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Fong-Coronado PA, Ramirez V, Quintero-Hernández V, Balleza D. A Critical Review of Short Antimicrobial Peptides from Scorpion Venoms, Their Physicochemical Attributes, and Potential for the Development of New Drugs. J Membr Biol 2024:10.1007/s00232-024-00315-2. [PMID: 38990274 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-024-00315-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have proven to be excellent sources of antimicrobial agents. However, although many of them have been functionally characterized, they remain underutilized as pharmacological agents, despite their evident therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss the physicochemical properties of short scorpion venom antimicrobial peptides (ssAMPs). Being generally short (13-25 aa) and amidated, their proven antimicrobial activity is generally explained by parameters such as their net charge, the hydrophobic moment, or the degree of helicity. However, for a complete understanding of their biological activities, also considering the properties of the target membranes is of great relevance. Here, with an extensive analysis of the physicochemical, structural, and thermodynamic parameters associated with these biomolecules, we propose a theoretical framework for the rational design of new antimicrobial drugs. Through a comparison of these physicochemical properties with the bioactivity of ssAMPs in pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Acinetobacter baumannii, it is evident that in addition to the net charge, the hydrophobic moment, electrostatic energy, or intrinsic flexibility are determining parameters to understand their performance. Although the correlation between these parameters is very complex, the consensus of our analysis suggests that there is a delicate balance between them and that modifying one affects the rest. Understanding the contribution of lipid composition to their bioactivities is also underestimated, which suggests that for each peptide, there is a physiological context to consider for the rational design of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Alejandro Fong-Coronado
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - Verónica Ramirez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (FCQ-BUAP), Ciudad Universitaria, Puebla, México
| | | | - Daniel Balleza
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Alimentos, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Veracruz, México.
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2
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Steinkühler J, Peruzzi JA, Krüger A, Villaseñor CG, Jacobs ML, Jewett MC, Kamat NP. Improving Cell-Free Expression of Model Membrane Proteins by Tuning Ribosome Cotranslational Membrane Association and Nascent Chain Aggregation. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:129-140. [PMID: 38150067 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free gene expression (CFE) systems are powerful tools for transcribing and translating genes outside of a living cell. Synthesis of membrane proteins is of particular interest, but their yield in CFE is substantially lower than that for soluble proteins. In this paper, we study the CFE of membrane proteins and develop a quantitative kinetic model. We identify that ribosome stalling during the translation of membrane proteins is a strong predictor of membrane protein synthesis due to aggregation between the ribosome nascent chains. Synthesis can be improved by the addition of lipid membranes, which incorporate protein nascent chains and, therefore, kinetically compete with aggregation. We show that the balance between peptide-membrane association and peptide aggregation rates determines the yield of the synthesized membrane protein. We define a membrane protein expression score that can be used to rationalize the engineering of lipid composition and the N-terminal domain of a native and computationally designed membrane proteins produced through CFE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Steinkühler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Bio-Inspired Computation, Kiel University, Kaiserstraße 2, 24143 Kiel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Christian-Albrechts-Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Justin A Peruzzi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Antje Krüger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Citlayi G Villaseñor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Miranda L Jacobs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michael C Jewett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Neha P Kamat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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3
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R PA, Anbarasu A. Antimicrobial Peptides as Immunomodulators and Antimycobacterial Agents to Combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a Critical Review. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1539-1566. [PMID: 36576687 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating disease foisting a significantly high morbidity, prepotent in low- and middle-income developing countries. Evolution of drug resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, has made the TB treatment more complicated. The protracted nature of present TB treatment, persistent and tolerant Mtb populations, interaction with antiretroviral therapy and existing toxicity concerned with conventional anti-TB drugs are the four major challenges inflicted with emergence of drug-resistant mycobacterial strains, and the standard medications are unable to combat these strains. These factors emphasize an exigency to develop new drugs to overcome these barriers in current TB therapy. With this regard, antimycobacterial peptides derived from various sources such as human cells, bacterial sources, mycobacteriophages, fungal, plant and animal sources could be considered as antituberculosis leads as most of these peptides are associated with dual advantages of having both bactericidal activity towards Mtb as well as immuno-regulatory property. Some of the peptides possess the additional advantage of interacting synergistically with antituberculosis medications too, thereby increasing their efficiency, underscoring the vigour of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as best possible alternative therapeutic candidates or adjuvants in TB treatment. Albeit the beneficiary features of these peptides, few obstacles allied with them like cytotoxicity and proteolytic degradation are matter of concerns too. In this review, we have focused on structural hallmarks, targeting mechanisms and specific structural aspects contributing to antimycobacterial activity and discovered natural and synthetic antimycobacterial peptides along with their sources, anti-TB, immuno-regulatory properties, merits and demerits and possible delivery methods of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi A R
- Medical & Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anand Anbarasu
- Medical & Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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4
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Kurokawa M, Ohtsu T, Chatani E, Tamura A. Hyper Thermostability and Liquid-Crystal-Like Properties of Designed α-Helical Peptide Nanofibers. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:8331-8343. [PMID: 37751540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Structural and thermodynamic transitions of artificially designed α-helical nanofibers were investigated using eight peptide variants, including four peptides with amide-modified carboxyl termini (CB peptides) and four unmodified peptides (CF peptides). Temperature-dependent circular dichroism spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry showed that CB peptides exhibit thermostability up to 50 °C higher than CF peptides. As a result, one of the denaturation temperatures approached nearly 130 °C, which is exceptionally high for a biomacromolecule. Thermodynamic analysis and microscopy observations also showed that CB peptides undergo a thermal transition similar to the phase transition in liquid crystals. In addition, one of the peptides showed a sharp and highly cooperative transition with a small enthalpy change at around 25 °C, which was ascribed to a giga-bundle burst of the molecular assembly. These macroscopic changes in the thermostability and crystallinity of CB peptides may be attributed to an increased amphiphilicity of the molecule in the direction of the helix axis, originating from the microscopic modification of the carboxyl-terminus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minami Kurokawa
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkoudai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoya Ohtsu
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkoudai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Eri Chatani
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkoudai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Atsuo Tamura
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkoudai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
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5
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White SH. Fifty Years of Biophysics at the Membrane Frontier. Annu Rev Biophys 2023; 52:21-67. [PMID: 36791747 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-051622-112341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The author first describes his childhood in the South and the ways in which it fostered the values he has espoused throughout his life, his development of a keen fascination with science, and the influences that supported his progress toward higher education. His experiences in ROTC as a student, followed by two years in the US Army during the Vietnam War, honed his leadership skills. The bulk of the autobiography is a chronological journey through his scientific career, beginning with arrival at the University of California, Irvine in 1972, with an emphasis on the postdoctoral students and colleagues who have contributed substantially to each phase of his lab's progress. White's fundamental findings played a key role in the development of membrane biophysics, helping establish it as fertile ground for research. A story gradually unfolds that reveals the deeply collaborative and painstakingly executed work necessary for a successful career in science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H White
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA;
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6
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Stillger L, Viau L, Kamm L, Holtmann D, Müller D. Optimization of antimicrobial peptides for the application against biocorrosive bacteria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12562-9. [PMID: 37154907 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbiologically influenced corrosion is a common problem in the industrial field due to the deterioration of metals in the presence of various microorganisms, in particular sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB). A common method to reduce microbiologically influenced corrosion is the application of biocides. The limited number of suitable biocides and the resulting development of resistance, high dosage, and high application rate hinder an effective application. An environmentally friendly alternative could be the application of antimicrobial peptides (AMP), which have already been established in the field of medical devices for a while. Here, the successful treatment of different AMPs against 3 SRB and 1 SOB was demonstrated. The peptide L5K5W was favored due to its broad activity, high stability, and simple structure resulting in low synthesis costs. An alanine scan showed that substitution of leucine with tryptophan increased the activity of this peptide twofold compared to the original peptide against D. vulgaris, the main representative of SRB. Additional optimization of this modified peptide through changes in amino acid composition and lipidations significantly increased the effectiveness, finally resulting in a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.63 μg/mL against Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Even against the marine SRB Desulfovibrio indonesiensis with a required salt concentration of min. 2%, an activity of the peptides can be observed (MIC: 31.25 μg/mL). The peptides also remained stable and active for 7 days in the supernatant of the bacterial culture. KEY POINTS: • Antimicrobial peptides provide an alternative to combat biocorrosive bacteria. • Optimization of the peptide sequence leads to a significant increase in activity. • The investigated peptides exhibit high stability, both in the medium and in the bacterial supernatant.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Stillger
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - L Viau
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - L Kamm
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - D Holtmann
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Wiesenstrasse 14, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - D Müller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Philipps-University Marburg, Biegenstraße 10, 35307, Marburg, Germany.
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7
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Niu M, Gu X, Yang J, Cui H, Hou X, Ma Y, Wang C, Wei G. Dual-Mechanism Glycolipidpeptide with High Antimicrobial Activity, Immunomodulatory Activity, and Potential Application for Combined Antibacterial Therapy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:6292-6316. [PMID: 36951612 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial drug resistance is becoming increasingly serious, and it is urgent to develop effective antibacterial drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as potential candidates against bacteria, have a broad prospect for development. Herein, a series of AMPs with biological characteristics (net positive charge, amphiphilicity, and α-helix), an AXA motif recognized by membrane bound serine protease type I signal peptidases (SPase I), an FLPII motif to reduce hemolysis, and a monosaccharide motif to improve the stability and activity were designed and synthesized, and among which, the glycolipidpeptide GLP6 (glycosylated LP6 lipopeptide) had excellent antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity, good stability and biocompatibility, and excellent biofilm eradication and membrane penetrating activity. The positively charged spherical aggregates formed by self-assembly of GLP6 could encapsulate tetracycline (TC) to form GLP6@TC with a sustained-release effect, which could enhance the sensitivity of bacteria to the antibiotic and realize combined sterilization. The results of acute peritonitis and bacterial keratitis showed that GLP6@TC had a good combined antibacterial effect and the ability to inhibit interleukin-2 (IL-2), which could significantly reduce the inflammatory response while treating bacterial infection, and it had great potential for application. The results of computer molecular docking showed the AXA motif could effectively bind to SPase I, which was consistent with the results of biological experiments. In general, the study could provide a perspective for the design of AMPs and combined antibacterial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcong Niu
- Department of Pharmacy Science, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiulian Gu
- Department of Pharmacy Science, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Science, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Haoyu Cui
- Department of Pharmacy Science, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xinyi Hou
- Department of Pharmacy Science, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Pharmacy Science, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy Science, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Guangcheng Wei
- Department of Pharmacy Science, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
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8
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Singh NK, Agarwal M, Radhakrishna M. Understanding the helical stability of charged peptides. Proteins 2023; 91:268-276. [PMID: 36121161 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cationic helical peptides play a crucial role in applications such as anti-microbial and anticancer activity. The activity of these peptides directly correlates with their helicity. In this study, we have performed extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of 25 Lysine-Leucine co-polypeptide sequences of varying charge density ( λ ) and patterns. Our findings showed that, an increase in the charge density on the peptide leads to a gradual decrease in the helicity up to a critical charge density λ c . Beyond λ c , a complete helix to coil transition was observed. The decrease in the helicity is correlated with the increased number of water molecules in first solvation shell, solvent-exposed surface area, and a higher value of the radius of gyration of the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Kumar Singh
- Discipline of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Manish Agarwal
- Computer Services Centre, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, India
| | - Mithun Radhakrishna
- Discipline of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.,Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
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Disparate Regions of the Human Chemokine CXCL10 Exhibit Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity against Biodefense and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Pathogens. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 9:122-139. [PMID: 36475632 PMCID: PMC9841529 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CXCL10 is a pro-inflammatory chemokine produced by the host in response to microbial infection. In addition to canonical, receptor-dependent actions affecting immune-cell migration and activation, CXCL10 has also been found to directly kill a broad range of pathogenic bacteria. Prior investigations suggest that the bactericidal effects of CXCL10 occur through two distinct pathways that compromise the cell envelope. These observations raise the intriguing notion that CXCL10 features a separable pair of antimicrobial domains. Herein, we affirm this possibility through peptide-based mapping and structure/function analyses, which demonstrate that discrete peptides derived from the N- and C-terminal regions of CXCL10 mediate bacterial killing. The N-terminal derivative, peptide P1, exhibited marked antimicrobial activity against Bacillus anthracis vegetative bacilli and spores, as well as antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus aureus, among others. At bactericidal concentrations, peptide P1 had a minimal degree of chemotactic activity, but did not cause red blood cell hemolysis or cytotoxic effects against primary human cells. The C-terminal derivative, peptide P9, exhibited antimicrobial effects, but only against Gram-negative bacteria in low-salt medium─conditions under which the peptide can adopt an α-helical conformation. The introduction of a hydrocarbon staple induced and stabilized α-helicity; accordingly, stapled peptide P9 displayed significantly improved bactericidal effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in media containing physiologic levels of salt. Together, our findings identify and characterize the antimicrobial regions of CXCL10 and functionalize these novel determinants as discrete peptides with potential therapeutic utility against difficult-to-treat pathogens.
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10
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Gregersen Echers S, Abdul-Khalek N, Mikkelsen RK, Holdt SL, Jacobsen C, Hansen EB, Olsen TH, Sejberg JJ, Overgaard MT. Is Gigartina a potential source of food protein and functional peptide-based ingredients? Evaluating an industrial, pilot-scale extract by proteomics and bioinformatics. FUTURE FOODS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2022.100189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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11
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Kakar A, Sastré-Velásquez LE, Hess M, Galgóczy L, Papp C, Holzknecht J, Romanelli A, Váradi G, Malanovic N, Marx F. The Membrane Activity of the Amphibian Temporin B Peptide Analog TB_KKG6K Sheds Light on the Mechanism That Kills Candida albicans. mSphere 2022; 7:e0029022. [PMID: 35972132 PMCID: PMC9599520 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00290-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporin B (TB) is a 13-amino-acid-long, cationic peptide secreted by the granular glands of the European frog Rana temporaria. We recently showed that the modified TB peptide analog TB_KKG6K rapidly killed planktonic and sessile Candida albicans at low micromolar concentrations and was neither hemolytic nor cytotoxic to mammalian cells in vitro. The present study aimed to shed light into its mechanism of action, with a focus on its fungal cell membrane activity. We utilized different fluorescent dyes to prove that it rapidly induces membrane depolarization and permeabilization. Studies on model membrane systems revealed that the TB analog undergoes hydrophobic and electrostatic membrane interactions, showing a preference for anionic lipids, and identified phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin as possible peptide targets. Fluorescence microscopy using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled TB_KKG6K in the presence of the lipophilic dye FM4-64 indicated that the peptide compromises membrane integrity and rapidly enters C. albicans cells in an energy-independent manner. Peptide-treated cells analyzed by cryo-based electron microscopy exhibited no signs of cell lysis; however, subcellular structures had disintegrated, suggesting that intracellular activity may form part of the killing mechanism of the peptide. Taken together, this study proved that TB_KKG6K compromises C. albicans membrane function, which explains the previously observed rapid, fungicidal mode of action and supports its great potential as a future anti-Candida therapeutic. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections with the opportunistic human pathogen C. albicans are associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. This is partly due to the yeast's ability to rapidly develop resistance toward currently available antifungals. Small, cationic, membrane-active peptides are promising compounds to fight against resistance development, as many of them effectuate rapid fungal cell death. This fast killing is believed to hamper the development of resistance, as the fungi do not have sufficient time to adapt to the antifungal compound. We previously reported that the synthetic variant of the amphibian TB peptide, TB_KKG6K, rapidly kills C. albicans. In the current study, the mechanism of action of the TB analog was investigated. We show that this TB analog is membrane-active and impairs cell membrane function, highlighting its potential to be developed as an attractive alternative anti-C. albicans therapeutic that may hinder the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Kakar
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Michael Hess
- Institute for Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - László Galgóczy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Györgyi Váradi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nermina Malanovic
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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12
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Zhang M, Ouyang J, Fu L, Xu C, Ge Y, Sun S, Li X, Lai S, Ke H, Yuan B, Yang K, Yu H, Gao L, Wang Y. Hydrophobicity Determines the Bacterial Killing Rate of α-Helical Antimicrobial Peptides and Influences the Bacterial Resistance Development. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14701-14720. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Zhang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Jianhong Ouyang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou215006Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuke Ge
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou215006Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuqing Sun
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou215006Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Shian Lai
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto610-0394, Japan
| | - Hengte Ke
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Bing Yuan
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan, Guangdong523808, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou215006Jiangsu, China
| | - Haining Yu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning116024, China
| | - Lianghui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
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13
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Luong AD, Buzid A, Luong JHT. Important Roles and Potential Uses of Natural and Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) in Oral Diseases: Cavity, Periodontal Disease, and Thrush. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13040175. [PMID: 36278644 PMCID: PMC9589978 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13040175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous epithelial cells and sometimes leukocytes release AMPs as their first line of defense. AMPs encompass cationic histatins, defensins, and cathelicidin to encounter oral pathogens with minimal resistance. However, their concentrations are significantly below the effective levels and AMPs are unstable under physiological conditions due to proteolysis, acid hydrolysis, and salt effects. In parallel to a search for more effective AMPs from natural sources, considerable efforts have focused on synthetic stable and low-cytotoxicy AMPs with significant activities against microorganisms. Using natural AMP templates, various attempts have been used to synthesize sAMPs with different charges, hydrophobicity, chain length, amino acid sequence, and amphipathicity. Thus far, sAMPs have been designed to target Streptococcus mutans and other common oral pathogens. Apart from sAMPs with antifungal activities against Candida albicans, future endeavors should focus on sAMPs with capabilities to promote remineralization and antibacterial adhesion. Delivery systems using nanomaterials and biomolecules are promising to stabilize, reduce cytotoxicity, and improve the antimicrobial activities of AMPs against oral pathogens. Nanostructured AMPs will soon become a viable alternative to antibiotics due to their antimicrobial mechanisms, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low drug residue, and ease of synthesis and modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Donald Luong
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Alyah Buzid
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - John H. T. Luong
- School of Chemistry and Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, College Road, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: or
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14
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Griffith A, Mateen A, Markowitz K, Singer SR, Cugini C, Shimizu E, Wiedman GR, Kumar V. Alternative Antibiotics in Dentistry: Antimicrobial Peptides. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1679. [PMID: 36015305 PMCID: PMC9412702 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics in medicine and dentistry is a growing concern. New approaches are needed to combat antibiotic resistant (AR) bacterial infections. There are a number of methods available and in development to address AR infections. Dentists conventionally use chemicals such as chlorohexidine and calcium hydroxide to kill oral bacteria, with many groups recently developing more biocompatible antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for use in the oral cavity. AMPs are promising candidates in the treatment of (oral) infections. Also known as host defense peptides, AMPs have been isolated from animals across all kingdoms of life and play an integral role in the innate immunity of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms by responding to pathogens. Despite progress over the last four decades, there are only a few AMPs approved for clinical use. This review summarizes an Introduction to Oral Microbiome and Oral Infections, Traditional Antibiotics and Alternatives & Antimicrobial Peptides. There is a focus on cationic AMP characteristics and mechanisms of actions, and an overview of animal-derived natural and synthetic AMPs, as well as observed microbial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Griffith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Akilah Mateen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
| | - Kenneth Markowitz
- Department of Oral Biology, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Steven R. Singer
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Carla Cugini
- Department of Oral Biology, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Emi Shimizu
- Department of Oral Biology, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Endodontics, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Gregory R. Wiedman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Department of Endodontics, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Biology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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15
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Häring M, Amann V, Kissmann AK, Herberger T, Synatschke C, Kirsch-Pietz N, Perez-Erviti JA, Otero-Gonzalez AJ, Morales-Vicente F, Andersson J, Weil T, Stenger S, Rodríguez A, Ständker L, Rosenau F. Combination of Six Individual Derivatives of the Pom-1 Antibiofilm Peptide Doubles Their Efficacy against Invasive and Multi-Resistant Clinical Isolates of the Pathogenic Yeast Candida albicans. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071332. [PMID: 35890228 PMCID: PMC9319270 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies, derivatives of the peptide Pom-1, which was originally extracted from the freshwater mollusk Pomacea poeyana, showed an exceptional ability to specifically inhibit biofilm formation of the laboratory strain ATCC 90028 as a model strain of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. In follow-up, here, we demonstrate that the derivatives Pom-1A to Pom-1F are also active against biofilms of invasive clinical C. albicans isolates, including strains resistant against fluconazole and/or amphotericin B. However, efficacy varied strongly between the isolates, as indicated by large deviations in the experiments. This lack of robustness could be efficiently bypassed by using mixtures of all peptides. These mixed peptide preparations were active against biofilm formation of all the isolates with uniform efficacies, and the total peptide concentration could be halved compared to the original MIC of the individual peptides (2.5 µg/mL). Moreover, mixing the individual peptides restored the antifungal effect of fluconazole against fluconazole-resistant isolates even at 50% of the standard therapeutic concentration. Without having elucidated the reason for these synergistic effects of the peptides yet, both the gain of efficacy and the considerable increase in efficiency by combining the peptides indicate that Pom-1 and its derivatives in suitable formulations may play an important role as new antibiofilm antimycotics in the fight against invasive clinical infections with (multi-) resistant C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Häring
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.H.); (V.A.)
| | - Valerie Amann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.H.); (V.A.)
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kissmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.H.); (V.A.)
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (T.H.); (C.S.); (N.K.-P.); (T.W.)
- Correspondence: (A.-K.K.); (F.R.)
| | - Tilmann Herberger
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (T.H.); (C.S.); (N.K.-P.); (T.W.)
| | - Christopher Synatschke
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (T.H.); (C.S.); (N.K.-P.); (T.W.)
| | - Nicole Kirsch-Pietz
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (T.H.); (C.S.); (N.K.-P.); (T.W.)
| | - Julio A. Perez-Erviti
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Street, Havana 10400, Cuba; (J.A.P.-E.); (A.J.O.-G.)
| | - Anselmo J. Otero-Gonzalez
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Street, Havana 10400, Cuba; (J.A.P.-E.); (A.J.O.-G.)
| | - Fidel Morales-Vicente
- Synthetic Peptides Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba;
| | - Jakob Andersson
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Giefinggasse 4, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (T.H.); (C.S.); (N.K.-P.); (T.W.)
| | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Armando Rodríguez
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.); (L.S.)
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.H.); (V.A.)
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (T.H.); (C.S.); (N.K.-P.); (T.W.)
- Correspondence: (A.-K.K.); (F.R.)
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16
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Evolving and assembling to pierce through: Evolutionary and structural aspects of antimicrobial peptides. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2247-2258. [PMID: 35615024 PMCID: PMC9117813 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The burgeoning menace of antimicrobial resistance across the globe has necessitated investigations into other chemotherapeutic strategies to combat infections. Antimicrobial peptides, or host defense peptides, are a set of promising therapeutic candidates in this regard. Most of them cause membrane permeabilization and are a key component of the innate immune response to pathogenic invasion. It has also been reported that peptide self-assembly is a driving factor governing the microbicidal activity of these peptide candidates. While efforts have been made to develop novel synthetic peptides against various microbes, many clinical trials of such peptides have failed due to toxicity and hemolytic activity to the host. A function-guided rational peptide engineering, based on evolutionary principles, physicochemical properties and activity determinants of AMP activity, is expected to help in targeting specific microbes. Furthermore, it is important to develop a unified understanding of the evolution of AMPs in order to fully appreciate their importance in host defense. This review seeks to explore the evolution of AMPs and the physicochemical determinants of AMP activity. The specific interactions driving AMP self-assembly have also been reviewed, emphasizing implications of this self-assembly on microbicidal and immunomodulatory activity.
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17
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Hernández-Aguirre LE, Fuentes-Sidas YI, Rivera-Rangel LR, Gutiérrez-Méndez N, Yepiz-Plascencia G, Chávez-Flores D, Zavala-Díaz de la Serna FJ, Peralta-Pérez MDR, García-Triana A. cDNA Characterization and Expression of Selenium-Dependent CqGPx3 Isoforms in the Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus under High Temperature and Hypoxia. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020179. [PMID: 35205224 PMCID: PMC8872551 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) is the only extracellular selenoprotein (Sel) that enzymatically reduces H2O2 to H2O and O2. Two GPx3 (CqGPx3) cDNAs were characterized from crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. The nerve cord CqGPx3a isoform encodes for a preprotein containing an N-terminal signal peptide of 32 amino acid residues, with the mature Sel region of 192 residues and a dispensable phosphorylation domain of 36 residues. In contrast, the pereiopods CqGPx3b codes for a precursor protein with 19 residues in the N-terminal signal peptide, then the mature 184 amino acid residues protein and finally a Pro-rich peptide of 42 residues. CqGPx3 are expressed in cerebral ganglia, pereiopods and nerve cord. CqGPx3a is expressed mainly in cerebral ganglia, antennulae and nerve cord, while CqGPx3b was detected mainly in pereiopods. CqGPx3a expression increases with high temperature and hypoxia; meanwhile, CqGPx3b is not affected. We report the presence and differential expression of GPx3 isoforms in crustacean tissues in normal conditions and under stress for high temperature and hypoxia. The two isoforms are tissue specific and condition specific, which could indicate an important role of CqGPx3a in the central nervous system and CqGPx3b in exposed tissues, both involved in different responses to environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Hernández-Aguirre
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Faculty, Circuit # 1 New Universitarium Campus, Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico; (L.E.H.-A.); (Y.I.F.-S.); (L.R.R.-R.); (N.G.-M.); (D.C.-F.); (F.J.Z.-D.d.l.S.); (M.d.R.P.-P.)
| | - Yazmin I. Fuentes-Sidas
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Faculty, Circuit # 1 New Universitarium Campus, Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico; (L.E.H.-A.); (Y.I.F.-S.); (L.R.R.-R.); (N.G.-M.); (D.C.-F.); (F.J.Z.-D.d.l.S.); (M.d.R.P.-P.)
| | - Lizandro R. Rivera-Rangel
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Faculty, Circuit # 1 New Universitarium Campus, Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico; (L.E.H.-A.); (Y.I.F.-S.); (L.R.R.-R.); (N.G.-M.); (D.C.-F.); (F.J.Z.-D.d.l.S.); (M.d.R.P.-P.)
| | - Néstor Gutiérrez-Méndez
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Faculty, Circuit # 1 New Universitarium Campus, Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico; (L.E.H.-A.); (Y.I.F.-S.); (L.R.R.-R.); (N.G.-M.); (D.C.-F.); (F.J.Z.-D.d.l.S.); (M.d.R.P.-P.)
| | - Gloria Yepiz-Plascencia
- Research Center in Food & Development (CIAD), Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas Road, No 46, La Victoria Suburb, Hermosillo 83304, Sonora, Mexico;
| | - David Chávez-Flores
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Faculty, Circuit # 1 New Universitarium Campus, Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico; (L.E.H.-A.); (Y.I.F.-S.); (L.R.R.-R.); (N.G.-M.); (D.C.-F.); (F.J.Z.-D.d.l.S.); (M.d.R.P.-P.)
| | - Francisco J. Zavala-Díaz de la Serna
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Faculty, Circuit # 1 New Universitarium Campus, Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico; (L.E.H.-A.); (Y.I.F.-S.); (L.R.R.-R.); (N.G.-M.); (D.C.-F.); (F.J.Z.-D.d.l.S.); (M.d.R.P.-P.)
| | - María del R. Peralta-Pérez
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Faculty, Circuit # 1 New Universitarium Campus, Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico; (L.E.H.-A.); (Y.I.F.-S.); (L.R.R.-R.); (N.G.-M.); (D.C.-F.); (F.J.Z.-D.d.l.S.); (M.d.R.P.-P.)
| | - Antonio García-Triana
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Faculty, Circuit # 1 New Universitarium Campus, Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACH), Chihuahua 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico; (L.E.H.-A.); (Y.I.F.-S.); (L.R.R.-R.); (N.G.-M.); (D.C.-F.); (F.J.Z.-D.d.l.S.); (M.d.R.P.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-614-236-60-00
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18
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Silva ARP, Guimarães M, Rabelo J, Belen L, Perecin C, Farias J, Picado Madalena Santos JH, Rangel-Yagui CO. Recent advances in the design of antimicrobial peptide conjugates. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3587-3600. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02757c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ubiquitous host defense peptides characterized by antibiotic activity and lower propensity for developing resistance compared to classic antibiotics. While several AMPs have shown activity against antibiotic-sensitive...
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19
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Wang W, Yang W, Du S, Xi X, Ma C, Wang L, Zhou M, Chen T. Bioevaluation and Targeted Modification of Temporin-FL From the Skin Secretion of Dark-Spotted Frog ( Pelophylax nigromaculatus). Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:707013. [PMID: 34738013 PMCID: PMC8560897 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.707013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioactive proteins secreted by the granular glands of amphibian skin play a self-defensive role, and exhibit various bioactivities in vitro and in vivo. In light of the severity of the problem of antibiotic resistance for treating infections, many antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been developed and applied in clinical microbial treatments. We identified a naturally derived and potent antimicrobial peptide, temporin-FL, obtained from the skin secretion of Pelophylax nigromaculatus via “shotgun” cloning. Two truncated analogues of this peptide were chemically synthesized to explore their structural-functional relationships. The results of a functional evaluation showed that all of the tested AMPs were active against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi and demonstrated antibiofilm activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) but did not have an effect on Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, temporin-FLa demonstrated a higher level of hydrophobicity and enhanced antimicrobial efficiency, as well as hemolytic activity and cell cytotoxicity than the parent peptide. Temporin-FLb, which evidenced significantly less α-helicity, was less potent against various microbes but exhibited lower cytotoxicity relating to mammalian cells. Both of the synthesized analogues possessed a higher therapeutic index than the original peptide. Moreover, the membrane permeability assay and the measuring membrane depolarization assay declared that temporin-FL and its analogues induced membrane fracture and depolarization; the quantitative biofilm formation assay and the observations of MRSA biofilms using scanning electron microscopy revealed that the AMPs caused biofilm disruption and blocked biofilm formation, the former experiments all confirming their antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Hence, the optimization of temporin-FL offers insights for the discovery of new drugs for treating MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Wanqing Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shouying Du
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinping Xi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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20
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Sadiq IZ, Muhammad A, Mada SB, Ibrahim B, Umar UA. Biotherapeutic effect of cell-penetrating peptides against microbial agents: a review. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1995285. [PMID: 34694961 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1995285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective permeability of biological membranes represents a significant barrier to the delivery of therapeutic substances into both microorganisms and mammalian cells, restricting the access of drugs into intracellular pathogens. Cell-penetrating peptides usually 5-30 amino acids with the characteristic ability to penetrate biological membranes have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents for treating infections as well as an effective delivery modality for biological conjugates such as nucleic acids, drugs, vaccines, nanoparticles, and therapeutic antibodies. However, several factors such as antimicrobial resistance and poor drug delivery of the existing medications justify the urgent need for developing a new class of antimicrobials. Herein, we review cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) used to treat microbial infections. Although these peptides are biologically active for infections, effective transduction into membranes and cargo transport, serum stability, and half-life must be improved for optimum functions and development of next-generation antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idris Zubairu Sadiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Muhammad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Sanusi Bello Mada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Bashiru Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Umar Aliyu Umar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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21
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Epimers l- and d-Phenylseptin: How the relative stereochemistry affects the peptide-membrane interactions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1863:183708. [PMID: 34310911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, several epimers of peptides containing d-amino acids have been identified in antimicrobial sequences, a feature which has been associated with post-translational modification. Generally, d-isomers present similar or inferior antimicrobial activity, only surpassing their epimers in resistance to peptidases. The naturally occurring l-Phenylseptin (l-Phes) and d-Phenylseptin (d-Phes) peptides (FFFDTLKNLAGKVIGALT-nh2) were reported with d-epimer showing higher activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Xanthomonas axonopodis in comparison with the l-epimer. In this study, we combine structural (CD, solution NMR), orientational (solid-state NMR) and biophysical (ITC, DSC and DLS) studies to understand the role of the d-phenylalanine in the increase of the antimicrobial activity. Although both peptides are structurally similar in the helical region ranging from D4 to the C-terminus, significant structural differences were observed near the peptides' N-termini (which encompasses the FFF motif). Specific aromatic interactions involving the phenylalanine side chains of d-Phes is responsible to maintaining the F1-F3 residues on the hydrophobic face of the peptide, increasing its amphipathicity when compared to the l-epimer. The higher capability of d-Phes to exert an efficient anchoring in the hydrophobic core of the phospholipid bilayer indicates a pivotal role of the N-terminus in enhancing the interaction between the d-peptide and the membrane interface in relation to its epimer.
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22
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Sarkar T, Chetia M, Chatterjee S. Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins: From Nature's Reservoir to the Laboratory and Beyond. Front Chem 2021; 9:691532. [PMID: 34222199 PMCID: PMC8249576 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.691532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance against conventional antimicrobials, resurgence of multidrug resistant microbes and the slowdown in the development of new classes of antimicrobials, necessitates the urgent development of alternate classes of therapeutic molecules. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small proteins present in different lifeforms in nature that provide defense against microbial infections. They have been effective components of the host defense system for a very long time. The fact that the development of resistance by the microbes against the AMPs is relatively slower or delayed compared to that against the conventional antibiotics, makes them prospective alternative therapeutics of the future. Several thousands of AMPs have been isolated from various natural sources like microorganisms, plants, insects, crustaceans, animals, humans, etc. to date. However, only a few of them have been translated commercially to the market so far. This is because of some inherent drawbacks of the naturally obtained AMPs like 1) short half-life owing to the susceptibility to protease degradation, 2) inactivity at physiological salt concentrations, 3) cytotoxicity to host cells, 4) lack of appropriate strategies for sustained and targeted delivery of the AMPs. This has led to a surge of interest in the development of synthetic AMPs which would retain or improve the antimicrobial potency along with circumventing the disadvantages of the natural analogs. The development of synthetic AMPs is inspired by natural designs and sequences and strengthened by the fusion with various synthetic elements. Generation of the synthetic designs are based on various strategies like sequence truncation, mutation, cyclization and introduction of unnatural amino acids and synthons. In this review, we have described some of the AMPs isolated from the vast repertoire of natural sources, and subsequently described the various synthetic designs that have been developed based on the templates of natural AMPs or from de novo design to make commercially viable therapeutics of the future. This review entails the journey of the AMPs from their natural sources to the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sunanda Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
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23
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Lima PG, Oliveira JTA, Amaral JL, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides: Characteristics, design, and potential as alternative molecules to overcome microbial resistance. Life Sci 2021; 278:119647. [PMID: 34043990 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the dramatic emergence of antimicrobial resistance has received attention from World Health Organization. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) are considered new weapons to fight against infections caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens. Here, the authors provide an overview of the current research on SAMPs. The focus is SAMPs, how to design them, which features must be considered during design, and comparison with natural peptides. This review also includes a discussion about the natural AMPs, mechanisms of action and applications as new drugs or even as adjuvants molecules to enhance commercial drugs activity. The advances in chemical synthesis have reduced the cost to produce synthetic peptides open ways to achieve new antimicrobial agents. Therefore, synthetic peptides are new promising molecules to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia G Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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24
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Legrand B, Maillard LT. α,β-Unsaturated γ-Peptide Foldamers. Chempluschem 2021; 86:629-645. [PMID: 33856125 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite their concomitant emergence in the 1990s, γ-peptide foldamers have not developed as fast as β-peptide foldamers and to date, only a few γ-oligomer structures have been reported, and with sparse applications. Among these examples, sequences containing α,β-unsaturated γ-amino acids have recently drawn attention since the Z/E configurations of the double bond provide opposite planar restrictions leading to divergent conformational behaviors, from helix to extended structures. In this Review, we give a comprehensive overview of the developments of γ-peptide foldamers containing α,β-unsaturated γ-amino acids with examples of applications for health and catalysis, as well as materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Legrand
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, IBMM, University of Montpellier, ENSCM, CNRS, Montpellier, France., 15 Av. Charles Flahault BP 14 491, 34093, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Ludovic T Maillard
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, IBMM, University of Montpellier, ENSCM, CNRS, Montpellier, France., 15 Av. Charles Flahault BP 14 491, 34093, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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Maharani R, Napitupulu OI, Dirgantara JM, Hidayat AT, Sumiarsa D, Harneti D, Supratman U, Fukase K. Synthesis of cyclotetrapeptide analogues of c-PLAI and evaluation of their antimicrobial properties. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201822. [PMID: 33959342 PMCID: PMC8074941 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are interesting compounds owing to their ability to kill several pathogens. In order to identify new AMPs, c-PLAI analogues were synthesized and evaluated together with their linear precursors for their antimicrobial properties against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae), and two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes). The new c-PLAI analogues were prepared through a combination of solid- and solution-phase syntheses, as previously employed for the synthesis of c-PLAI. The antimicrobial activity tests showed that the synthetic parent peptide c-PLAI was inactive or weakly active towards the bioindicators employed in the assay. The tests also indicated that cyclic c-PLAI analogues possessed enhanced antimicrobial properties against most of the bacteria and fungi tested. Furthermore, this study revealed that analogues containing cationic lysine residues displayed the highest activity towards most bioindicators. A combination of lysine and aromatic residues yielded analogues with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani Maharani
- Laboratorium Sentral, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
| | - Orin Inggriani Napitupulu
- Laboratorium Sentral, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
| | - Jelang M. Dirgantara
- Laboratorium Sentral, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ace Tatang Hidayat
- Laboratorium Sentral, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
| | - Dadan Sumiarsa
- Laboratorium Sentral, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
| | - Desi Harneti
- Laboratorium Sentral, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
| | - Unang Supratman
- Laboratorium Sentral, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung Sumedang Km 21, Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang, 45363 West Java, Indonesia
| | - Koichi Fukase
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0043, Japan
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Membrane binding properties of the C-terminal segment of retinol dehydrogenase 8. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1863:183605. [PMID: 33766534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Light absorption by rhodopsin leads to the release of all-trans retinal (ATRal) in the lipid phase of photoreceptor disc membranes. Retinol dehydrogenase 8 (RDH8) then reduces ATRal into all-trans retinol, which is the first step of the visual cycle. The membrane binding of RDH8 has been postulated to be mediated by one or more palmitoylated cysteines located in its C-terminus. Different peptide variants of the C-terminus of RDH8 were thus used to obtain information on the mechanism of membrane binding of this enzyme. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements were performed using short and long C-terminal segments of bovine RDH8, comprising one or two tryptophan residues. The data demonstrate that the amphipathic alpha helical structure of the first portion of the C-terminus of RDH8 strongly contributes to its membrane binding, which is also favored by palmitoylation of at least one of the cysteines located in the last portion of the C-terminus.
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Duan X, Zhang M, Chen F. Prediction and analysis of antimicrobial peptides from rapeseed protein using in silico approach. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13598. [PMID: 33595118 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of rapeseed proteins including Napin, Cruciferin, and Oleosin as precursors of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and to investigate physicochemical properties, secondary structures, toxicity, and allergenicity of AMPs using several bioinformatics tools such as BIOPEP, CAMP, APD, SOPMA, ToxinPred, and AllergenFP. A total of 26 novel AMPs were obtained by in silico hydrolysis using nine proteases, and six peptides were tested positive by all the four algorithms including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Discriminant Analysis (DA). More AMPs were generated from Cruciferin than from Napin and Oleosin. Trypsin was the most effective enzyme for AMPs production compared with other used proteases. About two-third of peptides were cationic. Interestingly, most peptides were extended AMPs. All AMPs were predicted to be non-toxic, and 14 peptides were non-allergenic. These results indicate that rapeseed protein is a good potential source of AMPs as demonstrated by in silico analyses and the theoretical knowledge obtained provides a basis for further development and production of rapeseed AMPs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Rapeseed protein is a high-quality plant protein resource. However, it is usually used as animal feed or fertilizer. Effective enzymatic hydrolysis of rapeseed protein can release bioactive peptides and improve the utilization value. This study indicates that rapeseed protein is a good potential source of AMPs as demonstrated by in silico analyses. The theoretical knowledge obtained provides a basis for further development and production of rapeseed AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Duan
- College of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fusheng Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
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Sakurai H, Nishimura K, Yamamoto S, Maruyama T, Tamura A. Molecular Design of pH-Responsive Helix Peptides That Can Damage Tumor Cells Selectively. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:2442-2452. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c01407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Sakurai
- Graduate School of Science, Department of Chemistry, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Kanon Nishimura
- Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Shota Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Maruyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Atsuo Tamura
- Graduate School of Science, Department of Chemistry, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
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Vasquez-Montes V, Ladokhin AS. Expanding MPEx Hydropathy Analysis to Account for Electrostatic Contributions to Protein Interactions with Anionic Membranes. J Membr Biol 2021; 254:109-117. [PMID: 33564913 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-021-00170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydropathy plots are a crucial tool to guide experimental design, as they generate predictions of protein-membrane interactions and their bilayer topology. The predictions are based on experimentally determined hydrophobicity scales, which provide an estimate for the propensity and stability of these interactions. A significant improvement to the accuracy of hydropathy analyses was provided by the development of the popular Wimley-White interfacial and octanol hydrophobicity scales. These scales have been previously incorporated into the freely available MPEx (Membrane Protein Explorer) online application. Here, we introduce a substantial update to MPEx that allows for the consideration of electrostatic contributions to the bilayer partitioning free energy. This component originates from the Coulombic attraction or repulsion of charges between proteins and membranes. Its inclusion in hydropathy calculations increases the accuracy of hydropathy plot predictions and extends their use to more complex systems (i.e., anionic membranes). We illustrate the application of this analysis to studies on the membrane selectivity of antimicrobial peptides, the membrane partitioning of ion-channel gating modifiers, and the amyloid proteins α-synuclein and Tau, as well as pH-dependent bilayer interactions of diphtheria toxin and apoptotic inhibitor Bcl-xL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Vasquez-Montes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| | - Alexey S Ladokhin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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Stergiou V, Krikorian D, Koukkou AI, Sakarellos-Daitsiotis M, Panou-Pomonis E. Novel anoplin-based (lipo)-peptide models show potent antimicrobial activity. J Pept Sci 2021; 27:e3303. [PMID: 33506605 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The subject of this study is the synthesis and biological evaluation of anoplin-based (Gly-Leu-Leu3 -Lys-Arg5 -Ile-Lys-Thr8 -Leu-Leu-NH2 )-designed (lipo)-peptides, aiming at the development of new antibiotic substances. The design of synthetic compounds based on natural bioactive molecules is an optimistic strategy for the development of new pharmaceutics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and (lipo)-peptides are two classes of promising compounds, with characteristics that allow them to express their activity by differentiated mechanisms of action. On this basis, anoplin, a natural AMP, was used as a scaffold to design five peptides and seven lipopeptide analogs of them. Substitutions were made on residues Leu3 and Arg5 of the interphase and on Thr8 of the polar phase, as well as N-terminus conjunctions with octanoic and decanoic acid. The outcome of the biological evaluation revealed that some analogs might have substantial clinical potential. Specifically, Ano 1-F, Ano 3-F, Ano 4-C10 , and Ano 5-F are strongly active against Gram-negative bacteria at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 3 μg/ml, while Ano 4-F is active against Gram-positive bacteria at 1 μg/ml. Ano 2-C10 , C10 -Gly-Leu-Lys3 -Lys-Ile5 -Ile-Lys-Lys8 -Leu-Leu-NH2 , is the most promising compound (MIC = 0.5 μg/ml) for the development of new pharmaceutics. The conformational features of the synthetic peptides were investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy, and their physicochemical parameters were calculated. Our study shows that appropriate substitutions in the anoplin sequence in combination with Nα -acylation may lead to new effective AMPs.
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Avian antimicrobial peptides: in vitro and in ovo characterization and protection from early chick mortality caused by yolk sac infection. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2132. [PMID: 33483611 PMCID: PMC7822892 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing antibiotic resistance is a matter of grave concern for consumers, public health authorities, farmers, and researchers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as novel and effective non-antibiotic tools to combat infectious diseases in poultry. In this study, we evaluated six avian AMPs including 2 truncated cathelicidins, [CATH-1(6-26) and CATH-2(1-15)], and 4 avian β-defensins (ABD1, 2, 6 and 9) for their bactericidal and immunomodulatory activities. Our findings have shown CATH-1(6-26) and ABD1 being the two most potent avian AMPs effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria investigated in these studies. Moreover, CATH-1(6-26) inhibited LPS-induced NO production and exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity to HD11 cells. While, ABD1 blocked LPS-induced IL-1β gene induction and was non-toxic to HD11 cells. Importantly, in ovo administration of these AMPs demonstrated that ABD1 can offer significant protection from early chick mortality (44% less mortality in ABD1 treated group versus the control group) due to the experimental yolk sac infection caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Our data suggest that in ovo administration of ABD1 has immunomodulatory and anti-infection activity comparable with CpG ODN. Thus, ABD1 can be a significant addition to potential alternatives to antibiotics for the control of bacterial infections in young chicks.
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Sekar PC, Paul DM, Srinivasan E, Rajasekaran R. Unravelling the molecular effect of ocellatin-1, F1, K1 and S1, the frog-skin antimicrobial peptides to enhance its therapeutics-quantum and molecular mechanical approaches. J Mol Model 2021; 27:10. [PMID: 33392722 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-020-04652-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ocellatin AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) are considered to be promising alternative therapeutics to conventional antibiotics. Three-dimensional (3D) structures of ocellatin-F1 with 25 residues have been reported to be potent in terms of bacterial membrane permeability. To investigate the influence of similar ocellatin peptides with 25 residues pertaining to antimicrobial effect, ocellatin-1, K1 and S1 peptides were modelled with ocellatin-F1 as template. Comparative analyses between these peptides were carried out, using computational approaches. From the results of in silico toxicity profile, all peptides were found to be non-toxic with no haemolytic activity. Further sequence analysis, net charge, hydrophobicity and hydrophobic moment revealed the membrane permeable efficacy of ocellatin-1 peptide. Besides, the investigation of peptide electronic structures through density functional theory and quantum chemical (HOMO and LUMO) calculations predicted ocellatin-1 to be a suitable peptide, which can be used as a scaffold for therapeutics. Furthermore, the determination of structural contours such as RMSD, RMSF and Rg through trajectory analysis revealed that ocellatin-1 exhibited strong structural stability. In addition, the trajectory analysis of elements of secondary structure illustrated the alpha helical conformations to be retained in all peptides, except ocellatin-1. On the aforementioned grounds, ocellatin-1 was found to possess the important role of peptide penetration of the bacterial membrane. This study becomes significant, since it is the first time where the structural importance of ocellatin peptides were explored in detail and the therapeutic potential of ocellatin-1 as a peptide-based antimicrobial drug have been theoretically revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chandra Sekar
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D Meshach Paul
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - E Srinivasan
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Rajasekaran
- Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of BioSciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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A Novel Mechanism Underlying Antiviral Activity of an Influenza Virus M2-Specific Antibody. J Virol 2020; 95:JVI.01277-20. [PMID: 33055251 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01277-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective immunity against influenza A viruses (IAVs) generally depends on antibodies to the major envelope glycoprotein, hemagglutinin (HA), whose antigenicity is distinctive among IAV subtypes. On the other hand, the matrix 2 (M2) protein is antigenically highly conserved and has been studied as an attractive vaccine antigen to confer cross-protective immunity against multiple subtypes of IAVs. However, antiviral mechanisms of M2-specific antibodies are not fully understood. Here, we report the molecular basis of antiviral activity of an M2-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb), rM2ss23. We first found that rM2ss23 inhibited A/Aichi/2/1968 (H3N2) (Aichi) but not A/PR/8/1934 (H1N1) (PR8) replication. rM2ss23 altered the cell surface distribution of M2, likely by cross-linking the molecules, and interfered with the colocalization of HA and M2, resulting in reduced budding of progeny viruses. However, these effects were not observed for another strain, PR8, despite the binding capacity of rM2ss23 to PR8 M2. Interestingly, HA was also involved in the resistance of PR8 to rM2ss23. We also found that two amino acid residues at positions 54 and 57 in the M2 cytoplasmic tail were critical for the insensitivity of PR8 to rM2ss2. These findings suggest that the disruption of the M2-HA colocalization on infected cells and subsequent reduction of virus budding is one of the principal mechanisms of antiviral activity of M2-specific antibodies and that anti-M2 antibody-sensitive and -resistant IAVs have different properties in the interaction between M2 and HA.IMPORTANCE Although the IAV HA is the major target of neutralizing antibodies, most of the antibodies are HA subtype specific, restricting the potential of HA-based vaccines. On the contrary, the IAV M2 protein has been studied as a vaccine antigen to confer cross-protective immunity against IAVs with multiple HA subtypes, since M2 is antigenically conserved. Although a number of studies highlight the protective role of anti-HA neutralizing and nonneutralizing antibodies, precise information on the molecular mechanism of action of M2-specific antibodies is still obscure. In this study, we found that an anti-M2 antibody interfered with the HA-M2 association, which is important for efficient budding of progeny virus particles from infected cells. The antiviral activity was IAV strain dependent despite the similar binding capacity of the antibody to M2, and, interestingly, HA was involved in susceptibility to the antibody. Our data provide a novel mechanism underlying antiviral activity of M2-specific antibodies.
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Letter to the Editor: Distanced Inspiration from the Career of Stephen H. White. J Membr Biol 2020; 254:1-3. [PMID: 33097980 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-020-00146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Garidel P, Eiperle A, Blech M, Seelig J. Thermal and Chemical Unfolding of a Monoclonal IgG1 Antibody: Application of the Multistate Zimm-Bragg Theory. Biophys J 2020; 118:1067-1075. [PMID: 32049058 PMCID: PMC7063443 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The thermal unfolding of a recombinant monoclonal antibody IgG1 (mAb) was measured with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC thermograms reveal a pretransition at 72°C with an unfolding enthalpy of ΔHcal ∼200-300 kcal/mol and a main transition at 85°C with an enthalpy of ∼900-1000 kcal/mol. In contrast to small single-domain proteins, mAb unfolding is a complex reaction that is analyzed with the multistate Zimm-Bragg theory. For the investigated mAb, unfolding is characterized by a cooperativity parameter σ ∼6 × 10-5 and a Gibbs free energy of unfolding of gnu ∼100 cal/mol per amino acid. The enthalpy of unfolding provides the number of amino acid residues ν participating in the unfolding reaction. On average, ν∼220 ± 50 amino acids are involved in the pretransition and ν∼850 ± 30 in the main transition, accounting for ∼90% of all amino acids. Thermal unfolding was further studied in the presence of guanidineHCl. The chemical denaturant reduces the unfolding enthalpy ΔHcal and lowers the midpoint temperature Tm. Both parameters depend linearly on the concentration of denaturant. The guanidineHCl concentrations needed to unfold mAb at 25°C are predicted to be 2-3 M for the pretransition and 5-7 M for the main transition, varying with pH. GuanidineHCl binds to mAb with an exothermic binding enthalpy, which partially compensates the endothermic mAb unfolding enthalpy. The number of guanidineHCl molecules bound upon unfolding is deduced from the DSC thermograms. The bound guanidineHCl-to-unfolded amino acid ratio is 0.79 for the pretransition and 0.55 for the main transition. The pretransition binds more denaturant molecules and is more sensitive to unfolding than the main transition. The current study shows the strength of the Zimm-Bragg theory for the quantitative description of unfolding events of large, therapeutic proteins, such as a monoclonal antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Garidel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
| | - Andrea Eiperle
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Michaela Blech
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Joachim Seelig
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, Basel, Switzerland.
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Li-Blatter X, Seelig J. Thermal and Chemical Unfolding of Lysozyme. Multistate Zimm-Bragg Theory Versus Two-State Model. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:10181-10191. [PMID: 31686511 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b08816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thermal and chemical unfolding of lysozyme in the presence of the guanidine HCl denaturant is a model system to compare the conventional two-state model of protein unfolding with the multistate Zimm-Bragg theory. The two-state model is shown to be the noncooperative limit of the Zimm-Bragg theory. In particular, the Zimm-Bragg theory provides a molecular interpretation of the empirical linear extrapolation method (LEM) of the two-state model. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments reported in the literature are analyzed with both methods. Lysozyme unfolding is associated with a large endothermic enthalpy that decreases significantly upon addition of guanidine HCl. In contrast, the Gibbs free energy of unfolding is small, negative, and independent of the guanidine HCl concentration, contradicting, in part, the conclusions of the LEM. The unfolding enthalpy is compensated by an even larger entropy term. The multistate Zimm-Bragg theory predicts a larger conformational enthalpy and a smaller Gibbs free energy than the two-state model. The Zimm-Bragg theory provides the protein cooperativity parameter, the average length of independently folding protein domains, and the Gibbs free energy of unfolding of individual amino acid residues. Guanidine HCl binding to lysozyme is exothermic and counteracts the endothermic unfolding enthalpy. The number of bound denaturant molecules is determined from the decrease in enthalpy and is extrapolated to the guanidine HCl-to-amino acid stoichiometry at complete lysozyme unfolding. Chemical unfolding isotherms measured with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy are analyzed with both models. The chemical Zimm-Bragg theory is a cooperative molecular model, yielding the guanidine HCl binding constant and the protein cooperativity parameter. It allows a quantitative comparison between thermal and chemical protein unfolding. The two reactions have almost identical changes in Gibbs free energy. However, thermal unfolding is significantly more cooperative than chemical unfolding. Finally, distinct differences are observed in thermal unfolding between DSC and CD spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Li-Blatter
- Biozentrum , University of Basel , Klingelbergstrasse 50/70 , CH-4056 Basel , Switzerland
| | - Joachim Seelig
- Biozentrum , University of Basel , Klingelbergstrasse 50/70 , CH-4056 Basel , Switzerland
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Rončević T, Puizina J, Tossi A. Antimicrobial Peptides as Anti-Infective Agents in Pre-Post-Antibiotic Era? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5713. [PMID: 31739573 PMCID: PMC6887943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to antibiotics is one of the main current threats to human health and every year multi-drug resistant bacteria are infecting millions of people worldwide, with many dying as a result. Ever since their discovery, some 40 years ago, the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate defense have been hailed as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics due to their relatively low potential to elicit resistance. Despite continued effort by both academia and start-ups, currently there are still no antibiotics based on AMPs in use. In this study, we discuss what we know and what we do not know about these agents, and what we need to know to successfully translate discovery to application. Understanding the complex mechanics of action of these peptides is the main prerequisite for identifying and/or designing or redesigning novel molecules with potent biological activity. However, other aspects also need to be well elucidated, i.e., the (bio)synthetic processes, physiological and pathological contexts of their activity, and a quantitative understanding of how physico-chemical properties affect activity. Research groups worldwide are using biological, biophysical, and algorithmic techniques to develop models aimed at designing molecules with the necessary blend of antimicrobial potency and low toxicity. Shedding light on some open questions may contribute toward improving this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Rončević
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Laboratory for Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Jasna Puizina
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Alessandro Tossi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
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Acevedo ICC, Silva Jr PI, Silva FD, Araújo I, Alves FL, Oliveira CS, Oliveira Jr VX. IsCT‐based analogs intending better biological activity. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3219. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernanda Dias Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABC Santo André SP Brazil
| | - Iris Araújo
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABC Santo André SP Brazil
| | - Flávio Lopes Alves
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABC Santo André SP Brazil
- Departamento de BiofísicaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
| | | | - Vani Xavier Oliveira Jr
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABC Santo André SP Brazil
- Departamento de BiofísicaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
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Díaz-Roa A, Espinoza-Culupú A, Torres-García O, Borges MM, Avino IN, Alves FL, Miranda A, Patarroyo MA, da Silva PI, Bello FJ. Sarconesin II, a New Antimicrobial Peptide Isolated from Sarconesiopsis magellanica Excretions and Secretions. Molecules 2019; 24:E2077. [PMID: 31159162 PMCID: PMC6600161 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24112077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is at dangerous levels and increasing worldwide. The search for new antimicrobial drugs to counteract this problem is a priority for health institutions and organizations, both globally and in individual countries. Sarconesiopsis magellanica blowfly larval excretions and secretions (ES) are an important source for isolating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This study aims to identify and characterize a new S. magellanica AMP. RP-HPLC was used to fractionate ES, using C18 columns, and their antimicrobial activity was evaluated. The peptide sequence of the fraction collected at 43.7 min was determined by mass spectrometry (MS). Fluorescence and electronic microscopy were used to evaluate the mechanism of action. Toxicity was tested on HeLa cells and human erythrocytes; physicochemical properties were evaluated. The molecule in the ES was characterized as sarconesin II and it showed activity against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli MG1655, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, P. aeruginosa PA14) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Micrococcus luteus A270) bacteria. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration obtained was 1.9 μM for M. luteus A270; the AMP had no toxicity in any cells tested here and its action in bacterial membrane and DNA was confirmed. Sarconesin II was documented as a conserved domain of the ATP synthase protein belonging to the Fli-1 superfamily. The data reported here indicated that peptides could be alternative therapeutic candidates for use in infections against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and eventually as a new resource of compounds for combating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Díaz-Roa
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
- PhD Program in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia.
| | - Abraham Espinoza-Culupú
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Monamaris M Borges
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ivan N Avino
- Special Laboratory of Cell Cycle (LECC), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
| | - Flávio L Alves
- Biophysics Department, UNIFESP, São Paulo CEP 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Biophysics Department, UNIFESP, São Paulo CEP 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
- Basic Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 112111, Colombia.
| | - Pedro I da Silva
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
| | - Felio J Bello
- Faculty of Agricultural and Livestock Sciences, Veterinary Medicine Programme, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá 110141, Colombia.
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41
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Liposomes as models for membrane integrity. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:919-932. [PMID: 31085615 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Biological membranes form the boundaries to cells. They are integral to cellular function, retaining the valuable components inside and preventing access of unwanted molecules. Many different classes of molecules demonstrate disruptive properties to the plasma membrane. These include alcohols, detergents and antimicrobial agents. Understanding this disruption and the mechanisms by which it can be mitigated is vital for improved therapeutics as well as enhanced industrial processes where the compounds produced can be toxic to the membrane. This mini-review describes the most common molecules that disrupt cell membranes along with a range of in vitro liposome-based techniques that can be used to monitor and delineate these disruptive processes.
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Tian S, Xiong H, Geng P, Yuan Z, Hu X. CesH Represses Cereulide Synthesis as an Alpha/Beta Fold Hydrolase in Bacillus cereus. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E231. [PMID: 31010094 PMCID: PMC6521208 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11040231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cereulide is notorious as a heat-stable emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus and glucose is supposed to be an ingredient supporting its formation. This study showed that glucose addition benefited on cell growth and the early transcription of genes involved in substrate accumulation and toxin synthesis, but it played a negative role in the final production of cereulide. Meanwhile, a lasting enhancement of cesH transcription was observed with the addition of glucose. Moreover, the cereulide production in ΔcesH was obviously higher than that in the wild type. This indicates that CesH has a repression effect on cereulide production. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CesH was an alpha/beta hydrolase that probably associated with the cell membrane, which was verified by subcellular localization. The esterase activity against para-nitrophenyl acetate (PNPC2) of the recombinant CesH was confirmed. Although no sign of ester bond cleavage in cereulide or valinomycin was demonstrated in in vitro assays, CesH could reverse the cereulide analogue sensitivity of Bacillus subtilis in vivo, by which toxin degradation was facilitated. Moreover, site directed mutations identified that the conserved catalytic triad of CesH might consist of Serine 86, Glutamate 199, and Histidine 227. These results help us to understand the regulation of cereulide production and provide clues for developing control measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Hairong Xiong
- College of Life Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Peiling Geng
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Zhiming Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Xiaomin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Crawford MA, Margulieux KR, Singh A, Nakamoto RK, Hughes MA. Mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities of antimicrobial chemokines. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 88:119-128. [PMID: 29432954 PMCID: PMC6613794 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines are a family of small proteins best known for their ability to orchestrate immune cell trafficking and recruitment to sites of infection. Their role in promoting host defense is multiplied by a number of additional receptor-dependent biological activities, and most, but not all, chemokines have been found to mediate direct antimicrobial effects against a broad range of microorganisms. The molecular mechanism(s) by which antimicrobial chemokines kill bacteria remains unknown; however, recent observations have expanded our fundamental understanding of chemokine-mediated bactericidal activity to reveal increasingly diverse and complex actions. In the current review, we present and consider mechanistic insights of chemokine-mediated antimicrobial activity against bacteria. We also discuss how contemporary advances are reshaping traditional paradigms and opening up new and innovative avenues of research with translational implications. Towards this end, we highlight a developing framework for leveraging chemokine-mediated bactericidal and immunomodulatory effects to advance pioneering therapeutic approaches for treating bacterial infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Crawford
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Katie R Margulieux
- Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Arpita Singh
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Robert K Nakamoto
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Molly A Hughes
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptides: A Complex Interplay of Multiple Equilibria. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1117:175-214. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Ariza-Sáenz M, Espina M, Calpena A, Gómara MJ, Pérez-Pomeda I, Haro I, García ML. Design, Characterization, and Biopharmaceutical Behavior of Nanoparticles Loaded with an HIV-1 Fusion Inhibitor Peptide. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:5005-5018. [PMID: 30226777 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
New therapeutic alternatives to fight against the spread of HIV-1 are based on peptides designed to inhibit the early steps of HIV-1 fusion in target cells. However, drawbacks, such as bioavailability, short half-life, rapid clearance, and poor ability to cross the physiological barriers, make such peptides unattractive for the pharmaceutical industry. Here we developed, optimized, and characterized polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) coated with glycol chitosan to incorporate and release an HIV-1 fusion inhibitor peptide (E1) inside the vaginal mucosa. The NPs were prepared by a modified double emulsion method, and optimization was carried out by a factorial design. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the optimized formulation. The results indicate that the physicochemical features of these NPs enable them to incorporate and release HIV fusion inhibitor peptides to the vaginal mucosa before the fusion step takes place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Ariza-Sáenz
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry , University of Barcelona , Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31 , Barcelona 08028 , Spain.,Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Application of Peptides, Department of Biomedical Chemistry , IQAC-CSIC , Jordi Girona 18 , 08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Marta Espina
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry , University of Barcelona , Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31 , Barcelona 08028 , Spain
| | - Ana Calpena
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry , University of Barcelona , Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31 , Barcelona 08028 , Spain
| | - María J Gómara
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Application of Peptides, Department of Biomedical Chemistry , IQAC-CSIC , Jordi Girona 18 , 08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Ignacio Pérez-Pomeda
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Application of Peptides, Department of Biomedical Chemistry , IQAC-CSIC , Jordi Girona 18 , 08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Isabel Haro
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Application of Peptides, Department of Biomedical Chemistry , IQAC-CSIC , Jordi Girona 18 , 08034 Barcelona , Spain
| | - María Luisa García
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry , University of Barcelona , Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31 , Barcelona 08028 , Spain
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46
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Sun C, Li Y, Cao S, Wang H, Jiang C, Pang S, Hussain MA, Hou J. Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Action of Bovine Lactoferricin Derivatives with Symmetrical Amino Acid Sequences. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2951. [PMID: 30262770 PMCID: PMC6213309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the overuse of antibiotics has become very serious. Many pathogenic bacteria have become resistant to them, with serious potential health consequences. Thus, it is urgent that we develop new antibiotic drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important endogenous antibacterial molecules that contribute to immunity. Most have spectral antibacterial properties and do not confer drug resistance. In this paper, an 11-residue peptide (LFcinB18⁻28) with a sequence of KCRRWQWRMKK was modified by amino acid substitution to form a symmetrical amino acid sequence. The antibacterial activities and mechanisms of action of engineered peptides including KW-WK (KWRRWQWRRWK), FP-PF (FPRRWQWRRPF), FW-WF (FWRRWQWRRWF), and KK-KK (KKRRWQWRRKK) were investigated. The four engineered peptides could more effectively inhibit bacteria than the original peptide, LFcinB18⁻28. This suggested that a symmetrical amino acid sequence might enhance the antibacterial activity of AMPs. However, only peptides KW-WK, FP-PF, and KK-KK were safe; FW-WF displayed hemolytic activity. The engineered peptides shared cationic and amphipathic characteristics that facilitated interactions with the anionic microbial membranes, leading to disruption of membrane integrity and permeabilizing microbial membranes, resulting in cell death. Therefore, a symmetrical amino acid sequence and related structural parameters offer an alternative approach to the design of AMPs. This will provide a scientific basis for the design and synthesis of new AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changbao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Yingying Li
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Songsong Cao
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Haimei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Chenggang Jiang
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Shiyue Pang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Muhammad Altaf Hussain
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Juncai Hou
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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47
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Crittenden CM, Morrison LJ, Fitzpatrick MD, Myers AP, Novelli ET, Rosenberg J, Akin LD, Srinivasa S, Shear JB, Brodbelt JS. Towards mapping electrostatic interactions between Kdo 2-lipid A and cationic antimicrobial peptides via ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry. Analyst 2018; 143:3607-3618. [PMID: 29968868 PMCID: PMC6056329 DOI: 10.1039/c8an00652k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) have been known to act as multi-modal weapons against Gram-negative bacteria. As a new approach to investigate the nature of the interactions between CAMPs and the surfaces of bacteria, native mass spectrometry and two MS/MS strategies (ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) and higher energy collisional activation (HCD)) are used to examine formation and disassembly of saccharolipid·peptide complexes. Kdo2-lipid A (KLA) is used as a model saccharolipid to evaluate complexation with a series of cationic peptides (melittin and three analogs). Collisional activation of the KLA·peptide complexes results in the disruption of electrostatic interactions, resulting in apo-sequence ions with shifts in the distribution of ions compared to the fragmentation patterns of the apo-peptides. UVPD of the KLA·peptide complexes results in both apo- and holo-sequence ions of the peptides, the latter in which the KLA remains bound to the truncated peptide fragment despite cleavage of a covalent bond of the peptide backbone. Mapping both the N- and C-terminal holo-product ions gives insight into the peptide motifs (specifically an electropositive KRKR segment and a proline residue) that are responsible for mediating the electrostatic interactions between the cationic peptides and saccharolipid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsay J Morrison
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Mignon D Fitzpatrick
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Allison P Myers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Elisa T Novelli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Jake Rosenberg
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Lucas D Akin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Sorin Srinivasa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Jason B Shear
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Jennifer S Brodbelt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
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48
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Antimicrobial peptides: biochemical determinants of activity and biophysical techniques of elucidating their functionality. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 34:62. [PMID: 29651655 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-018-2444-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been established over millennia as powerful components of the innate immune system of many organisms. Due to their broad spectrum of activity and the development of host resistance against them being unlikely, AMPs are strong candidates for controlling drug-resistant pathogenic microbial pathogens. AMPs cause cell death through several independent or cooperative mechanisms involving membrane lysis, non-lytic activity, and/or intracellular mechanisms. Biochemical determinants such as peptide length, primary sequence, charge, secondary structure, hydrophobicity, amphipathicity and host cell membrane composition together influence the biological activities of peptides. A number of biophysical techniques have been used in recent years to study the mechanisms of action of AMPs. This work appraises the molecular parameters that determine the biocidal activity of AMPs and overviews their mechanisms of actions and the diverse biochemical, biophysical and microscopy techniques utilised to elucidate these.
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49
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Tryptophan-Rich and Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptides. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040815. [PMID: 29614844 PMCID: PMC6017362 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing emergence of drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, there is a world-wide quest to develop new-generation antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides with a broad spectrum of antibiotic activities against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses and sometimes exhibit cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells. As a part of the native host defense system, most AMPs target the membrane integrity of the microorganism, leading to cell death by lysis. These membrane lytic effects are often toxic to mammalian cells and restrict their systemic application. However, AMPs containing predominantly either tryptophan or proline can kill microorganisms by targeting intracellular pathways and are therefore a promising source of next-generation antibiotics. A minimum length of six amino acids is required for high antimicrobial activity in tryptophan-rich AMPs and the position of these residues also affects their antimicrobial activity. The aromatic side chain of tryptophan is able to rapidly form hydrogen bonds with membrane bilayer components. Proline-rich AMPs interact with the 70S ribosome and disrupt protein synthesis. In addition, they can also target the heat shock protein in target pathogens, and consequently lead to protein misfolding. In this review, we will focus on describing the structures, sources, and mechanisms of action of the aforementioned AMPs.
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50
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Prévost C, Sharp ME, Kory N, Lin Q, Voth GA, Farese RV, Walther TC. Mechanism and Determinants of Amphipathic Helix-Containing Protein Targeting to Lipid Droplets. Dev Cell 2018; 44:73-86.e4. [PMID: 29316443 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cytosolic lipid droplets (LDs) are the main storage organelles for metabolic energy in most cells. They are unusual organelles that are bounded by a phospholipid monolayer and specific surface proteins, including key enzymes of lipid and energy metabolism. Proteins targeting LDs from the cytoplasm often contain amphipathic helices, but how they bind to LDs is not well understood. Combining computer simulations with experimental studies in vitro and in cells, we uncover a general mechanism for targeting of cytosolic proteins to LDs: large hydrophobic residues of amphipathic helices detect and bind to large, persistent membrane packing defects that are unique to the LD surface. Surprisingly, amphipathic helices with large hydrophobic residues from many different proteins are capable of binding to LDs. This suggests that LD protein composition is additionally determined by mechanisms that selectively prevent proteins from binding LDs, such as macromolecular crowding at the LD surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Prévost
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02124, USA
| | - Morris E Sharp
- Department of Chemistry, James Franck Institute, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Nora Kory
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02124, USA
| | - Qingqing Lin
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02124, USA
| | - Gregory A Voth
- Department of Chemistry, James Franck Institute, and Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Robert V Farese
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02124, USA.
| | - Tobias C Walther
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02124, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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