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Salimo ZM, Barros AL, Adrião AAX, Rodrigues AM, Sartim MA, de Oliveira IS, Pucca MB, Baia-da-Silva DC, Monteiro WM, de Melo GC, Koolen HHF. Toxins from Animal Venoms as a Potential Source of Antimalarials: A Comprehensive Review. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:375. [PMID: 37368676 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15060375] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium spp. and it is mainly transmitted to humans by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. Malaria is an important global public health problem due to its high rates of morbidity and mortality. At present, drug therapies and vector control with insecticides are respectively the most commonly used methods for the treatment and control of malaria. However, several studies have shown the resistance of Plasmodium to drugs that are recommended for the treatment of malaria. In view of this, it is necessary to carry out studies to discover new antimalarial molecules as lead compounds for the development of new medicines. In this sense, in the last few decades, animal venoms have attracted attention as a potential source for new antimalarial molecules. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize animal venom toxins with antimalarial activity found in the literature. From this research, 50 isolated substances, 4 venom fractions and 7 venom extracts from animals such as anurans, spiders, scorpions, snakes, and bees were identified. These toxins act as inhibitors at different key points in the biological cycle of Plasmodium and may be important in the context of the resistance of Plasmodium to currently available antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeca M Salimo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
| | - André L Barros
- Setor de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus 69058-030, Brazil
| | - Asenate A X Adrião
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia-Rede BIONORTE, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
| | - Aline M Rodrigues
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
| | - Marco A Sartim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia-Rede BIONORTE, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
- Pro-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação, Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus 69058-030, Brazil
| | - Isadora S de Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Manuela B Pucca
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Roraima, Boa Vista 69317-810, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Roraima, Boa Vista 69317-810, Brazil
| | - Djane C Baia-da-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus 69058-030, Brazil
- Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus 69057-070, Brazil
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus 69080-900, Brazil
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
| | - Gisely C de Melo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
| | - Hector H F Koolen
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Metabolômica e Espectrometria de Massas, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia-Rede BIONORTE, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus 69065-001, Brazil
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2
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Tyler TJ, Durek T, Craik DJ. Native and Engineered Cyclic Disulfide-Rich Peptides as Drug Leads. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073189. [PMID: 37049950 PMCID: PMC10096437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are a highly abundant and diverse group of molecules that exhibit a wide range of structural and functional variation. Despite their immense therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides have been traditionally perceived as poor drug candidates, largely due to intrinsic shortcomings that reflect their endogenous heritage, i.e., short biological half-lives and poor cell permeability. In this review, we examine the utility of molecular engineering to insert bioactive sequences into constrained scaffolds with desired pharmaceutical properties. Applying lessons learnt from nature, we focus on molecular grafting of cyclic disulfide-rich scaffolds (naturally derived or engineered), shown to be intrinsically stable and amenable to sequence modifications, and their utility as privileged frameworks in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J. Tyler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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3
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Rojas-Pirela M, Kemmerling U, Quiñones W, Michels PAM, Rojas V. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Potential Therapeutic Strategy against Trypanosomiases? Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040599. [PMID: 37189347 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomiases are a group of tropical diseases that have devastating health and socio-economic effects worldwide. In humans, these diseases are caused by the pathogenic kinetoplastids Trypanosoma brucei, causing African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, and Trypanosoma cruzi, causing American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease. Currently, these diseases lack effective treatment. This is attributed to the high toxicity and limited trypanocidal activity of registered drugs, as well as resistance development and difficulties in their administration. All this has prompted the search for new compounds that can serve as the basis for the development of treatment of these diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides synthesized by both prokaryotes and (unicellular and multicellular) eukaryotes, where they fulfill functions related to competition strategy with other organisms and immune defense. These AMPs can bind and induce perturbation in cell membranes, leading to permeation of molecules, alteration of morphology, disruption of cellular homeostasis, and activation of cell death. These peptides have activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, including parasitic protists. Therefore, they are being considered for new therapeutic strategies to treat some parasitic diseases. In this review, we analyze AMPs as therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of trypanosomiases, emphasizing their possible application as possible candidates for the development of future natural anti-trypanosome drugs.
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Liu X, Henriques ST, Craik DJ, Chan LY. Unlocking the Potential of the Antimicrobial Peptide Gomesin: From Discovery and Structure-Activity Relationships to Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065893. [PMID: 36982972 PMCID: PMC10053013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065893] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Gomesin is a cationic antimicrobial peptide which is isolated from the haemocytes of the Brazilian tarantula Acanthoscurria gomesiana and can be produced chemically by Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Gomesin exhibits a range of biological activities, as demonstrated by its toxicity against therapeutically relevant pathogens such as Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, and parasites. In recent years, a cyclic version of gomesin has been used for drug design and development as it is more stable than native gomesin in human serum and can penetrate and enter cancer cells. It can therefore interact with intracellular targets and has the potential to be developed as a drug lead for to treat cancer, infectious diseases, and other human diseases. This review provides a perspective on the discovery, structure-activity relationships, mechanism of action, biological activity, and potential clinical applications of gomesin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Liu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Corman HN, Ross JN, Fields FR, Shoue DA, McDowell MA, Lee SW. Rationally Designed Minimal Bioactive Domains of AS-48 Bacteriocin Homologs Possess Potent Antileishmanial Properties. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0265822. [PMID: 36342284 PMCID: PMC9769502 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02658-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a category I neglected tropical disease, is a group of diseases caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania species with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Current treatment options can be highly toxic and expensive, with drug relapse and the emergence of resistance. Bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides ribosomally produced by bacteria, are a relatively new avenue for potential antiprotozoal drugs. Particular interest has been focused on enterocin AS-48, with previously proven efficacy against protozoan species, including Leishmania spp. Sequential characterization of enterocin AS-48 has illustrated that antibacterial bioactivity is preserved in linearized, truncated forms; however, minimal domains of AS-48 bacteriocins have not yet been explored against protozoans. Using rational design techniques to improve membrane penetration activity, we designed peptide libraries using the minimal bioactive domain of AS-48 homologs. Stepwise changes to the charge (z), hydrophobicity (H), and hydrophobic dipole moment (μH) were achieved through lysine and tryptophan substitutions and the inversion of residues within the helical wheel, respectively. A total of 480 synthetic peptide variants were assessed for antileishmanial activity against Leishmania donovani. One hundred seventy-two peptide variants exhibited 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values below 20 μM against axenic amastigotes, with 60 peptide variants in the nanomolar range. Nine peptide variants exhibited potent activity against intracellular amastigotes with observed IC50 values of <4 μM and limited in vitro host cell toxicity, making them worthy of further drug development. Our work demonstrates that minimal bioactive domains of naturally existing bacteriocins can be synthetically engineered to increase membrane penetration against Leishmania spp. with minimal host cytotoxicity, holding the promise of novel, potent antileishmanial therapies. IMPORTANCE Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. There are three primary clinical forms, cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral, with visceral leishmaniasis being fatal if left untreated. Current drug treatments are less than ideal, especially in resource-limited areas, due to the difficult administration and treatment regimens as well as the high cost and the emergence of drug resistance. Identifying potent antileishmanial agents is of the utmost importance. We utilized rational design techniques to synthesize enterocin AS-48 and AS-48-like bacteriocin-based peptides and screened these peptides against L. donovani using a fluorescence-based phenotypic assay. Our results suggest that bacteriocins, specifically these rationally designed AS-48-like peptides, are promising leads for further development as antileishmanial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N. Corman
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica N. Ross
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Douglas A. Shoue
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Mary Ann McDowell
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Shaun W. Lee
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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6
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Dias SA, Pinto SN, Silva-Herdade AS, Cheneval O, Craik DJ, Coutinho A, Castanho MARB, Henriques ST, Veiga AS. A designed cyclic analogue of gomesin has potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:3256-3264. [PMID: 36171717 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections caused by bacterial biofilms are very difficult to treat. The use of currently approved antibiotics even at high dosages often fails, making the treatment of these infections very challenging. Novel antimicrobial agents that use distinct mechanisms of action are urgently needed. OBJECTIVES To explore the use of [G1K,K8R]cGm, a designed cyclic analogue of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin, as an alternative approach to treat biofilm infections. METHODS We studied the activity of [G1K,K8R]cGm against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen associated with several biofilm-related infections. A combination of atomic force and real-time confocal laser scanning microscopies was used to study the mechanism of action of the peptide. RESULTS The peptide demonstrated potent activity against 24 h-preformed biofilms through a concentration-dependent ability to kill biofilm-embedded cells. Mechanistic studies showed that [G1K,K8R]cGm causes morphological changes on bacterial cells and permeabilizes their membranes across the biofilm with a half-time of 65 min. We also tested an analogue of [G1K,K8R]cGm without disulphide bonds, and a linear unfolded analogue, and found both to be inactive. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the 3D structure of [G1K,K8R]cGm and its stabilization by disulphide bonds are essential for its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. Moreover, our findings support the potential application of this stable cyclic antimicrobial peptide to fight bacterial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana A Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra N Pinto
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana S Silva-Herdade
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Olivier Cheneval
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - Ana Coutinho
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Brisbane, QLD, 4102 Australia
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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7
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Muema JM, Bargul JL, Obonyo MA, Njeru SN, Matoke-Muhia D, Mutunga JM. Contemporary exploitation of natural products for arthropod-borne pathogen transmission-blocking interventions. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:298. [PMID: 36002857 PMCID: PMC9404607 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An integrated approach to innovatively counter the transmission of various arthropod-borne diseases to humans would benefit from strategies that sustainably limit onward passage of infective life cycle stages of pathogens and parasites to the insect vectors and vice versa. Aiming to accelerate the impetus towards a disease-free world amid the challenges posed by climate change, discovery, mindful exploitation and integration of active natural products in design of pathogen transmission-blocking interventions is of high priority. Herein, we provide a review of natural compounds endowed with blockade potential against transmissible forms of human pathogens reported in the last 2 decades from 2000 to 2021. Finally, we propose various translational strategies that can exploit these pathogen transmission-blocking natural products into design of novel and sustainable disease control interventions. In summary, tapping these compounds will potentially aid in integrated combat mission to reduce disease transmission trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson M Muema
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya.
| | - Joel L Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya.,International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Meshack A Obonyo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, 20115, Kenya
| | - Sospeter N Njeru
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research (CTMDR), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya
| | - Damaris Matoke-Muhia
- Centre for Biotechnology Research Development (CBRD), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, 00200, Kenya
| | - James M Mutunga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Kenya University (MKU), P.O. Box 54, Thika, 01000, Kenya.,School of Engineering Design, Technology and Professional Programs, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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8
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Perez-Rodriguez A, Eraso E, Quindós G, Mateo E. Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Candida Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169264. [PMID: 36012523 PMCID: PMC9409312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoses are accountable for millions of infections yearly worldwide. Invasive candidiasis is the most usual, presenting a high morbidity and mortality. Candida albicans remains the prevalent etiologic agent, but the incidence of other species such as Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida auris keeps increasing. These pathogens frequently show a reduced susceptibility to commonly used antifungal drugs, including polyenes, triazoles and echinocandins, and the incidence of emerging multi-drug-resistant strains of these species continues to increase. Therefore, the need to search for new molecules that target these pathogenic species in a different manner is now more urgent than ever. Nature is an almost endless source of interesting new molecules that could meet this need. Among these molecules, antimicrobial peptides, present in different sources in nature, possess some advantages over conventional antifungal agents, even with their own drawbacks, and are considered as a promising pharmacological option against a wide range of microbial infections. In this review, we describe 20 antimicrobial peptides from different origins that possess an activity against Candida.
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9
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Santos FA, Cruz GS, Vieira FA, Queiroz BR, Freitas CD, Mesquita FP, Souza PF. Systematic Review of Antiprotozoal Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106675. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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10
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Jin L, Dong H, Sun D, Wang L, Qu L, Lin S, Yang Q, Zhang X. Biological Functions and Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2022; 23:226-247. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203723666220519155942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Despite antimicrobial resistance, which is attributed to the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics,
antibiotics can indiscriminately kill pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. These events
disrupt the delicate microbial balance in both humans and animals, leading to secondary infections
and other negative effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are functional natural biopolymers in
plants and animals. Due to their excellent antimicrobial activities and absence of microbial resistance,
AMPs have attracted enormous research attention. We reviewed the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,
antiparasitic, as well as antitumor properties of AMPs and research progress on AMPs. In addition,
we highlighted various recommendations and potential research areas for their progress and
challenges in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Hao Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118,
China
| | - Da Sun
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Linkai Qu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118,
China
| | - Sue Lin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology
and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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11
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Melo-Braga MN, De Marco Almeida F, Dos Santos DM, de Avelar Júnior JT, Dos Reis PVM, de Lima ME. Antimicrobial Peptides From Lycosidae (Sundevall, 1833) Spiders. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:527-541. [PMID: 31951167 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666200116091911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been found in all organism taxa and may play an essential role as a host defense system. AMPs are organized in various conformations, such as linear peptides, disulfide bond-linked peptides, backbone-linked peptides and circular peptides. AMPs apparently act primarily on the plasma membrane, although an increasing number of works have shown that they may also target various intracellular sites. Spider venoms are rich sources of biomolecules that show several activities, including modulation or blockage of ion channels, anti-insect, anti-cancer, antihypertensive and antimicrobial activities, among others. In spider venoms from the Lycosidae family there are many linear AMPs with a wide range of activities against several microorganisms. Due to these singular activities, some Lycosidae AMPs have been modified to improve or decrease desirable or undesirable effects, respectively. Such modifications, especially with the aim of increasing their antibiotic activity, have led to the filing of many patent applications. This review explores the abundance of Lycosidae venom AMPs and some of their derivatives, and their use as new drug models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Nunes Melo-Braga
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Flávia De Marco Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Joaquim Teixeira de Avelar Júnior
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Pablo Victor Mendes Dos Reis
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Departamento de Bioquimica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,Santa Casa-Belo Horizonte: Ensino e Pesquisa, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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12
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Deslouches B, Montelaro RC, Urish KL, Di YP. Engineered Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides (eCAPs) to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12060501. [PMID: 32486228 PMCID: PMC7357155 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing rate of antibiotic resistance constitutes a global health crisis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the property to selectively kill bacteria regardless of resistance to traditional antibiotics. However, several challenges (e.g., reduced activity in the presence of serum and lack of efficacy in vivo) to clinical development need to be overcome. In the last two decades, we have addressed many of those challenges by engineering cationic AMPs de novo for optimization under test conditions that typically inhibit the activities of natural AMPs, including systemic efficacy. We reviewed some of the most promising data of the last two decades in the context of the advancement of the field of helical AMPs toward clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthony Deslouches
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-624-0103
| | - Ronald C. Montelaro
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA;
| | - Ken L. Urish
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Yuanpu P. Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
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13
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Zhang S, Fu L, Wan M, Song J, Gao L, Fang W. Peripheral Antimicrobial Peptide Gomesin Induces Membrane Protrusion, Folding, and Laceration. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:13233-13242. [PMID: 31510749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Optical microscopy shows that the peripheral antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gomesin does not disrupt the bacterial membrane by forming stable transmembrane pores but induces lipid accumulation domains, which is followed by a sudden burst near the domains. The molecular action mechanisms of gomesin on vesicle and planar bilayer membranes are investigated in this work using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. By comparing the membrane morphology and property changes induced by gomesin and the pore-forming AMP melittin, we determined that the amphiphilic shape of the AMPs is a key factor affecting the mechanism of cell death. The binding of wedge-shaped gomesin, with a small hydrophobic surface, onto the membrane induces protrusion and folding of the outer monolayer followed by sudden membrane lacerations at the axillae of the protuberances. Alternatively, cylinder-shaped melittins with comparable hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces destroy membranes by forming stable pores coexisting with exocytosis-like buddings and endocytosis-like invaginations. The multiple actions of AMPs on the bacterial membrane suggest diverse paradigms for designing molecular carriers for delivering drugs to the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Beijing Normal University , 19 Xin-Jie-Kou-Wai Street , Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Beijing Normal University , 19 Xin-Jie-Kou-Wai Street , Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Mingwei Wan
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Beijing Normal University , 19 Xin-Jie-Kou-Wai Street , Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Junjie Song
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Beijing Normal University , 19 Xin-Jie-Kou-Wai Street , Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Lianghui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Beijing Normal University , 19 Xin-Jie-Kou-Wai Street , Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Weihai Fang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry , Beijing Normal University , 19 Xin-Jie-Kou-Wai Street , Beijing 100875 , China
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14
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Deplazes E, Chin YKY, King GF, Mancera RL. The unusual conformation of cross-strand disulfide bonds is critical to the stability of β-hairpin peptides. Proteins 2019; 88:485-502. [PMID: 31589791 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The cross-strand disulfides (CSDs) found in β-hairpin antimicrobial peptides (β-AMPs) show a unique disulfide geometry that is characterized by unusual torsion angles and a short Cα-Cα distance. While the sequence and disulfide bond connectivity of disulfide-rich peptides is well studied, much less is known about the disulfide geometry found in CSDs and their role in the stability of β-AMPs. To address this, we solved the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of the β-AMP gomesin (Gm) at 278, 298, and 310 K, examined the disulfide bond geometry of over 800 disulfide-rich peptides, and carried out extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the peptides Gm and protegrin. The NMR data suggests Cα-Cα distances characteristic for CSDs are independent of temperature. Analysis of disulfide-rich peptides from the Protein Data Bank revealed that right-handed and left-handed rotamers are equally likely in CSDs. The previously reported preference for right-handed rotamers was likely biased by restricting the analysis to peptides and proteins solved using X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, data from MD simulations showed that the short Cα-Cα distance is critical for the stability of these peptides. The unique disulfide geometry of CSDs poses a challenge to biomolecular force fields and to retain the stability of β-hairpin fold over long simulation times, restraints on the torsion angles might be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Deplazes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yanni K-Y Chin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ricardo L Mancera
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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15
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Sabiá Júnior EF, Menezes LFS, de Araújo IFS, Schwartz EF. Natural Occurrence in Venomous Arthropods of Antimicrobial Peptides Active against Protozoan Parasites. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E563. [PMID: 31557900 PMCID: PMC6832604 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropoda is a phylum of invertebrates that has undergone remarkable evolutionary radiation, with a wide range of venomous animals. Arthropod venom is a complex mixture of molecules and a source of new compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most AMPs affect membrane integrity and produce lethal pores in microorganisms, including protozoan pathogens, whereas others act on internal targets or by modulation of the host immune system. Protozoan parasites cause some serious life-threatening diseases among millions of people worldwide, mostly affecting the poorest in developing tropical regions. Humans can be infected with protozoan parasites belonging to the genera Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma, responsible for Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. There is not yet any cure or vaccine for these illnesses, and the current antiprotozoal chemotherapeutic compounds are inefficient and toxic and have been in clinical use for decades, which increases drug resistance. In this review, we will present an overview of AMPs, the diverse modes of action of AMPs on protozoan targets, and the prospection of novel AMPs isolated from venomous arthropods with the potential to become novel clinical agents to treat protozoan-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Ferreira Sabiá Júnior
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Luis Felipe Santos Menezes
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Israel Flor Silva de Araújo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
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16
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Cappelli A, Valzano M, Cecarini V, Bozic J, Rossi P, Mensah P, Amantini C, Favia G, Ricci I. Killer yeasts exert anti-plasmodial activities against the malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei in the vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi and in mice. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:329. [PMID: 31266522 PMCID: PMC6604151 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wickerhamomyces anomalus is a yeast associated with different insects including mosquitoes, where it is proposed to be involved in symbiotic relationships with hosts. Different symbiotic strains of W. anomalus display a killer phenotype mediated by protein toxins with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. In particular, a killer toxin purified from a W. anomalus strain (WaF17.12), previously isolated from the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi, has shown strong in vitro anti-plasmodial activity against early sporogonic stages of the murine malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. RESULTS Here, we provide evidence that WaF17.12 cultures, properly stimulated to induce the expression of the killer toxin, can directly affect in vitro P. berghei early sporogonic stages, causing membrane damage and parasite death. Moreover, we demonstrated by in vivo studies that mosquito dietary supplementation with activated WaF17.12 cells interfere with ookinete development in the midgut of An. stephensi. Besides the anti-sporogonic action of WaF17.12, an inhibitory effect of purified WaF17.12-killer toxin was observed on erythrocytic stages of P. berghei, with a consequent reduction of parasitaemia in mice. The preliminary safety tests on murine cell lines showed no side effects. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the anti-plasmodial activity of WaF17.12 against different developmental stages of P. berghei. New studies on P. falciparum are needed to evaluate the use of killer yeasts as innovative tools in the symbiotic control of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cappelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Matteo Valzano
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Valentina Cecarini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Jovana Bozic
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, USA
| | - Paolo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Priscilla Mensah
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Consuelo Amantini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Guido Favia
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Irene Ricci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
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17
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Vital WD, Torquato HFV, Jesus LDOP, Judice WADS, Silva MFDGFD, Rodrigues T, Justo GZ, Veiga TAM, Paredes-Gamero EJ. 4-Deoxyraputindole C induces cell death and cell cycle arrest in tumor cell lines. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:9608-9623. [PMID: 30525230 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Several molecules extracted from natural products exhibit different biological activities, such as ion channel modulation, activation of signaling pathways, and anti-inflammatory or antitumor activity. In this study, we tested the antitumor ability of natural compounds extracted from the Raputia praetermissa plant. Among the compounds tested, an alkaloid, here called compound S4 (4-Deoxyraputindole C), showed antitumor effects against human tumor lineages. Compound S4 was the most active against Raji, a lymphoma lineage, promoting cell death with characteristics that including membrane permeabilization, dissipation of the mitochondrial potential, increased superoxide production, and lysosomal membrane permeabilization. The use of cell death inhibitors such as Z-VAD-FMK (caspase inhibitor), necrostatin-1 (receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 inhibitor), E-64 (cysteine peptidases inhibitor), and N-acetyl- L-cysteine (antioxidant) did not decrease compound S4-dependent cell death. Additionally, we tested the effect of cellular activity on adherent human tumor cells. The highest reduction of cellular activity was observed in A549 cells, a lung carcinoma lineage. In this lineage, the effect on the reduction of the cellular activity was due to cell cycle arrest, without plasma membrane permeabilization, loss of the mitochondrial potential or lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Compound S4 was able to inhibit cathepsin B and L by a nonlinear competitive (negative co-operativity) and simple-linear competitive inhibitions, respectively. The potency of inhibition was higher against cathepsin L. Compound S4 promoted cell cycle arrest at G 0 and G 2 phase, and increase the expression of p16 and p21 proteins. In conclusion, compound S4 is an interesting molecule against cancer, promoting cell death in the human lymphoma lineage Raji and cell cycle arrest in the human lung carcinoma lineage A549.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagner D Vital
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Bioquı́mica, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Mogi das Cruzes, Brasil
| | - Heron F V Torquato
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Universidade Braz Cubas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Tiago Rodrigues
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago A M Veiga
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil
| | - Edgar J Paredes-Gamero
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Universidade Braz Cubas, São Paulo, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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18
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Gomesin inhibits melanoma growth by manipulating key signaling cascades that control cell death and proliferation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11519. [PMID: 30068931 PMCID: PMC6070509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29826-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Consistent with their diverse pharmacology, peptides derived from venomous animals have been developed as drugs to treat disorders as diverse as hypertension, diabetes and chronic pain. Melanoma has a poor prognosis due in part to its metastatic capacity, warranting further development of novel targeted therapies. This prompted us to examine the anti-melanoma activity of the spider peptides gomesin (AgGom) and a gomesin-like homolog (HiGom). AgGom and HiGom dose-dependently reduced the viability and proliferation of melanoma cells whereas it had no deleterious effects on non-transformed neonatal foreskin fibroblasts. Concordantly, gomesin-treated melanoma cells showed a reduced G0/G1 cell population. AgGom and HiGom compromised proliferation of melanoma cells via activation of the p53/p21 cell cycle check-point axis and the Hippo signaling cascade, together with attenuation of the MAP kinase pathway. We show that both gomesin peptides exhibit antitumoral activity in melanoma AVATAR-zebrafish xenograft tumors and that HiGom also reduces tumour progression in a melanoma xenograft mouse model. Taken together, our data highlight the potential of gomesin for development as a novel melanoma-targeted therapy.
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19
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The Biological and Biophysical Properties of the Spider Peptide Gomesin. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23071733. [PMID: 30012962 PMCID: PMC6099743 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarises the current knowledge of Gomesin (Gm), an 18-residue long, cationic anti-microbial peptide originally isolated from the haemocytes of the Brazilian tarantula Acanthoscurria gomesiana. The peptide shows potent cytotoxic activity against clinically relevant microbes including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition, Gm shows in-vitro and in-vivo anti-cancer activities against several human and murine cancers. The peptide exerts its cytotoxic activity by permeabilising cell membranes, but the underlying molecular mechanism of action is still unclear. Due to its potential as a therapeutic agent, the structure and membrane-binding properties, as well as the leakage and cytotoxic activities of Gm have been studied using a range of techniques. This review provides a summary of these studies, with a particular focus on biophysical characterisation studies of peptide variants that have attempted to establish a structure-activity relationship. Future studies are still needed to rationalise the binding affinity and cell-type-specific selectivity of Gm and its variants, while more pre-clinical studies are required to develop Gm into a therapeutically useful peptide.
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20
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Couto J, Tonk M, Ferrolho J, Antunes S, Vilcinskas A, de la Fuente J, Domingos A, Cabezas-Cruz A. Antiplasmodial activity of tick defensins in a mouse model of malaria. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:844-849. [PMID: 29567145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease affecting millions of people mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and some South American countries. Drug resistance to first-line antimalarial drugs (e.g. chloroquine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and artemisinin) is a major constrain in malaria control. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown promising results in controlling Plasmodium spp. parasitemia in in vitro and in vivo models of infection. Defensins are AMPs that act primarily by disrupting the integrity of cell membranes of invasive microbes. We previously showed that defensins from the tick Ixodes ricinus inhibited significantly the growth of P. falciparum in vitro, a property that was conserved during evolution. Here, we tested the activity of three I. ricinus defensins against P. chabaudi in mice. A single dose of defensin (120 μl of 1 mg/ml solution) was administered intravenously to P. chabaudi-infected mice, and the parasitemia was followed for 24 h post-treatment. Defensin treatment inhibited significantly the replication (measured as increases in parasitemia) of P. chabaudi after 1 h and 12 h of treatment. Furthermore, defensin injection was not associated with toxicity. These results agreed with the previous report of antiplasmodial activity of tick defensins against P. falciparum in vitro and justify further studies for the use of tick defensins to control malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Couto
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine - Instituto de Higiene e Medicina, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHMT-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miray Tonk
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse 2, D-35394 Giessen, Germany
| | - Joana Ferrolho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine - Instituto de Higiene e Medicina, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHMT-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine - Instituto de Higiene e Medicina, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHMT-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse 2, D-35394 Giessen, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine - Instituto de Higiene e Medicina, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHMT-IHMT-UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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21
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Abstract
Vector control strategies based on population modification of Anopheline mosquitoes may have a significant role in the malaria eradication agenda. They could consolidate elimination gains by providing barriers to the reintroduction of parasites and competent vectors, and allow resources to be allocated to new control sites while maintaining treated areas free of malaria. Synthetic biological approaches are being used to generate transgenic mosquitoes for population modification. Proofs-of-principle exist for mosquito transgenesis, the construction of anti-parasite effector genes and gene-drive systems for rapidly introgressing beneficial genes into wild populations. Key challenges now are to develop field-ready strains of mosquitoes that incorporate features that maximize safety and efficacy, and specify pathways from discovery to development. We propose three pathways and a framework for target product profiles that maximize safety and efficacy while meeting the demands of the complexity of malaria transmission, and the regulatory and social diversity of potential end-users and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony A. James
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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22
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Buri MV, Dias CC, Barbosa CMV, Nogueira-Pedro A, Ribeiro-Filho AC, Miranda A, Paredes-Gamero EJ. Gomesin acts in the immune system and promotes myeloid differentiation and monocyte/macrophage activation in mouse. Peptides 2016; 85:41-45. [PMID: 27614284 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to the cytotoxic effect of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) against several microorganism and tumor cells has been proposed their association with the immune system. However, just a few reports have shown this relationship. In this study, mice were treated with gomesin, a β-hairpin AMP that exhibit high cytotoxicity against bacterial and tumor cells. Different effects in the immune system were observed, such as, decrease of CD3+ in T lymphocytes (Control: 17.7±1.4%; Gomesin: 7.67±1.2%) and in hematopoietic progenitors and increase of hematopoietic stem cell (Control: 0.046±0.004%; Gomesin: 0.067±0.003%), B220+ B lymphocytes (Control: 38.63±1.5%; Gomesin: 47.83±0.48%), and Mac-1+F4/80+ macrophages (Control: 11.76±3.4%; Gomesin: 27.13±4.0%). Additionally, macrophage increase was accompanied by an increase of macrophage phagocytosis (Control 20.85±1.53; Gomesin 31.32±1 Geometric mean), interleukin 6 (Control: 47.24±1.9ng/mL; Gomesin: 138.68±33.68ng/mL) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (Control: 0.872±0.093ng/mL; Gomesin: 1.83±0.067ng/mL). Thus, this report showed immunomodulatory activity of gomesin in the immune system of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus V Buri
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carol C Dias
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Christiano M V Barbosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Nogueira-Pedro
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio C Ribeiro-Filho
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Bioquı́mica, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Edgar J Paredes-Gamero
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Bioquı́mica, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi das Cruzes, SP, Brazil.
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23
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Lacerda AF, Pelegrini PB, de Oliveira DM, Vasconcelos ÉAR, Grossi-de-Sá MF. Anti-parasitic Peptides from Arthropods and their Application in Drug Therapy. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:91. [PMID: 26903970 PMCID: PMC4742531 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa, Asia, and Latin America are regions highly affected by endemic diseases, such as Leishmaniasis, Malaria, and Chagas' disease. They are responsible for the death of 1000s of patients every year, as there is not yet a cure for them and the drugs used are inefficient against the pathogenic parasites. During the life cycle of some parasitic protozoa, insects become the most important host and disseminator of the diseases triggered by these microorganisms. As infected insects do not develop nocive symptoms, they can carry the parasites for long time inside their body, enabling their multiplication and life cycle completion. Eventually, parasites infect human beings after insect's transmission through their saliva and/or feces. Hence, host insects and general arthropods, which developed a way to coexist with such parasites, are a promising source for the prospection of anti-parasitic compounds, as alternative methods for the treatment of protozoa-related diseases. Among the molecules already isolated and investigated, there are proteins and peptides with high activity against parasites, able to inhibit parasite activity in different stages of development. Although, studies are still taking their first steps, initial results show new perspectives on the treatment of parasitic diseases. Therefore, in this report, we describe about peptides from host insect sources with activity against the three most endemic parasites: Leishmania sp., Plasmodium sp., and Trypanosomes. Moreover, we discuss the future application insect peptides as anti-parasitic drugs and the use of non-hosts insect transcriptomes on the prospection of novel molecules for the treatment of parasitic neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane F. Lacerda
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
| | - Patrícia B. Pelegrini
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
| | - Daiane M. de Oliveira
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of BrasiliaBrasilia, Brazil
| | - Érico A. R. Vasconcelos
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
- Department of Health Sciences, Integrated College of Educational Union’s Central PlateauGama, Brazil
| | - Maria F. Grossi-de-Sá
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of BrasiliaBrasilia, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Genomics Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of BrasiliaBrasilia, Brazil
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Sinha S, Singh A, Medhi B, Sehgal R. Systematic Review: Insight into Antimalarial Peptide. Int J Pept Res Ther 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-016-9512-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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The Potential Use of Natural and Structural Analogues of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases. Molecules 2015; 20:15392-433. [PMID: 26305243 PMCID: PMC6332049 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200815392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, research into the development of new antimicrobial agents has been driven by the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates as alternatives to current antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of microbial infections. AMPs are produced by all known living species, displaying direct antimicrobial killing activity and playing an important role in innate immunity. To date, more than 2000 AMPs have been discovered and many of these exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and anti-parasitic activity. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are caused by a variety of pathogens and are particularly wide-spread in low-income and developing regions of the world. Alternative, cost effective treatments are desperately needed to effectively battle these medically diverse diseases. AMPs have been shown to be effective against a variety of NTDs, including African trypanosomes, leishmaniosis and Chagas disease, trachoma and leprosy. In this review, the potential of selected AMPs to successfully treat a variety of NTD infections will be critically evaluated.
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Mattei B, Miranda A, Perez KR, Riske KA. Structure-activity relationship of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin: the role of peptide hydrophobicity in its interaction with model membranes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2014; 30:3513-3521. [PMID: 24606158 DOI: 10.1021/la500146j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are part of the innate immune system of animals and plants. Their lytic activity against microorganisms generally depends on their ability to disrupt and permeabilize membranes. Here we study the structure-activity relationship of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin (Gm), from the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana, with large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) composed of 3:7 palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylglycerol: palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine. Several synthetic analogues of Gm were designed to alter the hydrophobicity/charge of the molecule, whereby selected amino acid residues were replaced by alanine. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to assess the thermodynamic parameters of peptide binding to LUVs and light scattering measurements were made to evaluated peptide-induced vesicle aggregation. The ability of the peptides to permeabilize vesicles was quantified through the leakage of an entrapped fluorescent probe. The activity of peptides could be quantified in terms of the leakage extent induced and their affinity to the membrane, which was largely dictated by the exothermic enthalpy change. The results show that analogues more hydrophobic than Gm display higher activity, whereas peptides more hydrophilic than Gm have their activity almost abolished. Vesicle aggregation, on the other hand, largely increases with peptide charge. We conclude that interaction of Gm with membranes depends on an interplay between surface electrostatic interactions, which drive anchoring to the membrane surface and vesicle aggregation, and insertion of the hydrophobic portion into the membrane core, responsible for causing membrane rupture/permeabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mattei
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo , São Paulo, Brazil
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Rates B, Prates MV, Verano-Braga T, da Rocha ÂP, Roepstorff P, Borges CL, Lapied B, Murillo L, Pimenta AM, Biondi I, De Lima ME. μ-Theraphotoxin-An1a: Primary structure determination and assessment of the pharmacological activity of a promiscuous anti-insect toxin from the venom of the tarantula Acanthoscurria natalensis (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae). Toxicon 2013; 70:123-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Domingues TM, Mattei B, Seelig J, Perez KR, Miranda A, Riske KA. Interaction of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin with model membranes: a calorimetric study. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2013; 29:8609-8618. [PMID: 23755822 DOI: 10.1021/la401596s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Gomesin is a potent cationic antimicrobial peptide (z = +6) isolated from the Brazilian spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana . The interaction of gomesin with large unilamellar vesicles composed of a 1:1 mixture of zwitterionic (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and anionic (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) phospholipids is studied with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). In parallel, light scattering and optical microscopy are used to assess peptide-induced vesicle aggregation. The ability of gomesin to permeabilize the membrane is examined with fluorescence spectroscopy of the leakage of 5,6-carboxyfluorescein (CF). Vesicles coated with 3 mol % 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (PE-PEG) lipids are also investigated to assess the influence of peptide-induced vesicle aggregation in the activity of gomesin. The ITC and light scattering titrations are done in two ways: lipid into peptide and peptide into lipid injections. Although some differences arise between the two setups, the basic interaction of gomesin with anionic vesicles is preserved. A surface partition model combined with the Gouy-Chapman theory is put forward to fit the ITC results. The intrinsic binding constant of gomesin is found to be K ≈ 10(3) M(-1). The interaction of gomesin with anionic membranes is highly exothermic and enthalpy-driven. Binding of gomesin is virtually always accompanied by vesicle aggregation and changes in membrane permeability, leading to CF leakage. Addition of PE-PEG to the membrane strongly attenuates vesicle aggregation but does not significantly change the mode of action of gomesin. The results point to a strong interaction of gomesin with the membrane surface, causing membrane rupture without a deep penetration into the bilayer core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Domingues
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wang S, Jacobs-Lorena M. Genetic approaches to interfere with malaria transmission by vector mosquitoes. Trends Biotechnol 2013; 31:185-93. [PMID: 23395485 PMCID: PMC3593784 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most devastating diseases worldwide, causing over 1 million deaths every year. The most vulnerable stages of Plasmodium development in the vector mosquito occur in the midgut lumen, making the midgut a prime target for intervention. Mosquito transgenesis and paratransgenesis are two novel strategies that aim at rendering the vector incapable of sustaining Plasmodium development. Mosquito transgenesis involves direct genetic engineering of the mosquito itself for delivery of anti-Plasmodium effector molecules. Conversely, paratransgenesis involves the genetic modification of mosquito symbionts for expression of anti-pathogen effector molecules. Here we consider both genetic manipulation strategies for rendering mosquitoes refractory to Plasmodium infection, and discuss challenges for the translation of laboratory findings to field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Chan LY, Zhang VM, Huang YH, Waters NC, Bansal PS, Craik DJ, Daly NL. Cyclization of the Antimicrobial Peptide Gomesin with Native Chemical Ligation: Influences on Stability and Bioactivity. Chembiochem 2013; 14:617-24. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201300034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Paredes-Gamero EJ, Casaes-Rodrigues RL, Moura GEDD, Domingues TM, Buri MV, Ferreira VHC, Trindade ES, Moreno-Ortega AJ, Cano-Abad MF, Nader HB, Ferreira AT, Miranda A, Justo GZ, Tersariol ILS. Cell-Permeable Gomesin Peptide Promotes Cell Death by Intracellular Ca2+ Overload. Mol Pharm 2012; 9:2686-97. [DOI: 10.1021/mp300251j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Victor H. C. Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular,
Universidade Federal do Paraná, PO Box 19031, 81531-990, Curitiba,
Brazil
| | - Edvaldo S. Trindade
- Departamento de Biologia Celular,
Universidade Federal do Paraná, PO Box 19031, 81531-990, Curitiba,
Brazil
| | - Ana J. Moreno-Ortega
- Instituto Teófilo
Hernando, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto
de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa,
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María F. Cano-Abad
- Instituto Teófilo
Hernando, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto
de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa,
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Giselle Z. Justo
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas,
Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Ivarne L. S. Tersariol
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação
Bioquímica, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes, Mogi das Cruzes,
SP, Brazil
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Machado A, Fázio MA, Miranda A, Daffre S, Machini MT. Synthesis and properties of cyclic gomesin and analogues. J Pept Sci 2012; 18:588-98. [PMID: 22865764 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Gomesin (Gm) was the first antimicrobial peptide (AMP) isolated from the hemocytes of a spider, the Brazilian mygalomorph Acanthoscurria gomesiana. We have been studying the properties of this interesting AMP, which also displays anticancer, antimalarial, anticryptococcal and anti-Leishmania activities. In the present study, the total syntheses of backbone-cyclized analogues of Gm (two disulfide bonds), [Cys(Acm)(2,15)]-Gm (one disulfide bond) and [Thr(2,6,11,15),(D)-Pro(9)]-Gm (no disulfide bonds) were accomplished, and the impact of cyclization on their properties was examined. The consequence of simultaneous deletion of pGlu(1) and Arg(16) -Glu-Arg(18) -NH(2) on Gm antimicrobial activity and structure was also analyzed. The results obtained showed that the synthetic route that includes peptide backbone cyclization on resin was advantageous and that a combination of 20% DMSO/NMP, EDC/HOBt, 60 °C and conventional heating appears to be particularly suitable for backbone cyclization of bioactive peptides. The biological properties of the Gm analogues clearly revealed that the N-terminal amino acid pGlu(1) and the amidated C-terminal tripeptide Arg(16) -Glu-Arg(18) -NH(2) play a major role in the interaction of Gm with the target membranes. Moreover, backbone cyclization practically did not affect the stability of the peptides in human serum; it also did not affect or enhanced hemolytic activity, but induced selectivity and, in some cases, discrete enhancements of antimicrobial activity and salt tolerance. Because of its high therapeutic index, easy synthesis and lower cost, the [Thr(2,6,11,15),(D)-Pro(9)]-Gm analogue remains the best active Gm-derived AMP developed so far; nevertheless, its elevated instability in human serum may limit its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Machado
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Caljon G, De Vooght L, Van Den Abbeele J. Options for the delivery of anti-pathogen molecules in arthropod vectors. J Invertebr Pathol 2012; 112 Suppl:S75-82. [PMID: 22841635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2012.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Blood feeding arthropods are responsible for the transmission of a large array of medically important infectious agents that include viruses, bacteria, protozoan parasites and helminths. The recent development of transgenic and paratransgenic technologies have enabled supplementing the immune system of these arthropod vectors with anti-pathogen effector molecules in view of compromising their vector competence for these microbial agents. The characteristics of the selected anti-pathogen compound will largely determine the efficacy and specificity of this approach. Low specificity will generally result in bystander effects, likely having a direct or indirect fitness cost for the arthropod. In contrast, the use of highly specific compounds from the adaptive immune system of vertebrates such as antibody derived fragments is more likely to enable highly specific effects without conferring a selective disadvantage to the (para)transgenic arthropods. Here, Nanobodies® are excellent candidates to increase the immune competence of arthropods. Moreover they were shown to exert a novel type of anti-pathogen activity that uniquely depends on their small size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Caljon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium.
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Paredes-Gamero EJ, Martins MNC, Cappabianco FAM, Ide JS, Miranda A. Characterization of dual effects induced by antimicrobial peptides: regulated cell death or membrane disruption. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012; 1820:1062-72. [PMID: 22425533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some reports describe lysis mechanisms by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), while others describe the activation of regulated cell death. In this study, we compare the cell death-inducing activities of four β-hairpin AMPs (gomesin, protegrin, tachyplesin and polyphemusin II) along with their linear analogs in the human erythroleukemia K562 cell line to investigate the relationship between their structure and activity. METHODS K562 cells were exposed to AMPs. Morphological and biochemistry alterations were evaluated using light microscopy, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. RESULTS Gomesin and protegrin displayed cytotoxic properties that their linear counterparts did not. Tachyplesin and polyphemusin II and also their linear analogs induced cell death. We were able to distinguish two ways in which these AMPs induced cell death. Lower concentrations of AMPs induced controlled cell death mechanisms. Gomesin, tachyplesin and linear-tachyplesin promoted apoptosis that was characterized by annexin labeling, sensitivity to Z-VAD, and caspase-3 activation, but was also inhibited by necrostatin-1. Gomesin and protegrin induced cell death was dependent on intracellular Ca2+ mechanisms and the participation of free radicals was observed in protegrin induced cell death. Polyphemusin II and its linear analog mainly induced necrosis. Conversely, treatment with higher concentrations of AMPs primarily resulted in cell membrane disruption, but with clearly different patterns of action for each AMP tested. CONCLUSION Different actions by β-hairpin AMPs were observed at low concentrations and at higher concentrations despite the structure similarity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Controlled intracellular mechanism and direct membrane disruption were clearly distinguished helping to understand the real action of AMPs in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar J Paredes-Gamero
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Rossi DC, Muñoz JE, Carvalho DD, Belmonte R, Faintuch B, Borelli P, Miranda A, Taborda CP, Daffre S. Therapeutic use of a cationic antimicrobial peptide from the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana in the control of experimental candidiasis. BMC Microbiol 2012; 12:28. [PMID: 22394555 PMCID: PMC3361493 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial peptides are present in animals, plants and microorganisms and play a fundamental role in the innate immune response. Gomesin is a cationic antimicrobial peptide purified from haemocytes of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. It has a broad-spectrum of activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa and tumour cells. Candida albicans is a commensal yeast that is part of the human microbiota. However, in immunocompromised patients, this fungus may cause skin, mucosal or systemic infections. The typical treatment for this mycosis comprises three major categories of antifungal drugs: polyenes, azoles and echinocandins; however cases of resistance to these drugs are frequently reported. With the emergence of microorganisms that are resistant to conventional antibiotics, the development of alternative treatments for candidiasis is important. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of gomesin treatment on disseminated and vaginal candidiasis as well as its toxicity and biodistribution. Results Treatment with gomesin effectively reduced Candida albicans in the kidneys, spleen, liver and vagina of infected mice. The biodistribution of gomesin labelled with technetium-99 m showed that the peptide is captured in the kidneys, spleen and liver. Enhanced production of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 was detected in infected mice treated with gomesin, suggesting an immunomodulatory activity. Moreover, immunosuppressed and C. albicans-infected mice showed an increase in survival after treatment with gomesin and fluconazole. Systemic administration of gomesin was also not toxic to the mic Conclusions Gomesin proved to be effective against experimental Candida albicans infection. It can be used as an alternative therapy for candidiasis, either alone or in combination with fluconazole. Gomesin's mechanism is not fully understood, but we hypothesise that the peptide acts through the permeabilisation of the yeast membrane leading to death and/or releasing the yeast antigens that trigger the host immune response against infection. Therefore, data presented in this study reinforces the potential of gomesin as a therapeutic antifungal agent in both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego C Rossi
- Department of Parasitology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Retrocyclins and their activity against HIV-1. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:2231-42. [PMID: 21553001 PMCID: PMC4511374 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0715-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Primate theta-defensins are physically distinguished as the only known fully-cyclic peptides of animal origin. Humans do not produce theta-defensin peptides due to a premature stop codon present in the signal sequence of all six theta-defensin pseudogenes. Instead, since the putative coding regions of human theta-defensin pseudogenes have remained remarkably intact, their corresponding peptides, called “retrocyclins”, have been recreated using solid-phase synthetic approaches. Retrocyclins exhibit an exceptional therapeutic index both as inhibitors of HIV-1 entry and as bactericidal agents, which makes retrocyclins promising candidates for further development as topical microbicides to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. This review presents the evolution, antiretroviral mechanism of action, and potential clinical applications of retrocyclins to prevent sexual transmission of HIV-1.
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Carter V, Hurd H. Choosing anti-Plasmodium molecules for genetically modifying mosquitoes: focus on peptides. Trends Parasitol 2010; 26:582-90. [PMID: 20800543 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the wake of the development of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, novel strategies for halting malaria transmission are being developed. These include the genetic modification (GM) of mosquitoes to become incompetent vectors. Although mosquito GM technologies are progressing rapidly, the rationale behind choosing anti-parasite molecules to be expressed by mosquitoes has received less attention. Here, questions are explored that that should be addressed during the strategic selection of these anti-Plasmodium molecules, focusing on antimicrobial peptides. Properties that will enhance the likelihood of success are discussed, and the need to plan an initial strategy to eliminate molecules that cause fitness costs to the mosquito is considered. Effector molecules with proven anti-sporogonic stage activity are reviewed, and the activity of a selection of these molecules is detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Carter
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine (ISTM), Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
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Domingues TM, Riske KA, Miranda A. Revealing the lytic mechanism of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin by observing giant unilamellar vesicles. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2010; 26:11077-11084. [PMID: 20356040 DOI: 10.1021/la100662a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Gomesin (Gm) is a potent cationic antimicrobial peptide from a Brazilian spider. Here we use optical and fluorescence microscopy to study the interaction of Gm, its low active linear analogue, [Ser(2,6,11,15)]-Gm (GmL), and a fluorescent labeled analogue, Gm-Rh, with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) composed of mixtures of the neutral lipid palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC) with the negatively charged lipid palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) or cholesterol, so as to mimic bacterial and mammalian cell membranes, respectively. We observed the effect of injecting a peptide solution with a micropipet close to GUVs. As a result of peptide-lipid interaction, GUVs burst suddenly. Stable pores, which result in leaky vesicles, were not observed. Fluorescence microscopy of Gm-Rh injected on GUVs confirmed the high peptide/lipid affinity. These facts lead us to suggest that Gm and GmL disrupt the membrane via the carpet model. In order to quantify the lytic activity of both peptides against different membrane composition, a solution of GUVs was diluted in increasing concentration of peptides and the fraction of burst GUVs was measured as a function of time. The lytic activity of both peptides was enhanced by the presence of POPG and decreased upon addition of cholesterol. GmL exhibited lower lytic activity as compared to Gm, but this difference vanished at high POPG molar fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Domingues
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 100 CEP 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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40
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Gao B, Xu J, del Carmen Rodriguez M, Lanz-Mendoza H, Hernández-Rivas R, Du W, Zhu S. Characterization of two linear cationic antimalarial peptides in the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus. Biochimie 2010; 92:350-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Rodrigues EG, Dobroff AS, Taborda CP, Travassos LR. Antifungal and antitumor models of bioactive protective peptides. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2010; 81:503-20. [PMID: 19722020 DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652009000300015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/31/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are remarkably reactive molecules produced by a great variety of species and able to display a number of functions in uni-and multicellular organisms as mediators, agonists and regulating substances. Some of them exert cytotoxic effects on cells other than those that produced them, and may have a role in controlling subpopulations and protecting certain species or cell types. Presently, we focus on antifungal and antitumor peptides and discuss a few models in which specific sequences and structures exerted direct inhibitory effects or stimulated a protective immune response. The killer peptide, deduced from an antiidiotypic antibody, with several antimicrobial activities and other Ig-derived peptides with cytotoxic activities including antitumor effects, are models studied in vitro and in vivo. Peptide 10 from gp43 of P. brasiliensis (P10) and the vaccine perspective against paracoccidioidomycosis is another topic illustrating the protective effect in vivo against a pathogenic fungus. The cationic antimicrobial peptides with antitumor activities are mostly reviewed here. Local treatment of murine melanoma by the peptide gomesin is another model studied at the Experimental Oncology Unit of UNIFESP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine G Rodrigues
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Abstract
Whereas significant knowledge is accumulating on the antibacterial and antifungal properties of host defense peptides (HDPs) and their synthetic mimics, much less is known of their activities against parasites. A variety of in vitro and in vivo antiparasitic assays suggest that these notorious antimicrobial compounds could represent a powerful tool for the development of novel drugs to fight parasites in the vertebrate host or to complement current therapeutic strategies, albeit the fact that HDPs essentially act by nonspecific mechanisms casts serious doubt on their ability to exert sufficient selectivity to be considered ideal candidates for drug development. This minireview summarizes recent efforts to assess the antiparasitic properties of HDPs and their synthetic derivatives, focusing on two of the most used models - Plasmodium and Leishmania species - for antiparasitic assays against the different development stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amram Mor
- Department of Biotechnology & Food Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Kückelhaus SA, Leite JRS, Muniz-Junqueira MI, Sampaio RN, Bloch C, Tosta CE. Antiplasmodial and antileishmanial activities of phylloseptin-1, an antimicrobial peptide from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa azurea (Amphibia). Exp Parasitol 2009; 123:11-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Differential effects of α-helical and β-hairpin antimicrobial peptides against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Parasitology 2009; 136:813-21. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182009006283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYIn this work we evaluated the ability of different types of antimicrobial peptides to promote permeabilization and growth inhibition of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites, which cause eye keratitis. We used cationic α-helical peptides P5 and P6, corresponding to the N-terminus of the pore-forming protein from Triatoma infestans, a blood-sucking insect, and a β-hairpin amphipathic molecule (gomesin), of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana haemocytes. A. castellanii permeabilization was obtained after 1 h incubation with micromolar concentrations of both types of peptides. While permeabilization induced by gomesin increased with longer incubations, P5 permeabilization did not increase with time and occurred at doses that are more toxic for SIRC cells. P5, however, at doses below the critical dose used to kill rabbit corneal cells was quite effective in promoting growth inhibition. Similarly, P5 was more effective when serine protease inhibitor was added simultaneously to the permeabilization assay. High performance chromatography followed by mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that, in contrast to gomesin, P5 is hydrolysed by A. castellanii culture supernatants. We conclude that the use of antimicrobial peptides to treat A. castellanii infections requires the search of more specific peptides that are resistant to proteolysis.
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Arias M, Orduz S, Lemeshko VV. Potential-dependent permeabilization of plasma membrane by the peptide BTM-P1 derived from the Cry11Bb1 protoxin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2009; 1788:532-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2008.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pálffy R, Gardlík R, Behuliak M, Kadasi L, Turna J, Celec P. On the physiology and pathophysiology of antimicrobial peptides. Mol Med 2009; 15:51-9. [PMID: 19015736 PMCID: PMC2583110 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2008.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are a heterogeneous group of molecules involved in the nonspecific immune responses of a variety of organisms ranging from prokaryotes to mammals, including humans. AMP have various physical and biological properties, yet the most common feature is their antimicrobial effect. The majority of AMP disrupt the integrity of microbial cells by 1 of 3 known mechanisms--the barrel-stave pore model, the thoroidal pore model, or the carpet model. Results of growing numbers of descriptive and experimental studies show that altered expression of AMP in various tissues is important in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal, respiratory, and other diseases. We discuss novel approaches and strategies to further improve the promising future of therapeutic applications of AMP. The spread of antibiotic resistance increases the importance of developing a clinical role for AMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Pálffy
- BiomeD Research and Publishing Group, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Roman Gardlík
- BiomeD Research and Publishing Group, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Behuliak
- BiomeD Research and Publishing Group, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ludevit Kadasi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jan Turna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Celec
- BiomeD Research and Publishing Group, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Maciel C, de Oliveira Junior VX, Fázio MA, Nacif-Pimenta R, Miranda A, Pimenta PFP, Capurro ML. Anti-plasmodium activity of angiotensin II and related synthetic peptides. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3296. [PMID: 18820728 PMCID: PMC2546444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium species are the causative agents of malaria, the most devastating insect-borne parasite of human populations. Finding and developing new drugs for malaria treatment and prevention is the goal of much research. Angiotensins I and II (ang I and ang II) and six synthetic related peptides designated Vaniceres 1-6 (VC1-VC6) were assayed in vivo and in vitro for their effects on the development of the avian parasite, Plasmodium gallinaceum. Ang II and VC5 injected into the thoraces of the insects reduced mean intensities of infection in the mosquito salivary glands by 88% and 76%, respectively. Although the mechanism(s) of action is not completely understood, we have demonstrated that these peptides disrupt selectively the P.gallinaceum cell membrane. Additionally, incubation in vitro of sporozoites with VC5 reduced the infectivity of the parasites to their vertebrate host. VC5 has no observable agonist effects on vertebrates, and this makes it a promising drug for malaria prevention and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceres Maciel
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rafael Nacif-Pimenta
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, René Rachou Institute of Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation–FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo F. P. Pimenta
- Laboratory of Medical Entomology, René Rachou Institute of Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation–FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Margareth Lara Capurro
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Rodrigues FG, Santos MN, de Carvalho TXT, Rocha BC, Riehle MA, Pimenta PFP, Abraham EG, Jacobs-Lorena M, Alves de Brito CF, Moreira LA. Expression of a mutated phospholipase A2 in transgenic Aedes fluviatilis mosquitoes impacts Plasmodium gallinaceum development. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 17:175-83. [PMID: 18353106 PMCID: PMC4137777 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2008.00791.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The genetic manipulation of mosquito vectors is an alternative strategy in the fight against malaria. It was previously shown that bee venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibits ookinete invasion of the mosquito midgut although mosquito fitness was reduced. To maintain the PLA2 blocking ability without compromising mosquito biology, we mutated the protein-coding sequence to inactivate the enzyme while maintaining the protein's structure. DNA encoding the mutated PLA2 (mPLA2) was placed downstream of a mosquito midgut-specific promoter (Anopheles gambiae peritrophin protein 1 promoter, AgPer1) and this construct used to transform Aedes fluviatilis mosquitoes. Four different transgenic lines were obtained and characterized and all lines significantly inhibited Plasmodium gallinaceum oocyst development (up to 68% fewer oocysts). No fitness cost was observed when this mosquito species expressed the mPLA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- F G Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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Effective topical treatment of subcutaneous murine B16F10-Nex2 melanoma by the antimicrobial peptide gomesin. Neoplasia 2008; 10:61-8. [PMID: 18231639 DOI: 10.1593/neo.07885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Revised: 11/07/2007] [Accepted: 11/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gomesin is a potent antimicrobial peptide (AMP) isolated from hemocytes of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. The present study aimed at determining whether gomesin exerted antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Topical treatment of subcutaneous murine melanoma with gomesin incorporated in a cream base significantly delayed tumor growth. A direct cytotoxicity of gomesin in murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2 cells and several human tumor cell lineages was observed in vitro, with IC(50) values below 5 microM. The beta-hairpin structure of gomesin with disulfide bridges seemed essential for optimal activity. d-Gomesin was equally active. A membrane-permeabilizing activity was suggested, as gomesin bound to the cell membrane and cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase was detected extracellularly. At doses causing partial growth of tumor cells, gomesin allowed internalization of macromolecules (immunoglobulins), which increased the cytotoxic effect. The in vivo antitumor effect of gomesin might also involve a cytotoxic effect on endothelial cells because cultured human endothelial cells were killed in vitro at a similar concentration range. This effect represents a novel and potential use for gomesin as a topical agent against unsuccessfully treated intradermal and epithelial skin cancers. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the successful topical use of AMPs in cancer treatment.
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50
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Barbosa FM, Daffre S, Maldonado RA, Miranda A, Nimrichter L, Rodrigues ML. Gomesin, a peptide produced by the spiderAcanthoscurria gomesiana, is a potent anticryptococcal agent that acts in synergism with fluconazole. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2007; 274:279-86. [PMID: 17645524 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2007.00850.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gomesin is an 18-residue cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide produced by hemocytes of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. In the present study, the antifungal properties of gomesin against Cryptococcus neoformans, the etiologic agent of cryptococcosis, were evaluated. Gomesin bound to the cell surface of cryptococci, which resulted in cell death associated with membrane permeabilization. Antifungal concentrations of gomesin were not toxic for human brain cells. Supplementation of cryptococcal cultures with the peptide (1 microM) caused a decrease in capsule expression and rendered fungal cells more susceptible to killing by human brain phagocytes. The possible use of gomesin in combination with fluconazole, a standard antifungal drug, was also evaluated. In association with fluconazole, gomesin concentrations with low antimicrobial activity (0.1-1 microM) inhibited fungal growth and enhanced the antimicrobial activity of brain phagocytes. These results reveal the potential of gomesin to promote inhibition of cryptococcal growth directly or by enhancing the effectiveness of host defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane M Barbosa
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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