1
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Thomas AM, Antony SP. Marine Antimicrobial Peptides: An Emerging Nightmare to the Life-Threatening Pathogens. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:552-578. [PMID: 37022565 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens due to improper usage of conventional antibiotics has created a global health crisis. Alternatives to antibiotics being an urgent need, the scientific community is forced to search for new antimicrobials. This exploration has led to the discovery of antimicrobial peptides, a group of small peptides occurring in different phyla such as Porifera, Cnidaria, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Chordata, as a component of their innate immune system. The marine environment, possessing immense diversity of organisms, is undoubtedly one of the richest sources of unique potential antimicrobial peptides. The distinctiveness of marine antimicrobial peptides lies in their broad-spectrum activity, mechanism of action, less cytotoxicity, and high stability, which form the benchmark for developing a potential therapeutic. This review aims to (1) synthesise the available information on the distinctive antimicrobial peptides discovered from marine organisms, particularly over the last decade, and (2) discuss the distinctiveness of marine antimicrobial peptides and their prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Maria Thomas
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - Swapna P Antony
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India.
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2
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Solov'eva TF, Bakholdina SI, Naberezhnykh GA. Host Defense Proteins and Peptides with Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Activity from Marine Invertebrates and Their Therapeutic Potential in Gram-Negative Sepsis. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:581. [PMID: 37999405 PMCID: PMC10672452 DOI: 10.3390/md21110581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infectious process that results from the excessive and uncontrolled activation of the host's pro-inflammatory immune response to a pathogen. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also known as endotoxin, which is a major component of Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane, plays a key role in the development of Gram-negative sepsis and septic shock in humans. To date, no specific and effective drug against sepsis has been developed. This review summarizes data on LPS-binding proteins from marine invertebrates (ILBPs) that inhibit LPS toxic effects and are of interest as potential drugs for sepsis treatment. The structure, physicochemical properties, antimicrobial, and LPS-binding/neutralizing activity of these proteins and their synthetic analogs are considered in detail. Problems that arise during clinical trials of potential anti-endotoxic drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Fedorovna Solov'eva
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
| | - Svetlana Ivanovna Bakholdina
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Vladivostok 690022, Russia
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3
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Guryanova SV, Balandin SV, Belogurova-Ovchinnikova OY, Ovchinnikova TV. Marine Invertebrate Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Potential as Novel Peptide Antibiotics. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:503. [PMID: 37888438 PMCID: PMC10608444 DOI: 10.3390/md21100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine invertebrates constantly interact with a wide range of microorganisms in their aquatic environment and possess an effective defense system that has enabled their existence for millions of years. Their lack of acquired immunity sets marine invertebrates apart from other marine animals. Invertebrates could rely on their innate immunity, providing the first line of defense, survival, and thriving. The innate immune system of marine invertebrates includes various biologically active compounds, and specifically, antimicrobial peptides. Nowadays, there is a revive of interest in these peptides due to the urgent need to discover novel drugs against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, a pressing global concern in modern healthcare. Modern technologies offer extensive possibilities for the development of innovative drugs based on these compounds, which can act against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. This review focuses on structural peculiarities, biological functions, gene expression, biosynthesis, mechanisms of antimicrobial action, regulatory activities, and prospects for the therapeutic use of antimicrobial peptides derived from marine invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana V. Guryanova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.G.); (S.V.B.)
- Medical Institute, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Balandin
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.G.); (S.V.B.)
| | | | - Tatiana V. Ovchinnikova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.V.G.); (S.V.B.)
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia;
- Department of Biotechnology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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4
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Dhar D, Dey D. In silico analysis of the C-terminal domain of big defensin from the Pacific oyster. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35916030 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2105957] [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: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Defensins are antimicrobial peptides consisting of intramolecular disulphide bonds in a complex folded arrangement of two or three antiparallel β-sheets with or without an α-helical structure. They are produced by a vast range of organisms being constitutively expressed or induced in various tissues against different stimuli like infection, injury or other inflammatory factors. Two classes of invertebrate defensin exist, namely CS-αβ and big defensin, the latter being predominantly present in molluscs. Intriguingly, an invertebrate big defensin gene has been hypothesized as the most probable ancestor of vertebrate β-defensins. Here, conserved residues were identified for both big defensin and β-defensin. In silico mutation on conserved amino acid positions of the β-defensin-like domain of big defensin from Crassostrea gigas was carried out to understand the effects of mutation on the structure and function of the protein. R64A and E71A have been identified as deleterious as well as destabilizing for the protein. Changes in amino acid network and aggregation propensity were also observed upon mutating these two charged residues. 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations of wild-type, R64A and E71A structures revealed significant conformational changes in the case of mutants. Furthermore, molecular docking highlighted the significance of R64 in ligand interaction. In conclusion, these results provide the first in-depth understanding of the structural and functional importance imparted by two conserved charged residues in the C-terminal region of big defensin. It also enhances the existing knowledge about this antimicrobial peptide for application in therapeutics and other aspects of protein engineering.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanjana Dhar
- Graduate School of Science, Department of Natural History Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Debayan Dey
- Graduate School of Life Science, Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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5
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Ri S, Zha S, Kim T, Ju K, Zhou W, Shi W, Wu M, Kim C, Bao Y, Sun C, Liu G. Identification, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of a novel big defensin discovered in a commercial bivalve mollusc, Tegillarca granosa. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 124:174-181. [PMID: 35398526 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Molluscs, the second largest animal phylum on earth, primarily rely on cellular and humoral immune responses to fight against pathogen infection. Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as big defensin play crucial roles in the humoral immune response, it remains largely unknown in the ecological and economic important blood clam (Tegillarca granosa). In this study, a novel big defensin gene (TgBD) was identified in T. granosa through transcripts and whole genome searching. Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to explore the molecular characteristics of TgBD, and comparisons of TgBD with those reported in other molluscs were performed by multiple alignments and phylogenetic analysis. In addition, the expression patterns of TgBD in various tissues and upon bacterial challenge were investigated while the antimicrobial activity of synthetic N-terminal domain of TgBD was confirmed in vitro by radial diffusion experiment. Results obtained showed TgBD had an open reading frame (ORF) of 369 bp, encoding a prepropeptide containing a signal peptide and a propeptide. Similar to big defensins reported in other species, TgBD consists of a hydrophobic N-terminal domain containing β1-α1-α2-β2 folds and a cysteine-rich cationic C-terminal domain with three disulfide bonds between C1-C5, C2-C4, and C3-C6. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TgBD shared 76.80% similarity to its close relative ark shell (Scapharca broughtoni). In addition, TgBD expression was observed in all tissues investigated under normal conditions and was significantly induced by injection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, synthetic N-terminal peptide of TgBD exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria tested. Our results indicated that TgBD is a constitutive and inducible acute phase AMP, which provides a universal and prompt protection for T. granosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghyok Ri
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; College of Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, 99903, D.P.R, North Korea
| | - Shanjie Zha
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, PR China; Ninghai Institute of Mariculture Breeding and Seed Industry, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ninghai, 315604, PR China
| | - Tongchol Kim
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; College of Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, 99903, D.P.R, North Korea
| | - Kwangjin Ju
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; College of Aquaculture, Wonsan Fisheries University, Wonsan, 999093, D.P.R, North Korea
| | - Weishang Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Myongsik Wu
- College of Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, 99903, D.P.R, North Korea
| | - Chunmi Kim
- College of Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, 99903, D.P.R, North Korea
| | - Yongbo Bao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, PR China; Ninghai Institute of Mariculture Breeding and Seed Industry, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ninghai, 315604, PR China
| | - Changsen Sun
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Aquatic Germplasm Resources, College of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, PR China; Ninghai Institute of Mariculture Breeding and Seed Industry, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ninghai, 315604, PR China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China.
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Stambuk F, Ojeda C, Machado Matos G, Rosa RD, Mercado L, Schmitt P. Big defensin from the scallop Argopecten purpuratus ApBD1 is an antimicrobial peptide which entraps bacteria through nanonets formation. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 119:456-461. [PMID: 34710565 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Big defensins is a large family of antimicrobial peptides found in restricted groups of invertebrates, in particular mollusks where they have highly diversified. Big defensins are composed of a highly hydrophobic N-terminal region and a C-terminal region containing six cysteine residues whose arrangement is identical to that of vertebrate β-defensins. They have been shown to be active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Antimicrobial aggregates called nanonets entrapping and killing bacteria have been recently described for the hydrophobic N-terminal region of the Cg-BigDef1 from the oyster Crassostrea gigas. To determine whether nanonets formation is a conserved trait of mollusk big defensins, we assessed the potential entrapping of bacteria through nanonets of the big defensin from the scallop Argopecten purpuratus, ApBD1. Recombinant ApBD1 was produced with a thrombin-cleavable N-terminal His6 tag, followed by the mature peptide carrying a mutation of the last cysteine residue of the C-terminal region by and arginine, named rApBD1(C87R). This mutation did not apparently affect the three-dimensional structure and the biological properties of rApBD1(C87R), as evidenced by in silico modeling and in vitro antimicrobial assays. Strong immune staining of rApBD1(C87R) in numerous areas surrounding bacteria was observed by confocal microscopy, suggesting that rApBD1(C87R) entraps bacteria in peptide aggregates similar to those reported to the oyster big defensin. This study suggests the conservation of bactericidal activity and nanonet formation across big defensins from bivalve mollusks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Stambuk
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Claudia Ojeda
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Gabriel Machado Matos
- Laboratory of Immunology Applied to Aquaculture, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Rafael Diego Rosa
- Laboratory of Immunology Applied to Aquaculture, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Luis Mercado
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Paulina Schmitt
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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7
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Qu B, Zhang S, Ma Z, Gao Z. Hepatic cecum: a key integrator of immunity in amphioxus. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 3:279-292. [PMID: 37073295 PMCID: PMC10077268 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-020-00080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate liver is regarded as an organ essential to the regulation of immunity and inflammation as well as being central to the metabolism of nutrients. Here, we discuss the functions that the hepatic cecum of amphioxus plays in the regulation of immunity and inflammation, and the molecular basis of this. It is apparent that the hepatic cecum performs important roles in the immunity of amphioxus including immune surveillance, clearance of pathogens and acute phase response. Therefore, the hepatic cecum, like the vertebrate liver, is an organ functioning as a key integrator of immunity in amphioxus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Qu
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, 266237 China
| | - Zengyu Ma
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Zhan Gao
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
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8
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Ahmed S, Tao J, Wang M, Zhai Y, Liu W, Jayachandran M, Chu C, Qu S, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Fei Z. An improved lentiviral system for efficient expression and purification of β-defensins in mammalian cells. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2100023. [PMID: 34053189 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
β-Defensins are a family of conserved small cationic antimicrobial peptides with different significant biological functions. The majority of mammalian β-defensins are expressed in epididymis, and many of them are predicted to have post-translational modifications. However, only a few of its members have been well studied due to the limitations of expressing and purifying bioactive proteins with correct post-translational modifications efficiently. Here we developed a novel Fc tagged lentiviral system and Fc tagged prokaryotic expression systems provided new options for β-defensins expression and purification. The novel lentiviral system contains a secretive signal peptide, an N-terminal IgG Fc tag, a green fluorescent protein (GFP), and a puromycin selection marker to facilitate efficient expression and fast purification of β-defensins by protein A magnetic or agarose beads. It also enables stable and large-scale expression of β-defensins with regular biological activities and post-translational modification. Purified β-defensins such as Bin1b and a novel human β-defensin hBD129 showed antimicrobial activity, immuno-regulatory activity, and expected post-translational phosphorylation, which were not found in Escherichia coli (E. coli) in expressed form. Furthermore, we successfully applied the novel system to identify mBin1b interacting proteins, explaining Bin1b in a better way. These results suggest that the novel lentiviral system is a powerful approach to produce correct post-translational processed β-defensins with bioactivities and is useful to identify their interacting proteins. This study has laid the foundation for future studies to characterize function and mechanism of novel β-defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmed
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospita, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jiang Tao
- Department of General dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospita, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Miaochen Wang
- Department of General dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospita, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yue Zhai
- Department of General dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospita, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wenhai Liu
- Immunomic Therapeutics, No.15010 Broschart Road, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA
| | - Muthukumaran Jayachandran
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospita, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Chen Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shen Qu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospita, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zhaoliang Fei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospita, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
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9
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Gerdol M, Schmitt P, Venier P, Rocha G, Rosa RD, Destoumieux-Garzón D. Functional Insights From the Evolutionary Diversification of Big Defensins. Front Immunol 2020; 11:758. [PMID: 32425943 PMCID: PMC7203481 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Big defensins are antimicrobial polypeptides believed to be the ancestors of β-defensins, the most evolutionary conserved family of host defense peptides (HDPs) in vertebrates. Nevertheless, big defensins underwent several independent gene loss events during animal evolution, being only retained in a limited number of phylogenetically distant invertebrates. Here, we explore the evolutionary history of this fascinating HDP family and investigate its patchy distribution in extant metazoans. We highlight the presence of big defensins in various classes of lophotrochozoans, as well as in a few arthropods and basal chordates (amphioxus), mostly adapted to life in marine environments. Bivalve mollusks often display an expanded repertoire of big defensin sequences, which appear to be the product of independent lineage-specific gene tandem duplications, followed by a rapid molecular diversification of newly acquired gene copies. This ongoing evolutionary process could underpin the simultaneous presence of canonical big defensins and non-canonical (β-defensin-like) sequences in some species. The big defensin genes of mussels and oysters, two species target of in-depth studies, are subjected to gene presence/absence variation (PAV), i.e., they can be present or absent in the genomes of different individuals. Moreover, big defensins follow different patterns of gene expression within a given species and respond differently to microbial challenges, suggesting functional divergence. Consistently, current structural data show that big defensin sequence diversity affects the 3D structure and biophysical properties of these polypeptides. We discuss here the role of the N-terminal hydrophobic domain, lost during evolution toward β-defensins, in the big defensin stability to high salt concentrations and its mechanism of action. Finally, we discuss the potential of big defensins as markers for animal health and for the nature-based design of novel therapeutics active at high salt concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gerdol
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paulina Schmitt
- Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Paola Venier
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gustavo Rocha
- Laboratory of Immunology Applied to Aquaculture, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Rafael Diego Rosa
- Laboratory of Immunology Applied to Aquaculture, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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10
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Contreras G, Shirdel I, Braun MS, Wink M. Defensins: Transcriptional regulation and function beyond antimicrobial activity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 104:103556. [PMID: 31747541 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are one the largest group of antimicrobial peptides and are part of the innate defence. Defensins are produced by animals, plants and fungi. In animals and plants, defensins can be constitutively or differentially expressed both locally or systemically which confer defence before and a stronger response after infection. Immune signalling pathways regulate the gene expression of defensins. These pathways include cellular receptors, which recognise pathogen-associated molecular patterns and are found both in plants and animals. After recognition, signalling pathways and, subsequently, transcriptional factors are activated. There is an increasing number of novel functions in defensins, such as immunomodulators and immune cell attractors. Identification of defensin triggers could help us to elucidate other new functions. The present article reviews the different elicitors of defensins with a main focus on human, fish and marine invertebrate defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Contreras
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Iman Shirdel
- Marine Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran
| | - Markus Santhosh Braun
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Wink
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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11
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The Ancestral N-Terminal Domain of Big Defensins Drives Bacterially Triggered Assembly into Antimicrobial Nanonets. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.01821-19. [PMID: 31641083 PMCID: PMC6805989 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01821-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
β-Defensins are host defense peptides controlling infections in species ranging from humans to invertebrates. However, the antimicrobial activity of most human β-defensins is impaired at physiological salt concentrations. We explored the properties of big defensins, the β-defensin ancestors, which have been conserved in a number of marine organisms, mainly mollusks. By focusing on a big defensin from oyster (Cg-BigDef1), we showed that the N-terminal domain lost during evolution toward β-defensins confers bactericidal activity to Cg-BigDef1, even at high salt concentrations. Cg-BigDef1 killed multidrug-resistant human clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the ancestral N-terminal domain drove the assembly of the big defensin into nanonets in which bacteria are entrapped and killed. This discovery may explain why the ancestral N-terminal domain has been maintained in diverse marine phyla and creates a new path of discovery to design β-defensin derivatives active at physiological and high salt concentrations. Big defensins, ancestors of β-defensins, are composed of a β-defensin-like C-terminal domain and a globular hydrophobic ancestral N-terminal domain. This unique structure is found in a limited number of phylogenetically distant species, including mollusks, ancestral chelicerates, and early-branching cephalochordates, mostly living in marine environments. One puzzling evolutionary issue concerns the advantage for these species of having maintained a hydrophobic domain lost during evolution toward β-defensins. Using native ligation chemistry, we produced the oyster Crassostrea gigas BigDef1 (Cg-BigDef1) and its separate domains. Cg-BigDef1 showed salt-stable and broad-range bactericidal activity, including against multidrug-resistant human clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. We found that the ancestral N-terminal domain confers salt-stable antimicrobial activity to the β-defensin-like domain, which is otherwise inactive. Moreover, upon contact with bacteria, the N-terminal domain drives Cg-BigDef1 assembly into nanonets that entrap and kill bacteria. We speculate that the hydrophobic N-terminal domain of big defensins has been retained in marine phyla to confer salt-stable interactions with bacterial membranes in environments where electrostatic interactions are impaired. Those remarkable properties open the way to future drug developments when physiological salt concentrations inhibit the antimicrobial activity of vertebrate β-defensins.
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Did cis- and trans-defensins derive from a common ancestor? Immunogenetics 2018; 71:61-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-018-1086-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Molecular characterization and expression analysis of CSαβ defensin genes from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171282. [PMID: 29162666 PMCID: PMC6435467 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are important components of innate host defence system against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Here, we predicted six potential defensin genes from the genome of the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii and then validated four genes from them via the combination of PCR and genomic sequence analysis. These four scorpion defensin genes share the same gene organization and structure of two exons and one phase-I intron with the GT-AG rule. Conserved motif and phylogenetic analysis showed that they belonged to the members of the invertebrate cysteine-stabilized α-helix/β-sheet motif defensin (CSαβ) defensin family. All these four CSαβ defensin genes have the expression feature of constitutive transcription (CON) by the whole scorpion infection model, promoter sequence analysis and dual luciferase assays. Further evolution and comparison analysis found that the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes from most of arachnids and mollusks appear to share the expression pattern of CON, but those from insects and lower invertebrates (nematodes, annelids, cnidarians and sponges) seem to have identical inducible transcription (IND) after being challenged by microorganisms. Together, we identified four scorpion CSαβ defensin genes with the expression feature of CON, and characterized the diversified expression patterns of the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes, which will shed insights into the evolution of the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes and their expression patterns.
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González R, Brokordt K, Cárcamo CB, Coba de la Peña T, Oyanedel D, Mercado L, Schmitt P. Molecular characterization and protein localization of the antimicrobial peptide big defensin from the scallop Argopecten purpuratus after Vibrio splendidus challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 68:173-179. [PMID: 28690141 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Big defensins are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are proposed as important effectors of the immune response in mollusks, chelicerates and chordates. At present, only two members of the big defensin family have been identified in scallop. In the present work, a cDNA sequence encoding a new big defensin homologue was characterized from the scallop Argopecten purpuratus, namely ApBD1. ApBD1 cDNA sequence comprised 585 nucleotides, with an open reading frame of 375 bp and 5'- and 3'-UTRs of 41 and 167 bp, respectively. The deduced protein sequence contains 124 amino acids with a molecular weight of 13.5 kDa, showing characteristic motifs of the big defensin family and presenting 76% identity with the big defensin from the scallop A. irradians. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ApBD1 is included into the cluster of big defensins from mollusks. Tissue-specific transcript expression analysis by RT-qPCR showed that ApBD1 was present in all tissues tested from non-immune challenged scallops but it was most strongly expressed in the mantle. The transcript levels of ApBD1 were significantly up-regulated in gills at 24 and 48 h post-injection with the heat-attenuated bacteria Vibrio splendidus. Additionally, immunofluorescence analysis using a polyclonal anti-ApBD1 antibody showed that this protein was abundantly located in epithelial linings of gills and mantle; and also in digestive gland showing ApBD1-infiltrating hemocytes from immune challenged scallops. This is the first time that a big defensin is detected and located at the protein level in a mollusk. These results suggest an important role of ApBD1 in the mucosal immune response of A. purpuratus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana González
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina (FIGEMA), Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Universidad Católica del Norte, 1781421 Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Katherina Brokordt
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina (FIGEMA), Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Universidad Católica del Norte, 1781421 Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Claudia B Cárcamo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina (FIGEMA), Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Universidad Católica del Norte, 1781421 Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Teodoro Coba de la Peña
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina (FIGEMA), Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Universidad Católica del Norte, 1781421 Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Daniel Oyanedel
- Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, 2373223 Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Luis Mercado
- Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, 2373223 Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Paulina Schmitt
- Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, 2373223 Valparaíso, Chile
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Liao X, Yang L, Zhang Q, Chen J. microRNA expression changes after lipopolysaccharide treatment in gills of amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 70:39-44. [PMID: 28069432 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recently, amphioxus has served as a model for studying the origin and evolution of vertebrate immunity. However, little is known about how microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the immune defense in amphioxus. In this article, we identified the amphioxus miRNAs in the acute-phase response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We determined the time point for the peak of immune response in amphioxus after LPS challenge by evaluating the expression of Branchiostoma belcheri toll-like receptor 1, NF-κb (c-Rel), and big defensin which react with pathogen-associated molecular patterns(PAMPs). Then we chose 12 h as the point to perform miRNA microarray analysis to select the differentially expressed miRNAs. Furthermore, we used quantitative real-time PCR to detect the expression patterns of selected amphioxus miRNAs under effective LPS challenge during the time course. The microarray data revealed that the miRNA expression file was significantly changed after LPS stimulation. The changes of the 10 most upregulated and 7 most downregualted miRNAs in gills of the amphioxus following challenge with LPS revealed a temporal induction kinetic. Our current study will provide valuable information to take an insight into molecular mechanism of innate immune and the evolution of the miRNA family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liao
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, China; Beihai Marine Station of Evo-devo Institute, Nanjing University, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, China
| | - Qilin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, China; Beihai Marine Station of Evo-devo Institute, Nanjing University, China
| | - Junyuan Chen
- Beihai Marine Station of Evo-devo Institute, Nanjing University, China; Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Nanjing, China.
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16
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Yu H, Wang H, Liu X, Feng L, Qiao X, Cai S, Shi N, Wang Y. Identification, eukaryotic expression and structure & function characterizations of β-defensin like homologues from Pelodiscus sinensis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 68:108-117. [PMID: 27890597 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are a group of host defense peptides that play a central role in host innate immune responses. Here, 26 genes encoding β-defensin-like peptides have been identified for the first time in Pelodiscus sinensis using database mining approach. Phylogenetic study confirmed that β-defensins are fast evolving genes with high rates of sequence substitutions. The expression level of several selected genes in different tissues was examined by RT-PCR. Ps-BDs mainly adopt β-strands and/or α-helix conformations homology modeled by Rosetta program. Further, Ps-BD2 was expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified using Ni-NTA column and RT-HPLC. As expected, the rPs-BD2 showed strong antimicrobial activity, but displayed a negligible hemolytic and cytotoxic activity on human erythrocytes and Raw 264.7 murine macrophage cells, respectively. Our results suggested that the Ps-BD2 was produced efficiently in P. pastoris expression system, which makes the large-scale use of rPs-BDs possible in the future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haining Yu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Xuelian Liu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Lan Feng
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Xue Qiao
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Shasha Cai
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Nannan Shi
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116024, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123 China.
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Shafee TMA, Lay FT, Phan TK, Anderson MA, Hulett MD. Convergent evolution of defensin sequence, structure and function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:663-682. [PMID: 27557668 PMCID: PMC11107677 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are a well-characterised group of small, disulphide-rich, cationic peptides that are produced by essentially all eukaryotes and are highly diverse in their sequences and structures. Most display broad range antimicrobial activity at low micromolar concentrations, whereas others have other diverse roles, including cell signalling (e.g. immune cell recruitment, self/non-self-recognition), ion channel perturbation, toxic functions, and enzyme inhibition. The defensins consist of two superfamilies, each derived from an independent evolutionary origin, which have subsequently undergone extensive divergent evolution in their sequence, structure and function. Referred to as the cis- and trans-defensin superfamilies, they are classified based on their secondary structure orientation, cysteine motifs and disulphide bond connectivities, tertiary structure similarities and precursor gene sequence. The utility of displaying loops on a stable, compact, disulphide-rich core has been exploited by evolution on multiple occasions. The defensin superfamilies represent a case where the ensuing convergent evolution of sequence, structure and function has been particularly extreme. Here, we discuss the extent, causes and significance of these convergent features, drawing examples from across the eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M A Shafee
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Fung T Lay
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Thanh Kha Phan
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Marilyn A Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
| | - Mark D Hulett
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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Balandin SV, Ovchinnikova TV. Antimicrobial peptides of invertebrates. Part 1. structure, biosynthesis, and evolution. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162016030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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19
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Liu H, Lei M, Du X, Cui P, Zhang S. Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide from amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum by in silico and functional analyses. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18355. [PMID: 26680226 PMCID: PMC4683396 DOI: 10.1038/srep18355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) microbes leads to urgent demands for novel antibiotics exploration. We demonstrated a cDNA from amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, designated Bjamp1, encoded a protein with features typical of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which is not homologous to any AMPs currently discovered. It was found that Bjamp1 was expressed in distinct tissues, and its expression was remarkably up-regulated following challenge with LPS and LTA. Moreover, the synthesized putative mature AMP, mBjAMP1, underwent a coil-to-helix transition in the presence of TFE or SDS, agreeing well with the expectation that BjAMP1 was a potential AMP. Functional assays showed that mBjAMP1 inhibited the growth of all the bacteria tested, and induced membrane/cytoplasmic damage. ELISA indicated that mBjAMP1 was a pattern recognition molecule capable of identifying LPS and LTA. Importantly, mBjAMP1 disrupted the bacterial membranes by a membranolytic mechanism. Additionally, mBjAMP1 was non-cytotoxic to mammalian cells. Collectively, these data indicate that mBjAMP1 is a new AMP with a high bacterial membrane selectivity, rendering it a promising template for the design of novel peptide antibiotics against MDR microbes. It also shows for the first time that use of signal conserved sequence of AMPs is effective identifying potential AMPs across different animal classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohan Liu
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Miaomiao Lei
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Du
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pengfei Cui
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Bechsgaard J, Vanthournout B, Funch P, Vestbo S, Gibbs RA, Richards S, Sanggaard KW, Enghild JJ, Bilde T. Comparative genomic study of arachnid immune systems indicates loss of beta-1,3-glucanase-related proteins and the immune deficiency pathway. J Evol Biol 2015; 29:277-91. [PMID: 26528622 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Analyses of arthropod genomes have shown that the genes in the different innate humoral immune responses are conserved. These genes encode proteins that are involved in immune signalling pathways that recognize pathogens and activate immune responses. These immune responses include phagocytosis, encapsulation of the pathogen and production of effector molecules for pathogen elimination. So far, most studies have focused on insects leaving other major arthropod groups largely unexplored. Here, we annotate the immune-related genes of six arachnid genomes and present evidence for a conserved pattern of some immune genes, but also evolutionary changes in the arachnid immune system. Specifically, our results suggest that the family of recognition molecules of beta-1,3-glucanase-related proteins (βGRPs) and the genes from the immune deficiency (IMD) signalling pathway have been lost in a common ancestor of arachnids. These findings are consistent with previous work suggesting that the humoral immune effector proteins are constitutively produced in arachnids in contrast to insects, where these have to be induced. Further functional studies are needed to verify this. We further show that the full haemolymph clotting cascade found in the horseshoe crab is retrieved in most arachnid genomes. Tetranychus lacks at least one major component, although it is possible that this cascade could still function through recruitment of a different protein. The gel-forming protein in horseshoe crabs, coagulogen, was not recovered in any of the arachnid genomes; however, it is possible that the arachnid clot consists of a related protein, spätzle, that is present in all of the genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bechsgaard
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - B Vanthournout
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - P Funch
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - S Vestbo
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - R A Gibbs
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Richards
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K W Sanggaard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - J J Enghild
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - T Bilde
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Tassanakajon A, Somboonwiwat K, Amparyup P. Sequence diversity and evolution of antimicrobial peptides in invertebrates. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 48:324-341. [PMID: 24950415 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are evolutionarily ancient molecules that act as the key components in the invertebrate innate immunity against invading pathogens. Several AMPs have been identified and characterized in invertebrates, and found to display considerable diversity in their amino acid sequence, structure and biological activity. AMP genes appear to have rapidly evolved, which might have arisen from the co-evolutionary arms race between host and pathogens, and enabled organisms to survive in different microbial environments. Here, the sequence diversity of invertebrate AMPs (defensins, cecropins, crustins and anti-lipopolysaccharide factors) are presented to provide a better understanding of the evolution pattern of these peptides that play a major role in host defense mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchalee Tassanakajon
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Kunlaya Somboonwiwat
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Piti Amparyup
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Paholyothin Road, Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
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Abstract
Cationic and amphiphilic peptides are widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms and constitute a first line of host defense against invading pathogens. Some of these host defense peptides (HDPs) combine specific antibiotic activities with modulation of immune responses. Moreover, they are active against bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics and show only modest resistance development under in vitro selection pressure. Based on these features, HDPs and particularly defensins are considered a promising source of novel anti-infective agents. This review summarizes the current knowledge about defensins from different kingdoms and discusses their potential for therapeutic application.
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Zhu S, Gao B. Evolutionary origin of β-defensins. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 39:79-84. [PMID: 22369779 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2012.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
β-Defensins are a group of vertebrate-specific antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with microbicidal and immune regulatory functions. In spite of their conservation across the vertebrate lineage ranging from bony fish to human, the evolutionary origin of these molecules remains unsolved. We addressed this issue by comparing three-dimensional (3D) structure and genomic organization of β-defensins with those of big defensins, a family of invertebrate-derived β-defensin-related peptides with two distinct structural and functional domains. β-Defensins and the carboxyl-terminal domain of big defensins adopt a conserved β-sheet topology stabilized by three identical disulfide bridges. Genomic organization analysis revealed that the defensin domain of these two classes of molecules is encoded by a single exon with a positionally conserved phase-1 intron in its upstream. The genomic and 3D structural conservation provides convincing evidence for their evolutionary relationship, in which β-defensins emerged from an ancestral big defensin through exon shuffling or intronization of exonic sequences. The phylogenetic distribution of big defensins in Arthropoda, Mollusca and Cephalochordata suggests an early origin of the β-defensin domain, which can be traced to the common ancestor of bilateral metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Animal Innate Immunity, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, 100101 Beijing, China.
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Li M, Zhu L, Zhou CY, Sun S, Fan YJ, Zhuang ZM. Molecular characterization and expression of a novel big defensin (Sb-BDef1) from ark shell, Scapharca broughtonii. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 33:1167-1173. [PMID: 23000749 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2012.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Big defensins, endogenous cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory property, play crucial roles in host defense against various microbial pathogens. A novel big defensin (Sb-BDef1) of ark shell Scapharca broughtonii was identified by expressed sequence tag (EST) and RACE techniques. The Sb-BDef1 cDNA contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 336-bp encoding a polypeptide of 111 amino acids with a putative signal peptide of 21 amino acid residues, followed by a putative propeptide of 11 residues and a putative mature peptide of 79 residues. The mature peptide shared the common features of big defensins, including a high hydrophobic residues region (59%) in the N-terminus, a defensin domain in the C-terminus, which perfectly corresponds to the six conserved disulfide-bonded cysteine residues involved in the formation of the internal disulfide bridges (C1-C5, C2-C4 and C3-C6) in all big defensins from mollusk, horseshoe crab and amphioxus. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression of Sb-BDef1 transcript was detected in all the tissues examined from normal ark shells, and the temporal expression of Sb-BDef1 mRNA was remarkably up-regulated at 8, 16 h in hemocytes, and at 16, 24 h in hepatopancreas after Vibrio anguillarum-challenge, respectively. These results suggested that Sb-BDef1 was a constitutive and inducible acute-phase protein and should be involved in immune response of Gram-negative microbial infection in ark shell S. broughtonii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, PR China
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