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Guo X, Fu Y, Peng J, Fu Y, Dong S, Ding RB, Qi X, Bao J. Emerging anticancer potential and mechanisms of snake venom toxins: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131990. [PMID: 38704067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131990] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Animal-derived venom, like snake venom, has been proven to be valuable natural resources for the drug development. Previously, snake venom was mainly investigated in its pharmacological activities in regulating coagulation, vasodilation, and cardiovascular function, and several marketed cardiovascular drugs were successfully developed from snake venom. In recent years, snake venom fractions have been demonstrated with anticancer properties of inducing apoptotic and autophagic cell death, restraining proliferation, suppressing angiogenesis, inhibiting cell adhesion and migration, improving immunity, and so on. A number of active anticancer enzymes and peptides have been identified from snake venom toxins, such as L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), metalloproteinases (MPs), three-finger toxins (3FTxs), serine proteinases (SPs), disintegrins, C-type lectin-like proteins (CTLPs), cell-penetrating peptides, cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs). In this review, we focus on summarizing these snake venom-derived anticancer components on their anticancer activities and underlying mechanisms. We will also discuss their potential to be developed as anticancer drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yuanfeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Junbo Peng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Ying Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Ren-Bo Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
| | - Xingzhu Qi
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Jiaolin Bao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China.
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2
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Purohit K, Reddy N, Sunna A. Exploring the Potential of Bioactive Peptides: From Natural Sources to Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1391. [PMID: 38338676 PMCID: PMC10855437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides, specific protein fragments with positive health effects, are gaining traction in drug development for advantages like enhanced penetration, low toxicity, and rapid clearance. This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of peptide science, covering discovery to functional characterization. Beginning with a peptidomic exploration of natural sources, the review emphasizes the search for novel peptides. Extraction approaches, including enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, and specialized methods for disulfide-linked peptides, are extensively covered. Mass spectrometric analysis techniques for data acquisition and identification, such as liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, untargeted peptide analysis, and bioinformatics, are thoroughly outlined. The exploration of peptide bioactivity incorporates various methodologies, from in vitro assays to in silico techniques, including advanced approaches like phage display and cell-based assays. The review also discusses the structure-activity relationship in the context of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), ACE-inhibitory peptides (ACEs), and antioxidative peptides (AOPs). Concluding with key findings and future research directions, this interdisciplinary review serves as a comprehensive reference, offering a holistic understanding of peptides and their potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kruttika Purohit
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
- Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia’s Bioactives (FAAB), Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - Narsimha Reddy
- Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia’s Bioactives (FAAB), Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
- School of Science, Parramatta Campus, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Anwar Sunna
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
- Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia’s Bioactives (FAAB), Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
- Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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3
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Qu B, Yuan J, Liu X, Zhang S, Ma X, Lu L. Anticancer activities of natural antimicrobial peptides from animals. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1321386. [PMID: 38298540 PMCID: PMC10827920 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1321386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the most common cause of human death worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health and having a negative impact on the economy. In the past few decades, significant progress has been made in anticancer therapies, but traditional anticancer therapies, including radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have serious side effects, low specificity, and the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new treatment methods to improve efficacy and reduce side effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exist in the innate immune system of various organisms. As the most promising alternatives to traditional drugs for treating cancers, some AMPs also have been proven to possess anticancer activities, which are defined as anticancer peptides (ACPs). These peptides have the advantages of being able to specifically target cancer cells and have less toxicity to normal tissues. More and more studies have found that marine and terrestrial animals contain a large amount of ACPs. In this article, we introduced the animal derived AMPs with anti-cancer activity, and summarized the types of tumor cells inhibited by ACPs, the mechanisms by which they exert anti-tumor effects and clinical applications of ACPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Qu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Jiangshui Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Xueli Liu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
- Medical Ethics Committee Office, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- College of Life and Geographic Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecology of Pamirs Plateau in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kashi University, Kashi, China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuezhen Ma
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Lu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
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4
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Petrohilos C, Patchett A, Hogg CJ, Belov K, Peel E. Tasmanian devil cathelicidins exhibit anticancer activity against Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12698. [PMID: 37542170 PMCID: PMC10403513 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39901-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is endangered due to the spread of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a contagious cancer with no current treatment options. Here we test whether seven recently characterized Tasmanian devil cathelicidins are involved in cancer regulation. We measured DFTD cell viability in vitro following incubation with each of the seven peptides and describe the effect of each on gene expression in treated cells. Four cathelicidins (Saha-CATH3, 4, 5 and 6) were toxic to DFTD cells and caused general signs of cellular stress. The most toxic peptide (Saha-CATH5) also suppressed the ERBB and YAP1/TAZ signaling pathways, both of which have been identified as important drivers of cancer proliferation. Three cathelicidins induced inflammatory pathways in DFTD cells that may potentially recruit immune cells in vivo. This study suggests that devil cathelicidins have some anti-cancer and inflammatory functions and should be explored further to determine whether they have potential as treatment leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleopatra Petrohilos
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Patchett
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Xie X, He L, Wang Y, Ye X, Ma L. Cbf-14, a cationic peptide derived from cathelin-domain, exhibits anti-inflammation activity via inhibiting PI3K- Akt /ROS/ NF-κB signaling pathway. Peptides 2023:171040. [PMID: 37295650 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cbf-14 with the sequence RLLRKFFRKLKKSV, is an effective antimicrobial peptide derived from a cathelin-like domain. Previous reports have demonstrated that Cbf-14 not only exerts antimicrobial activity against penicillin-resistant bacteria but also alleviates bacterial-induced inflammation in E. coli BL21 (DE3)-NDM-1-infected mice. In this article, we demonstrated that Cbf-14 can effectively reduce RAW 264.7 intracellular infection caused by clinical strain E. coli and alleviate the inflammatory response of cells and improve cell survival after infection. Therefore, we established the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell inflammation model to uncover the molecular mechanisms of the peptide Cbf-14 in anti-inflammatory activity. The results reveal that Cbf-14 can decrease LPS-induced ROS secretion by blocking the membrane translocation of p47-phox subunits and suppressing p47-phox protein phosphorylation. Meanwhile, this peptide can down-regulate the over-expression of iNOS, and finally inhibit the NO excessive secretion from RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by LPS. Moreover, Cbf-14 also down-regulates the expression levels of p-IκB and p-p65 and inhibits the nuclear translocation of NF-κB through blocking MAPK- and/or PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Overall, Cbf-14 exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through inhibiting NF-κB activity and ROS production via PI3K- Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoLin Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, P. R. China
| | - LinQing He
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, P. R. China
| | - YouMei Wang
- clinical laboratory, Fu Yang People's Hospital, No. 501 Sanqing Road, Yingzhou District, Fuyang, Anhui
| | - XinYue Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, P. R. China
| | - LingMan Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, P. R. China.
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6
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Bialves TS, Bastos Junior CLQ, Cordeiro MF, Boyle RT. Snake venom, a potential treatment for melanoma. A systematic review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 231:123367. [PMID: 36690229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123367] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in treating patients with melanoma, there are still many treatment challenges to overcome. Studies with snake venom-derived proteins/peptides describe their binding potential, and inhibition of some proliferative mechanisms in melanoma. The combined use of these compounds with current therapies could be the strategic gap that will help us discover more effective treatments for melanoma. The present study aimed to carry out a systematic review identifying snake venom proteins and peptides described in the literature with antitumor, antimetastatic, or antiangiogenic effects on melanoma and determine the mechanisms of action that lead to these anti-tumor effects. Snake venoms contain proteins and peptides which are antiaggregant, antimetastatic, and antiangiogenic. The in vivo results are encouraging, considering the reduction of metastases and tumor size after treatment. In addition to these results, it was reported that these venom compounds could act in combination with chemotherapeutics (Acurhagin-C; Macrovipecetin), sensitizing and preparing tumor cells for treatment. There is a consensus that snake venom is a promising strategy for the improvement of antimelanoma therapies, but it has been little explored in the current context, combined with inhibitors, immunotherapy or tumor microenvironment, for example. We suggest Lebein as a candidate for combination therapy with BRAF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Senna Bialves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PPGCF), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, s/n - km 8 - Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Claudio L Q Bastos Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PPGCF), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, s/n - km 8 - Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcos Freitas Cordeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências e Saúde (PPGBS), Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina - UNOESC, Rua Roberto Trompovski 224, Joaçaba, Santa Catarina, CEP 89600-000, Brazil.
| | - Robert Tew Boyle
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PPGCF), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Av. Itália, s/n - km 8 - Carreiros, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul 96203-900, Brazil
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7
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de Moura GA, de Oliveira JR, Rocha YM, de Oliveira Freitas J, Rodrigues JPV, Ferreira VPG, Nicolete R. Antitumor and antiparasitic activity of antimicrobial peptides derived from snake venom: a systematic review approach. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5358-5368. [PMID: 35524668 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220507011719] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a scenario of increased pathogens with multidrug resistance phenotypes, it is necessary to seek new pharmacological options. This fact is responsible for an increase in neoplasms and multiresistant parasitic diseases. In turn, snake venom-derived peptides exhibited cytotoxic action on fungal and bacterial strains, possibly presenting activities in resistant tumor cells and parasites. Therefore, the aim of this work is to verify an antitumor and antiparasitic activity of antimicrobial peptides derived from snake venom. METHODS For this purpose, searches were performed in the Pubmed, Embase and Virtual Health Library databases by combining the descriptors peptides, venom and snake with antitumor/ antiparasitic agent and in silico. The inclusion criteria: in vitro and in vivo experimental articles in addition to in silico studies. The exclusion criteria: articles that were out of scope, review articles, abstracts, and letters to the reader. Data extracted: peptide name, peptide sequence, semi-maximal inhibitory concentration, snake species, tumor lineage or parasitic strain, cytotoxicity, in vitro and in vivo activity. RESULTS In total 164 articles were found, of which 14 were used. A total of ten peptides with antiproliferative activity on tumor cells were identified. Among the articles, seven peptides addressed the antiparasitic activity. CONCLUSION In conclusion, snake venom-derived peptides can be considered as potential pharmacological options for parasites and tumors, however more studies are needed to prove their specific activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana R de Oliveira
- Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio-CE, Brazil.,Northeast Network of Biotechnology (RENORBIO), State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Yasmim M Rocha
- Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio-CE, Brazil.,Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | | | - João Pedro V Rodrigues
- Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio-CE, Brazil.,Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Vanessa P G Ferreira
- Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz Ceará), Eusébio-CE, Brazil.,Northeast Network of Biotechnology (RENORBIO), State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
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8
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AlQathama A, Bader A, Al-Rehaily A, Gibbons S, Prieto JM. In vitro cytotoxic activities of selected Saudi medicinal plants against human malignant melanoma cells (A375) and the isolation of their active principles. Eur J Integr Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2021.102083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Giribaldi J, Smith JJ, Schroeder CI. Recent developments in animal venom peptide nanotherapeutics with improved selectivity for cancer cells. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 50:107769. [PMID: 33989705 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides that efficiently modulate key receptors and ion channels involved in cellular excitability to rapidly neutralize their prey or predators. As such, they have been a wellspring of highly useful pharmacological tools for decades. Besides targeting ion channels, some venom peptides exhibit strong cytotoxic activity and preferentially affect cancer over healthy cells. This is unlikely to be driven by an evolutionary impetus, and differences in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment are probably behind the serendipitous selectivity shown by some venom peptides. However, strategies such as bioconjugation and nanotechnologies are showing potential to improve their selectivity and potency, thereby paving the way to efficiently harness new anticancer mechanisms offered by venom peptides. This review aims to highlight advances in nano- and chemotherapeutic tools and prospective anti-cancer drug leads derived from animal venom peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Giribaldi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer J Smith
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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10
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Vitale I, Yamazaki T, Wennerberg E, Sveinbjørnsson B, Rekdal Ø, Demaria S, Galluzzi L. Targeting Cancer Heterogeneity with Immune Responses Driven by Oncolytic Peptides. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:557-572. [PMID: 33446447 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that high degrees of heterogeneity among malignant cells constitute a considerable obstacle to the success of cancer therapy. This calls for the development of approaches that operate - or enable established treatments to operate - despite such intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH). In this context, oncolytic peptides stand out as promising therapeutic tools based on their ability to drive immunogenic cell death associated with robust anticancer immune responses independently of ITH. We review the main molecular and immunological pathways engaged by oncolytic peptides, and discuss potential approaches to combine these agents with modern immunotherapeutics in support of superior tumor-targeting immunity and efficacy in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilio Vitale
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia (FPO)-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Takahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erik Wennerberg
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Baldur Sveinbjørnsson
- Lytix Biopharma, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway; Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Øystein Rekdal
- Lytix Biopharma, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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11
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Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. Pharmacol Res 2020; 164:105327. [PMID: 33276098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.
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12
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Qi J, Wang W, Lu W, Chen W, Sun H, Shang A. Design and biological evaluation of novel BF-30 analogs for the treatment of malignant melanoma. J Cancer 2020; 11:7184-7195. [PMID: 33193881 PMCID: PMC7646182 DOI: 10.7150/jca.47549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate anti-tumour effects and mechanism of novel BF-30 derivative via cell-based assays and melanoma-bearing model mice. Main methods: BF-30 derivatives were designed by fusing heptapeptide-palmitic tags to native BF-30 via a protease-cleavable linker and prepared by F-moc solid-phase synthesis. Albumin binding affinity test and in vitro control-released assay were performed to screen these BF-30 derivatives and explore the mechanism of anti-tumour effects. The selected BF-30 derivative was further subjected to the preclinical efficacy study and chronic evaluation of anti-tumour effects melanoma-bearing model mice. Key findings: Twenty-one BF-30 derivatives, termed LBF-1 to LBF-21, were obtained with high purity and accurate molecular weight. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements, plasma stability test and in vitro control-released assay all showed that LBF-14 exerted better druggability compared with the others. Moreover, LBF-14 was proved to inhibit the proliferation of B16F10 melanoma cell by disrupting the cytoplasmic membrane and binding to genomic DNA to prevent transcription. Furthermore, half-life of intact LBF-14 and released BF-30 in rhesus monkeys were approximately 120.9 h and 136.4 h, respectively, after a single subcutaneous injection of 0.9 mg/kg LBF-14. In addition, chronic treatment of LBF-14 significantly suppressed melanoma growth and improved the survival rate of B16F10-bearing mice with the observed inhibition of 63.5% for 0.3mg/kg and 91.5% for 0.9 mg/kg. Furthermore, results of H&E staining prove that chronic treatment of LBF-30 effectively suppressed metastasis and invasion of B16F10 cells. Significance: LBF-14 holds potential to be developed as a promising once-weekly candidate for the treatment of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Qi
- Department of dermatology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Wuxi Second hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth People's hospital of Yancheng City, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenying Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth People's hospital of Yancheng City, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth People's hospital of Yancheng City, Yancheng, 224001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of dermatology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Wuxi Second hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China
| | - Anquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, Shanghai, China
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13
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Jin Z, Chen Q, Tan L, Jia B, Liu Y. WITHDRAWN: Novel long-acting BF-30 conjugate corrects pancreatic carcinoma via cytoplasmic membrane permeabilization and DNA-binding in tumor-bearing mice. Life Sci 2020:118278. [PMID: 32798555 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Jin
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Qingmin Chen
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Ludong Tan
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Baoxing Jia
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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14
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AlQathama A, Shao L, Bader A, Khondkar P, Gibbons S, M Prieto J. Differential Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Migratory Activities of Ursolic Acid, 3- O-Acetylursolic Acid and Their Combination Treatments with Quercetin on Melanoma Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E894. [PMID: 32545262 PMCID: PMC7356947 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluate how 3-acetylation modulates the in vitro activity of ursolic acid in melanoma cells alone or in combination treatments with quercetin. Anti-proliferative studies on A375 cells and adult human dermal fibroblasts included analyses on cell cycle distribution, caspase activity, phosphatidylserine translocation, cell morphology and Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression. Then, 2D and 3D migration of B16F10 cells were studied using scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Ursolic acid and 3-O-acetylursolic acid have shown similar GI50 on A375 cells (26 µM vs. 32 µM, respectively) significantly increased both early and late apoptotic populations, activated caspases 3/7 (48-72 h), and enhanced Bax whilst attenuating Bcl-2 expression. Ursolic acid caused elevation of the sub-G1 population whilst its 3-acetyl derivative arrested cell cycle at S phase and induced strong morphological changes. Combination treatments showed that ursolic acid and quercetin act synergistically in migration assays but not against cell proliferation. In summary, 3-O-acetylursolic acid maintains the potency and overall apoptotic mechanism of the parent molecule with a more aggressive influence on the morphology of A375 melanoma cells but the 3-acetylation suppresses its anti-migratory properties. We also found that ursolic acid can act in synergy with quercetin to reduce cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljawharah AlQathama
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Luying Shao
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Ammar Bader
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Proma Khondkar
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Simon Gibbons
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
- School of Pharmacy, University East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Jose M Prieto
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (L.S.); (P.K.); (S.G.)
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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15
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Hitchhiking with Nature: Snake Venom Peptides to Fight Cancer and Superbugs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040255. [PMID: 32326531 PMCID: PMC7232197 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract For decades, natural products in general and snake venoms (SV) in particular have been a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and they remain a promising substrate for therapeutic development. Currently, a handful of SV-based drugs for diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders and blood abnormalities are on the market. Likewise, far more SV compounds and their mimetics are under investigation today for diverse therapeutic applications, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cancer. In this review, we analyze the state of the art regarding SV-derived compounds with therapeutic potential, focusing on the development of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Specifically, information about SV peptides experimentally validated or predicted to act as antimicrobial and anticancer peptides (AMPs and ACPs, respectively) has been collected and analyzed. Their principal activities both in vitro and in vivo, structures, mechanisms of action, and attempts at sequence optimization are discussed in order to highlight their potential as drug leads. Key Contribution This review describes the state of the art in snake venom-derived peptides and their therapeutic applications. This work reinforces the potential of snake venom components as therapeutic agents, particularly in the quest for new antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
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16
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Aaghaz S, Gohel V, Kamal A. Peptides as Potential Anticancer Agents. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1491-1511. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190125161517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer consists of heterogeneous multiple cell subpopulation which at a later stage develop resistant phenotypes, which include resistance to pro-apoptotic stimuli and/or cytotoxic resistance to anticancer compounds. The property of cancerous cells to affect almost any part of the body categorizes cancer to many anatomic and molecular subtypes, each requiring a particular therapeutic intervention. As several modalities are hindered in a variety of cancers and as the cancer cells accrue varied types of oncogenic mutations during their progression the most likely benefit will be obtained by a combination of therapeutic agents that might address the diverse hallmarks of cancer. Natural compounds are the backbone of cancer therapeutics owing to their property of affecting the DNA impairment and restoration mechanisms and also the gene expression modulated via several epigenetic molecular mechanisms. Bioactive peptides isolated from flora and fauna have transformed the arena of antitumour therapy and prompt progress in preclinical studies is promising. The difficulties in creating ACP rest in improving its delivery to the tumour site and it also must maintain a low toxicity profile. The substantial production costs, low selectivity and proteolytic stability of some ACP are some of the factors hindering the progress of peptide drug development. Recently, several publications have tried to edify the field with the idea of using peptides as adjuvants with established drugs for antineoplastic use. This review focuses on peptides from natural sources that precisely target tumour cells and subsequently serve as anticancer agents that are less toxic to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shams Aaghaz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, India
| | - Vivek Gohel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, India
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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17
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Abdel-Ghani LM, Rahmy TR, Tawfik MM, Kaziri I, Al-Obaidi A, Rowan EG, Plevin R, Abdel-Rahman MA. Cytotoxicity of Nubein6.8 peptide isolated from the snake venom of Naja nubiae on melanoma and ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Toxicon 2019; 168:22-31. [PMID: 31233771 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the cytotoxic effects of Nubein6.8 isolated from the venom of the Egyptian Spitting Cobra Naja nubiae on melanoma (A375) and ovarian carcinoma cell lines and to reveal its mode of action. The size of Nubein6.8 (6801.8 Da) and its N-terminal sequence are similar to cytotoxins purified from the venom of other spitting cobras. Nubein6.8 showed a high significant cytotoxic effect on A375 cell line and moderate effect on A2780. A clonogenic assay showed that Nubein6.8 has a significant long-term potency on A375 cell survival when compared to A2780. The molecular intracellular signaling pathways of Nubein6.8 have been investigated using Western blotting analysis, flow cytometry, and microscale protein labeling. This data revealed that Nubein6.8 has DNA damaging effects and the ability to activate apoptosis in both tumor cell lines. Cellular uptake recordings revealed that the labeled-Nubein6.8 was intracellularly present in A375 cells while A2780 displayed resistance against it. SEM examination showed that Nubein6.8 was found to have high accessibility to malignant melanoma cells. The apoptotic effect of Nubein6.8 was confirmed by TEM examination that revealed many evident characteristics for Nubein6.8 apoptotic efficacy on A375 cell sections. Also, TEM reflected many resistant characteristics that faced Nubein6.8 acquisition through ovarian carcinoma cell sections. Accordingly, the snake venom peptide of Nubein6.8 is a promising template for developing potential cytotoxic agents targeting human melanoma and ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lougin M Abdel-Ghani
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Tarek R Rahmy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Tawfik
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Ibtisam Kaziri
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Ahlam Al-Obaidi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Edward G Rowan
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Robin Plevin
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Mohamed A Abdel-Rahman
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt; Institute of Biotechnology for Graduate Studies and Research, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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18
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Xu C, Wang Y, Tu Q, Zhang Z, Chen M, Mwangi J, Li Y, Jin Y, Zhao X, Lai R. Targeting surface nucleolin induces autophagy-dependent cell death in pancreatic cancer via AMPK activation. Oncogene 2019; 38:1832-1844. [PMID: 30356139 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest human cancers despite current advances in conventional therapeutics including surgery and adjuvant therapies. Here, we showed that LZ1, a peptide derived from a snake venom cathelicidin, significantly inhibited growth of pancreatic cancer cells by inducing autophagy-dependent cell death both in vitro and in vivo. The LZ1-induced cell death was blocked by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of autophagy. In orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer, systemic administration of LZ1 (1-4 mg/kg) exhibited remarkable antitumor efficacy, significantly prolonged mice survival, and showed negligible adverse effects by comparison with gemcitabine (20 mg/kg). Mechanistic studies revealed that LZ1 acts through binding to nucleolin, whose expression on cell surface is frequently increased in pancreatic cancer cells. LZ1 binding triggers degradation of surface-expressed nucleolin. This leads to activation of 5'-AMP kinase which results in suppression of mTORC1 activity and induction of autophagic flux. These data suggest that LZ1, targeting nucleolin-AMPK-autophagy axis, is a promising lead for the development of therapeutic agents against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiu Tu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhiye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Mengrou Chen
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - James Mwangi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, Yunnan, China
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Yaxiong Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yan'an Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650041, Yunnan, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China.
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China.
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China.
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China.
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19
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Xu J, Chen S, Jin J, Ma L, Guo M, Zhou C, Dou J. Inhibition of peptide BF-30 on influenza A virus infection in vitro/vivo by causing virion membrane fusion. Peptides 2019; 112:14-22. [PMID: 30447229 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Influenza A virus is a leading cause of mortality in humans and poses a global health emergency due to its newly adapted and resistant strains. Thus, there is an urgency to develop novel anti-influenza drugs. Peptides are a type of biological molecule having a wide range of inhibitory effects against bacteria, fungi, viruses and cancer cells. The prospects of several peptides and their mechanisms of action have received significant attention. BF-30, a 30 amino acid residue peptide isolated from the venom of the snake, Bungarus fasciatus, is reported to have antibacterial and antitumor activities. Here, we demonstrated that the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the peptide to MDCK cells is 67.7 μM. While BF-30 could inhibit the influenza virus strains H1N1, H3N2 and the oseltamivir-resistant strain H1N1, in vitro, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 5.2, 7.4 and 18.9 μM, respectively. In animal experiments, mice treated with BF-30 showed 50% survival at a dosage of 4 μM, with an approximately 2 log viral titer decrease in the lung. However, further studies showed that BF-30 worked on only the virus invasion stage, and inhibited the influenza virus infection by causing virion membrane fusion rather than interacting with hemagglutinin or neuraminidase. These results demonstrated that the peptide BF-30 exhibited an effective inhibitory activity against the influenza A virus and could be a promising candidate for influenza virus therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Shuo Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Jing Jin
- 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.
| | - Min Guo
- 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.
| | - Jie Dou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
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20
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Rima M, Alavi Naini SM, Karam M, Sadek R, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Vipers of the Middle East: A Rich Source of Bioactive Molecules. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23102721. [PMID: 30360399 PMCID: PMC6222703 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23102721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake venom serves as a tool of defense against threat and helps in prey digestion. It consists of a mixture of enzymes, such as phospholipase A2, metalloproteases, and l-amino acid oxidase, and toxins, including neurotoxins and cytotoxins. Beside their toxicity, venom components possess many pharmacological effects and have been used to design drugs and as biomarkers of diseases. Viperidae is one family of venomous snakes that is found nearly worldwide. However, three main vipers exist in the Middle Eastern region: Montivipera bornmuelleri, Macrovipera lebetina, and Vipera (Daboia) palaestinae. The venoms of these vipers have been the subject of many studies and are considered as a promising source of bioactive molecules. In this review, we present an overview of these three vipers, with a special focus on their venom composition as well as their biological activities, and we discuss further frameworks for the exploration of each venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Rima
- Department of Neuroscience, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France.
| | - Seyedeh Maryam Alavi Naini
- Department of Neuroscience, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, F-75005 Paris, France.
| | - Marc Karam
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Balamand, Kourah3843, Lebanon.
| | - Riyad Sadek
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon.
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Laboratory INSERM UMR 1097, Aix-Marseille University, 163, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Avenue de Luminy, Bâtiment TPR2, Case 939, 13288 Marseille, France.
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences III, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon.
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon.
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Wang Y, Gu Y, Fang K, Mao K, Dou J, Fan H, Zhou C, Wang H. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Clostridium butyricum ameliorate colitis in murine by strengthening the gut barrier function and decreasing inflammatory factors. Benef Microbes 2018; 9:775-787. [PMID: 30014710 DOI: 10.3920/bm2017.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic inflammation present in the intestines for which the aetiology is not yet clear. The current therapies for ulcerative colitis cannot be considered to be long-term management strategies due to their significant side effects. Therefore, it is essential to identify an alternative therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis. The present study focused on the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activities of Lactobacillus acidophilus CGMCC 7282 and Clostridium butyricum CGMCC 7281. The roles of both single and combination of L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 and C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 in ulcerative colitis were investigated in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced acute colitis (Th1-type colitis) in Sprague-Dawley rats and oxazolone-induced chronic colitis (Th2-type colitis) in BALB/c mice. The in vivo studies showed that the administration of L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282, C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 and L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 plus C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 could reduce the Th1-type colitis as well as the Th2-type colitis, and the combination of the two strains exhibited the most notable effects, as indicated by the reduced mortality rates, the suppressed disease activity indices, the improved body weights, the reduced colon weight/colon length and colon weight/body weight ratios, and the improved gross anatomic characteristics and histological features (ameliorations of neutrophil infiltration and ulceration in the colon). It was found that the alterations of the gut microbiome, the barrier function changing and the selected inflammation-related cytokines are observed in the ulcerative colitis rats/mice treated with L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 and C. butyricum CGMCC 7281. The combination of L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 plus C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 also exerted a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than either of the single strains alone in vitro. These findings provide evidence that the administration of L. acidophilus CGMCC 7282 plus C. butyricum CGMCC 7281 may be a promising therapy for ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- 1 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Y Gu
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China P.R
| | - K Fang
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China P.R
| | - K Mao
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China P.R
| | - J Dou
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China P.R
| | - H Fan
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China P.R
| | - C Zhou
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China P.R
| | - H Wang
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China P.R
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Wan L, Zhang D, Zhang J, Ren L. TT-1, an analog of melittin, triggers apoptosis in human thyroid cancer TT cells via regulating caspase, Bcl-2 and Bax. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:1271-1278. [PMID: 29387245 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Melittin is a 26 amino acid residue antimicrobial peptide with known antitumor activity. In the present study, a novel peptide TT-1, derived from melittin and contained only 11 amino acids, was designed, and its antitumor effect was investigated. The present study is aimed to elucidate the effects and relative mechanisms of TT-1 on a human thyroid cancer cell line (TT) in vitro and in vivo. Cell viability assays, Annexin V/propidium iodide assays, western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed. Furthermore, a tumor-xenograft model was established to investigate the apoptotic mechanisms of TT-1 on TT cells. The results obtained indicated that TT-1 was able to suppress the proliferation of TT cells and exhibited low cytotoxicity to normal thyroid cells in vitro. The apoptotic rates of TT cells were also increased following TT-1 treatment. Additionally, TT-1 stimulated caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax, and inhibited B-cell lymphoma 2 mRNA and protein expression. Finally, it was also demonstrated that TT-1 is able to markedly suppress tumor growth in a TT-bearing nude mouse model. In summary, TT-1 may inhibit the proliferation of TT cells by inducing apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, indicating that TT-1 may be a potential candidate for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Daqi Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Surgical Translational Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Jinnan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Liqun Ren
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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23
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The antimicrobial potential of a new derivative of cathelicidin from Bungarus fasciatus against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Microbiol 2018; 56:128-137. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-018-7444-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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24
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Liu C, Shan B, Qi J, Ma Y. Systemic Responses of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii Following Exposure to the Antimicrobial Peptide Cathelicidin-BF Imply Multiple Intracellular Targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:466. [PMID: 29164074 PMCID: PMC5681922 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidin-BF, derived from the banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus), is a typically cationic, amphiphilic and α-helical antimicrobial peptide (AMP) with 30 amino acids that exerts powerful effects on multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, but whether it targets plasma membranes or intracellular targets to kill bacteria is still controversial. In the present study, we demonstrated that the disruption of bacterial membranes with high concentrations of cathelicidin-BF was the cause of bacterial death, as with conventional antibiotics at high concentrations. At lower concentrations, cathelicidin-BF did not cause bacterial plasma membrane disruption, but it was able to cross the membrane and aggregate at the nucleoid regions. Functional proteins of the transcription processes of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii were affected by sublethal doses of cathelicidin-BF, as demonstrated by comparative proteomics using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification and subsequent gene ontology (GO) analysis. Analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that cathelicidin-BF mainly interferes with metabolic pathways related to amino acid synthesis, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, metabolism of purine and energy supply, and other processes. Although specific targets of cathelicidin-BF must still be validated, our study offers strong evidence that cathelicidin-BF may act upon intracellular targets to kill superbugs, which may be helpful for further efforts to discover novel antibiotics to fight against them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunbao Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Bin Shan
- Department of Clinical Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jialong Qi
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Yanbing Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
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25
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Baxter AA, Lay FT, Poon IKH, Kvansakul M, Hulett MD. Tumor cell membrane-targeting cationic antimicrobial peptides: novel insights into mechanisms of action and therapeutic prospects. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3809-3825. [PMID: 28770291 PMCID: PMC11107634 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2604-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
There is an ongoing need for effective and targeted cancer treatments that can overcome the detrimental side effects presented by current treatment options. One class of novel anticancer molecules with therapeutic potential currently under investigation are cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs). CAPs are small innate immunity peptides found ubiquitously throughout nature that are typically membrane-active against a wide range of pathogenic microbes. A number of CAPs can also target mammalian cells and often display selective activity towards tumor cells, making them attractive candidates as novel anticancer agents warranting further investigation. This current and comprehensive review describes key examples of naturally occurring membrane-targeting CAPs and their modified derivatives that have demonstrated anticancer activity, across multiple species of origin and structural subfamilies. In addition, we address recent advances made in the field and the ongoing challenges faced in translating experimental findings into clinically relevant treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Baxter
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
| | - Fung T Lay
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Ivan K H Poon
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Marc Kvansakul
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Mark D Hulett
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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26
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Wang L, Dong C, Li X, Han W, Su X. Anticancer potential of bioactive peptides from animal sources (Review). Oncol Rep 2017; 38:637-651. [PMID: 28677775 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the most common cause of human death worldwide. Conventional anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, are associated with severe side effects and toxicities as well as low specificity. Peptides are rapidly being developed as potential anticancer agents that specifically target cancer cells and are less toxic to normal tissues, thus making them a better alternative for the prevention and management of cancer. Recent research has focused on anticancer peptides from natural animal sources, such as terrestrial mammals, marine animals, amphibians, and animal venoms. However, the mode of action by which bioactive peptides inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells remains unclear. In this review, we present the animal sources from which bioactive peptides with anticancer activity are derived and discuss multiple proposed mechanisms by which these peptides exert cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghong Wang
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Chao Dong
- College of Basic Medicine of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Xian Li
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Han
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Xiulan Su
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
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27
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Gomes A, Saha PP, Bhattacharya S, Ghosh S, Gomes A. Therapeutic potential of krait venom. Toxicon 2017; 131:48-53. [PMID: 28315357 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.03.004] [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: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Kraits belong to Elapideae and are widely distributed in East and South-East Asian countries. Krait venom possesses neurotoxins, membrane toxins, cardiotoxins, three finger toxins, metalloproteinases, cholinesterases, L-amino acid oxidases and serine proteases. The therapeutic potential of krait venom in pathophysiological conditions such as microbial and parasitic infections, cancer, arthritis, inflammation and blood coagulation disorder is discussed in this review. More intensive new research ventures are required to establish the therapeutic potential of krait venom in complex and emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A P C Road, Kolkata, 700 009, India.
| | - Partha Pratim Saha
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A P C Road, Kolkata, 700 009, India
| | - Shamik Bhattacharya
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A P C Road, Kolkata, 700 009, India
| | - Sourav Ghosh
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A P C Road, Kolkata, 700 009, India
| | - Aparna Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A P C Road, Kolkata, 700 009, India
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28
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Boldrini-França J, Cologna CT, Pucca MB, Bordon KDCF, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Cordeiro FA, Wiezel GA, Cerni FA, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Shibao PYT, Ferreira IG, de Oliveira IS, Cardoso IA, Arantes EC. Minor snake venom proteins: Structure, function and potential applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:824-838. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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29
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Meng L, Xu G, Li J, Liu W, Jia W, Ma J, Wei D. Bovine lactoferricin P13 triggers ROS-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis in SMMC7721 cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 13:511-517. [PMID: 28123590 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine lactoferricin P13 (LfcinB-P13) is a peptide derived from LfcinB. In the present study, the effect of LfcinB-P13 on the human liver cancer cell line SMMC7721 was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The results of the present study indicate that LfcinB-P13 significantly decreased SMMC7721 cell viability in vitro (P=0.032 vs. untreated cells), while exhibiting low cytotoxicity in the wild-type liver cell line L02. In addition, the rate of apoptosis in SMMC7721 cells was significantly increased following treatment with 40 and 60 µg/ml LfcinB-P13 (P=0.0053 vs. the control group), which was associated with an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of caspase-3 and -9. Furthermore, ROS chelation led to the suppression of LfcinB-P13-mediated caspase-3 and -9 activation in SMMC7721 cells. LfcinB-P13 was demonstrated to markedly inhibit tumor growth in an SMMC7721-xenograft nude mouse model. The results of the present study indicate that LfcinB-P13 is a novel candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Meng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China; Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Beijing Children's Hospital Group, Hefei, Anhui 230051, P.R. China
| | - Geliang Xu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Jia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Jinliang Ma
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Decheng Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Beijing Children's Hospital Group, Hefei, Anhui 230051, P.R. China
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30
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Xing LW, Tian SX, Gao W, Yang N, Qu P, Liu D, Jiao J, Wang J, Feng XJ. Recombinant expression and biological characterization of the antimicrobial peptide fowlicidin-2 in Pichia pastoris. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:2324-2330. [PMID: 27698732 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fowlicidins are a group of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides that were initially identified in chickens. Fowlicidin-2, which is composed of 31 amino acids, is widely expressed in the majority of tissues in chickens and has an important role in innate immunity. In the present study, a recombinant expression system for fowlicidin-2 was successfully constructed using Pichia pastoris X-33 and the expression vector pPICZα-A. Under the optimized fermentation conditions, 85.6 mg fowlicidin-2 with >95% purity was obtained from 1 liter culture medium following purification by ion exchange chromatography and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. The recombinant fowlicidin-2 exhibited broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and had a minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 1 to 4 µM. Furthermore, recombinant fowlicidin-2 exhibited hemolytic activity, promoting 50% human erythrocyte hemolysis in the concentration range of 128-256 µM, and anticancer activity, resulting in the death of 50% of A375 human malignant melanoma cells in the concentration range of 2-4 µM. The results of the present study suggest that recombinant fowlicidin-2 may be a promising candidate for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Wei Xing
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Xun Tian
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Pei Qu
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Jian Jiao
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Jun Feng
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, P.R. China
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31
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Duong DT, Singh S, Bagheri M, Verma NK, Schmidtchen A, Malmsten M. Pronounced peptide selectivity for melanoma through tryptophan end-tagging. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24952. [PMID: 27117225 PMCID: PMC4847013 DOI: 10.1038/srep24952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of oligotryptophan end-tagging on the uptake of arginine-rich peptides into melanoma cells was investigated under various conditions and compared to that into non-malignant keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and erythrocytes, also monitoring resulting cell toxicity. In parallel, biophysical studies on peptide binding to, and destabilization of, model lipid membranes provided mechanistic insight into the origin of the selectivity between melanoma and non-malignant cells. Collectively, the results demonstrate that W-tagging represents a powerful way to increase selective peptide internalization in melanoma cells, resulting in toxicity against these, but not against the non-malignant cells. These effects were shown to be due to increased peptide adsorption to the outer membrane in melanoma cells, caused by the presence of anionic lipids such as phosphatidylserine and ganglioside GM1, and to peptide effects on mitochondria membranes and resulting apoptosis. In addition, the possibility of using W-tagged peptides for targeted uptake of nanoparticles/drug carriers in melanoma was demonstrated, as was the possibility to open up the outer membrane of melanoma cells in order to facilitate uptake of low Mw anticancer drugs, here demonstrated for doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh Thuy Duong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232
| | - Shalini Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mojtaba Bagheri
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Navin Kumar Verma
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232
| | - Artur Schmidtchen
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Martin Malmsten
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
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32
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Gomes A, Ghosh S, Ghosh S, Saha K, Saha PP, Dasgupta SC, Gomes A. Anti-osteoarthritic activity of Bungarus fasciatus venom fraction BF-F47 involving molecular markers in the rats. Toxicon 2016; 118:43-6. [PMID: 27108237 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A heat stable protein BF-F47 was purified from the crude venom of Bungarus fasciatus by CM cellulose ion exchange chromatography and HPLC. Osteoarthritis (OA) was developed in male albino Wistar rats by collagenase injection. BF-F47 treatment significantly restored urinary hydroxyproline and glucosamine in OA rats. Serum acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and serum molecular markers TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17, cytokine induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, matrix metalloproteinase-1, cathepsin-K, osteocalcin and PGE2 were also significantly altered. BF-F47 showed partial restoration of osteoarthritis joints. Thus, BF-F47 induced anti-osteoarthritic activity in Wistar rats acted through molecular markers of arthritis and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Gomes
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C Road, Kolkata, 700009, India.
| | - Susmita Ghosh
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C Road, Kolkata, 700009, India
| | - Sourav Ghosh
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C Road, Kolkata, 700009, India
| | - Kalyani Saha
- Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92, A.P.C Road, Kolkata, 700009, India
| | | | | | - Aparna Gomes
- Former Chief Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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33
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Azim S, McDowell D, Cartagena A, Rodriguez R, Laughlin TF, Ahmad Z. Venom peptides cathelicidin and lycotoxin cause strong inhibition of Escherichia coli ATP synthase. Int J Biol Macromol 2016; 87:246-51. [PMID: 26930579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.02.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Venom peptides are known to have strong antimicrobial activity and anticancer properties. King cobra cathelicidin or OH-CATH (KF-34), banded krait cathelicidin (BF-30), wolf spider lycotoxin I (IL-25), and wolf spider lycotoxin II (KE-27) venom peptides were found to strongly inhibit Escherichia coli membrane bound F1Fo ATP synthase. The potent inhibition of wild-type E. coli in comparison to the partial inhibition of null E. coli by KF-34, BF-30, Il-25, or KE-27 clearly links the bactericidal properties of these venom peptides to the binding and inhibition of ATP synthase along with the possibility of other inhibitory targets. The four venom peptides KF-34, BF-30, IL-25, and KE-27, caused ≥85% inhibition of wild-type membrane bound E.coli ATP synthase. Venom peptide induced inhibition of ATP synthase and the strong abrogation of wild-type E. coli cell growth in the presence of venom peptides demonstrates that ATP synthase is a potent membrane bound molecular target for venom peptides. Furthermore, the process of inhibition was found to be fully reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofiya Azim
- Department of Biochemistry, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, United States
| | - Derek McDowell
- Department of Biochemistry, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, United States
| | - Alec Cartagena
- Department of Biochemistry, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, United States
| | - Ricky Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, United States
| | - Thomas F Laughlin
- Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, United States
| | - Zulfiqar Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, MO, United States.
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34
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Falcao CB, Pérez-Peinado C, de la Torre BG, Mayol X, Zamora-Carreras H, Jiménez MÁ, Rádis-Baptista G, Andreu D. Structural Dissection of Crotalicidin, a Rattlesnake Venom Cathelicidin, Retrieves a Fragment with Antimicrobial and Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2015; 58:8553-63. [PMID: 26465972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In silico dissection of crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin from a South American pit viper, yielded fragments Ctn[1-14] and Ctn[15-34], which were tested to ascertain to what extent they reproduced the structure and activity of the parent peptide. NMR data showing Ctn to be α-helical at the N-terminus and unstructured at the C-terminus were matched by similar data from the fragments. The peptides were tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and for toxicity against both tumor and healthy cells. Despite its amphipathic α-helical structure, Ctn[1-14] was totally inert toward bacteria or eukaryotic cells. In contrast, unstructured Ctn[15-34] replicated the activity of parent Ctn against Gram-negative bacteria and tumor cells while being significantly less toxic toward eukaryotic cells. This selectivity for bacteria and tumor cells, plus a stability to serum well above that of Ctn, portrays Ctn[15-34] as an appealing candidate for further development as an anti-infective or antitumor lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Borges Falcao
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará , 60455-760 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz G de la Torre
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Mayol
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor Zamora-Carreras
- Instituto de Química Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Jiménez
- Instituto de Química Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará , 60455-760 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - David Andreu
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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35
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Zhang D, Wan L, Zhang J, Liu C, Sun H. Effect of BMAP-28 on human thyroid cancer TT cells is mediated by inducing apoptosis. Oncol Lett 2015; 10:2620-2626. [PMID: 26622900 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant endocrine tumor, with significant morbidity and mortality. Bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide 28 (BMAP-28) is a cathelicidin that is found in bovine neutrophils. In the present study, the effect and relative mechanism of BMAP-28 on the human thyroid cancer TT cell line in vitro and in vivo were investigated. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry and a TT-xenograft mouse model were used in this study. The data obtained indicated that BMAP-28 significantly inhibited the proliferation of the TT cells in vitro. In addition, the Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay detected that BMAP-28 induced apoptotic effects in the TT cells. Moreover, the expression of activated caspase-3 and -9 was upregulated at the transcriptional and translational levels. Simultaneously, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 and MMP9 was downregulated following BMAP-28 treatment. Finally, BMAP-28 significantly prevented the tumor growth in the TT-xenograft mouse model. These results indicated that BMAP-28 could be a potential agent for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daqi Zhang
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Surgical Translational Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin Univeristy, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Lanlan Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Jinnan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Hui Sun
- Division of Thyroid Surgery, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Surgical Translational Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin Univeristy, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
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36
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Zhang H, Xia X, Han F, Jiang Q, Rong Y, Song D, Wang Y. Cathelicidin-BF, a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide from Bungarus fasciatus, Attenuates Disease in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium Model of Colitis. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:1648-61. [PMID: 25807257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are molecules of innate immunity. Cathelicidin-BF is the first cathelicidin peptide found in reptiles. However, the immunoregulatory and epithelial barrier protective properties of C-BF have not been reported. Inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can lead to colon cancer, the third most common malignant tumor. The objective is to develop the new found cathelicidin-BF as a therapeutic to patients of ulcerative colitis. The morphology of the colon epithelium was observed by H&E staining; apoptosis index and infiltration of inflammatory cells in colonic epithelium were measured by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry; the expression level of endogenous mCRAMP was analyzed by immunofluorescence; and phosphorylation of the transcription factors c-jun and NF-κB in colon were analyzed by Western blot. Our results showed that the morphology of the colon epithelium in the C-BF+DSS group was improved compared with the DSS group. Apoptosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in colonic epithelium were also significantly attenuated in the C-BF+DSS group compared with the DSS group, and the expression level of endogenous mCRAMP in the DSS group was significantly higher than other groups. DSS-induced phosphorylation level of c-jun and NF-κB while C-BF effectively inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB (p65). The barrier protective effect of C-BF was still excellent. In conclusion, C-BF effectively attenuated inflammation and improved disrupted barrier function. Notably, this is the first report to demonstrate that C-BF attenuates DSS-induced UC both through the regulation of intestinal immune and retention of barrier function, and the exact pathway was through NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Hua Dong), Ministry of Agriculture College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xi Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Hua Dong), Ministry of Agriculture College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Feifei Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Hua Dong), Ministry of Agriculture College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Hua Dong), Ministry of Agriculture College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yili Rong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Hua Dong), Ministry of Agriculture College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Deguang Song
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Hua Dong), Ministry of Agriculture College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (Hua Dong), Ministry of Agriculture College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Liu CC, Yang H, Zhang LL, Zhang Q, Chen B, Wang Y. Biotoxins for cancer therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 15:4753-8. [PMID: 24998537 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.12.4753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent times, a number of studies have provided evidence that biotoxins present great potential as antitumor agents, such as snake venom, bee venom, some bacteria toxins and plant toxins, and thus could be used as chemotherapeutic agents against tumors. The biodiversity of venoms and toxins make them a unique source from which novel anticancer agent may be developed. Biotoxins, also known as natural toxins, include toxic substances produced by plants, animals and microorganisms. Here, we systematically list representative biological toxins that have antitumor properties, involving animal toxins, plant toxins, mycotoxins as well as bacterial toxins. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge involving biotoxins and the active compounds that have anti-cancer activity to induce cytotoxic, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and apoptotic effects in different tumor cells in vivo or in vitro. We also show insights into the molecular and functional evolution of biotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Cui Liu
- Department of Scientific Research, Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, China E-mail :
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Wang L, Chan JYW, Rêgo JV, Chong CM, Ai N, Falcão CB, Rádis-Baptista G, Lee SMY. Rhodamine B-conjugated encrypted vipericidin nonapeptide is a potent toxin to zebrafish and associated with in vitro cytotoxicity. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:1253-60. [PMID: 25731980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal venoms contain a diverse array of proteins and enzymes that are toxic toward various physiological systems. However, there are also some practical medicinal uses for these toxins including use as anti-bacterial and anti-tumor agents. METHODS In this study, we identified a nine-residue cryptic oligopeptide, KRFKKFFKK (EVP50) that is repeatedly encoded in tandem within vipericidin sequences. RESULTS EVP50 displayed in vivo potent lethal toxicity to zebrafish larvae (LD50=6 μM) when the peptide's N-terminus was chemically conjugated to rhodamine B (RhoB). In vitro, RhoB-conjugated EVP50 (RhoB-EVP50) exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect toward MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In MCF-7 cells, the RhoB-EVP50 nonapeptide accumulated inside the cells within minutes. In the cytoplasm, the RhoB-EVP50 induced extracellular calcium influx and intracellular calcium release. Membrane budding was also observed after incubation with micromolar concentrations of the fluorescent EVP50 conjugate. CONCLUSIONS The conjugate's interference with calcium homeostasis, its intracellular accumulation and its induced membrane dysfunction (budding and vacuolization) seem to act in concert to disrupt the cell circuitry. Contrastively, unconjugated EVP50 peptide did not display neither toxic nor cytotoxic activities in our in vivo and in vitro models. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The synergic mechanism of toxicity was restricted to the structurally modified encrypted vipericidin nonapeptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Judy Y W Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Juciane V Rêgo
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Post-graduation program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil
| | - Cheong-Meng Chong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Nana Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Cláudio B Falcão
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil.
| | - Simon M Y Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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Vipericidins: a novel family of cathelicidin-related peptides from the venom gland of South American pit vipers. Amino Acids 2014; 46:2561-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1801-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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40
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Antimicrobial peptides in reptiles. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2014; 7:723-53. [PMID: 24918867 PMCID: PMC4078517 DOI: 10.3390/ph7060723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reptiles are among the oldest known amniotes and are highly diverse in their morphology and ecological niches. These animals have an evolutionarily ancient innate-immune system that is of great interest to scientists trying to identify new and useful antimicrobial peptides. Significant work in the last decade in the fields of biochemistry, proteomics and genomics has begun to reveal the complexity of reptilian antimicrobial peptides. Here, the current knowledge about antimicrobial peptides in reptiles is reviewed, with specific examples in each of the four orders: Testudines (turtles and tortosises), Sphenodontia (tuataras), Squamata (snakes and lizards), and Crocodilia (crocodilans). Examples are presented of the major classes of antimicrobial peptides expressed by reptiles including defensins, cathelicidins, liver-expressed peptides (hepcidin and LEAP-2), lysozyme, crotamine, and others. Some of these peptides have been identified and tested for their antibacterial or antiviral activity; others are only predicted as possible genes from genomic sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis of the reptile genomes is presented, revealing many predicted candidate antimicrobial peptides genes across this diverse class. The study of how these ancient creatures use antimicrobial peptides within their innate immune systems may reveal new understandings of our mammalian innate immune system and may also provide new and powerful antimicrobial peptides as scaffolds for potential therapeutic development.
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The effect of Lfcin-B on non-small cell lung cancer H460 cells is mediated by inhibiting VEGF expression and inducing apoptosis. Arch Pharm Res 2014; 38:261-71. [PMID: 24691828 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Lfcin-B, an antimicrobial peptide found in various exocrine secretions of mammals, showed antitumor effects. However, the effect and relative mechanism of Lfcin-B on non-small cell lung cancer is unclear. In this study, assay of cell viability, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, annexin V/propidium iodide assay, flow cytometry and tumor-xenograft model were applied to elucidate the mechanism of Lfcin-B on non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H460 (H460) cells. Lfcin-B significantly suppressed the proliferation of H460 cells in vitro. Additionally, the transcription and translation of the VEGF gene in H460 cells were restrained after exposure to Lfcin-B. Moreover, the apoptosis of H460 cells was induced by Lfcin-B through stimulating caspase-3, caspase-9 and preventing survivin expression on both the transcription and translation level. Meanwhile, Lfcin-B increased the production of reactive oxygen species and suppressed the RNA of antioxidant enzymes (GPX1, GPX2, SOD3 and catalase) in H460 cells. Finally, Lfcin-B significantly prevented the tumor growth in the H460-bearing mice model. These results indicated that Lfcin-B could be a potential candidate for the treatment of lung cancer.
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The anti-lung cancer activity of SEP is mediated by the activation and cytotoxicity of NK cells via TLR2/4 in vivo. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 89:119-30. [PMID: 24630931 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Strongylocentrotus nudus egg polysaccharide (SEP) has been reported to display antitumor activity. However, the effects of SEP and its underlying mechanism in the treatment of lung cancer remain unclear, particularly with an immunodeficient mouse model of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present study, we investigated the anti-lung cancer effects of SEP and its underlying mechanism of action in both Lewis lung cancer (LLC)-bearing C57/BL6J mice and human NSCLC H460-bearing nude mice. Although SEP showed no inhibitory effects on tumor cells in vitro, it markedly stimulated the percentage of CD3-NK1.1(+) cells and natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in the spleens of nude mice and C57/BL6J mice. In LLC-bearing mice, SEP not only inhibited tumor growth but also promoted NK-mediated cytotoxicity, the NK1.1(+) cell population, and IL-2 and IFN-γ secretion. SEP significantly suppressed H460 growth in nude mice, which was abrogated by the selective depletion of NK cells via the intraperitoneal injection of anti-asialo GM-1 antibodies. Furthermore, anti-TLR2/4 antibodies blocked both SEP and NK cell binding and SEP-induced perforin secretion. SEP-induced proliferation and IFN-γ secretion by NK cells in wild type mice were partially impaired in TLR2 or TLR4 knockout mice. These results suggest that SEP-promoted NK cytotoxicity, which was partially mediated via TLR2 and TLR4, was the main contributing factor to lung cancer inhibition in vivo and that SEP may be a potential immunotherapy candidate for the treatment of lung cancer.
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BF-30 effectively inhibits ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria in vitro and in a rat model of vaginosis. Arch Pharm Res 2013; 37:927-36. [PMID: 24114557 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-013-0248-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the increasing number of multidrug-resistant strains. Cathelicidin-BF (BF-30) is a cathelicidin-like antimicrobial peptide and exhibits broad antimicrobial activity against bacteria. In the present study, the antibacterial activity of BF-30 against ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was examined, and the protective effects of this peptide against these bacteria in rats with bacterial vaginosis were identified for the first time. The data showed that BF-30 had effective antimicrobial activities against ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli and S. aureus. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for both bacterial strains were 16 μg/ml, and the minimal bactericidal concentrations were 64 and 128 μg/ml, respectively. A time course experiment showed that the CFU counts rapidly decreased after BF-30 treatment, and the bacteria were nearly eliminated within 4 h. BF-30 could reduce the fold change (CFU/ml) in local colonization by drug-resistant E. coli and S. aureus to 0.01 at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg/day in the rats' vaginal secretions. In addition, BF-30 induced membrane permeabilization and bound to the genomic DNA, interrupting protein synthesis. Taken together, our data demonstrate that BF-30 has potential therapeutic value for the prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
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Tian Y, Wang H, Li B, Ke M, Wang J, Dou J, Zhou C. The cathelicidin-BF Lys16 mutant Cbf-K16 selectively inhibits non-small cell lung cancer proliferation in vitro. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:2502-10. [PMID: 23982315 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The 30-amino acid antimicrobial peptide Cbf-K16 is a cathelicidin-BF (BF-30) Lys16 mutant derived from the snake venom of Bungarus fasciatus. Our previous study found that BF-30 selectively inhibited the proliferation of the metastatic melanoma cell line B16F10 in vitro and in vivo, but had a negligible effect on human lung cells. In the present study, it was demonstrated for the first time that Cbf-K16 selectively inhibits the proliferation of lung carcinoma cells in vitro, with low toxicity to normal cells. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of Cbf-K16 against H460 human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells and mouse Lewis lung cancer cells were only 16.5 and 10.5 µM, respectively, which were much less compared to that of BF-30 (45 and 40.3 µM). Data using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) assay showed that, at 20 and 40 µM, Cbf-K16 induced the rupture of the cytoplasmic membrane, which was consistent with data obtained from lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. The LDH release increased from 17.8 to 52.9% as the duration and dosage of Cbf-K16 increased. Annexin V-fluorescein and propidium iodide staining assays indicated that there were no obvious apoptotic effects at the different dosages and times tested. In H460 cells, the rate of genomic DNA binding increased from 51.9 to 86.8% as the concentration of Cbf-K16 increased from 5 to 10 µM. These data indicate that Cbf-K16 selectively inhibits the proliferation of lung carcinoma cells via cytoplasmic membrane permeabilization and DNA binding, rather than apoptosis. Although Cbf-K16 displayed significant cytotoxic activity (40 µM) against tumor cells, in splenocytes no significant inhibitory effect was observed and hemolysis was only 5.6%. These results suggest that Cbf-K16 is a low-toxicity anti-lung cancer drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
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