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Wang J, Zhang M, Li C, Liu M, Qi Y, Xie X, Zhou C, Ma L. A novel cathelicidin TS-CATH derived from Thamnophis sirtalis combats drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in vitro and in vivo. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2388-2406. [PMID: 38882682 PMCID: PMC11176561 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are promising therapeutic agents for treating drug-resistant bacterial disease due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and decreased susceptibility to evolutionary resistance. In this study, three novel cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides were identified from Thamnophis sirtalis, Balaenoptera musculus, and Lipotes vexillifer by protein database mining and sequence alignment and were subsequently named TS-CATH, BM-CATH, and LV-CATH, respectively. All three peptides exhibited satisfactory antibacterial activity and broad antibacterial spectra against clinically isolated E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii in vitro. Among them, TS-CATH displayed the best antimicrobial/bactericidal activity, with a rapid elimination efficiency against the tested drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria within 20 min, and exhibited the lowest cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. Furthermore, TS-CATH effectively enhanced the survival rate of mice with ceftazidime-resistant E. coli bacteremia and promoted wound healing in meropenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infection. These results were achieved through the eradication of bacterial growth in target organs and wounds, further inhibiting the systemic dissemination of bacteria and the inflammatory response. TS-CATH exhibited direct antimicrobial activity by damaging the inner and outer membranes, resulting in leakage of the bacterial contents at super-MICs. Moreover, TS-CATH disrupted the bacterial respiratory chain, which inhibited ATP synthesis and induced ROS formation, significantly contributing to its antibacterial efficacy at sub-MICs. Overall, TS-CATH has potential for use as an antibacterial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Meina Zhang
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Chao Li
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Yixin Qi
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Lingman Ma
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
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Carpenter AM, van Hoek ML. Development of a defibrinated human blood hemolysis assay for rapid testing of hemolytic activity compared to computational prediction. J Immunol Methods 2024; 529:113670. [PMID: 38604530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Cytotoxicity studies determining hemolytic properties of antimicrobial peptides or other drugs are an important step in the development of novel therapeutics for clinical use. Hemolysis is an affordable, accessible, and rapid method for initial assessment of cellular toxicity for all drugs under development. However, variability in species of red blood cells and protocols used may result in significant differences in results. AMPs generally possess higher selectivity for bacterial cells but can have toxicity against host cells at high concentrations. Knowing the hemolytic activity of the peptides we are developing contributes to our understanding of their potential toxicity. Computational approaches for predicting hemolytic activity of AMPs exist and were tested head-to-head with our experimental results. RESULTS Starting with an observation of high hemolytic activity of LL-37 peptide against human red blood cells that were collected in EDTA, we explored alternative approaches to develop a more robust, accurate and simple hemolysis assay using defibrinated human blood. We found significant differences between the sensitivity of defibrinated red blood cells and EDTA treated red blood cells. SIGNIFICANCE Accurately determining the hemolytic activity using human red blood cells will allow for a more robust calculation of the therapeutic index of our potential antimicrobial compounds, a critical measure in their pre-clinical development. CONCLUSION We introduce a standardized, more accurate protocol for assessing hemolytic activity using defibrinated human red blood cells. This approach, facilitated by the increased commercial availability of de-identified human blood and defibrination methods, offers a robust tool for evaluating toxicity of emerging drug compounds, especially AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Carpenter
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America; Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America.
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3
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Zhang M, Wang J, Li C, Wu S, Liu W, Zhou C, Ma L. Cathelicidin AS-12W Derived from the Alligator sinensis and Its Antimicrobial Activity Against Drug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria In Vitro and In Vivo. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10250-2. [PMID: 38587584 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10250-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the potential to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Cathelicidins are a class of cationic antimicrobial peptides that are found in nearly all vertebrates. Herein, we determined the mature peptide region of Alligator sinensis cathelicidin by comparing its cathelicidin peptide sequence with those of other reptiles and designed nine peptide mutants based on the Alligator sinensis cathelicidin mature peptide. According to the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity screening, the peptide AS-12W demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and exhibited low erythrocyte hemolytic activity. In particular, AS-12W exhibited strong antibacterial activity and rapid bactericidal activity against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro. Additionally, AS-12W effectively removed carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa from blood and organs in vivo, leading to improved survival rates in septic mice. Furthermore, AS-12W exhibited good stability and tolerance to harsh conditions such as high heat, high salt, strong acid, and strong alkali, and it also displayed high stability toward trypsin and simulated gastric fluid (SGF). Moreover, AS-12W showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in vitro by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Due to its antibacterial mechanism against Escherichia coli, we found that this peptide could neutralize the negative charge on the surface of the bacteria and disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. In addition, AS-12W has the ability to bind to the genomic DNA of bacteria and stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within bacteria, which is believed to be the reason for the good antibacterial activity of AS-12W. These results demonstrated that AS-12W exhibits remarkable antibacterial activity, particularly against carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa. Therefore, it is a potential candidate for antibacterial drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meina Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Chao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Shaoju Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Lingman Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
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4
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Sarkar S, Kumari A, Tiwari M, Tiwari V. Interaction and simulation studies suggest the possible molecular targets of intrinsically disordered amyloidogenic antimicrobial peptides in Acinetobacter baumannii. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:2747-2764. [PMID: 37144752 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2208219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the causing agents of nosocomial infections. A wide range of antibiotics fails to work against these pathogens. Hence, there is an urgent requirement to develop other therapeutics to solve this problem. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a diverse group of naturally occurring peptides that have the ability to kill diverse groups of microorganisms. The major challenge of using AMPs as therapeutics is their unstable nature and the fact that most of their molecular targets are still unknown. In this study, we have selected intrinsically disordered and amyloidogenic AMPs, showing activity against A. baumannii, that is, Bactenecin, Cath BF, Citropin 1.1, DP7, NA-CATH, Tachyplesin, and WAM-1. To identify the probable target of these AMPs in A. baumannii, calculation of docking score, binding energy, dissociation constant, and molecular dynamics analysis was performed with selected seventeen possible molecular targets. The result showed that the most probable molecular targets of most of the intrinsically disordered amyloidogenic AMPs were UDP-N-acetylenol-pyruvoyl-glucosamine reductase (MurB), followed by 33-36 kDa outer membrane protein (Omp 33-36), UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanyl-d-glutamate-2,6-diaminopimelate ligase (MurE), and porin Subfamily Protein (PorinSubF). Further, molecular dynamics analysis concluded that the target of antimicrobial peptide Bactenecin is MurB of A. baumannii, and identified other molecular targets of selected AMPs. Additionally, the oligomerization capacity of the selected AMPs was also investigated, and it was shown that the selected AMPs form oligomeric states, and interact with their molecular targets in that state. Experimental validation using purified AMPs and molecular targets needs to be done to confirm the interaction.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayani Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Aruna Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Monalisa Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Vishvanath Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
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van Hoek ML, Alsaab FM, Carpenter AM. GATR-3, a Peptide That Eradicates Preformed Biofilms of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 13:39. [PMID: 38247598 PMCID: PMC10812447 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacterium that causes hospital-acquired and opportunistic infections, resulting in pneumonia, sepsis, and severe wound infections that can be difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance and the formation of biofilms. There is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials to tackle the rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an additional class of potential agents with direct antimicrobial and/or host-defense activating activities. In this study, we present GATR-3, a synthetic, designed AMP that was modified from a cryptic peptide discovered in American alligator, as our lead peptide to target multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and antibiofilm assays were performed to assess GATR-3 against a panel of 8 MDR A. baumannii strains, including AB5075 and some clinical strains. The GATR-3 mechanism of action was determined to be via loss of membrane integrity as measured by DiSC3(5) and ethidium bromide assays. GATR-3 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all tested multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains with rapid killing. Biofilms are difficult to treat and eradicate. Excitingly, GATR-3 inhibited biofilm formation and, more importantly, eradicated preformed biofilms of MDR A. baumannii AB5075, as evidenced by MBEC assays and scanning electron micrographs. GATR3 did not induce resistance in MDR A. baumannii, unlike colistin. Additionally, the toxicity of GATR-3 was evaluated using human red blood cells, HepG2 cells, and waxworms using hemolysis and MTT assays. GATR-3 demonstrated little to no cytotoxicity against HepG2 and red blood cells, even at 100 μg/mL. GATR-3 injection showed little toxicity in the waxworm model, resulting in a 90% survival rate. The therapeutic index of GATR-3 was estimated (based on the HC50/MIC against human RBCs) to be 1250. Overall, GATR-3 is a promising candidate to advance to preclinical testing to potentially treat MDR A. baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L. van Hoek
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Fahad M. Alsaab
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashley M. Carpenter
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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6
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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7
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Andalibi A, Veneziano R, Paige M, Buschmann M, Haymond A, Espina V, Luchini A, Liotta L, Bishop B, Van Hoek M. Drug discovery efforts at George Mason University. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:270-274. [PMID: 36921802 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
With over 39,000 students, and research expenditures in excess of $200 million, George Mason University (GMU) is the largest R1 (Carnegie Classification of very high research activity) university in Virginia. Mason scientists have been involved in the discovery and development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics in areas as diverse as infectious diseases and cancer. Below are highlights of the efforts being led by Mason researchers in the drug discovery arena. To enable targeted cellular delivery, and non-biomedical applications, Veneziano and colleagues have developed a synthesis strategy that enables the design of self-assembling DNA nanoparticles (DNA origami) with prescribed shape and size in the 10 to 100 nm range. The nanoparticles can be loaded with molecules of interest such as drugs, proteins and peptides, and are a promising new addition to the drug delivery platforms currently in use. The investigators also recently used the DNA origami nanoparticles to fine tune the spatial presentation of immunogens to study the impact on B cell activation. These studies are an important step towards the rational design of vaccines for a variety of infectious agents. To elucidate the parameters for optimizing the delivery efficiency of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), Buschmann, Paige and colleagues have devised methods for predicting and experimentally validating the pKa of LNPs based on the structure of the ionizable lipids used to formulate the LNPs. These studies may pave the way for the development of new LNP delivery vehicles that have reduced systemic distribution and improved endosomal release of their cargo post administration. To better understand protein-protein interactions and identify potential drug targets that disrupt such interactions, Luchini and colleagues have developed a methodology that identifies contact points between proteins using small molecule dyes. The dye molecules noncovalently bind to the accessible surfaces of a protein complex with very high affinity, but are excluded from contact regions. When the complex is denatured and digested with trypsin, the exposed regions covered by the dye do not get cleaved by the enzyme, whereas the contact points are digested. The resulting fragments can then be identified using mass spectrometry. The data generated can serve as the basis for designing small molecules and peptides that can disrupt the formation of protein complexes involved in disease processes. For example, using peptides based on the interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP), Luchini, Liotta, Paige and colleagues disrupted the formation of IL-1/IL-R/IL-1RAcP complex and demonstrated that the inhibition of complex formation reduced the inflammatory response to IL-1B. Working on the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents, Bishop, van Hoek and colleagues have discovered a number of antimicrobial peptides from reptiles and other species. DRGN-1, is a synthetic peptide based on a histone H1-derived peptide that they had identified from Komodo Dragon plasma. DRGN-1 was shown to disrupt bacterial biofilms and promote wound healing in an animal model. The peptide, along with others, is being developed and tested in preclinical studies. Other research by van Hoek and colleagues focuses on in silico antimicrobial peptide discovery, screening of small molecules for antibacterial properties, as well as assessment of diffusible signal factors (DFS) as future therapeutics. The above examples provide insight into the cutting-edge studies undertaken by GMU scientists to develop novel methodologies and platform technologies important to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Andalibi
- School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Remi Veneziano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Mikell Paige
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Michael Buschmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Amanda Haymond
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Virginia Espina
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Alessandra Luchini
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Lance Liotta
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Barney Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Monique Van Hoek
- School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
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Alsaab FM, Dean SN, Bobde S, Ascoli GG, van Hoek ML. Computationally Designed AMPs with Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1396. [PMID: 37760693 PMCID: PMC10525135 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new antimicrobials is necessary to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially those that infect wounds and form prodigious biofilms, such as Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising class of new therapeutics against drug-resistant bacteria, including gram-negatives. Here, we utilized a computational AMP design strategy combining database filtering technology plus positional analysis to design a series of novel peptides, named HRZN, designed to be active against A. baumannii. All of the HRZN peptides we synthesized exhibited antimicrobial activity against three MDR A. baumannii strains with HRZN-15 being the most active (MIC 4 µg/mL). This peptide also inhibited and eradicated biofilm of A. baumannii strain AB5075 at 8 and 16 µg/mL, which is highly effective. HRZN-15 permeabilized and depolarized the membrane of AB5075 rapidly, as demonstrated by the killing kinetics. HRZN 13 and 14 peptides had little to no hemolysis activity against human red blood cells, whereas HRZN-15, -16, and -17 peptides demonstrated more significant hemolytic activity. HRZN-15 also demonstrated toxicity to waxworms. Further modification of HRZN-15 could result in a new peptide with an improved toxicity profile. Overall, we successfully designed a set of new AMPs that demonstrated activity against MDR A. baumannii using a computational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad M. Alsaab
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Scott N. Dean
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
| | - Shravani Bobde
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
| | - Gabriel G. Ascoli
- Aspiring Scientist Summer Internship Program, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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9
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Carfagno A, Lin SC, Chafran L, Akhrymuk I, Callahan V, Po M, Zhu Y, Altalhi A, Durkin DP, Russo P, Vliet KA, Webb-Robertson BJ, Kehn-Hall K, Bishop B. Bioprospecting the American Alligator Peptidome for antiviral peptides against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200237. [PMID: 36480152 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune protection provided by cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) has been shown to extend to antiviral activity, with putative mechanisms of action including direct interaction with host cells or pathogen membranes. The lack of therapeutics available for the treatment of viruses such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) underscores the urgency of novel strategies for antiviral discovery. American alligator plasma has been shown to exhibit strong in vitro antibacterial activity, and functionalized hydrogel particles have been successfully employed for the identification of specific CAMPs from alligator plasma. Here, a novel bait strategy in which particles were encapsulated in membranes from either healthy or VEEV-infected cells was implemented to identify peptides preferentially targeting infected cells for subsequent evaluation of antiviral activity. Statistical analysis of peptide identification results was used to select five candidate peptides for testing, of which one exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of VEEV and also significantly inhibited infectious titers. Results suggest our bioprospecting strategy provides a versatile platform that may be adapted for antiviral peptide identification from complex biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Carfagno
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Shih-Chao Lin
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA.,National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City, Taiwan
| | - Liana Chafran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Ivan Akhrymuk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Victoria Callahan
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Marynet Po
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Yaling Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Amaal Altalhi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - David P Durkin
- Chemistry Department, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul Russo
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Kent A Vliet
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Barney Bishop
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
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10
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Field EK, Hartzheim A, Terry J, Dawson G, Haydt N, Neuman-Lee LA. Reptilian Innate Immunology and Ecoimmunology: What Do We Know and Where Are We Going? Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:1557-1571. [PMID: 35833292 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reptiles, the only ectothermic amniotes, employ a wide variety of physiological adaptations to adjust to their environments but remain vastly understudied in the field of immunology and ecoimmunology in comparison to other vertebrate taxa. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the current state of research on reptilian innate immunology by conducting an extensive literature search of peer-reviewed articles published across the four orders of Reptilia (Crocodilia, Testudines, Squamata, and Rhynchocephalia). Using our compiled dataset, we investigated common techniques, characterization of immune components, differences in findings and type of research among the four orders, and immune responses to ecological and life-history variables. We found that there are differences in the types of questions asked and approaches used for each of these reptilian orders. The different conceptual frameworks applied to each group has led to a lack of unified understanding of reptilian immunological strategies, which, in turn, have resulted in large conceptual gaps in the field of ecoimmunology as a whole. To apply ecoimmunological concepts and techniques most effectively to reptiles, we must combine traditional immunological studies with ecoimmunological studies to continue to identify, characterize, and describe the reptilian immune components and responses. This review highlights the advances and gaps that remain to help identify targeted and cohesive approaches for future research in reptilian ecoimmunological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Field
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Alyssa Hartzheim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Jennifer Terry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Grant Dawson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Natalie Haydt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Lorin A Neuman-Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
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11
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Perez-Marron J, Sanders C, Gomez E, Escopete S, Owerkowicz T, Orwin PM. Community and shotgun metagenomic analysis of Alligator mississippiensis oral cavity and GI tracts reveal complex ecosystems and potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 274:111319. [PMID: 36115554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We report here the community structure and functional analysis of the microbiome of the Alligator mississippiensis GI tract from the oral cavity through the entirety of the digestive tract. Although many vertebrate microbiomes have been studied in recent years, the archosaur microbiome has only been given cursory attention. In the oral cavity we used amplicon-based community analysis to examine the structure of the oral microbiome during alligator development. We found a community that diversified over time and showed many of the hallmarks we would expect of a stable oral community. This is a bit surprising given the rapid turnover of alligator teeth but suggests that the stable gumline microbes are able to rapidly colonize the emerging teeth. As we move down the digestive tract, we were able to use both long and short read sequencing approaches to evaluate the community using a shotgun metagenomics approach. Long read sequencing was applied to samples from the stomach/duodenum, and the colorectal region, revealing a fairly uniform and low complexity community made up primarily of proteobacteria at the top of the gut and much more diversity in the colon. We used deep short read sequencing to further interrogate this colorectal community. The two sequencing approaches were concordant with respect to community structure but substantially more detail was available in the short read data, in spite of high levels of host DNA contamination. Using both approaches we were able to show that the colorectal community is a potential reservoir for antibiotic resistance, human pathogens such as Clostridiodes difficile and a possible source of novel antimicrobials or other useful secondary metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ciara Sanders
- Biology Department, California State University at San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA. https://twitter.com/cisanders
| | - Esther Gomez
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Sean Escopete
- Biology Department, California State University at San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Tomasz Owerkowicz
- Biology Department, California State University at San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, USA
| | - Paul M Orwin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA.
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12
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Efficacy of natural antimicrobial peptides versus peptidomimetic analogues: a systematic review. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1899-1921. [PMID: 36421051 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This systematic review was carried out to determine whether synthetic peptidomimetics exhibit significant advantages over antimicrobial peptides in terms of in vitro potency. Structural features - molecular weight, charge and length - were examined for correlations with activity. Methods: Original research articles reporting minimum inhibitory concentration values against Escherichia coli, indexed until 31 December 2020, were searched in PubMed/ScienceDirect/Google Scholar and evaluated using mixed-effects models. Results: In vitro antimicrobial activity of peptidomimetics resembled that of antimicrobial peptides. Net charge significantly affected minimum inhibitory concentration values (p < 0.001) with a trend of 4.6% decrease for increments in charge by +1. Conclusion: AMPs and antibacterial peptidomimetics exhibit similar potencies, providing an opportunity to exploit the advantageous stability and bioavailability typically associated with peptidomimetics.
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13
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Novel Alligator Cathelicidin As-CATH8 Demonstrates Anti-Infective Activity against Clinically Relevant and Crocodylian Bacterial Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11111603. [DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) represent an alternative way to address the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Crocodylians are interesting species for the study of these molecules because of their potent immune system, which confers high resistance to infection. Profile hidden Markov models were used to screen the genomes of four crocodylian species for encoded cathelicidins and eighteen novel sequences were identified. Synthetic cathelicidins showed broad spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against several clinically important antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In particular, the As-CATH8 cathelicidin showed potent in vitro activity profiles similar to the last-resort antibiotics vancomycin and polymyxin B. In addition, As-CATH8 demonstrated rapid killing of planktonic and biofilm cells, which correlated with its ability to cause cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and permeabilization as well as binding to DNA. As-CATH8 displayed greater antibiofilm activity than the human cathelicidin LL-37 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a human organoid model of biofilm skin infection. Furthermore, As-CATH8 demonstrated strong antibacterial effects in a murine abscess model of high-density bacterial infections against clinical isolates of S. aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, two of the most common bacterial species causing skin infections globally. Overall, this work expands the repertoire of cathelicidin peptides known in crocodylians, including one with considerable therapeutic promise for treating common skin infections.
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14
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Antibacterial Properties and Potential Mechanism of Serum from Chinese Alligator. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112210. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is an ancient reptile with strong immunity that lives in wetland environments. This study tested the antibacterial ability of Chinese alligator serum (CAS) against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and analyzed the potential underlying mechanisms. Results showed that the CAS had a marked antibacterial effect on K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, while S. aureus was only mildly affected. However, these effects disappeared when Protease K was added to the serum. The serum proteome analysis revealed that the antibacterial ability of CAS was produced by interactions among various proteins and that the complement proteins played a major antibacterial role. Therefore, we made relevant predictions about the structure and function of complement component 3. In addition, sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of complement component 3d (C3d) in four mammalian species and two alligator species showed that the amino acids that make up the acid pocket on the concave surface of alligator C3d are not identical to those in mammals. This study provided evidence that CAS elicits significant antibacterial effects against some pathogens and provides the basis for further development of novel antibacterial drugs.
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15
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Extracellular Vesicles in Veterinary Medicine. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192716. [PMID: 36230457 PMCID: PMC9559303 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-bound vesicles involved in many physiological and pathological processes not only in humans but also in all the organisms of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic kingdoms. EV shedding constitutes a fundamental universal mechanism of intra-kingdom and inter-kingdom intercellular communication. A tremendous increase of interest in EVs has therefore grown in the last decades, mainly in humans, but progressively also in animals, parasites, and bacteria. With the present review, we aim to summarize the current status of the EV research on domestic and wild animals, analyzing the content of scientific literature, including approximately 220 papers published between 1984 and 2021. Critical aspects evidenced through the veterinarian EV literature are discussed. Then, specific subsections describe details regarding EVs in physiology and pathophysiology, as biomarkers, and in therapy and vaccines. Further, the wide area of research related to animal milk-derived EVs is also presented in brief. The numerous studies on EVs related to parasites and parasitic diseases are excluded, deserving further specific attention. The literature shows that EVs are becoming increasingly addressed in veterinary studies and standardization in protocols and procedures is mandatory, as in human research, to maximize the knowledge and the possibility to exploit these naturally produced nanoparticles.
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16
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Dolma KG, Khati R, Paul AK, Rahmatullah M, de Lourdes Pereira M, Wilairatana P, Khandelwal B, Gupta C, Gautam D, Gupta M, Goyal RK, Wiart C, Nissapatorn V. Virulence Characteristics and Emerging Therapies for Biofilm-Forming Acinetobacter baumannii: A Review. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091343. [PMID: 36138822 PMCID: PMC9495682 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is one of the ESKAPE organisms and has the competency to build biofilms. These biofilms account for the most nosocomial infections all over the world. This review reflects on the various physicochemical and environmental factors such as adhesion, pili expression, growth surfaces, drug-resistant genes, and virulence factors that profoundly affect its resistant forte. Emerging drug-resistant issues and limitations to newer drugs are other factors affecting the hospital environment. Here, we discuss newer and alternative methods that can significantly enhance the susceptibility to Acinetobacter spp. Many new antibiotics are under trials, such as GSK-3342830, The Cefiderocol (S-649266), Fimsbactin, and similar. On the other hand, we can also see the impact of traditional medicine and the secondary metabolites of these natural products’ application in searching for new treatments. The field of nanoparticles has demonstrated effective antimicrobial actions and has exhibited encouraging results in the field of nanomedicine. The use of various phages such as vWUPSU and phage ISTD as an alternative treatment for its specificity and effectiveness is being investigated. Cathelicidins obtained synthetically or from natural sources can effectively produce antimicrobial activity in the micromolar range. Radioimmunotherapy and photodynamic therapy have boundless prospects if explored as a therapeutic antimicrobial strategy. Abstract Acinetobacter species is one of the most prevailing nosocomial pathogens with a potent ability to develop antimicrobial resistance. It commonly causes infections where there is a prolonged utilization of medical devices such as CSF shunts, catheters, endotracheal tubes, and similar. There are several strains of Acinetobacter (A) species (spp), among which the majority are pathogenic to humans, but A. baumannii are entirely resistant to several clinically available antibiotics. The crucial mechanism that renders them a multidrug-resistant strain is their potent ability to synthesize biofilms. Biofilms provide ample opportunity for the microorganisms to withstand the harsh environment and further cause chronic infections. Several studies have enumerated multiple physiological and virulence factors responsible for the production and maintenance of biofilms. To further enhance our understanding of this pathogen, in this review, we discuss its taxonomy, pathogenesis, current treatment options, global resistance rates, mechanisms of its resistance against various groups of antimicrobials, and future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma G. Dolma
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok 737102, Sikkim, India
| | - Rachana Khati
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok 737102, Sikkim, India
| | - Alok K. Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Lalmatia, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (P.W.); (V.N.)
| | - Bidita Khandelwal
- Department of Medicine, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok 737102, Sikkim, India
| | - Chamma Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok 737102, Sikkim, India
| | - Deepan Gautam
- Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok 737102, Sikkim, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Ramesh K. Goyal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Christophe Wiart
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
- Correspondence: (P.W.); (V.N.)
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17
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Unger F, Eisenberg T, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Leidner U, Semmler T, Ewers C. Imported Pet Reptiles and Their “Blind Passengers”—In-Depth Characterization of 80 Acinetobacter Species Isolates. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050893. [PMID: 35630338 PMCID: PMC9144363 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reptiles are popular pet animals and important food sources, but the trade of this vertebrate class is—besides welfare and conservation—under debate due to zoonotic microbiota. Ninety-two shipments of live reptiles were sampled during border inspections at Europe’s most relevant transshipment point for the live animal trade. Acinetobacter spp. represented one significant fraction of potentially MDR bacteria that were further analyzed following non-selective isolation or selective enrichment from feces, urinate, or skin samples. Taxonomic positions of respective isolates were confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and whole-genome sequencing analysis (GBDP, dDDH, ANIb, and rMLST). The majority of the 80 isolates represented established species; however, a proportion of potentially novel taxa was found. Antimicrobial properties and genome-resistance gene screening revealed novel and existing resistance mechanisms. Acinetobacter spp. strains were most often resistant to 6–10 substance groups (n = 63) in vitro. Resistance to fluorchinolones (n = 4) and colistin (n = 7), but not to carbapenems, was noted, and novel oxacillinase variants (n = 39) were detected among other genes. Phylogenetic analysis (MLST) assigned few isolates to the known STs (25, 46, 49, 220, and 249) and to a number of novel STs. No correlation was found to indicate that MDR Acinetobacter spp. in reptiles were associated with harvesting mode, e.g., captive-bred, wild-caught, or farmed in natural ecosystems. The community of Acinetobacter spp. in healthy reptiles turned out to be highly variable, with many isolates displaying a MDR phenotype or genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Unger
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.U.); (E.P.-B.); (U.L.)
| | | | - Ellen Prenger-Berninghoff
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.U.); (E.P.-B.); (U.L.)
| | - Ursula Leidner
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.U.); (E.P.-B.); (U.L.)
| | - Torsten Semmler
- NG1 Microbial Genomics, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Christa Ewers
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (F.U.); (E.P.-B.); (U.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-9938300
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18
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Saeed SI, Mergani A, Aklilu E, Kamaruzzaman NF. Antimicrobial Peptides: Bringing Solution to the Rising Threats of Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:851052. [PMID: 35464355 PMCID: PMC9024325 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.851052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial therapy is the most applied method for treating and preventing bacterial infection in livestock. However, it becomes less effective due to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new antimicrobials to reduce the rising rate of AMR. Recently, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been receiving increasing attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, rapid killing activities, less toxicity, and cell selectivity. These features make them potent and potential alternative antimicrobials to be used in animals. Here, we discuss and summarize the AMPs in animals, classification, structures, mechanisms of action, and their potential use as novel therapeutic alternative antimicrobials to tackle the growing AMR threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamsaldeen Ibrahim Saeed
- Faculty Veterinary Medicine, University Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Malaysia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Nyala, Nyala, Sudan
- *Correspondence: Shamsaldeen Ibrahim Saeed
| | - AhmedElmontaser Mergani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North, Sudan
| | - Erkihun Aklilu
- Faculty Veterinary Medicine, University Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Malaysia
| | - Nor Fadhilah Kamaruzzaman
- Faculty Veterinary Medicine, University Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Malaysia
- Nor Fadhilah Kamaruzzaman
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19
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Abstract
Antibiotic resistance constitutes a global threat and could lead to a future pandemic. One strategy is to develop a new generation of antimicrobials. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are recognized templates and some are already in clinical use. To accelerate the discovery of new antibiotics, it is useful to predict novel AMPs from the sequenced genomes of various organisms. The antimicrobial peptide database (APD) provided the first empirical peptide prediction program. It also facilitated the testing of the first machine-learning algorithms. This chapter provides an overview of machine-learning predictions of AMPs. Most of the predictors, such as AntiBP, CAMP, and iAMPpred, involve a single-label prediction of antimicrobial activity. This type of prediction has been expanded to antifungal, antiviral, antibiofilm, anti-TB, hemolytic, and anti-inflammatory peptides. The multiple functional roles of AMPs annotated in the APD also enabled multi-label predictions (iAMP-2L, MLAMP, and AMAP), which include antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antibiofilm, anticancer, anti-HIV, antimalarial, insecticidal, antioxidant, chemotactic, spermicidal activities, and protease inhibiting activities. Also considered in predictions are peptide posttranslational modification, 3D structure, and microbial species-specific information. We compare important amino acids of AMPs implied from machine learning with the frequently occurring residues of the major classes of natural peptides. Finally, we discuss advances, limitations, and future directions of machine-learning predictions of antimicrobial peptides. Ultimately, we may assemble a pipeline of such predictions beyond antimicrobial activity to accelerate the discovery of novel AMP-based antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA;,Corresponding to: Dr. Monique van Hoek: ; Dr. Iosif Vaisman: ; Dr. Guangshun Wang:
| | - Iosif I. Vaisman
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.,Corresponding to: Dr. Monique van Hoek: ; Dr. Iosif Vaisman: ; Dr. Guangshun Wang:
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.,Corresponding to: Dr. Monique van Hoek: ; Dr. Iosif Vaisman: ; Dr. Guangshun Wang:
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20
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de Souza CM, da Silva ÁP, Júnior NGO, Martínez OF, Franco OL. Peptides as a therapeutic strategy against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:335-348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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21
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Bobde SS, Alsaab FM, Wang G, Van Hoek ML. Ab initio Designed Antimicrobial Peptides Against Gram-Negative Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:715246. [PMID: 34867843 PMCID: PMC8636942 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.715246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ubiquitous amongst living organisms and are part of the innate immune system with the ability to kill pathogens directly or indirectly by modulating the immune system. AMPs have potential as a novel therapeutic against bacteria due to their quick-acting mechanism of action that prevents bacteria from developing resistance. Additionally, there is a dire need for therapeutics with activity specifically against Gram-negative bacterial infections that are intrinsically difficult to treat, with or without acquired drug resistance. Development of new antibiotics has slowed in recent years and novel therapeutics (like AMPs) with a focus against Gram-negative bacteria are needed. We designed eight novel AMPs, termed PHNX peptides, using ab initio computational design (database filtering technology combined with the novel positional analysis on APD3 dataset of AMPs with activity against Gram-negative bacteria) and assessed their theoretical function using published machine learning algorithms, and finally, validated their activity in our laboratory. These AMPs were tested to establish their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) under CLSI methodology against antibiotic resistant and antibiotic susceptible Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Laboratory-based experimental results were compared to computationally predicted activities for each of the peptides to ascertain the accuracy of the computational tools used. PHNX-1 demonstrated antibacterial activity (under high and low-salt conditions) against antibiotic resistant and susceptible strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and PHNX-4 to -8 demonstrated low-salt antibacterial activity only. The AMPs were then evaluated for cytotoxicity using hemolysis against human red blood cells and demonstrated some hemolysis which needs to be further evaluated. In this study, we successfully developed a design methodology to create synthetic AMPs with a narrow spectrum of activity where the PHNX AMPs demonstrated higher antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, these peptides present novel synthetic peptides with a potential for therapeutic use. Based on our findings, we propose upfront selection of the peptide dataset for analysis, an additional step of positional analysis to add to the ab initio database filtering technology (DFT) method, and we present laboratory data on the novel, synthetically designed AMPs to validate the results of the computational approach. We aim to conduct future in vivo studies which could establish these AMPs for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravani S. Bobde
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Fahad M. Alsaab
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guangshuan Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Monique L. Van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Monique L. Van Hoek,
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22
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Simora RMC, Wang W, Coogan M, El Husseini N, Terhune JS, Dunham RA. Effectiveness of Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide against Ictalurid Catfish Bacterial Pathogens. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2021; 33:178-189. [PMID: 34121235 DOI: 10.1002/aah.10131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the major goals in aquaculture is to protect fish against infectious diseases as disease outbreaks could lead to economic losses if not controlled. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a class of highly conserved peptides known to possess direct antimicrobial activities against invading pathogens, were evaluated for their ability to protect Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus and hybrid catfish (female Channel Catfish × male Blue Catfish I. furcatus) against infection caused by the fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila ML09-119. To identify effective peptides, the minimum inhibitory concentrations against bacterial pathogens Edwardsiella ictaluri S97-773, Edwardsiella piscicida E22-10, A. hydrophila ML09-119, Aeromonas veronii 03X03876, and Flavobacterium columnare GL-001 were determined in vitro. In general and overall, cathelicidins derived from alligator and sea snake exhibited more potent and rapid antimicrobial activities against the tested catfish pathogens as compared to cecropin and pleurocidin AMPs and ampicillin, the antibiotic control. When the peptides (2.5 µg of peptide/g of fish) were injected into fish and simultaneously challenged with A. hydrophila through immersion, increased survival rates in Channel Catfish and hybrid catfish were observed in both cathelicidin (alligator and sea snake) treatments as compared to other peptides and the infected control (P < 0.001) with alligator cathelicidin being the overall best treatment. Bacterial numbers in the kidney and liver of Channel Catfish and hybrid catfish also decreased (P < 0.05) for cathelicidin-injected groups at 24 and 48 h after challenge infection. These results show the potential of cathelicidin to protect catfish against bacterial infections and suggest that an approach overexpressing the peptide in transgenic fish, which is the long-term goal of this research program, may provide a method of decreasing bacterial disease problems in catfish as delivering the peptides via individual injection or feeding would not be economically feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda Mae C Simora
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo, 5023, Philippines
| | - Wenwen Wang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
| | - Michael Coogan
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
| | - Nour El Husseini
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, 20742, USA
| | - Jeffery S Terhune
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
| | - Rex A Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
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Dematei A, Nunes JB, Moreira DC, Jesus JA, Laurenti MD, Mengarda ACA, Vieira MS, do Amaral CP, Domingues MM, de Moraes J, Passero LFD, Brand G, Bessa LJ, Wimmer R, Kuckelhaus SAS, Tomás AM, Santos NC, Plácido A, Eaton P, Leite JRSA. Mechanistic Insights into the Leishmanicidal and Bactericidal Activities of Batroxicidin, a Cathelicidin-Related Peptide from a South American Viper ( Bothrops atrox). JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:1787-1798. [PMID: 34077221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Snake venoms are important sources of bioactive molecules, including those with antiparasitic activity. Cathelicidins form a class of such molecules, which are produced by a variety of organisms. Batroxicidin (BatxC) is a cathelicidin found in the venom of the common lancehead (Bothrops atrox). In the present work, BatxC and two synthetic analogues, BatxC(C-2.15Phe) and BatxC(C-2.14Phe)des-Phe1, were assessed for their microbicidal activity. All three peptides showed a broad-spectrum activity on Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, as well as promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data indicated that the three peptides changed their structure upon interaction with membranes. Biomimetic membrane model studies demonstrated that the peptides exert a permeabilization effect in prokaryotic membranes, leading to cell morphology distortion, which was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The molecules considered in this work exhibited bactericidal and leishmanicidal activity at low concentrations, with the AFM data suggesting membrane pore formation as their mechanism of action. These peptides stand as valuable prototype drugs to be further investigated and eventually used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Dematei
- Center for Tropical Medicine, NMT, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - João B Nunes
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules, LSAB, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Jéssica A Jesus
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcia D Laurenti
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil
| | - Ana C A Mengarda
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, NPDN, University of Guarulhos, Guarulhos 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Maria Silva Vieira
- I3S, Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- IBMC, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
| | - Constança Pais do Amaral
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marco M Domingues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Research Center on Neglected Diseases, NPDN, University of Guarulhos, Guarulhos 07023-070, Brazil
| | - Luiz F D Passero
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Brand
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules, LSAB, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lucinda J Bessa
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
| | - Reinhard Wimmer
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark
| | - Selma A S Kuckelhaus
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Ana M Tomás
- I3S, Institute of Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- IBMC, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- ICBAS, Abel Salazar Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Plácido
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
| | - Peter Eaton
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- The Bridge, Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, U.K
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Center for Tropical Medicine, NMT, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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Li X, Liu X, Horvatovich P, Hu Y, Zhang J. Proteomics Landscape of Host-Pathogen Interaction in Acinetobacter baumannii Infected Mouse Lung. Front Genet 2021; 12:563516. [PMID: 34025711 PMCID: PMC8138179 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.563516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is an important pathogen of nosocomial infection worldwide, which can primarily cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and urinary tract infection. The increasing drug resistance rate of A. baumannii and the slow development of new antibacterial drugs brought great challenges for clinical treatment. Host immunity is crucial to the defense of A. baumannii infection, and understanding the mechanisms of immune response can facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies. To characterize the system-level changes of host proteome in immune response, we used tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling quantitative proteomics to compare the proteome changes of lungs from A. baumannii infected mice with control mice 6 h after infection. A total of 6,218 proteins were identified in which 6,172 could be quantified. With threshold p < 0.05 and relative expression fold change > 1.2 or < 0.83, we found 120 differentially expressed proteins. Bioinformatics analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins after infection were associated with receptor recognition, NADPH oxidase (NOX) activation and antimicrobial peptides. These differentially expressed proteins were involved in the pathways including leukocyte transendothelial migration, phagocyte, neutrophil degranulation, and antimicrobial peptides. In conclusion, our study showed proteome changes in mouse lung tissue due to A. baumannii infection and suggested the important roles of NOX, neutrophils, and antimicrobial peptides in host response. Our results provide a potential list of protein candidates for the further study of host-bacteria interaction in A. baumannii infection. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD020640.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofen Liu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter Horvatovich
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Yingwei Hu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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25
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Cai S, Lu C, Liu Z, Wang W, Lu S, Sun Z, Wang G. Derivatives of gecko cathelicidin-related antioxidant peptide facilitate skin wound healing. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 890:173649. [PMID: 33049300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a class of gene-encoded multifunctional factors in host defence systems. They have recently attracted a great deal of attention as promising drug candidates. Cathelicidins are well studied in vertebrates, yet no studies have been reported concerning gecko cathelicidin. Recently, we identified a novel cathelicidin from Gekko japonicus, Gj-CATH3. Unlike most cathelicidins, Gj-CATH3 exhibits potent antioxidant activity in vitro. Unfortunately, slight toxicity and high synthesis cost restrict its application. Thus, we designed a series of Gj-CATH3 analogues for development of short peptides with improved cell selectivity. Functional analysis showed that two truncated peptides, Gj-CATH3-(38-42)-peptide and Gj-CATH3-(33-42)-peptide, exhibited excellent antioxidant activity against ABTS and DPPH free radicals. Further, cytotoxicity and hemolytic activities were observably lower compared to Gj-CATH3. Interestingly, both peptides also demonstrate significant wound healing properties in a mouse model with full-thickness skin wounds. The peptides induce HaCaT cell proliferation and prevent decreases in SOD activity and increases of MDA concentration in injured-skin tissue. This report is the first to address cathelicidin from reptilia that exhibit potent wound healing activity. Our research will enrich understanding of cathelicidin biological functions, and provide a theoretical basis for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Cai
- College of Medical Engineering & the Key Laboratory for Medical Functional Nanomaterials, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China.
| | - Changao Lu
- College of Medical Engineering & the Key Laboratory for Medical Functional Nanomaterials, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China
| | - Zhenlei Liu
- College of Medical Engineering & the Key Laboratory for Medical Functional Nanomaterials, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- College of Medical Engineering & the Key Laboratory for Medical Functional Nanomaterials, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China
| | - Shuxin Lu
- College of Medical Engineering & the Key Laboratory for Medical Functional Nanomaterials, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China
| | - Zhaoxing Sun
- College of Medical Engineering & the Key Laboratory for Medical Functional Nanomaterials, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China
| | - Guannan Wang
- College of Medical Engineering & the Key Laboratory for Medical Functional Nanomaterials, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China.
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26
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Simora RMC, Xing D, Bangs MR, Wang W, Ma X, Su B, Khan MGQ, Qin Z, Lu C, Alston V, Hettiarachchi D, Johnson A, Li S, Coogan M, Gurbatow J, Terhune JS, Wang X, Dunham RA. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in of alligator cathelicidin gene in a non-coding region of channel catfish genome. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22271. [PMID: 33335280 PMCID: PMC7746764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-based gene knockout in animal cells, particularly in teleosts, has proven to be very efficient with regards to mutation rates, but the precise insertion of exogenous DNA or gene knock-in via the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway has seldom been achieved outside of the model organisms. Here, we succeeded in integrating with high efficiency an exogenous alligator cathelicidin gene into a targeted non-coding region of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) chromosome 1 using two different donor templates (synthesized linear dsDNA and cloned plasmid DNA constructs). We also tested two different promoters for driving the gene, zebrafish ubiquitin promoter and common carp β-actin promoter, harboring a 250-bp homologous region flanking both sides of the genomic target locus. Integration rates were found higher in dead fry than in live fingerlings, indicating either off-target effects or pleiotropic effects. Furthermore, low levels of mosaicism were detected in the tissues of P1 individuals harboring the transgene, and high transgene expression was observed in the blood of some P1 fish. This can be an indication of the localization of cathelicidin in neutrophils and macrophage granules as also observed in most antimicrobial peptides. This study marks the first use of CRISPR/Cas9 HDR for gene integration in channel catfish and may contribute to the generation of a more efficient system for precise gene integration in catfish and other aquaculture species, and the development of gene-edited, disease-resistant fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda Mae C Simora
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 5023, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines.
| | - De Xing
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Max R Bangs
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32304, USA
| | - Wenwen Wang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Baofeng Su
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Mohd G Q Khan
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Zhenkui Qin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Cuiyu Lu
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Veronica Alston
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Darshika Hettiarachchi
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Andrew Johnson
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Shangjia Li
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Michael Coogan
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jeremy Gurbatow
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Jeffery S Terhune
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, 35806, USA
| | - Rex A Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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27
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Simora RMC, Li S, Abass NY, Terhune JS, Dunham RA. Cathelicidins enhance protection of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and channel catfish ♀ × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus ♂ hybrid catfish against Edwarsiella ictaluri infection. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2020; 43:1553-1562. [PMID: 32929767 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) known to possess rapid and direct antimicrobial activities against a variety of microorganisms. Recently identified cathelicidins derived from alligator and sea snake were found to be more effective in inhibiting microbial growth than other AMPs previously characterized. The ability of these two cathelicidins along with the peptides, cecropin and pleurocidin, to protect channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque) and hybrid catfish (I. punctatus ♀ × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, Valenciennes ♂) against Edwardsiella ictaluri, one of the most prevalent pathogens affecting commercial catfish industry, was investigated. Cathelicidin-injected fish (50 µg ml-1 fish-1 ) that were simultaneously challenged with E. ictaluri through bath immersion at a concentration of ~1 × 106 CFU/ml had increased survival rates compared with other peptide treatments and the infected control. Bacterial numbers were also reduced in the liver and kidney of channel catfish and hybrid catfish in the cathelicidin treatments 24 hr post-infection. After 8 days of challenge, serum was collected to determine immune-related parameters such as bactericidal activity, lysozyme, serum protein, albumin and globulin. These immune-related parameters were significantly elevated in fish injected with the two cathelicidins as compared to other peptide treatments. These results indicate that cathelicidins derived from alligator and sea snake can stimulate immunity and enhance the resistance to E. ictaluri infection in channel catfish and hybrid catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoda Mae C Simora
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Philippines
| | - Shangjia Li
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Nermeen Y Abass
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
- Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture Saba-Basha, Alexandria University, Alexandria City, Egypt
| | - Jeffery S Terhune
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Rex A Dunham
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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28
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Hitt SJ, Bishop BM, van Hoek ML. Komodo-dragon cathelicidin-inspired peptides are antibacterial against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:1262-1272. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.The rise of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a growing crisis that requires development of novel therapeutics.Hypothesis.To this end, cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) represent a possible source of new potential therapeutics to treat difficult pathogens such as carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP), which has gained resistance to many if not all currently approved antibiotics, making treatment difficult.Aim.To examine the anti-CRKP antimicrobial activity of the predicted cathelicidins derived fromVaranus komodoensis(Komodo dragon) as well as synthetic antimicrobial peptides that we created.Methodology.We determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the peptides against CRKP. We also characterized the abilities of these peptides to disrupt the hyperpolarization of the bacterial membrane as well as their ability to form pores in the membrane.Results.We did not observe significant anti-CRKP activity for the predicted native Komodo cathelicidin peptides. We found that the novel peptides DRGN-6,-7 and -8 displayed significant antimicrobial activity against CRKP with MICs of 4–8 µg ml−1. DRGN-6 peptide was the most effective peptide against CRKP. Unfortunately, these peptides showed higher than desired levels of hemolysis, althoughin vivotesting in the waxwormGalleria mellonellashowed no mortality associated with treatment by the peptide; however, CRKP-infected waxworms treated with peptide did not show an improvement in survival.Conclusion.Given the challenges of treating CRKP, identification of peptides with activity against it represents a promising avenue for further research. Given DRGN-6′s similar level of activity to colistin, DRGN-6 is a promising template for the development of novel antimicrobial peptide-based therapeutics.
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Optimizing Exogenous Surfactant as a Pulmonary Delivery Vehicle for Chicken Cathelicidin-2. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9392. [PMID: 32523049 PMCID: PMC7287084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66448-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant lung infections has instigated a much-needed search for new therapeutic strategies. One proposed strategy is the use of exogenous surfactants to deliver antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), like CATH-2, to infected regions of the lung. CATH-2 can kill bacteria through a diverse range of antibacterial pathways and exogenous surfactant can improve pulmonary drug distribution. Unfortunately, mixing AMPs with commercially available exogenous surfactants has been shown to negatively impact their antimicrobial function. It was hypothesized that the phosphatidylglycerol component of surfactant was inhibiting AMP function and that an exogenous surfactant, with a reduced phosphatidylglycerol composition would increase peptide mediated killing at a distal site. To better understand how surfactant lipids interacted with CATH-2 and affected its function, isothermal titration calorimetry and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as well as bacterial killing curves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were utilized. Additionally, the wet bridge transfer system was used to evaluate surfactant spreading and peptide transport. Phosphatidylglycerol was the only surfactant lipid to significantly inhibit CATH-2 function, showing a stronger electrostatic interaction with the peptide than other lipids. Although diluting the phosphatidylglycerol content in an existing surfactant, through the addition of other lipids, significantly improved peptide function and distal killing, it also reduced surfactant spreading. A synthetic phosphatidylglycerol-free surfactant however, was shown to further improve CATH-2 delivery and function at a remote site. Based on these in vitro experiments synthetic phosphatidylglycerol-free surfactants seem optimal for delivering AMPs to the lung.
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30
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Deslouches B, Montelaro RC, Urish KL, Di YP. Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides (eCAPs) to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12060501. [PMID: 32486228 PMCID: PMC7357155 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing rate of antibiotic resistance constitutes a global health crisis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the property to selectively kill bacteria regardless of resistance to traditional antibiotics. However, several challenges (e.g., reduced activity in the presence of serum and lack of efficacy in vivo) to clinical development need to be overcome. In the last two decades, we have addressed many of those challenges by engineering cationic AMPs de novo for optimization under test conditions that typically inhibit the activities of natural AMPs, including systemic efficacy. We reviewed some of the most promising data of the last two decades in the context of the advancement of the field of helical AMPs toward clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthony Deslouches
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-624-0103
| | - Ronald C. Montelaro
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA;
| | - Ken L. Urish
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Yuanpu P. Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
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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: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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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Criscitiello MF, Kraev I, Petersen LH, Lange S. Deimination Protein Profiles in Alligator mississippiensis Reveal Plasma and Extracellular Vesicle-Specific Signatures Relating to Immunity, Metabolic Function, and Gene Regulation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:651. [PMID: 32411128 PMCID: PMC7198796 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alligators are crocodilians and among few species that endured the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. With long life spans, low metabolic rates, unusual immunological characteristics, including strong antibacterial and antiviral ability, and cancer resistance, crocodilians may hold information for molecular pathways underlying such physiological traits. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a group of calcium-activated enzymes that cause posttranslational protein deimination/citrullination in a range of target proteins contributing to protein moonlighting functions in health and disease. PADs are phylogenetically conserved and are also a key regulator of extracellular vesicle (EV) release, a critical part of cellular communication. As little is known about PAD-mediated mechanisms in reptile immunology, this study was aimed at profiling EVs and protein deimination in Alligator mississippiensis. Alligator plasma EVs were found to be polydispersed in a 50-400-nm size range. Key immune, metabolic, and gene regulatory proteins were identified to be posttranslationally deiminated in plasma and plasma EVs, with some overlapping hits, while some were unique to either plasma or plasma EVs. In whole plasma, 112 target proteins were identified to be deiminated, while 77 proteins were found as deiminated protein hits in plasma EVs, whereof 31 were specific for EVs only, including proteins specific for gene regulatory functions (e.g., histones). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed KEGG pathways specific to deiminated proteins in whole plasma related to adipocytokine signaling, while KEGG pathways of deiminated proteins specific to EVs included ribosome, biosynthesis of amino acids, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways as well as core histones. This highlights roles for EV-mediated export of deiminated protein cargo with roles in metabolism and gene regulation, also related to cancer. The identification of posttranslational deimination and EV-mediated communication in alligator plasma revealed here contributes to current understanding of protein moonlighting functions and EV-mediated communication in these ancient reptiles, providing novel insight into their unusual immune systems and physiological traits. In addition, our findings may shed light on pathways underlying cancer resistance, antibacterial and antiviral resistance, with translatable value to human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Criscitiello
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Lene H. Petersen
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galvestone, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
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An active domain HF-18 derived from hagfish intestinal peptide effectively inhibited drug-resistant bacteria in vitro/vivo. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 172:113746. [PMID: 31812678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is spreading faster than the development of new antibiotics into clinical practice. Currently, the design of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), potential new antibacterial agents with rare antimicrobial resistance, is the available strategy to enhance the antimicrobial activity and lower the toxicity of AMPs. In this study, a peptide derived from hagfish intestinal peptide was designed and termed as HF-18 (GFFKKAWRKVKKAFRRVL). After antimicrobial/bactericidal test in vitro, we found that HF-18 exhibited a potent antimicrobial activity with MIC of only 4 μg/ml against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Meanwhile, it eliminated the test bacteria within 1 h, suggesting its rapid bactericidal effect. Importantly, this peptide had no obvious hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Furthermore, its notable antimicrobial effects in vivo was confirmed again in S. aureus induced mouse bacteremia and skin wound infection, reflecting as the decrease in bacterial counts in mouse lung or skin (up to 1.9 or 3.5 log CFU respectively), and including the inhibitory activity on inflammatory cytokines secretion. The possible mechanisms underlying HF-18 against drug-resistant S. aureus may attribute that HF-18 neutralized the negative charge in S. aureus surface and then disrupted the integrity of cell membranes to enhance the permeation of bacterial membrane, showing as the increased uptake of NPN and PI and the obvious morphology changes of S. aureus. In addition, this peptide bound to bacterial genomic DNA to suppress the expression of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (pvl) and nuclease (nuc) genes, which play major roles in S. aureus virulence. The properties of HF-18 suggest a path towards developing antibacterial agents that has stronger antibacterial activity and greater security for clinical treatment of infection induced by S. aureus, especially drug-resistant S. aureus.
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de Barros E, Gonçalves RM, Cardoso MH, Santos NC, Franco OL, Cândido ES. Snake Venom Cathelicidins as Natural Antimicrobial Peptides. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31849667 PMCID: PMC6895205 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive small molecules isolated from animals, plants, fungi and bacteria, including natural antimicrobial peptides, have shown great therapeutic potential worldwide. Among these peptides, snake venom cathelicidins are being widely exploited, because the variation in the composition of the venom reflects a range of biological activities that may be of biotechnological interest. Cathelicidins are short, cationic, and amphipathic molecules. They play an important role in host defense against microbial infections. We are currently facing a strong limitation on pharmacological interventions for infection control, which has become increasingly complex due to the lack of effective therapeutic options. In this review, we will focus on natural snake venom cathelicidins as promising candidates for the development of new antibacterial agents to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We will highlight their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, mechanism of action, and modulation of the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizângela de Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Regina M Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Marlon H Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Elizabete S Cândido
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Jiang M, Ma L, Huang Y, Wu H, Dou J, Zhou C. Antimicrobial activities of peptide Cbf-K 16 against drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori infection in vitro and in vivo. Microb Pathog 2019; 138:103847. [PMID: 31704464 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is highly prevalent, and has developed antimicrobial resistance to virtually all existing antibiotics. Currently, treatment of H. pylori infection (involving proton pump inhibitors and broad-spectrum antibiotics) is suboptimal, with high failure rates. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop new anti-H. pylori therapies. Cbf-K16, a cathelicidin-like antimicrobial peptide, presented broad antimicrobial activity during our previous research. This study further evaluated the therapeutic potential and the mode of action underlying Cbf-K16 against clarithromycin- and amoxicillin-resistant H. pylori SS1. The MIC and MBC of Cbf-K16 against the tested H. pylori were 16 and 32 μg/ml, respectively, and its killing kinetics was time-dependent, reflecting the thorough elimination of drug-resistant bacteria within 24 h. This peptide also protected H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) from death by reducing the cell supernatant and intracellular bacterial counts by 1.9 and 2.9-log10 units, respectively. These data indicated the powerful antimicrobial effects of Cbf-K16in vitro. Meanwhile, notable antimicrobial activity in the mouse gastritis model was observed, with decreasing bacterial counts by 3.9-log10 units in stomach tissues and Cbf-K16 could effectively suppress the secretion of inflammatory cytokine IL-8. For its mode of action, Cbf-K16 not only neutralized the negative potential and increased the membrane uptake of NPN and PI by 78.5% and 85.1%, respectively, but also bound to genomic DNA, which in turn downregulated the expression of adhesion genes (alpA and alpB) and virulence gene (cagA), indicating its effective activities on membrane disruption, DNA-binding and gene expression. The data above demonstrated that Cbf-K16 possessed effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities and downregulated the expression of adhesion- and cytotoxin-associated genes of drug-resistant H. pylori SS1, making it a potential candidate for anti-infective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Lingman Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Ya Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Haomin Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Jie Dou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
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Qiao X, Yang H, Gao J, Zhang F, Chu P, Yang Y, Zhang M, Wang Y, Yu H. Diversity, immunoregulatory action and structure-activity relationship of green sea turtle cathelicidins. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 98:189-204. [PMID: 31121185 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a family of gene-encoded immune effectors in vertebrate innate immunity. Here, we reported the diversity and biological activity of cathelicidins in green sea turtle, a marine reptile species known for long lifespan and disease resistance. Four novel cathelicidins (Cm-CATH1-4) were identified from green sea turtle. All of them, especially Cm-CATH2, exhibited potent, broad-spectrum and rapid bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities by inducing the disruption of cell membrane integrity. Additionally, Cm-CATH2 effectively induced the macrophages/monocytes and neutrophils trafficking to the infection site, and inhibited the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, by blocking TLR4/MD2 complex and the downstream signaling pathway activation. In mouse peritonitis and pneumonia models, Cm-CATH2 exhibited evident protection against drug-resistant bacterial infections. Taken together, the diverse structures and functions of Cm-CATHs indicated their pleiotropic role in innate immunity of green sea turtle, and the potent antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and immunomodulatory properties make them ideal candidates for the development of novel anti-infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Qiao
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Huaixin Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Jiuxiang Gao
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Fen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Peng Chu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Haining Yu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China.
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van Hoek ML, Prickett MD, Settlage RE, Kang L, Michalak P, Vliet KA, Bishop BM. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) genome and identification of innate immunity genes and clusters. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:684. [PMID: 31470795 PMCID: PMC6716921 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6029-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We report the sequencing, assembly and analysis of the genome of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest extant lizard, with a focus on antimicrobial host-defense peptides. The Komodo dragon diet includes carrion, and a complex milieu of bacteria, including potentially pathogenic strains, has been detected in the saliva of wild dragons. They appear to be unaffected, suggesting that dragons have robust defenses against infection. While little information is available regarding the molecular biology of reptile immunity, it is believed that innate immunity, which employs antimicrobial host-defense peptides including defensins and cathelicidins, plays a more prominent role in reptile immunity than it does in mammals. . Results High molecular weight genomic DNA was extracted from Komodo dragon blood cells. Subsequent sequencing and assembly of the genome from the collected DNA yielded a genome size of 1.6 Gb with 45x coverage, and the identification of 17,213 predicted genes. Through further analyses of the genome, we identified genes and gene-clusters corresponding to antimicrobial host-defense peptide genes. Multiple β-defensin-related gene clusters were identified, as well as a cluster of potential Komodo dragon ovodefensin genes located in close proximity to a cluster of Komodo dragon β-defensin genes. In addition to these defensins, multiple cathelicidin-like genes were also identified in the genome. Overall, 66 β-defensin genes, six ovodefensin genes and three cathelicidin genes were identified in the Komodo dragon genome. Conclusions Genes with important roles in host-defense and innate immunity were identified in this newly sequenced Komodo dragon genome, suggesting that these organisms have a robust innate immune system. Specifically, multiple Komodo antimicrobial peptide genes were identified. Importantly, many of the antimicrobial peptide genes were found in gene clusters. We found that these innate immunity genes are conserved among reptiles, and the organization is similar to that seen in other avian and reptilian species. Having the genome of this important squamate will allow researchers to learn more about reptilian gene families and will be a valuable resource for researchers studying the evolution and biology of the endangered Komodo dragon. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-6029-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA
| | - M Dennis Prickett
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita-Edif. C11, Università di Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Robert E Settlage
- Advanced Research Computing, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Lin Kang
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Pawel Michalak
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.,Center for One Health Research, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.,Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kent A Vliet
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Barney M Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.
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Shi N, Cai S, Gao J, Qiao X, Yang H, Wang Y, Yu H. Roles of polymorphic cathelicidins in innate immunity of soft-shell turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 92:179-192. [PMID: 30452933 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a class of gene-encoded immune effectors in vertebrate innate immune system. Though being extensively studied in mammals, little is known about the roles of cathelicidins in turtles, the water-dwelling vertebrates in the order Testudines. In the present study, six novel cathelicidins (Ps-CATH1-6) with different tissue and inducible expression patterns were characterized from the turtle of economic importance, Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Although the structures of Ps-CATH1-6 precursors were identical with most of the other known cathelicidins, the mature peptides of Ps-CATH1-6 showed low sequence similarity with the other cathelicidins. Functional studies indicated that some of them either directly kill pathogens via inducing the permeabilization in bacterial membrane (Ps-CATH4, 6), or boost infection-resolving immunity by selectively inhibiting pro-inflammatory responses (Ps-CATH2, 4, 6) through MAPKs and NF-κB pathways. Ps-CATH2, 4, and 6, which assume the hallmark amphipathic α-helical conformations as most of the other host defense peptides, exhibit evident in vivo protection by significantly reducing the bacterial loads in bacterial infected turtles. Collectively, the discovery of novel Ps-CATHs with pleiotropic structures and functions helps elucidating the roles of cathelicidins in the Chinese softshell turtle innate immunity, and better understanding the survival strategy of Chinese softshell turtle in harsh habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Shi
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Shasha Cai
- School of Medical Engineering, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China
| | - Jiuxiang Gao
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Xue Qiao
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Huaixin Yang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Haining Yu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, China.
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Wang A, Zhang F, Guo Z, Chen Y, Zhang M, Yu H, Wang Y. Characterization of a Cathelicidin from the Colubrinae Snake, Sinonatrix annularis. Zoolog Sci 2019; 36:68-76. [DOI: 10.2108/zs180064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aili Wang
- Weifang University of Science and Technology, Shandong Peninsula Engineering Research Center of Comp
| | - Fen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Zhilai Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Haining Yu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116023
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
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Tankrathok A, Punpad A, Kongchaiyapoom M, Sosiangdi S, Jangpromma N, Daduang S, Klaynongsruang S. Identification of the firstCrocodylus siamensiscathelicidin gene and RN15 peptide derived from cathelin domain exhibiting antibacterial activity. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2018; 66:142-152. [DOI: 10.1002/bab.1709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anupong Tankrathok
- Department of BiotechnologyFaculty of Agricultural TechnologyKalasin University Kalasin Thailand
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Arpaporn Punpad
- Department of BiotechnologyFaculty of Agricultural TechnologyKalasin University Kalasin Thailand
| | | | - Sirinthip Sosiangdi
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Nisachon Jangpromma
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Department of Integrated ScienceFaculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Division of Pharmacognosy and ToxicologyFaculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Sompong Klaynongsruang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI)Faculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of ScienceKhon Kaen University Khon Kaen Thailand
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Biological roles of indole-3-acetic acid in Acinetobacter baumannii. Microbiol Res 2018; 216:30-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Rishi P, Vashist T, Sharma A, Kaur A, Kaur A, Kaur N, Kaur IP, Tewari R. Efficacy of designer K11 antimicrobial peptide (a hybrid of melittin, cecropin A1 and magainin 2) against Acinetobacter baumannii-infected wounds. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:5089976. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Rishi
- Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Block I, South Campus, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
| | - Tanvi Vashist
- Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Block I, South Campus, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
| | - Avantika Sharma
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, South Campus, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
| | - Amrita Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Block I, South Campus, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
| | - Arashdeep Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Block I, South Campus, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
| | - Navneet Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Block I, South Campus, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
- CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector-39 A, Chandigarh-160036, India
| | - Indu Pal Kaur
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
| | - Rupinder Tewari
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, South Campus, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
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Abstract
Discovering new therapeutics for human viral diseases is important for combatting emerging infectious viruses and omnipresent circulating viruses as well as those that can become resistant to the drugs we currently have available. The innate host defense peptide (HDP) repertoire present in animals is a wealth of potential antimicrobial agents that could be mined to meet these needs. While much of the body of research regarding HDPs is in the context of bacteria, there is increasing evidence that they can be an effective source for antivirals. Peptides can be identified in a number of ways, including eco-conservation-minded approaches. Those shown to have antiviral properties can be modified to exhibit desired properties as the relationship between structure and function is elucidated and then developed into therapeutics for human use. This review looks at the discovery and therapeutic potential of HDPs for human viral infections.
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As-CATH1-6, novel cathelicidins with potent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties from Alligator sinensis, play pivotal roles in host antimicrobial immune responses. Biochem J 2017; 474:2861-2885. [PMID: 28798159 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Crocodilians are regarded as possessing a powerful immune system. However, the composition and action of the crocodilian immune system have remained unclear until now. Cathelicidins, the principal family of host defense peptides, play pivotal roles in vertebrate immune defense against microbial invasions. However, cathelicidins from crocodilians have not been extensively studied to date. In the present study, six novel cathelicidins (As-CATH1-6) were identified and characterized from the endangered Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). As-CATH1-6 exhibit no sequence similarity with any of the known cathelicidins. Structure analysis indicated that As-CATH1-3 adopt a random coil secondary conformation, whereas As-CATH4-6 were predicted to mainly adopt an amphipathic α-helix conformation. Among them, As-CATH4-6 exhibited potent, broad-spectrum and rapid antimicrobial activity by inducing the disruption of cell membrane integrity. They also exhibited strong ability to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms and eradicate preformed biofilms. Furthermore, As-CATH4-6 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse peritoneal macrophages. They directly neutralized LPS toxicity and therefore inhibited the binding of LPS to the TLR4 receptor and the subsequent activation of inflammatory response pathways. In a peritonitis mice model, As-CATH2-6 provided effective protection against bacterial infection through enhanced immune cell recruitment. In the host Chinese alligator, As-CATH1-6 are mainly expressed in immune organs and epithelial tissues. Bacterial infection significantly enhances their expression, which implies an important role in host anti-infective response. Taken together, the diversity and multiple functions of As-CATH1-6 partially reveal the powerful immune system of the Chinese alligator.
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