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Peng Z, Xiong T, Huang T, Xu X, Fan P, Qiao B, Xie M. Factors affecting production and effectiveness, performance improvement and mechanisms of action of bacteriocins as food preservative. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:12294-12307. [PMID: 35866501 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Modern society is increasingly attracted with safe, natural, and additive-free food products, that gives preference to bacteriocins produced by General Recognized as Safe bacteria as a food preservative. Bacteriocins have been reported to be effective in extending shelf life of diverse foods such as meats, dairy products, wine, juice, and fruits and vegetables, whereas commercialized bacteriocins remain only nisin, pediocin, and Micocin. It is important that commercialized preservatives undergo an easy-to-handle manufacturing while maintaining high efficacy. Limited application of bacteriocins is most often caused by the absence of legislatives for use, low production, high cost and complicated purification process, reduced efficiency in the complex food matrix and insufficiently defined mechanism of action. Accordingly, this review provides an overview of bacteriocins, in relation to production stimulation, general purification scheme, impact of food matrix on bacteriocin effectiveness, and collaborative technology to improve bacteriocin performances. It is worth to note that purification and performance improvement technology remain the two challenging tasks in promoting bacteriocins as a widely used bio-preservative. Furthermore, this review for the first time divides bacteriocin receptors into specific classes (class I, II, III) and nonspecific class, to provide a basis for an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Peng
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Xiong
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Huang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Pengrong Fan
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Baoling Qiao
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mingyong Xie
- School of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Chen YP, Li Y, Chen F, Wu H, Zhang S. Characterization and expression of fungal defensin in Escherichia coli and its antifungal mechanism by RNA-seq analysis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1172257. [PMID: 37389349 PMCID: PMC10306309 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1172257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are fatally threatening to critical patients. The fungal defensin as an antifungal protein can widely inhibit fungi. Methods In this study, eight antifungal genes from different filamentous fungi were optimized by synonymous codon bias and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Results and discussion Only the antifungal protein (AFP) from Aspergillus giganteus was produced, whereas the AFP from its mutation of the chitin-binding domain could not be expressed, thereby suggesting the importance of the motif for protein folding. In addition, the recombinant AFP (rAFP, 100 μg/mL) pre-heated at 50°C for 1 h effectively inhibited Paecilomyces variotii CICC40716 of IFIs by 55%, and no cell cytotoxicity was observed in RAW264.7 cells. After being pre-heated at 50°C for 8 h, the fluorescence emission intensity of the rAFP decreased and shifted from 343 nm to 335 nm. Moreover, the helix and β-turn of the rAFP gradually decreased with the pre-heated treatment temperature of 50°C via circular dichroism spectroscopy. Propidium iodide staining revealed that the rAFP could cause damage to the cell membrane. Moreover, the corresponding differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for downregulation such as amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway involved in the cell wall integrity were found via the RNA-seq of rAFP treatment. By contrast, the upregulated DEGs were enriched in response to the oxidative stress of Biological Process by the Gene Ontology (GO) database. The encoding proteins of laccase, multicopper oxidase, and nitroreductase that contributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging could be recognized. These results suggested that the rAFP may affect the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane, and promote the increase in ROS, thereby resulting in fungal death. Consequently, drug development could be based on the inhibitory effect of the rAFP on IFIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Pei Chen
- Department of Public Health and Medical Technology, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Cosmeceuticals College of Fujian Province, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Cosmeceuticals College of Fujian Province, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Department of Medical Technology, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Department of Public Health and Medical Technology, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Cosmeceuticals College of Fujian Province, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hongtan Wu
- Department of Public Health and Medical Technology, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Cosmeceuticals College of Fujian Province, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shudi Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Medical Technology, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Cosmeceuticals College of Fujian Province, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Antibacterial and antifungal activity of kenaf seed peptides and their effect on microbiological safety and physicochemical properties of some food models. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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4
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Antifungal Peptides and Proteins to Control Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413261. [PMID: 34948059 PMCID: PMC8703302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The global challenge to prevent fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination on food and feed requires the development of new antifungal strategies. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) with antifungal activity are gaining much interest as natural antifungal compounds due to their properties such as structure diversity and function, antifungal spectrum, mechanism of action, high stability and the availability of biotechnological production methods. Given their multistep mode of action, the development of fungal resistance to AMPs is presumed to be slow or delayed compared to conventional fungicides. Interestingly, AMPs also accomplish important biological functions other than antifungal activity, including anti-mycotoxin biosynthesis activity, which opens novel aspects for their future use in agriculture and food industry to fight mycotoxin contamination. AMPs can reach intracellular targets and exert their activity by mechanisms other than membrane permeabilization. The mechanisms through which AMPs affect mycotoxin production are varied and complex, ranging from oxidative stress to specific inhibition of enzymatic components of mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways. This review presents natural and synthetic antifungal AMPs from different origins which are effective against mycotoxin-producing fungi, and aims at summarizing current knowledge concerning their additional effects on mycotoxin biosynthesis. Antifungal AMPs properties and mechanisms of action are also discussed.
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Abstract
Current strategies of combating bacterial infections are limited and involve the use of antibiotics and preservatives. Each of these agents has generally inadequate efficacy and a number of serious adverse effects. Thus, there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial drugs and food preservatives with higher efficacy and lower toxicity. Edible plants have been used in medicine since ancient times and are well known for their successful antimicrobial activity. Often photosensitizers are present in many edible plants; they could be a promising source for a new generation of drugs and food preservatives. The use of photodynamic therapy allows enhancement of antimicrobial properties in plant photosensitizers. The purpose of this review is to present the verified data on the antimicrobial activities of photodynamic phytochemicals in edible species of the world’s flora, including the various mechanisms of their actions.
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Sultana A, Luo H, Ramakrishna S. Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Applications in Biomedical Sector. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1094. [PMID: 34572676 PMCID: PMC8465024 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In a report by WHO (2014), it was stated that antimicrobial resistance is an arising challenge that needs to be resolved. This resistance is a critical issue in terms of disease or infection treatment and is usually caused due to mutation, gene transfer, long-term usage or inadequate use of antimicrobials, survival of microbes after consumption of antimicrobials, and the presence of antimicrobials in agricultural feeds. One of the solutions to this problem is antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are ubiquitously present in the environment. These peptides are of concern due to their special mode of action against a wide spectrum of infections and health-related problems. The biomedical field has the highest need of AMPs as it possesses prominent desirable activity against HIV-1, skin cancer, breast cancer, in Behcet's disease treatment, as well as in reducing the release of inflammatory cells such as TNFα, IL-8, and IL-1β, enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and GM-CSF, and in wound healing properties. This review has highlighted all the major functions and applications of AMPs in the biomedical field and concludes the future potential of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afreen Sultana
- Center for Nanotechnology & Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore;
| | - Hongrong Luo
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China;
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Center for Nanotechnology & Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore;
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7
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Mani-López E, Palou E, López-Malo A. Legume proteins, peptides, water extracts, and crude protein extracts as antifungals for food applications. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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8
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Shwaiki LN, Lynch KM, Arendt EK. Future of antimicrobial peptides derived from plants in food application – A focus on synthetic peptides. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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9
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Yesiltas B, Gregersen S, Lægsgaard L, Brinch ML, Olsen TH, Marcatili P, Overgaard MT, Hansen EB, Jacobsen C, García-Moreno PJ. Emulsifier peptides derived from seaweed, methanotrophic bacteria, and potato proteins identified by quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics. Food Chem 2021; 362:130217. [PMID: 34098440 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Global focus on sustainability has accelerated research into alternative non-animal sources of food protein and functional food ingredients. Amphiphilic peptides represent a class of promising biomolecules to replace chemical emulsifiers in food emulsions. In contrast to traditional trial-and-error enzymatic hydrolysis, this study utilizes a bottom-up approach combining quantitative proteomics, bioinformatics prediction, and functional validation to identify novel emulsifier peptides from seaweed, methanotrophic bacteria, and potatoes. In vitro functional validation reveal that all protein sources contained embedded novel emulsifier peptides comparable to or better than sodium caseinate (CAS). Thus, peptides efficiently reduced oil-water interfacial tension and generated physically stable emulsions with higher net zeta potential and smaller droplet sizes than CAS. In silico structure modelling provided further insight on peptide structure and the link to emulsifying potential. This study clearly demonstrates the potential and broad applicability of the bottom-up approach for identification of abundant and potent emulsifier peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Yesiltas
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark.
| | - Simon Gregersen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Denmark.
| | - Linea Lægsgaard
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Maja L Brinch
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Tobias H Olsen
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Paolo Marcatili
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | | | - Egon B Hansen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | | | - Pedro J García-Moreno
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Spain.
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Shwaiki LN, Arendt EK, Lynch KM. Plant compounds for the potential reduction of food waste - a focus on antimicrobial peptides. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:4242-4265. [PMID: 33480260 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1873733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A large portion of global food waste is caused by microbial spoilage. The modern approach to preserve food is to apply different hurdles for microbial pathogens to overcome. These vary from thermal processes and chemical additives, to the application of irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging. Even though such preservative techniques exist, loss of food to spoilage still prevails. Plant compounds and peptides represent an untapped source of potential novel natural food preservatives. Of these, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are very promising for exploitation. AMPs are a significant component of a plant's innate defense system. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential application of these AMPs; however, more studies, particularly in the area of food preservation are warranted. This review examines the literature on the application of AMPs and other plant compounds for the purpose of reducing food losses and waste (including crop protection). A focus is placed on the plant defensins, their natural extraction and synthetic production, and their safety and application in food preservation. In addition, current challenges and impediments to their full exploitation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila N Shwaiki
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Elke K Arendt
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kieran M Lynch
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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11
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Study on the Inhibitory Activity of a Synthetic Defensin Derived from Barley Endosperm against Common Food Spoilage Yeast. Molecules 2020; 26:molecules26010165. [PMID: 33396521 PMCID: PMC7794838 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the food industry, food spoilage is a real issue that can lead to a significant amount of waste. Although current preservation techniques are being applied to reduce the occurrence of spoilage microorganisms, the problem persists. Food spoilage yeast are part of this dilemma, with common spoilers such as Zygosaccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Debaryomyces and Saccharomyces frequently encountered. Antimicrobial peptides derived from plants have risen in popularity due to their ability to reduce spoilage. This study examines the potential application of a synthetic defensin peptide derived from barley endosperm. Its inhibitory effect against common spoilage yeasts, its mechanisms of action (membrane permeabilisation and overproduction of reactive oxygen species), and its stability in different conditions were characterised. The safety of the peptide was evaluated through a haemolysis and cytotoxicity assay, and no adverse effects were found. Both assays were performed to understand the effect of the peptide if it were to be consumed. Its ability to be degraded by a digestive enzyme was also examined for its safety. Finally, the peptide was successfully applied to different beverages and maintained the same inhibitory effects in apple juice as was observed in the antiyeast assays, providing further support for its application in food preservation.
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12
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Study on the characterisation and application of synthetic peptide Snakin-1 derived from potato tubers – Action against food spoilage yeast. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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13
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Mohamad Asri N, Muhialdin BJ, Zarei M, Saari N. Low molecular weight peptides generated from palm kernel cake via solid state lacto-fermentation extend the shelf life of bread. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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Shwaiki LN, Arendt EK, Lynch KM. Anti-yeast activity and characterisation of synthetic radish peptides Rs-AFP1 and Rs-AFP2 against food spoilage yeast. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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15
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Wei H, Movahedi A, Xu C, Sun W, Wang P, Li D, Yin T, Zhuge Q. Characterization, Expression Profiling, and Functional Analysis of PtDef, a Defensin-Encoding Gene From Populus trichocarpa. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:106. [PMID: 32117134 PMCID: PMC7018670 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PtDef cloned from Populus trichocarpa contained eight cysteine domains specific to defensins. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that PtDef was expressed in all tissues tested, with lower expression in leaves and higher expression in petioles, stems, and roots. Purified fused PtDef inhibited Aspergillus niger, Alternaria Nees, Mucor corymbifer, Marssonina populi, Rhizopus sp., and Neurospora crassa. PtDef also inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli by triggering autolysis. PtDef overexpression in Nanlin895 poplar (Populus × euramericana cv. Nanlin895) enhanced the level of resistance to Septotinia populiperda. qRT-PCR analysis also showed that the expression of 13 genes related to salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction differed between transgenic and wild-type (WT) poplars before and after inoculation, and that PR1-1 (12–72 h), NPR1-2, TGA1, and MYC2-1 expression was higher in transgenic poplars than in WT. During the hypersensitivity response (HR), large amounts of H2O2 were produced by the poplar lines, particularly 12–24 h after inoculation; the rate and magnitude of the H2O2 concentration increase were greater in transgenic lines than in WT. Overall, our findings suggest that PtDef, a defensin-encoding gene of P. trichocarpa, could be used for genetic engineering of woody plants for enhanced disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wei
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ali Movahedi
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Provincial Key Construction Laboratory of Special Biomass Resource Utilization, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weibo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tongming Yin
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Zhuge
- Key Laboratory of Forest Genetics & Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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Isolation and characterisation of the antifungal activity of the cowpea defensin Cp-thionin II. Food Microbiol 2019; 82:504-514. [PMID: 31027812 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2019.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
As a result of the rapidly growing human population, reducing post-harvest crop losses of cereals due to microbial pests has major importance. Plant defensins have the potential to fulfil these demands, being highly specific and efficient antimicrobial agents. Hence, this study aimed to extract and characterise a peptide from cowpea seeds and investigate its antifungal performance. After extraction and partial purification, N-terminal sequencing was used to identify the primary peptide in the extract as cowpea-thionin II. Antifungal activity in vitro was found against Fusarium culmorum (MIC = 50 μg/mL), but Aspergillus niger and Penecillium expansum showed an MIC > 500 μg/mL. The extract was resistant against heat treatment (100 °C, 15 min) but lost its antifungal activity in presence of cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, respectively). Membrane permeabilization of fungal hyphae was evident at 25 μg/mL, while induction of oxidative stress only had minor contribution to the antifungal performance. The extract did not induce haemolysis at all concentrations tested (up to 200 μg/mL). Finally, it was successfully used to protect stored wheat grains from fungal spoilage (determined via ergosterol content) when applied at 100 μg/mL. In conclusion, the defensin Cp-thionin II showed the potential for future application as food bio-preservative.
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Dib HX, de Oliveira DGL, de Oliveira CFR, Taveira GB, de Oliveira Mello E, Verbisk NV, Chang MR, Corrêa Junior D, Gomes VM, Macedo MLR. Biochemical characterization of a Kunitz inhibitor from Inga edulis seeds with antifungal activity against Candida spp. Arch Microbiol 2018; 201:223-233. [DOI: 10.1007/s00203-018-1598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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A structural perspective of plant antimicrobial peptides. Biochem J 2018; 475:3359-3375. [PMID: 30413680 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Among the numerous strategies plants have developed to fend off enemy attack, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) stand out as one of the most prominent defensive barriers that grant direct and durable resistance against a wide range of pests and pathogens. These small proteins are characterized by a compact structure and an overall positive charge. AMPs have an ancient origin and widespread occurrence in the plant kingdom but show an unusually high degree of variation in their amino acid sequences. Interestingly, there is a strikingly conserved topology among the plant AMP families, suggesting that the defensive properties of these peptides are not determined by their primary sequences but rather by their tridimensional structure. To explore and expand this idea, we here discuss the role of AMPs for plant defense from a structural perspective. We show how specific structural properties, such as length, charge, hydrophobicity, polar angle and conformation, are essential for plant AMPs to act as a chemical shield that hinders enemy attack. Knowledge on the topology of these peptides is facilitating the isolation, classification and even structural redesign of AMPs, thus allowing scientists to develop new peptides with multiple agronomical and pharmacological potential.
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