stijlemans
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Cornelis
- Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Research Group of Microbiology and Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Franky Bossuyt
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Roelants
- Amphibian Evolution Lab, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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12
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Conlon JM, Mechkarska M. Host-defense peptides with therapeutic potential from skin secretions of frogs from the family pipidae. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2014; 7:58-77. [PMID: 24434793 PMCID: PMC3915195 DOI: 10.3390/ph7010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin secretions from frogs belonging to the genera Xenopus, Silurana, Hymenochirus, and Pseudhymenochirus in the family Pipidae are a rich source of host-defense peptides with varying degrees of antimicrobial activities and cytotoxicities to mammalian cells. Magainin, peptide glycine-leucine-amide (PGLa), caerulein-precursor fragment (CPF), and xenopsin-precursor fragment (XPF) peptides have been isolated from norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from several species of Xenopus and Silurana. Hymenochirins and pseudhymenochirins have been isolated from Hymenochirus boettgeri and Pseudhymenochirus merlini. A major obstacle to the development of these peptides as anti-infective agents is their hemolytic activities against human erythrocytes. Analogs of the magainins, CPF peptides and hymenochirin-1B with increased antimicrobial potencies and low cytotoxicities have been developed that are active (MIC < 5 μM) against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Despite this, the therapeutic potential of frog skin peptides as anti-infective agents has not been realized so that alternative clinical applications as anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, or immunomodulatory drugs are being explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, UAE.
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, UAE.
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Origin and functional diversification of an amphibian defense peptide arsenal. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003662. [PMID: 23935531 PMCID: PMC3731216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin secretion of many amphibians contains an arsenal of bioactive molecules, including hormone-like peptides (HLPs) acting as defense toxins against predators, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) providing protection against infectious microorganisms. Several amphibian taxa seem to have independently acquired the genes to produce skin-secreted peptide arsenals, but it remains unknown how these originated from a non-defensive ancestral gene and evolved diverse defense functions against predators and pathogens. We conducted transcriptome, genome, peptidome and phylogenetic analyses to chart the full gene repertoire underlying the defense peptide arsenal of the frog Silurana tropicalis and reconstruct its evolutionary history. Our study uncovers a cluster of 13 transcriptionally active genes, together encoding up to 19 peptides, including diverse HLP homologues and AMPs. This gene cluster arose from a duplicated gastrointestinal hormone gene that attained a HLP-like defense function after major remodeling of its promoter region. Instead, new defense functions, including antimicrobial activity, arose by mutation of the precursor proteins, resulting in the proteolytic processing of secondary peptides alongside the original ones. Although gene duplication did not trigger functional innovation, it may have subsequently facilitated the convergent loss of the original function in multiple gene lineages (subfunctionalization), completing their transformation from HLP gene to AMP gene. The processing of multiple peptides from a single precursor entails a mechanism through which peptide-encoding genes may establish new functions without the need for gene duplication to avoid adaptive conflicts with older ones.
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Mechkarska M, Prajeep M, Leprince J, Vaudry H, Meetani MA, Evans BJ, Conlon JM. A comparison of host-defense peptides in skin secretions of female Xenopus laevis × Xenopus borealis and X. borealis × X. laevis F1 hybrids. Peptides 2013; 45:1-8. [PMID: 23624316 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Peptidomic analysis was used to compare the diversity of host-defense peptides in norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from laboratory-generated female F1 hybrids of Xenopus laevis and Xenopus borealis (Pipidae). Skin secretions of hybrids with maternal X. laevis (XLB) contained 12 antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), comprising 8 from X. laevis and 4 from X. borealis. Magainin-B1, XPF-B1, PGLa-B1 CPF-B2, CPF-B3 and CPF-B4 from X. borealis and XPF-1, XPF-2, and CPF-6 from X. laevis were not detected and CPF-1 and CPF-7 were present in low concentration. The secretions contained caerulein and caerulein-B1 derived from both parents but lacked X. laevis xenopsin and X. borealis caerulein-B2. Skin secretions of hybrids with maternal X. borealis (XBL) contained 14 AMPs comprising 6 from X. borealis and 8 from X. laevis. Magainin-B1, XPF-B1, PGLa-B1, CPF-B2, XPF-1, CPF-5, and CPF-7 were absent and CPF-B3, CPF-B4, CPF-1 and CPF-6 were present only in low concentration. Xenopsin and caerulein were identified in the secretions but caerulein-B2 was absent and caerulein-B1 was present in low concentration. No peptides were identified in secretions of either XLB or XBL hybrids that were not present in the parental species. The data indicate that hybridization between X. laevis and X. borealis results in increased diversity of host-defense peptides in skin secretions but point to extensive AMP gene silencing compared with previously studied female X. laevis×X. muelleri F1 hybrids and no novel peptide expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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15
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Srinivasan D, Mechkarska M, Abdel-Wahab YH, Flatt PR, Conlon JM. Caerulein precursor fragment (CPF) peptides from the skin secretions of Xenopus laevis and Silurana epitropicalis are potent insulin-releasing agents. Biochimie 2013; 95:429-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2012.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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16
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Mechkarska M, Meetani M, Michalak P, Vaksman Z, Takada K, Conlon JM. Hybridization between the African clawed frogs Xenopus laevis and Xenopus muelleri (Pipidae) increases the multiplicity of antimicrobial peptides in skin secretions of female offspring. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2012; 7:285-91. [PMID: 22687652 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Revised: 05/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Peptidomic analysis was used to compare the distribution of host-defense peptides in norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from laboratory-generated female F1 hybrids of the common clawed frog Xenopus laevis (Daudin, 1802) and Mueller's clawed frog Xenopus muelleri (Peters, 1844) with the corresponding distribution in skin secretions from the parent species. A total of 18 peptides were identified in secretions from the hybrid frogs. Eleven peptides (magainin-1, magainin-2, CPF-1, CPF-3, CPF-4, CPF-5, CPF-6, CPF-7, XPF-1, XPF-2, and PGLa) were identified in secretions of both the hybrids and X. laevis. Four peptides (magainin-M1, XPF-M1, CPF-M1, and tigerinin-M1) were previously found in skin secretions of X. muelleri but magainin-M2 and CPF-M2 from X. muelleri were not detected. Three previously undescribed peptides (magainin-LM1, PGLa-LM1, and CPF-LM1) were purified from the secretions of the hybrid frogs that were not detected in secretions from either X. laevis or X. muelleri. Magainin-LM1 differs from magainin-2 from X. laevis by a single amino acid substitution (Gly(13)→Ala) but PGLa-LM1 and CPF-LM1 differ appreciably in structure from orthologs in the parent species. CPF-LM1 shows potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is hemolytic. The data indicate that hybridization increases the multiplicity of skin host-defense peptides in skin secretions. As the female F1 hybrids are fertile, hybridization may represent an adaptive strategy among Xenopus species to increase protection against pathogenic microorganisms in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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17
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Mullen DG, Verardi R, Porcelli F, Scaloni A, Barany G, Veglia G. Synthesis and characterization of the 47-residue heterodimeric antimicrobial peptide distinctin, featuring directed disulfide bridge formation. Biopolymers 2012; 98:479-84. [PMID: 23203692 PMCID: PMC3551542 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Distinctin, a 47-residue heterodimeric peptide with potent antimicrobial activity, comprises two monomeric units linked covalently by a disulfide bond between Cys19 from the 22-residue A chain and Cys23 from the 25-residue B chain. Previous synthetic strategies involved assemblies of the two individual chains, followed by their co-oxidation to form the connecting disulfide bridge, and resulted in a mixture of three species: two homodimers and one heterodimer. Here, we report synthesis of exclusively heterodimeric distinctin, using recently developed tactics for directed disulfide bridge formation. Material prepared this way was characterized and found to be suitable for more detailed structural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Mullen
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Raffaello Verardi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Fernando Porcelli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Naples, Italy
| | - George Barany
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Gianluigi Veglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Maria-Neto S, Honorato RV, Costa FT, Almeida RG, Amaro DS, Oliveira JTA, Vasconcelos IM, Franco OL. Bactericidal activity identified in 2S Albumin from sesame seeds and in silico studies of structure-function relations. Protein J 2011; 30:340-50. [PMID: 21691771 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-011-9337-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria constitute an important cause of hospital-acquired infections. However, the misuse of available bactericidal agents has led to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant strains. Thus, efforts to seek new antimicrobials with different action mechanisms would have an enormous impact. Here, a novel antimicrobial protein (SiAMP2) belonging to the 2S albumin family was isolated from Sesamum indicum kernels and evaluated against several bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, in silico analysis was conducted in order to identify conserved residues through other 2S albumin antimicrobial proteins (2S-AMPs). SiAMP2 specifically inhibited Klebsiella sp. Specific regions in the molecule surface where cationic (RR/RRRK) and hydrophobic (MEYWPR) residues are exposed and conserved were proposed as being involved in antimicrobial activity. This study reinforces the hypothesis that plant storage proteins might also play as pathogen protection providing an insight into the mechanism of action for this novel 2S-AMP and evolutionary relations between antimicrobial activity and 2S albumins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Maria-Neto
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, SGAN Quadra, Modulo B, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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19
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Conlon JM. Structural diversity and species distribution of host-defense peptides in frog skin secretions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:2303-15. [PMID: 21560068 PMCID: PMC11114843 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cationic peptides that adopt an amphipathic α-helical conformation in a membrane-mimetic environment are synthesized in the skins of many frog species. These peptides often display cytolytic activities against bacteria and fungi consistent with the idea that they play a role in the host's system of defense against pathogenic microorganisms, but their importance in the survival strategy of the animal is not clearly understood. Despite the common misconception that antimicrobial peptides are synthesized in the skins of all anurans, the species distribution is sporadic, suggesting that their production may confer some evolutionary advantage to the organism but is not necessary for survival. The low potency of many frog skin antimicrobial peptides is consistent with the hypothesis that cutaneous symbiotic bacteria may provide the major system of defense against pathogenic microorganisms in the environment with antimicrobial peptides assuming a supplementary role in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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20
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Genome duplications within the Xenopodinae do not increase the multiplicity of antimicrobial peptides in Silurana paratropicalis and Xenopus andrei skin secretions. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2011; 6:206-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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21
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Conlon JM, Mechkarska M, Ahmed E, Leprince J, Vaudry H, King JD, Takada K. Purification and properties of antimicrobial peptides from skin secretions of the Eritrea clawed frog Xenopus clivii (Pipidae). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 153:350-4. [PMID: 21199684 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Five peptides with antimicrobial activity were isolated from norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions of the tetraploid frog Xenopus clivii Peracca, 1898 (Pipidae). Characterization of the peptides demonstrated that they are structurally similar to magainins (2 peptides), caerulein-precursor fragments, CPF (2 peptides), and xenopsin-precursor fragments, XPF (1 peptide) that have been previously isolated from other species of the genus Xenopus. The magainins and the XPF peptide were active only against the Gram-negative microorganism Escherichia coli whereas the CPF peptides were also active against the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The most abundant antimicrobial peptide in the secretions, CPF-C1 (GFGSLLGKALRLG ANVL.NH(2)) inhibited the growth of the Gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC≤25μM) suggesting potential for development into an anti-infective agent for use against these emerging antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Synthesis, conformational analysis and biological properties of a dicarba derivative of the antimicrobial peptide, brevinin-1BYa. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2011; 40:555-64. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-011-0679-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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König E, Bininda-Emonds ORP. Evidence for convergent evolution in the antimicrobial peptide system in anuran amphibians. Peptides 2011; 32:20-5. [PMID: 20955747 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Amphibians are characterized in part by their highly specialized and glandular skin that enables key physiological functions such as cutaneous respiration and defense against a variety of micro- and macroscopic predators via toxic components (e.g., alkaloids and bufodienolids), biogenic amines, neuropeptides and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). To date, DNA sequence information regarding AMP genes in anurans is restricted to only a few anuran families and largely to "higher frogs" (Neobatrachia). Here, we analyze the DNA information for the signal sequences of the AMP precursors in anuran amphibians available to the end of 2009 in an explicit phylogenetic framework to characterize the evolution of this large, diverse gene family. Comparison of cDNA sequences suggests that there are at least three different motifs within the signal peptide sequence of the AMP-precursor corresponding to the evolutionary lineages Neobatrachia, Bombinatoridae (Bombina spp.) and Pipidae (Xenopus laevis). The signal sequences are strongly conserved within each lineage (as previously noted for Neobatrachia), but highly divergent between them. Together with the lack of a linear relationship between the degree of sequence divergence and evolutionary time, we hypothesize that the anuran AMP system has evolved convergently on at least three occasions. However, additional sampling, especially among the largely poorly sampled non-neobatrachian lineages, is required to confirm this hypothesis and could reveal the existence of additional signal sequence motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico König
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Erbertstrasse 1, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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