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Bucataru C, Ciobanasu C. Antimicrobial peptides: Opportunities and challenges in overcoming resistance. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127822. [PMID: 38986182 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127822] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance represents a global health threat, challenging the efficacy of traditional antimicrobial agents and necessitating innovative approaches to combat infectious diseases. Among these alternatives, antimicrobial peptides have emerged as promising candidates against resistant pathogens. Unlike traditional antibiotics with only one target, these peptides can use different mechanisms to destroy bacteria, with low toxicity to mammalian cells compared to many conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have encouraging antibacterial properties and are currently employed in the clinical treatment of pathogen infection, cancer, wound healing, cosmetics, or biotechnology. This review summarizes the mechanisms of antimicrobial peptides against bacteria, discusses the mechanisms of drug resistance, the limitations and challenges of AMPs in peptide drug applications for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections, and strategies to enhance their capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezara Bucataru
- Alexandru I. Cuza University, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Exact and Natural Sciences, Bulevardul Carol I, Nr.11, Iasi 700506, Romania
| | - Corina Ciobanasu
- Alexandru I. Cuza University, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Exact and Natural Sciences, Bulevardul Carol I, Nr.11, Iasi 700506, Romania.
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2
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Firdous SO, Sagor MMH, Arafat MT. Advances in Transdermal Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptides for Wound Management: Biomaterial-Based Approaches and Future Perspectives. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:4923-4943. [PMID: 37976446 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00731] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), distinguished by their cationic and amphiphilic nature, represent a critical frontier in the battle against antimicrobial resistance due to their potent antimicrobial activity and a broad spectrum of action. However, the clinical translation of AMPs faces hurdles, including their susceptibility to degradation, limited bioavailability, and the need for targeted delivery. Transdermal delivery has immense potential for optimizing AMP administration for wound management. Leveraging the skin's accessibility and barrier properties, transdermal delivery offers a noninvasive approach that can circumvent systemic side effects and ensure sustained release. Biomaterial-based delivery systems, encompassing nanofibers, hydrogels, nanoparticles, and liposomes, have emerged as key players in enhancing the efficacy of transdermal AMP delivery. These biomaterial carriers not only shield AMPs from enzymatic degradation but also provide controlled release mechanisms, thereby elevating stability and bioavailability. The synergistic interaction between the transdermal approach and biomaterial-facilitated formulations presents a promising strategy to overcome the multifaceted challenges associated with AMP delivery. Integrating advanced technologies and personalized medicine, this convergence allows the reimagining of wound care. This review amalgamates insights to propose a pathway where AMPs, transdermal delivery, and biomaterial innovation harmonize for effective wound management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Omara Firdous
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mehadi Hassan Sagor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - M Tarik Arafat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
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3
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Manobala T. Peptide-based strategies for overcoming biofilm-associated infections: a comprehensive review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39140129 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2390597] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Biofilms represent resilient microbial communities responsible for inducing chronic infections in human subjects. Given the escalating challenges associated with antibiotic therapy failures in clinical infections linked to biofilm formation, a peptide-based approach emerges as a promising alternative to effectively combat these notoriously resistant biofilms. Contrary to conventional antimicrobial peptides, which predominantly target cellular membranes, antibiofilm peptides necessitate a multifaceted approach, addressing various "biofilm-specific factors." These factors encompass Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) degradation, membrane targeting, cell signaling, and regulatory mechanisms. Recent research endeavors have been directed toward assessing the potential of peptides as potent antibiofilm agents. However, to translate these peptides into viable clinical applications, several critical considerations must be meticulously evaluated during the peptide design process. This review serves to furnish an all-encompassing summary of the pivotal factors and parameters that necessitate contemplation for the successful development of an efficacious antibiofilm peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Manobala
- School of Arts and Sciences, Sai University, Chennai, India
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4
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Squitieri D, Massaro F, Graziano MM, Borocci S, Cacaci M, Di Vito M, Porcelli F, Rosato R, Ceccacci F, Sanguinetti M, Buonocore F, Bugli F. Trematocine-derived antimicrobial peptides from the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchaii: potent antibacterial agents against ESKAPE pathogens. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1447301. [PMID: 39171261 PMCID: PMC11335685 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1447301] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigated the interaction with membrane mimetic systems (LUVs), bacterial membranes, the CD spectra, and the bactericidal activity of two designed trematocine mutants, named Trem-HK and Trem-HSK. Mutants were constructed from the scaffold of Trematocine (Trem), a natural 22-amino acid AMP from the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii, aiming to increase their positive charge. Methods The selectivity of the designed AMPs towards bacterial membranes was improved compared to Trematocine, verified by their interaction with different LUVs and their membranolytic activity. Additionally, their α-helical conformation was not influenced by the amino acid substitutions. Our findings revealed a significant enhancement in antibacterial efficacy against ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae family) pathogens for both Trem-HK and Trem-HSK. Results Firstly, we showed that the selectivity of the two new designed AMPs towards bacterial membranes was greatly improved compared to Trematocine, verifying their interaction with different LUVs and their membranolytic activity. We determined that their α-helical conformation was not influenced by the amino acid substitutions. We characterized the tested bacterial collection for resistance traits to different classes of antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC) values of the ESKAPE collection were reduced by up to 80% compared to Trematocine. The bactericidal concentrations of Trematocine mutants showed important membranolytic action, evident by scanning electron microscopy, on all tested species. We further evaluated the cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of the mutants. At 2.5 μM concentration, both mutants demonstrated low cytotoxicity and hemolysis, indicating selectivity towards bacterial cells. However, these effects increased at higher concentrations. Discussion Assessment of in vivo toxicity using the Galleria mellonella model revealed no adverse effects in larvae treated with both mutants, even at concentrations up to 20 times higher than the lowest MIC observed for Acinetobacter baumannii, suggesting a high potential safety profile for the mutants. This study highlights the significant improvement in antibacterial efficacy achieved by increasing the positive charge of Trem-HK and Trem-HSK. This improvement was reached at the cost of reduced biocompatibility. Further research is necessary to optimize the balance between efficacy and safety for these promising AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Squitieri
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Massaro
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Monica Mollica Graziano
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Stefano Borocci
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- Institute for Biological Systems of Italian National Research Council (ISB-CNR), Secondary Office of Rome-Reaction Mechanisms c/o Department of Chemistry, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Cacaci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Di Vito
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Fernando Porcelli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosato
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ceccacci
- Institute for Biological Systems of Italian National Research Council (ISB-CNR), Secondary Office of Rome-Reaction Mechanisms c/o Department of Chemistry, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Buonocore
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Francesca Bugli
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Loffredo M, Casciaro B, Bellavita R, Troiano C, Brancaccio D, Cappiello F, Merlino F, Galdiero S, Fabrizi G, Grieco P, Stella L, Carotenuto A, Mangoni ML. Strategic Single-Residue Substitution in the Antimicrobial Peptide Esc(1-21) Confers Activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Including Drug-Resistant and Biofilm Phenotype. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2403-2418. [PMID: 38848266 PMCID: PMC11250030 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00130] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium resistant to multiple drugs, is a significant cause of illness and death worldwide. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide an excellent potential strategy to cope with this threat. Recently, we characterized a derivative of the frog-skin AMP esculentin-1a, Esc(1-21) (1) that is endowed with potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria but poor efficacy against Gram-positive strains. In this study, three analogues of peptide 1 were designed by replacing Gly8 with α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), Pro, and dPro (2-4, respectively). The single substitution Gly8 → Aib8 in peptide 2 makes it active against the planktonic form of Gram-positive bacterial strains, especially Staphylococcus aureus, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, with an improved biostability without resulting in cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Moreover, peptide 2 showed a higher antibiofilm activity than peptide 1 against both reference and clinical isolates of S. aureus. Peptide 2 was also able to induce rapid bacterial killing, suggesting a membrane-perturbing mechanism of action. Structural analysis of the most active peptide 2 evidenced that the improved biological activity of peptide 2 is the consequence of a combination of higher biostability, higher α helical content, and ability to reduce membrane fluidity and to adopt a distorted helix, bent in correspondence of Aib8. Overall, this study has shown how a strategic single amino acid substitution is sufficient to enlarge the spectrum of activity of the original peptide 1, and improve its biological properties for therapeutic purposes, thus paving the way to optimize AMPs for the development of new broad-spectrum anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria
Rosa Loffredo
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur
Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza
University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur
Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza
University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Cassandra Troiano
- Department
of Chemical Science and Technologies, University
of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur
Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza
University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Fabrizi
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence
2018−2022”, Sapienza University
of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Stella
- Department
of Chemical Science and Technologies, University
of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur
Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza
University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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6
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Chianese A, Giugliano R, Palma F, Nastri BM, Monti A, Doti N, Zannella C, Galdiero M, De Filippis A. The antiherpetic and anti-inflammatory activity of the frog-derived peptide Hylin-a1. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae165. [PMID: 38991986 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae165] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
AIM The high incidence of virus-related infections and the large diffusion of drug-resistant pathogens stimulate the search and identification of new antiviral agents with a broad spectrum of action. Antivirals can be designed to act on a single target by interfering with a specific step in the viral lifecycle. On the contrary, antiviral peptides (AVPs) are known for acting on a wide range of viruses, with a diversified mechanism of action targeting virus and/or host cell. In the present study, we evaluated the antiviral potential of the peptide Hylin-a1 secreted by the frog Hypsiobas albopunctatus against members of the Herpesviridae family. METHODS AND RESULTS The inhibitory capacity of the peptide was evaluated in vitro by plaque assays in order to understand the possible mechanism of action. The results were also confirmed by real-time PCR and Western blot evaluating the expression of viral genes. Hylin-a1 acts to block the herpetic infection interfering at the early stages of both herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 infection. Its mechanism is mainly directed on the membrane, probably by damaging the viral envelope. The same effect was also observed against HSV-1 strains resistant to acyclovir. CONCLUSIONS The data presented in this study, such as the increased activity of the peptide when combined to acyclovir, a weak hemolytic profile, an anti-inflammatory effect, and a tolerable half-life in serum, indicates Hylin-a1 as a novel antiherpetic molecule with promising potential in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico De Crecchio, 7, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Rosa Giugliano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico De Crecchio, 7, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Francesca Palma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico De Crecchio, 7, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Bianca M Nastri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico De Crecchio, 7, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico De Crecchio, 7, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico De Crecchio, 7, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Vico De Crecchio, 7, Naples 80138, Italy
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7
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Yan J, Siwakoti P, Shaw S, Bose S, Kokil G, Kumeria T. Porous silicon and silica carriers for delivery of peptide therapeutics. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01609-7. [PMID: 38819767 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01609-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Peptides have gained tremendous popularity as biological therapeutic agents in recent years due to their favourable specificity, diversity of targets, well-established screening methods, ease of production, and lower cost. However, their poor physiological and storage stability, pharmacokinetics, and fast clearance have limited their clinical translation. Novel nanocarrier-based strategies have shown promise in overcoming these issues. In this direction, porous silicon (pSi) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been widely explored as potential carriers for the delivery of peptide therapeutics. These materials possess several advantages, including large surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and adjustable pore architectures, which make them attractive carriers for peptide delivery systems. In this review, we cover pSi and MSNs as drug carriers focusing on their use in peptide delivery. The review provides a brief overview of their fabrication, surface modification, and interesting properties that make them ideal peptide drug carriers. The review provides a systematic account of various studies that have utilised these unique porous carriers for peptide delivery describing significant in vitro and in vivo results. We have also provided a critical comparison of the two carriers in terms of their physicochemical properties and short-term and long-term biocompatibility. Lastly, we have concluded the review with our opinion of this field and identified key areas for future research for clinical translation of pSi and MSN-based peptide therapeutic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Yan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Prakriti Siwakoti
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Siuli Shaw
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201301, India
| | - Sudeep Bose
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201301, India
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201301, India
| | - Ganesh Kokil
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Tushar Kumeria
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
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8
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Orozco RMQ, Oshiro KGN, Pinto IB, Buccini DF, Almeida CV, Marin VN, de Souza CM, Macedo MLR, Cardoso MH, Franco OL. Employment of mastoparan-like peptides to prevent Staphylococcus aureus associated with bovine mastitis. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0007124. [PMID: 38629875 PMCID: PMC11112992 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00071-24] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine mastitis is a frequent infection in lactating cattle, causing great economic losses. Staphylococcus aureus represents the main etiological agent, which causes recurrent and persistent intramammary infections because conventional antibiotics are ineffective against it. Mastoparan-like peptides are multifunctional molecules with broad antimicrobial potential, constituting an attractive alternative. Nevertheless, their toxicity to host cells has hindered their therapeutic application. Previously, our group engineered three mastoparan-L analogs, namely mastoparan-MO, mastoparan-R1, and [I5, R8] MP, to improve cell selectivity and potential. Here, we were interested in comparing the antibacterial efficacy of mastoparan-L and its analogs against bovine mastitis isolates of S. aureus strains, making a correlation with the physicochemical properties and structural arrangement changes promoted by the sequence modifications. As a result, the analog's hemolytic and/or antimicrobial activity was balanced. All the peptides displayed α-helical folding in hydrophobic and membrane-mimetic environments, as determined by circular dichroism. The peptide [I5, R8] MP stood out for its enhanced selectivity and antibacterial features related to mastoparan-L and the other derivatives. Biophysical approaches revealed that [I5, R8] MP rapidly depolarizes the bacterial membrane of S. aureus, causing cell death by subsequent membrane disruption. Our results demonstrated that the [I5, R8] MP peptide could be a starting point for the development of peptide-based drugs for the treatment of bovine mastitis, with the advantage of no residue in milk, which would help reduce the use of classical antibiotics.IMPORTANCEStaphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of mastitis, the world's most important dairy cattle disease. The multidrug resistance and zoonotic potential of S. aureus, besides the likelihood of antibiotic residues in milk, are of critical concern to public and animal health. Antimicrobial peptides offer a novel antimicrobial strategy. Here, we demonstrate that [I5, R8] MP is a potent and selective peptide, which acts on S. aureus by targeting the bacterial membrane. Therefore, understanding the physicochemical determinants and the modes of action of this class of antimicrobials opens novel prospects for peptide development with enhanced activities in the bovine mastitis context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel M. Q. Orozco
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Karen G. N. Oshiro
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ingrid B. Pinto
- Laboratório de Síntese e Transformações de Moléculas Orgânicas, Instituo de Química, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Danieli F. Buccini
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Claudiane V. Almeida
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e suas Funções Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Valentina Nieto Marin
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Camila Maurmann de Souza
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Maria L. R. Macedo
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e suas Funções Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Marlon H. Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Laboratório de Purificação de Proteínas e suas Funções Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio L. Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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9
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Rizvi SFA, Zhang H, Fang Q. Engineering peptide drug therapeutics through chemical conjugation and implication in clinics. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 38704826 DOI: 10.1002/med.22046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The development of peptide drugs has made tremendous progress in the past few decades because of the advancements in modification chemistry and analytical technologies. The novel-designed peptide drugs have been modified through various biochemical methods with improved diagnostic, therapeutic, and drug-delivery strategies. Researchers found it a helping hand to overcome the inherent limitations of peptides and bring continued advancements in their applications. Furthermore, the emergence of peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs)-utilizes target-oriented peptide moieties as a vehicle for cytotoxic payloads via conjugation with cleavable chemical agents, resulting in the key foundation of the new era of targeted peptide drugs. This review summarizes the various classifications of peptide drugs, suitable chemical modification strategies to improve the ADME (adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) features of peptide drugs, and recent (2015-early 2024) progress/achievements in peptide-based drug delivery systems as well as their fruitful implication in preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, we also summarized the brief description of other types of PDCs, including peptide-MOF conjugates and peptide-UCNP conjugates. The principal aim is to provide scattered and diversified knowledge in one place and to help researchers understand the pinching knots in the science of PDC development and progress toward a bright future of novel peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Faheem Askari Rizvi
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Quan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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10
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Almeida JR. The Century-Long Journey of Peptide-Based Drugs. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:196. [PMID: 38534631 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The pioneering medical application of peptides as therapeutics began approximately a century ago; however, they remain clinically relevant candidates garnering more attention on the drug development agenda [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- José R Almeida
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena 150101, Ecuador
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
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11
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Akhavan-Bahabadi M, Paknejad H, Hedayati A, Habibi-Rezaei M. Fractionation of the Caspian sand goby epidermal exudates using membrane ultrafiltration and reversed-phase chromatography: an investigation on bioactivities. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1716. [PMID: 38242928 PMCID: PMC10799039 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52126-z] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptide-based drugs have gained exceeding attention as promising treatments for infectious and oxidative-stress-related diseases, are exacerbated by the advent and spread of various multidrug-resistant bacteria and industrial lifestyles. Fish skin mucus has been recognized as a potential source of bioactive peptides, providing the first line of fish defense against invading pathogens which are targeted here to be explored as a new source of biopharmaceutics. Peptide fractions were isolated from the epidermal exudates of Caspian sand goby, Neogobius fluviatilis pallasi, by solid-phase extraction (SPE), ultrafiltration, and reversed-phase chromatography. The resulting fractions were characterized for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and results showed that the molecular weight fraction < 5 kDa represented the highest (p < 0.05) bacterial inhibition activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis as well as scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Overall, these results introduce the epidermal mucus of Caspian sand goby as a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be considered new and efficient biopharmaceutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Akhavan-Bahabadi
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgān, Iran.
- Protein Biotechnology Research Lab (PBRL), School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
- National Research Center of Saline Water Aquatics, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bafq, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Hamed Paknejad
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgān, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Hedayati
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgān, Iran
| | - Mehran Habibi-Rezaei
- Protein Biotechnology Research Lab (PBRL), School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Chang L, Mondal A, Singh B, Martínez-Noa Y, Perez A. Revolutionizing Peptide-Based Drug Discovery: Advances in the Post-AlphaFold Era. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2024; 14:e1693. [PMID: 38680429 PMCID: PMC11052547 DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Peptide-based drugs offer high specificity, potency, and selectivity. However, their inherent flexibility and differences in conformational preferences between their free and bound states create unique challenges that have hindered progress in effective drug discovery pipelines. The emergence of AlphaFold (AF) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents new opportunities for enhancing peptide-based drug discovery. We explore recent advancements that facilitate a successful peptide drug discovery pipeline, considering peptides' attractive therapeutic properties and strategies to enhance their stability and bioavailability. AF enables efficient and accurate prediction of peptide-protein structures, addressing a critical requirement in computational drug discovery pipelines. In the post-AF era, we are witnessing rapid progress with the potential to revolutionize peptide-based drug discovery such as the ability to rank peptide binders or classify them as binders/non-binders and the ability to design novel peptide sequences. However, AI-based methods are struggling due to the lack of well-curated datasets, for example to accommodate modified amino acids or unconventional cyclization. Thus, physics-based methods, such as docking or molecular dynamics simulations, continue to hold a complementary role in peptide drug discovery pipelines. Moreover, MD-based tools offer valuable insights into binding mechanisms, as well as the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of complexes. As we navigate this evolving landscape, a synergistic integration of AI and physics-based methods holds the promise of reshaping the landscape of peptide-based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Arup Mondal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Bhumika Singh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | | | - Alberto Perez
- Department of Chemistry and Quantum Theory Project, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
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13
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Worm D, Grabe GJ, de Castro GV, Rabinovich S, Warm I, Isherwood K, Helaine S, Barnard A. Stapled Phd Peptides Inhibit Doc Toxin Induced Growth Arrest in Salmonella. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:2485-2494. [PMID: 38098459 PMCID: PMC10728895 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial toxin inhibition is a promising approach to overcoming antibiotic failure. InSalmonella, knockout of the toxin Doc has been shown to significantly reduce the formation of antibiotic-tolerant persisters. Doc is a kinase that is inhibited in nontolerant cells by its cognate antitoxin, Phd. In this work, we have developed first-in-class stapled peptide antitoxin mimetics based on the Doc inhibitory sequence of Phd. After making a series of substitutions to improve bacterial uptake, we identified a lead stapled Phd peptide that is able to counteract Doc toxicity in Salmonella. This provides an exciting starting point for the further development of therapeutic peptides capable of reducing antibiotic persistence in pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis
J. Worm
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Grzegorz J. Grabe
- Department
of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, 4 Blackfan Circle, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Guilherme V. de Castro
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Sofya Rabinovich
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Ian Warm
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Kira Isherwood
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Sophie Helaine
- Department
of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, 4 Blackfan Circle, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Anna Barnard
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
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14
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Otvos L, Wade JD. Big peptide drugs in a small molecule world. Front Chem 2023; 11:1302169. [PMID: 38144886 PMCID: PMC10740154 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1302169] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A quarter of a century ago, designer peptide drugs finally broke through the glass ceiling. Despite the resistance by big pharma, biotechnology companies managed to develop injectable peptide-based drugs, first against orphan or other small volume diseases, and later for conditions affecting large patient populations such as type 2 diabetes. Even their lack of gastrointestinal absorption could be utilized to enable successful oral dosing against chronic constipation. The preference of peptide therapeutics over small molecule competitors against identical medical conditions can be achieved by careful target selection, intrachain and terminal amino acid modifications, appropriate conjugation to stability enhancers and chemical space expansion, innovative delivery and administration techniques and patient-focused marketing strategies. Unfortunately, however, pharmacoeconomical considerations, including the strength of big pharma to develop competing small molecule drugs, have somewhat limited the success of otherwise smart peptide-based therapeutics. Yet, with increasing improvement in peptide drug modification and formulation, these are continuing to gain significant, and growing, acceptance as desirable alternatives to small molecule compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Otvos
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- OLPE Pharmaceutical Consultants, Audubon, PA, United States
| | - John D. Wade
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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15
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Lin C, Xuanxu H, Yuyang X, Zhongqiu X, Gao C. The impact of music listening intervention on Asia elderly with dementia: a systematic review. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:535. [PMID: 37990277 PMCID: PMC10662567 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01355-5] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
From an initial pool of 2303 studies, ten eligible and potential studies were selected through rigor inclusion and exclusion criteria for this systematic review to examine music therapy's effect on dementia. The review included 967 participants, with the majority being female. A significant number of studies were conducted in Taiwan. Although several cognitive ability assessment methods were employed in the selected studies, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was the most commonly used tool for evaluating the effects of music therapy on dementia. Overall, the current review demonstrates that music therapy can be a valuable strategy for treating patients with dementia, with its outcomes including improved cognitive function and potentially slowing the progression of the disease's severity. Therefore, this study can significantly contribute to future studies and practices aimed at using music therapy to treat dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lin
- Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - He Xuanxu
- Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xue Yuyang
- Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xu Zhongqiu
- Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chunhai Gao
- Faculty of Education, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Blvd, Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong Province, China.
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16
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Wang D, Deng B, Cheng L, Li J, Guo X, Zhang J, Zhang X, Su P, Li G, Miao X, Yang W, Xie J, Wang R. The novel peptide DR4penA attenuates the bleomycin- and paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23225. [PMID: 37855708 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301363r] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF), which is caused by continuous alveolar epithelial cell injury and abnormal repair, is referred to as a difficult disease of the lung system by the World Health Organization due to its rapid progression, poor prognosis, and high mortality rate. However, there is still a lack of ideal therapeutic strategies. The peptide DR8 (DHNNPQIR-NH2 ), which is derived from rapeseed, exerted antifibrotic activity in the lung, liver, and kidney in our previous studies. By studying the structure-activity relationship and rational design, we introduced an unnatural hydrophobic amino acid (α-(4-pentenyl)-Ala) into DR8 and screened the novel peptide DR4penA (DHNα-(4-pentenyl)-APQIR-NH2 ), which had higher anti-PF activity, higher antioxidant activity and a longer half-life than DR8. Notably, DR4penA attenuated bleomycin- and paraquat-induced PF, and the anti-PF activity of DR4penA was equivalent to that of pirfenidone. Additionally, DR4penA suppressed the TGF-β/Smad pathway in TGF-β1-induced A549 cells and paraquat-induced rats. This study demonstrates that the novel peptide DR4penA is a potential candidate compound for PF therapy, and its antifibrotic activity in different preclinical models of PF provides a theoretical basis for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Bochuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jieru Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ping Su
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guofeng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaokang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenle Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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17
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Kannoth S, Ali N, Prasanth GK, Arvind K, Mohany M, Hembrom PS, Sadanandan S, Vasu DA, Grace T. Transcriptome analysis of Corvus splendens reveals a repertoire of antimicrobial peptides. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18728. [PMID: 37907616 PMCID: PMC10618271 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45875-w] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance has become a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial peptides have been acknowledged as potential leads for prospective anti-infectives. Owing to their scavenging lifestyle, Corvus splendens is thought to have developed robust immunity to pathogens found in their diet, implying that they have evolved mechanisms to resist infection. In the current study, the transcriptome of C. splendens was sequenced, and de novo assembled to identify the presence of antimicrobial peptide genes. 72.09 million high-quality clean reads were obtained which were then de novo assembled into 3,43,503 transcripts and 74,958 unigenes. About 37,559 unigenes were successfully annotated using SwissProt, Pfam, GO, and KEGG databases. A search against APD3, CAMPR3 and LAMP databases identified 63 AMP candidates belonging to more than 20 diverse families and functional classes. mRNA of AvBD-2, AvBD-13 and CATH-2 were found to be differentially expressed between the three tested crows as well as among the tissues. We also characterized Corvus Cathelicidin 2 (CATH-2) to gain knowledge of its antimicrobial mechanisms. The CD spectroscopy of synthesized mature Corvus CATH-2 peptide displayed an amphipathic α-helical structure. Though the synthetic CATH-2 caused hemolysis of human RBC, it also exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and B. cereus. Docking simulation results revealed that this peptide could bind to the LPS binding site of MD-2, which may prevent LPS from entering the MD-2 binding pocket, and trigger TLR4 signaling pathway. The Corvus CATH-2 characterized in this study could aid in the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Kannoth
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Nemat Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ganesh K Prasanth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Kumar Arvind
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mohamed Mohany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Preety Sweta Hembrom
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Shemmy Sadanandan
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Deepa Azhchath Vasu
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Tony Grace
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India.
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18
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Van Moll L, Wouters M, De Smet J, De Vooght L, Delputte P, Van Der Borght M, Cos P. In-depth biological characterization of two black soldier fly anti- Pseudomonas peptides reveals LPS-binding and immunomodulating effects. mSphere 2023; 8:e0045423. [PMID: 37800918 PMCID: PMC10597467 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00454-23] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As effector molecules of the innate immune system, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gathered substantial interest as a potential future generation of antibiotics. Here, we demonstrate the anti-Pseudomonas activity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding ability of HC1 and HC10, two cecropin peptides from the black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens). Both peptides are active against a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, including drug-resistant clinical isolates. Moreover, HC1 and HC10 can bind to lipid A, the toxic center of LPS and reduce the LPS-induced nitric oxide and cytokine production in murine macrophage cells. This suggests that the peptide-LPS binding can also lower the strong inflammatory response associated with P. aeruginosa infections. As the activity of AMPs is often influenced by the presence of salts, we studied the LPS-binding activity of HC1 and HC10 in physiological salt concentrations, revealing a strong decrease in activity. Our research confirmed the early potential of HC1 and HC10 as starting points for anti-Pseudomonas drugs, as well as the need for structural or formulation optimization before further preclinical development can be considered. IMPORTANCE The high mortality and morbidity associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections remain an ongoing challenge in clinical practice that requires urgent action. P. aeruginosa mostly infects immunocompromised individuals, and its prevalence is especially high in urgent care hospital settings. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are outer membrane structures that are responsible for inducing the innate immune cascade upon infection. P. aeruginosa LPS can cause local excessive inflammation, or spread systemically throughout the body, leading to multi-organ failure and septic shock. As antimicrobial resistance rates in P. aeruginosa infections are rising, the research and development of new antimicrobial agents remain indispensable. Especially, antimicrobials that can both kill the bacteria themselves and neutralize their toxins are of great interest in P. aeruginosa research to develop as the next generation of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Van Moll
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Milan Wouters
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jeroen De Smet
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Linda De Vooght
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mik Van Der Borght
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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19
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Coghi P, Li J, Hosmane NS, Zhu Y. Next generation of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) agents for cancer treatment. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:1809-1830. [PMID: 37102375 DOI: 10.1002/med.21964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is one of the most promising treatments among neutron capture therapies due to its long-term clinical application and unequivocally obtained success during clinical trials. Boron drug and neutron play an equivalent crucial role in BNCT. Nevertheless, current clinically used l-boronophenylalanine (BPA) and sodium borocaptate (BSH) suffer from large uptake dose and low blood to tumor selectivity, and that initiated overwhelm screening of next generation of BNCT agents. Various boron agents, such as small molecules and macro/nano-vehicles, have been explored with better success. In this featured article, different types of agents are rationally analyzed and compared, and the feasible targets are shared to present a perspective view for the future of BNCT in cancer treatment. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge of a variety of boron compounds, reported recently, for the application of BCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Coghi
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Jinxin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Narayan S Hosmane
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
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20
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Cavallaro PA, De Santo M, Belsito EL, Longobucco C, Curcio M, Morelli C, Pasqua L, Leggio A. Peptides Targeting HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells and Applications in Tumor Imaging and Delivery of Chemotherapeutics. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2476. [PMID: 37686984 PMCID: PMC10490457 DOI: 10.3390/nano13172476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer represents the most common cancer type and one of the major leading causes of death in the female worldwide population. Overexpression of HER2, a transmembrane glycoprotein related to the epidermal growth factor receptor, results in a biologically and clinically aggressive breast cancer subtype. It is also the primary driver for tumor detection and progression and, in addition to being an important prognostic factor in women diagnosed with breast cancer, HER2 is a widely known therapeutic target for drug development. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the main approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer proposed in the literature over the past decade. We focused on the different targeting strategies involving antibodies and peptides that have been explored with their relative outcomes and current limitations that need to be improved. The review also encompasses a discussion on targeted peptides acting as probes for molecular imaging. By using different types of HER2-targeting strategies, nanotechnology promises to overcome some of the current clinical challenges by developing novel HER2-guided nanosystems suitable as powerful tools in breast cancer imaging, targeting, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palmira Alessia Cavallaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.A.C.); (M.D.S.); (E.L.B.); (C.L.); (M.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Marzia De Santo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.A.C.); (M.D.S.); (E.L.B.); (C.L.); (M.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Emilia Lucia Belsito
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.A.C.); (M.D.S.); (E.L.B.); (C.L.); (M.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Camilla Longobucco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.A.C.); (M.D.S.); (E.L.B.); (C.L.); (M.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Manuela Curcio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.A.C.); (M.D.S.); (E.L.B.); (C.L.); (M.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Catia Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.A.C.); (M.D.S.); (E.L.B.); (C.L.); (M.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Luigi Pasqua
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Antonella Leggio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende, Italy; (P.A.C.); (M.D.S.); (E.L.B.); (C.L.); (M.C.); (C.M.)
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21
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Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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22
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Stillger L, Viau L, Holtmann D, Müller D. Antibiofilm assay for antimicrobial peptides combating the sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Microbiologyopen 2023; 12:e1376. [PMID: 37642483 PMCID: PMC10441178 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1376] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In medical, environmental, and industrial processes, the accumulation of bacteria in biofilms can disrupt many processes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are receiving increasing attention in the development of new substances to avoid or reduce biofilm formation. There is a lack of parallel testing of the effect against biofilms in this area, as well as in the testing of other antibiofilm agents. In this paper, a high-throughput screening was developed for the analysis of the antibiofilm activity of AMPs, differentiated into inhibition and removal of a biofilm. The sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris was used as a model organism. D. vulgaris represents an undesirable bacterium, which is considered one of the major triggers of microbiologically influenced corrosion. The application of a 96-well plate and steel rivets as a growth surface realizes real-life conditions and at the same time establishes a flexible, simple, fast, and cost-effective assay. All peptides tested in this study demonstrated antibiofilm activity, although these peptides should be individually selected depending on the addressed aim. For biofilm inhibition, the peptide DASamP1 is the most suitable, with a sustained effect for up to 21 days. The preferred peptides for biofilm removal are S6L3-33, in regard to bacteria reduction, and Bactenecin, regarding total biomass reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Stillger
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of Applied Sciences MittelhessenGiessenGermany
| | - Lucile Viau
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of Applied Sciences MittelhessenGiessenGermany
| | - Dirk Holtmann
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of Applied Sciences MittelhessenGiessenGermany
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life SciencesKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
| | - Daniela Müller
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of Applied Sciences MittelhessenGiessenGermany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
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23
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Bakare OO, Gokul A, Niekerk LA, Aina O, Abiona A, Barker AM, Basson G, Nkomo M, Otomo L, Keyster M, Klein A. Recent Progress in the Characterization, Synthesis, Delivery Procedures, Treatment Strategies, and Precision of Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11864. [PMID: 37511621 PMCID: PMC10380191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are constantly evolving to bypass antibiotics or create resistance against them. There is a piercing alarm for the need to improve the design of new effective antimicrobial agents such as antimicrobial peptides which are less prone to resistance and possess high sensitivity. This would guard public health in combating and overcoming stubborn pathogens and mitigate incurable diseases; however, the emergence of antimicrobial peptides' shortcomings ranging from untimely degradation by enzymes to difficulty in the design against specific targets is a major bottleneck in achieving these objectives. This review is aimed at highlighting the recent progress in antimicrobial peptide development in the area of nanotechnology-based delivery, selectivity indices, synthesis and characterization, their doping and coating, and the shortfall of these approaches. This review will raise awareness of antimicrobial peptides as prospective therapeutic agents in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, such as the sensitive treatment of diseases and their utilization. The knowledge from this development would guide the future design of these novel peptides and allow the development of highly specific, sensitive, and accurate antimicrobial peptides to initiate treatment regimens in patients to enable them to have accommodating lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olalekan Olanrewaju Bakare
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu 2002, Nigeria
| | - Arun Gokul
- Department of Plant Sciences, Qwaqwa Campus, University of the Free State, Phuthadithjaba 9866, South Africa
| | - Lee-Ann Niekerk
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Omolola Aina
- Plant Omics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Ademola Abiona
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu 2002, Nigeria
| | - Adele Mariska Barker
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Gerhard Basson
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Mbukeni Nkomo
- Department of Botany, H13 Botany Building, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Laetitia Otomo
- Department of Plant Sciences, Qwaqwa Campus, University of the Free State, Phuthadithjaba 9866, South Africa
| | - Marshall Keyster
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Ashwil Klein
- Plant Omics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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24
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Jakubec M, Rylandsholm FG, Rainsford P, Silk M, Bril'kov M, Kristoffersen T, Juskewitz E, Ericson JU, Svendsen JSM. Goldilocks Dilemma: LPS Works Both as the Initial Target and a Barrier for the Antimicrobial Action of Cationic AMPs on E. coli. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1155. [PMID: 37509189 PMCID: PMC10377513 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are generally membrane-active compounds that physically disrupt bacterial membranes. Despite extensive research, the precise mode of action of AMPs is still a topic of great debate. This work demonstrates that the initial interaction between the Gram-negative E. coli and AMPs is driven by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that act as kinetic barriers for the binding of AMPs to the bacterial membrane. A combination of SPR and NMR experiments provide evidence suggesting that cationic AMPs first bind to the negatively charged LPS before reaching a binding place in the lipid bilayer. In the event that the initial LPS-binding is too strong (corresponding to a low dissociation rate), the cationic AMPs cannot effectively get from the LPS to the membrane, and their antimicrobial potency will thus be diminished. On the other hand, the AMPs must also be able to effectively interact with the membrane to exert its activity. The ability of the studied cyclic hexapeptides to bind LPS and to translocate into a lipid membrane is related to the nature of the cationic charge (arginine vs. lysine) and to the distribution of hydrophobicity along the molecule (alternating vs. clumped tryptophan).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jakubec
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Fredrik G Rylandsholm
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Philip Rainsford
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mitchell Silk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Maxim Bril'kov
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tone Kristoffersen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eric Juskewitz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Johanna U Ericson
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - John Sigurd M Svendsen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
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25
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Raileanu M, Borlan R, Campu A, Janosi L, Turcu I, Focsan M, Bacalum M. No country for old antibiotics! Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as next-generation treatment for skin and soft tissue infection. Int J Pharm 2023:123169. [PMID: 37356506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123169] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the unprecedented rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance together with the lack of adequate therapies have made the treatment of skin infections and chronic wounds challenging, urging the scientific community to focus on the development of new and more efficient treatment strategies. In this context, there is a growing interest in the use of natural molecules with antimicrobial features, capable of supporting wound healing i.e., antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. In this review, we give a short overview of the bacterial skin infections as well as some of the classic treatments used for topical application. We then summarize the AMPs classes, stressing the importance of the appropriate selection of the peptides based on their characteristics and physicochemical properties in order to maximize the antibacterial efficacy of the therapeutic systems against multi-drug resistant pathogens. Additionally, the present paper provides a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the latest clinical trials investigating the efficacy of AMPs in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, highlighting the relevant outcomes. Seeking to obtain novel and improved compounds with synergistic activity, while also decreasing some of the known side effects of AMPs, we present two employed strategies using AMPs: (i) AMPs-conjugated nanosystems for systemic and topical drug delivery systems and (ii) antibiotics-peptide conjugates as a strategy to overcome antibiotics resistance. Finally, an important property of some of the AMPs used in wound treatment is highlighted: their ability to help in wound healing by generally promoting cell proliferation and migration, and in some cases re-epithelialization and angiogenesis among others. Thus, as the pursuit of improvement is an ongoing effort, this work presents the advances made in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections along with their advantages and limitations, while the still remaining challenges are addressed by providing future prospects and strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Raileanu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, Măgurele 077125, Romania
| | - Raluca Borlan
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Campu
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lorant Janosi
- Molecular and Biomolecular Physics Department, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 65-103 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Turcu
- Molecular and Biomolecular Physics Department, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 65-103 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Focsan
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Mihaela Bacalum
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, Măgurele 077125, Romania.
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26
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Huang Y, Peng H, Zeng A, Song L. The role of peptides in reversing chemoresistance of breast cancer: current facts and future prospects. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1188477. [PMID: 37284316 PMCID: PMC10239817 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1188477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the first malignant tumor in women, and its incidence is also increasing year by year. Chemotherapy is one of the standard therapies for breast cancer, but the resistance of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs is a huge challenge for the effective treatment of breast cancer. At present, in the study of reversing the drug resistance of solid tumors such as breast cancer, peptides have the advantages of high selectivity, high tissue penetration, and good biocompatibility. Some of the peptides that have been studied can overcome the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in the experiment, and effectively control the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Here, we describe the mechanism of different peptides in reversing breast cancer resistance, including promoting cancer cell apoptosis; promoting non-apoptotic regulatory cell death of cancer cells; inhibiting the DNA repair mechanism of cancer cells; improving the tumor microenvironment; inhibiting drug efflux mechanism; and enhancing drug uptake. This review focuses on the different mechanisms of peptides in reversing breast cancer drug resistance, and these peptides are also expected to create clinical breakthroughs in promoting the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer patients and improving the survival rate of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiu Huang
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyao Peng
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Anqi Zeng
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology and Clinical Application, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Linjiang Song
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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27
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Liu Y, Zhao X, Jian J, Hasan S, Liu C. Interaction with ERp57 is required for progranulin protection against Type 2 Gaucher disease. Biosci Trends 2023; 17:126-135. [PMID: 36889696 PMCID: PMC10514708 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2023.01022] [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] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Gaucher disease (GD), one of the most common lysosomal storage diseases, is caused by GBA1 mutations resulting in defective glucocerebrosidase (GCase) and consequent accumulation of its substrates β-glucosylceramide (β-GlcCer). We reported progranulin (PGRN), a secretary growth factor-like molecule and an intracellular lysosomal protein was a crucial co-factor of GCase. PGRN binds to GCase and recruits Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) to GCase through its C-terminal Granulin (Grn) E domain, termed as ND7. In addition, both PGRN and ND7 are therapeutic against GD. Herein we found that both PGRN and its derived ND7 still displayed significant protective effects against GD in Hsp70 deficient cells. To delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying PGRN's Hsp70-independent regulation of GD, we performed a biochemical co-purification and mass spectrometry with His-tagged PGRN and His-tagged ND7 in Hsp70 deficient cells, which led to the identification of ERp57, also referred to as protein disulfide isomerase A3 (PDIA3), as a protein that binds to both PGRN and ND7. Within type 2 neuropathic GD patient fibroblasts L444P, bearing GBA1 L444P mutation, deletion of ERp57 largely abolished the therapeutic effects of PGRN and ND7, as manifested by loss of effects on lysosomal storage, GCase activity, and β-GlcCer accumulation. Additionally, recombinant ERp57 effectively restored the therapeutic effects of PGRN and ND7 in ERp57 knockout L444P fibroblasts. Collectively, this study reports ERp57 as a previously unrecognized binding partner of PGRN that contributes to PGRN regulation of GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangli Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jinlong Jian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sadaf Hasan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chuanju Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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28
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Novel Arginine- and Proline-Rich Candidacidal Peptides Obtained through a Bioinformatic Approach. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030472. [PMID: 36978339 PMCID: PMC10044544 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. Albeit to a lesser extent than bacteria, fungi are also becoming increasingly resistant to antifungal drugs. Moreover, due to the small number of antifungal classes, therapy options are limited, complicating the clinical management of mycoses. In this view, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a potential alternative to conventional drugs. Among these, Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs), almost exclusively of animal origins, are of particular interest due to their peculiar mode of action. In this study, a search for new arginine- and proline-rich peptides from plants has been carried out with a bioinformatic approach by sequence alignment and antimicrobial prediction tools. Two peptide candidates were tested against planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata strains, including resistant isolates. These peptides showed similar potent activity, with half-maximal effective concentration values in the micromolar range. In addition, some structural and functional features, revealing peculiar mechanistic behaviors, were investigated.
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