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Kumari A, Singh M, Sharma R, Kumar T, Jindal N, Maan S, Joshi VG. Apoptin NLS2 homodimerization strategy for improved antibacterial activity and bio-stability. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1405-1416. [PMID: 37725185 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03321-1] [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: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic resistance prompts exploration of viable antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) designs. The present study explores the antimicrobial prospects of Apoptin nuclear localization sequence (NLS2)-derived peptide ANLP (PRPRTAKRRIRL). Further, we examined the utility of the NLS dimerization strategy for improvement in antimicrobial activity and sustained bio-stability of AMPs. Initially, the antimicrobial potential of ANLP using antimicrobial peptide databases was analyzed. Then, ANLP along with its two homodimer variants namely ANLP-K1 and ANLP-K2 were synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Among three AMPs, ANLP-K2 showed efficient antibacterial activity with 12 µM minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Slow degradation of ANLP-K1 (26.48%) and ANLP-K2 (13.21%) compared with linear ANLP (52.33%) at 480 min in serum stability assay indicates improved bio-stability of dimeric peptides. The AMPs presented no cytotoxicity in Vero cells. Dye penetration assays confirmed the membrane interacting nature of AMPs. The zeta potential analysis reveals effective charge neutralization of both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bacterial cells by dimeric AMPs. The dimeric AMPs on scanning electron microscopy studies showed multiple pore formations on the bacterial surface. Collectively, proposed Lysine scaffold dimerization of Apoptin NLS2 strategy resulted in enhancing antibacterial activity, bio-stability, and could be effective in neutralizing the off-target effect of LPS. In conclusion, these results suggest that nuclear localization sequence with a modified dimeric approach could represent a rich source of template for designing future antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kumari
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Mahavir Singh
- College Central Laboratory, College of Veterinary Sciences, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Tarun Kumar
- Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Sciences, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Naresh Jindal
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Sciences, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Sushila Maan
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Vinay G Joshi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India.
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2
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Macyszyn J, Chyży P, Burmistrz M, Lobka M, Miszkiewicz J, Wojciechowska M, Trylska J. Structural dynamics influences the antibacterial activity of a cell-penetrating peptide (KFF) 3K. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14826. [PMID: 37684254 PMCID: PMC10491836 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38745-y] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the widespread demand for novel antibacterial agents, we modified a cell-penetrating peptide (KFF)3K to transform it into an antibacterial peptide. Namely, we inserted a hydrocarbon staple into the (KFF)3K sequence to induce and stabilize its membrane-active secondary structure. The staples were introduced at two positions, (KFF)3K[5-9] and (KFF)3K[2-6], to retain the initial amphipathic character of the unstapled peptide. The stapled analogues are protease resistant contrary to (KFF)3K; 90% of the stapled (KFF)3K[5-9] peptide remained undigested after incubation in chymotrypsin solution. The stapled peptides showed antibacterial activity (with minimal inhibitory concentrations in the range of 2-16 µM) against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, contrary to unmodified (KFF)3K, which had no antibacterial effect against any strain at concentrations up to 32 µM. Also, both stapled peptides adopted an α-helical structure in the buffer and micellar environment, contrary to a mostly undefined structure of the unstapled (KFF)3K in the buffer. We found that the antibacterial activity of (KFF)3K analogues is related to their disruptive effect on cell membranes and we showed that by stapling this cell-penetrating peptide, we can induce its antibacterial character.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Macyszyn
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Chyży
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Burmistrz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lobka
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Miszkiewicz
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- College of Inter-Faculty Individual Studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Trylska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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3
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Gori A, Lodigiani G, Colombarolli SG, Bergamaschi G, Vitali A. Cell Penetrating Peptides: Classification, Mechanisms, Methods of Study, and Applications. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300236. [PMID: 37389978 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) encompass a class of peptides that possess the remarkable ability to cross cell membranes and deliver various types of cargoes, including drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins, into cells. For this reason, CPPs are largely investigated in drug delivery applications in the context of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders. While sharing this functionality and some common structural features, such as a high content of positively charged amino acids, CPPs represent an extremely diverse group of elements, which can differentiate under many aspects. In this review, we summarize the most common characteristics of CPPs, introduce their main distinctive features, mechanistic aspects that drive their function, and outline the most widely used techniques for their structural and functional studies. We highlight current gaps and future perspectives in this field, which have the potential to significantly impact the future field of drug delivery and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gori
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Lodigiani
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Stella G Colombarolli
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Greta Bergamaschi
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
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4
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Zhao G, Jia C, Zhu C, Fang M, Li C, Chen Y, He Y, Han S, He Y, Gao J, Wang T, Wang C, Wang J. γ-Core Guided Antibiotic Design Based on Human Enteric Defensin 5. MEMBRANES 2022; 13:51. [PMID: 36676858 PMCID: PMC9862697 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
An increase in the number of infections caused by resistant bacteria worldwide necessitates the development of alternatives to antibiotics. Human defensin (HD) 5 is an innate immune peptide with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, but its complicated structure makes its preparation difficult. Herein, we truncated the HD5 structure by extracting the highly conserved γ-core motif. A structure-activity study showed that this motif was ineffective in killing bacteria in the absence of specific spatial conformation. Notably, after the introduction of two intramolecular disulfide bonds, its antibacterial activity was markedly improved. Glu and Ser residues were then replaced with Arg to create the derivative RC18, which exhibited stronger potency than HD5, particularly against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Mechanistically, RC18 bound to lipid A and lipoteichoic acid at higher affinities than HD5. Furthermore, RC18 was more efficient than HD5 in penetrating the bacterial membranes. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that five Arg residues, Arg1, Arg7, Arg9, Arg15, and Arg18, mediated most of the polar interactions of RC18 with the phospholipid head groups during membrane penetration. In vivo experiments indicated that RC18 decreased MRSA colonization and dramatically improved the survival of infected mice, thus demonstrating that RC18 is a promising drug candidate to treat MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaomei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Changsheng Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Minchao Fang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chenwenya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yingjuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Songling Han
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yongwu He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jining Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Junping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury of PLA, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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5
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Cruz GS, dos Santos AT, de Brito EHS, Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Infective Activity against Intracellular Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121772. [PMID: 36551429 PMCID: PMC9774436 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121772] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are natural or engineered peptide sequences with the intrinsic ability to internalize into a diversity of cell types and simultaneously transport hydrophilic molecules and nanomaterials, of which the cellular uptake is often limited. In addition to this primordial activity of cell penetration without membrane disruption, multivalent antimicrobial activity accompanies some CPPs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with cell-penetrability exert their effect intracellularly, and they are of great interest. CPPs with antimicrobial activity (CPAPs) comprise a particular class of bioactive peptides that arise as promising agents against difficult-to-treat intracellular infections. This short review aims to present the antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral effects of various cell-penetrating antimicrobial peptides currently documented. Examples include the antimicrobial effects of different CPAPs against bacteria that can propagate intracellularly, like Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium sp., Listeria sp., Salmonella sp. among others. CPAPs with antiviral effects that interfere with the intracellular replication of HIV, hepatitis B, HPV, and herpes virus. Additionally, CPAPs with activity against protozoa of the genera Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Plasmodium, the etiological agents of Leishmaniasis, Chagas' Disease, and Malaria, respectively. The information provided in this review emphasizes the potential of multivalent CPAPs, with anti-infective properties for application against various intracellular infections. So far, CPAPs bear a promise of druggability for the translational medical use of CPPs alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics. Moreover, CPAPs could be an exciting alternative for pharmaceutical design and treating intracellular infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60416-030, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
| | - Ariane Teixeira dos Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60416-030, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
| | - Erika Helena Salles de Brito
- Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Health Sciences, University of International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção 62790-970, Brazil
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60416-030, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-85-3366-7001
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6
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Wang T, Tian L, Cheng Q, Feng S, Zhang H, Zheng Z, Liu Y, Cheng M, Meng Z, Meng Q. Pep5-based antitumor peptides containing multifunctional fragments with enhanced activity and synergistic effect. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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7
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Sadiq IZ, Muhammad A, Mada SB, Ibrahim B, Umar UA. Biotherapeutic effect of cell-penetrating peptides against microbial agents: a review. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1995285. [PMID: 34694961 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1995285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective permeability of biological membranes represents a significant barrier to the delivery of therapeutic substances into both microorganisms and mammalian cells, restricting the access of drugs into intracellular pathogens. Cell-penetrating peptides usually 5-30 amino acids with the characteristic ability to penetrate biological membranes have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents for treating infections as well as an effective delivery modality for biological conjugates such as nucleic acids, drugs, vaccines, nanoparticles, and therapeutic antibodies. However, several factors such as antimicrobial resistance and poor drug delivery of the existing medications justify the urgent need for developing a new class of antimicrobials. Herein, we review cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) used to treat microbial infections. Although these peptides are biologically active for infections, effective transduction into membranes and cargo transport, serum stability, and half-life must be improved for optimum functions and development of next-generation antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idris Zubairu Sadiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Sanusi Bello Mada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Bashiru Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Umar Aliyu Umar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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8
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Luo Y, Song Y. Mechanism of Antimicrobial Peptides: Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory and Antibiofilm Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111401. [PMID: 34768832 PMCID: PMC8584040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as a new generation of antibiotics. Besides antimicrobial activity, AMPs also have antibiofilm, immune-regulatory, and other activities. Exploring the mechanism of action of AMPs may help in the modification and development of AMPs. Many studies were conducted on the mechanism of AMPs. The present review mainly summarizes the research status on the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiofilm properties of AMPs. This study not only describes the mechanism of cell wall action and membrane-targeting action but also includes the transmembrane mechanism of intracellular action and intracellular action targets. It also discusses the dual mechanism of action reported by a large number of investigations. Antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory mechanisms were described based on the formation of biofilms and inflammation. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the multiple activities and coordination of AMPs in vivo, and to fully understand AMPs to realize their therapeutic prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
| | - Yuzhu Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Medical College, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-871-65939528
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Zhang QY, Yan ZB, Meng YM, Hong XY, Shao G, Ma JJ, Cheng XR, Liu J, Kang J, Fu CY. Antimicrobial peptides: mechanism of action, activity and clinical potential. Mil Med Res 2021; 8:48. [PMID: 34496967 PMCID: PMC8425997 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-021-00343-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of bacterial infections is becoming a major clinical challenge due to the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria. As an excellent candidate to overcome antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are produced from the synthetic and natural sources demonstrate a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with the high specificity and low toxicity. These peptides possess distinctive structures and functions by employing sophisticated mechanisms of action. This comprehensive review provides a broad overview of AMPs from the origin, structural characteristics, mechanisms of action, biological activities to clinical applications. We finally discuss the strategies to optimize and develop AMP-based treatment as the potential antimicrobial and anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue-Ming Meng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Hong
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Shao
- Department of Oncology, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Jie Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu-Rui Cheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, 555 Mission Bay Blvd. South, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Jian Kang
- Oncogenic Signaling and Growth Control Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cai-Yun Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhang X, Lei T, Du H. Prospect of cell penetrating peptides in stem cell tracking. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:457. [PMID: 34391472 PMCID: PMC8364034 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02522-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has shown great efficacy in many diseases. However, the treatment mechanism is still unclear, which is a big obstacle for promoting clinical research. Therefore, it is particularly important to track transplanted stem cells in vivo, find out the distribution and condition of the stem cells, and furthermore reveal the treatment mechanism. Many tracking methods have been developed, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging, and ultrasound imaging (UI). Among them, MRI and UI techniques have been used in clinical. In stem cell tracking, a major drawback of these technologies is that the imaging signal is not strong enough, mainly due to the low cell penetration efficiency of imaging particles. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been widely used for cargo delivery due to its high efficacy, good safety properties, and wide delivery of various cargoes. However, there are few reports on the application of CPPs in current stem cell tracking methods. In this review, we systematically introduced the mechanism of CPPs into cell membranes and their advantages in stem cell tracking, discussed the clinical applications and limitations of CPPs, and finally we summarized several commonly used CPPs and their specific applications in stem cell tracking. Although it is not an innovation of tracer materials, CPPs as a powerful tool have broad prospects in stem cell tracking. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Zhang
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Tong Lei
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongwu Du
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China. .,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
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11
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Rohira H, Shankar S, Yadav S, Shah SG, Chugh A. Enhanced in vivo antifungal activity of novel cell penetrating peptide natamycin conjugate for efficient fungal keratitis management. Int J Pharm 2021; 600:120484. [PMID: 33737097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Natamycin is the only FDA approved drug that is used as a first line of treatment for fungal keratitis caused by filamentous fungi, however natamycin is known for poor corneal penetration. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are emerging nanocarriers for the enhanced delivery of various macromolecules owing to their distinct cellular translocation ability. In the present study, tissue penetration ability and antifungal efficacy of CPP (Tat2) conjugated natamycin has been investigated and compared with natamycin alone in vivo. Results show that Tat2natamycin exhibits five- fold higher ocular penetration than natamycin alone when given topically. Complete resolution of fungal keratitis in 44% of the animals in Tat2natamycin treated group as compared to only 13% of the animals in natamycin treated group further highlights its increased antifungal efficacy. Hence, this conjugate is a promising antifungal molecule with enhanced ocular penetration as well as antifungal efficacy against selected fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha Rohira
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sujithra Shankar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Shikha Yadav
- National Institute of Biologicals, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh 201309, India
| | - Sushmita G Shah
- Dr C M Shah Memorial Charitable Trust - Netra Mandir, Madona Colony Road, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400092, India.
| | - Archana Chugh
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
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12
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Verbeek SF, Awasthi N, Teiwes NK, Mey I, Hub JS, Janshoff A. How arginine derivatives alter the stability of lipid membranes: dissecting the roles of side chains, backbone and termini. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2021; 50:127-142. [PMID: 33661339 PMCID: PMC8071801 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01503-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Arginine (R)-rich peptides constitute the most relevant class of cell-penetrating peptides and other membrane-active peptides that can translocate across the cell membrane or generate defects in lipid bilayers such as water-filled pores. The mode of action of R-rich peptides remains a topic of controversy, mainly because a quantitative and energetic understanding of arginine effects on membrane stability is lacking. Here, we explore the ability of several oligo-arginines R[Formula: see text] and of an arginine side chain mimic R[Formula: see text] to induce pore formation in lipid bilayers employing MD simulations, free-energy calculations, breakthrough force spectroscopy and leakage assays. Our experiments reveal that R[Formula: see text] but not R[Formula: see text] reduces the line tension of a membrane with anionic lipids. While R[Formula: see text] peptides form a layer on top of a partly negatively charged lipid bilayer, R[Formula: see text] leads to its disintegration. Complementary, our simulations show R[Formula: see text] causes membrane thinning and area per lipid increase beside lowering the pore nucleation free energy. Model polyarginine R[Formula: see text] similarly promoted pore formation in simulations, but without overall bilayer destabilization. We conclude that while the guanidine moiety is intrinsically membrane-disruptive, poly-arginines favor pore formation in negatively charged membranes via a different mechanism. Pore formation by R-rich peptides seems to be counteracted by lipids with PC headgroups. We found that long R[Formula: see text] and R[Formula: see text] but not short R[Formula: see text] reduce the free energy of nucleating a pore. In short R[Formula: see text], the substantial effect of the charged termini prevent their membrane activity, rationalizing why only longer [Formula: see text] are membrane-active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah F. Verbeek
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Neha Awasthi
- Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nikolas K. Teiwes
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ingo Mey
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jochen S. Hub
- Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophyics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Andreas Janshoff
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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13
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Antimicrobial Peptides, a Pool for Novel Cell Penetrating Peptides Development and Vice Versa. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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14
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Zakeri-Milani P, Shirani A, Nokhodchi A, Mussa Farkhani S, Mohammadi S, Shahbazi Mojarrad J, Mahmoudian M, Gholikhani T, Farshbaf M, Valizadeh H. Self-assembled peptide nanoparticles for efficient delivery of methotrexate into cancer cells. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2020; 46:521-530. [PMID: 32116040 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2020.1734017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The low cellular uptake of Methotrexate (MTX), a commonly used anticancer drug, is a big challenge for efficient cancer therapy. Self-assembled peptide nanoparticles (SAPNs) are one of the major classes of peptide vectors that have gained much attention toward novel drug delivery systems. In the present study, different sequences of cell-penetrating peptides including R2W4R2 and W3R4W3 and their SAPNs (R2W4R2-E12 and W3R4W3-E12) were designed for efficient delivery of MTX into MCF7 breast cancer cells. Based on electron microscopy results, the obtained SAPNs were in nano scale with spherical shape. There was a positive relationship between the free energy of water to octanol transferring and cellular penetration of designed nanostructures. The R2W4R2 possessed proper free energy and ability to form a spherical structure and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions, therefore, exhibited more cellular penetration than W3R4W3. The cellular uptake of obtained nanoparticles was examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, in which, R2W4R2 and R2W4R2-E12 showed more appropriate penetration into MCF7 cells than W3R4W3 and W3R4W3-E12. The cytotoxicity of MTX-loaded peptides and SAPNs was examined by MTT assay. As a result, at higher concentrations, the R2W4R2 and R2W4R2-E12 showed higher cytotoxic behavior than their counterparts. Despite their enhanced cellular internalization, the cytotoxic behavior of MTX-loaded SAPNs at lower concentrations was relatively less than free MTX, which could be ascribed to the gradual nature of drug detachment from these conjugates. Therefore, R2W4R2 could be considered as an efficient choice to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of MTX in cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvin Zakeri-Milani
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Shirani
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Nokhodchi
- Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Samad Mussa Farkhani
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia
| | - Samaneh Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javid Shahbazi Mojarrad
- Biotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudian
- Drug Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tooba Gholikhani
- Biotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Farshbaf
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Valizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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15
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Xing H, Lu M, Yang T, Liu H, Sun Y, Zhao X, Xu H, Yang L, Ding P. Structure-function relationships of nonviral gene vectors: Lessons from antimicrobial polymers. Acta Biomater 2019; 86:15-40. [PMID: 30590184 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, substantial advances have been achieved in the design and synthesis of nonviral gene vectors. However, lack of effective and biocompatible vectors still remains a major challenge that hinders their application in clinical settings. In the past decade, there has been a rapid expansion of cationic antimicrobial polymers, due to their potent, rapid, and broad-spectrum biocidal activity against resistant microbes, and biocompatible features. Given that antimicrobial polymers share common features with nonviral gene vectors in various aspects, such as membrane affinity, functional groups, physicochemical characteristics, and unique macromolecular architectures, these polymers may provide us with inspirations to overcome challenges in the design of novel vectors toward more safe and efficient gene delivery in clinic. Building off these observations, we provide here an overview of the structure-function relationships of polymers for both antimicrobial applications and gene delivery by elaborating some key structural parameters, including functional groups, charge density, hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, MW, and macromolecular architectures. By borrowing a leaf from antimicrobial agents, great advancement in the development of newer nonviral gene vectors with high transfection efficiency and biocompatibility will be more promising. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of gene delivery is still in the preclinical stage for the lack of effective and biocompatible vectors. Given that antimicrobial polymers share common features with gene vectors in various aspects, such as membrane affinity, functional groups, physicochemical characteristics, and unique macromolecular architectures, these polymers may provide us with inspirations to overcome challenges in the design of novel vectors toward more safe and efficient gene delivery in clinic. In this review, we systematically summarized the structure-function relationships of antimicrobial polymers and gene vectors, with which the design of more advanced nonviral gene vectors is anticipated to be further boosted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Xing
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mei Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianzhi Yang
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Husson University, Bangor, ME, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanping Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhao
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Pingtian Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
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16
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Saez NJ, Herzig V. Versatile spider venom peptides and their medical and agricultural applications. Toxicon 2018; 158:109-126. [PMID: 30543821 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.11.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spiders have been evolving complex and diverse repertoires of peptides in their venoms with vast pharmacological activities for more than 300 million years. Spiders use their venoms for prey capture and defense, hence they contain peptides that target both prey (mainly arthropods) and predators (other arthropods or vertebrates). This includes peptides that potently and selectively modulate a range of targets such as ion channels, receptors and signaling pathways involved in physiological processes. The contribution of these targets in particular disease pathophysiologies makes spider venoms a valuable source of peptides with potential therapeutic use. In addition, peptides with insecticidal activities, used for prey capture, can be exploited for the development of novel bioinsecticides for agricultural use. Although we have already reviewed potential applications of spider venom peptides as therapeutics (in 2010) and as bioinsecticides (in 2012), a considerable number of research articles on both topics have been published since, warranting an updated review. Here we explore the most recent research on the use of spider venom peptides for both medical and agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Saez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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17
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Dubovskii PV, Efremov RG. The role of hydrophobic /hydrophilic balance in the activity of structurally flexible vs. rigid cytolytic polypeptides and analogs developed on their basis. Expert Rev Proteomics 2018; 15:873-886. [PMID: 30328726 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2018.1537786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Being important representatives of various proteomes, membrane-active cationic peptides (CPs) are attractive objects as lead compounds in the design of new antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, and antiviral molecules. Numerous CPs are found in insect and snake venoms, where many of them reveal cytolytic properties. Due to advances in omics technologies, the number of such peptides is growing dramatically. Areas covered: To understand structure-function relationships for CPs in a living cell, detailed analysis of their hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties is indispensable. We consider two structural classes of membrane-active CPs: latarcins (Ltc) from spider and cardiotoxins (CTXs) from snake venoms. While the former are void off disulfide bonds and conformationally flexible, the latter are structurally rigid and cross-linked with disulfide bonds. In order to elucidate structure-activity relationships behind their antibacterial, anticancer, and hemolytic effects, the properties of these polypeptides are considered on a side-by-side basis. Expert commentary: An ever-increasing number of venom-derived membrane-active polypeptides require new methods for identification of their functional propensities and sequence-based design of novel pharmacological substances. We address these issues considering a number of the designed peptides, based either on Ltc or CTX sequences. Experimental and computer modeling techniques required for these purposes are delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V Dubovskii
- a Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry , Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow , Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- a Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry , Russian Academy of Sciences , Moscow , Russia.,b Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology , Dolgoprudnyi , Russian Federation.,c National Research University Higher School of Economics , Moscow , Russia
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18
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Avci FG, Akbulut BS, Ozkirimli E. Membrane Active Peptides and Their Biophysical Characterization. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8030077. [PMID: 30135402 PMCID: PMC6164437 DOI: 10.3390/biom8030077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 20 years, an increasing number of studies have been reported on membrane active peptides. These peptides exert their biological activity by interacting with the cell membrane, either to disrupt it and lead to cell lysis or to translocate through it to deliver cargos into the cell and reach their target. Membrane active peptides are attractive alternatives to currently used pharmaceuticals and the number of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and peptides designed for drug and gene delivery in the drug pipeline is increasing. Here, we focus on two most prominent classes of membrane active peptides; AMPs and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). Antimicrobial peptides are a group of membrane active peptides that disrupt the membrane integrity or inhibit the cellular functions of bacteria, virus, and fungi. Cell penetrating peptides are another group of membrane active peptides that mainly function as cargo-carriers even though they may also show antimicrobial activity. Biophysical techniques shed light on peptide–membrane interactions at higher resolution due to the advances in optics, image processing, and computational resources. Structural investigation of membrane active peptides in the presence of the membrane provides important clues on the effect of the membrane environment on peptide conformations. Live imaging techniques allow examination of peptide action at a single cell or single molecule level. In addition to these experimental biophysical techniques, molecular dynamics simulations provide clues on the peptide–lipid interactions and dynamics of the cell entry process at atomic detail. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in experimental and computational investigation of membrane active peptides with particular emphasis on two amphipathic membrane active peptides, the AMP melittin and the CPP pVEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Gizem Avci
- Bioengineering Department, Marmara University, Kadikoy, 34722 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | | | - Elif Ozkirimli
- Chemical Engineering Department, Bogazici University, Bebek, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey.
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19
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Alaybeyoglu B, Sariyar Akbulut B, Ozkirimli E. pVEC hydrophobic N-terminus is critical for antibacterial activity. J Pept Sci 2018; 24:e3083. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Begum Alaybeyoglu
- Chemical Engineering Department; Bogazici University; Bebek 34342 Istanbul Turkey
| | | | - Elif Ozkirimli
- Chemical Engineering Department; Bogazici University; Bebek 34342 Istanbul Turkey
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