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Yin W, Yao J, Leng X, Ma C, Chen X, Jiang Y, Wang T, Chen T, Shaw C, Zhou M, Wang L. Enhancement of Antimicrobial Function by L/D-Lysine Substitution on a Novel Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Peptide, Phylloseptin-TO2: A Structure-Related Activity Research Study. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1098. [PMID: 39204443 PMCID: PMC11360180 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16081098] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to public health globally, reducing the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. ESKAPE pathogens are a group of highly transmissible bacteria that mainly contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance and cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans. Phylloseptins, a class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from Phyllomedusidae frogs, have been proven to have antimicrobial activity via membrane interaction. However, their relatively high cytotoxicity and low stability limit the clinical development of these AMPs. This project aims to study the antimicrobial activity and mechanisms of a phylloseptin-like peptide, phylloseptin-TO2 (PSTO2), following rational amino acid modification. Here, PSTO2 (FLSLIPHAISAVSALAKHL-NH2), identified from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa tomopterna, was used as the template for modification to enhance antimicrobial activity. Adding positive charges to PSTO2 through substitution with L-lysines enhanced the interaction of the peptides with cell membranes and improved their antimicrobial efficacy. The analogues SRD7 and SR2D10, which incorporated D-lysines, demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) while also showing reduced haemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, resulting in a higher therapeutic index. Additionally, SRD7, modified with D-lysines, exhibited notable anti-proliferative properties against human lung cancer cell lines, including H838 and H460. This study thus provides a potential development model for new antibacterial and anti-cancer drugs combating antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaoling Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (W.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.L.); (C.M.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.); (L.W.)
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2
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Elradi M, Ahmed AI, Saleh AM, Abdel-Raouf KMA, Berika L, Daoud Y, Amleh A. Derivation of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the Red Sea Brine Pools modified to enhance its anticancer activity against U2OS cells. BMC Biotechnol 2024; 24:14. [PMID: 38491556 PMCID: PMC10943910 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-024-00835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated drug resistance is a major cause for cancer aggravation, particularly as conventional therapies have presented limited efficiency, low specificity, resulting in long term deleterious side effects. Peptide based drugs have emerged as potential alternative cancer treatment tools due to their selectivity, ease of design and synthesis, safety profile, and low cost of manufacturing. In this study, we utilized the Red Sea metagenomics database, generated during AUC/KAUST Red Sea microbiome project, to derive a viable anticancer peptide (ACP). We generated a set of peptide hits from our library that shared similar composition to ACPs. A peptide with a homeodomain was selected, modified to improve its anticancer properties, verified to maintain high anticancer properties, and processed for further in-silico prediction of structure and function. The peptide's anticancer properties were then assessed in vitro on osteosarcoma U2OS cells, through cytotoxicity assay (MTT assay), scratch-wound healing assay, apoptosis/necrosis detection assay (Annexin/PI assay), RNA expression analysis of Caspase 3, KI67 and Survivin, and protein expression of PARP1. L929 mouse fibroblasts were also assessed for cytotoxicity treatment. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the peptide was also examined on E coli and S. aureus, as sample representative species of the human bacterial microbiome, by examining viability, disk diffusion, morphological assessment, and hemolytic analysis. We observed a dose dependent cytotoxic response from peptide treatment of U2OS, with a higher tolerance in L929s. Wound closure was debilitated in cells exposed to the peptide, while annexin fluorescent imaging suggested peptide treatment caused apoptosis as a major mode of cell death. Caspase 3 gene expression was not altered, while KI67 and Survivin were both downregulated in peptide treated cells. Additionally, PARP-1 protein analysis showed a decrease in expression with peptide exposure. The peptide exhibited minimal antimicrobial activity on critical human microbiome species E. coli and S. aureus, with a low inhibition rate, maintenance of structural morphology and minimal hemolytic impact. These findings suggest our novel peptide displayed preliminary ACP properties against U2OS cells, through limited specificity, while triggering apoptosis as a primary mode of cell death and while having minimal impact on the microbiological species E. coli and S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Elradi
- Biotechnology Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Ahmed
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Saleh
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Lina Berika
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yara Daoud
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asma Amleh
- Biotechnology Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt.
- Biology Department, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt.
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3
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Antony A, Purayil AK, Olakkaran S, Dhannura S, Shekh S, Gowd KH, Gurushankara HP. Antimicrobial and antitumor properties of anuran peptide temporin-SHf induce apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells. Amino Acids 2024; 56:12. [PMID: 38319435 PMCID: PMC10847208 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03373-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Temporin-SHf is a linear, ultra-short, hydrophobic, α-helix, and phe-rich cationic antimicrobial peptide. The antitumor activities and mechanism of temporin-SHf-induced cancer cell death are unknown. The temporin-SHf was synthesized by solid-phase Fmoc chemistry and antimicrobial and antitumor activities were investigated. Temporin-SHf was microbiocidal, non-hemolytic, and cytotoxic to human cancer cells but not to non-tumorigenic cells. It affected the cancer cells' lysosomal integrity and caused cell membrane damage. The temporin-SHf inhibited A549 cancer cell proliferation and migration. It is anti-angiogenic and causes cancer cell death through apoptosis. The molecular mechanism of action of temporin-SHf confirmed that it kills cancer cells by triggering caspase-dependent apoptosis through an intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Owing to its short length and broad spectrum of antitumor activity, temporin-SHf is a promising candidate for developing a new class of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anet Antony
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, 671 320, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, 673 635, India
| | - Anupama Kizhakke Purayil
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, 671 320, India
- Department of Molecular Biology, Kannur University, Dr. Janakiammal Campus, Thalasserry, Palayad, Kerala, 670 661, India
| | - Shilpa Olakkaran
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, 671 320, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, 673 635, India
| | - Shweta Dhannura
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, 585 367, India
| | - Shamasoddin Shekh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, 585 367, India
| | - Konkallu Hanumae Gowd
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, 585 367, India
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4
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Dong Z, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Tangthianchaichana J, Guo M, Du S, Lu Y. Anticancer Mechanisms and Potential Anticancer Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Nano Agents. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1017-1039. [PMID: 38317847 PMCID: PMC10840538 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s445333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy is one of the main methods of cancer treatment, which is largely limited by severe side effects and frequent development of multi-drug resistance by cancer cells. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with high efficiency and low toxicity, as one of the most promising new drugs to replace chemoradiotherapy, have become a current research hotspot, attracting the attention of worldwide researchers. AMPs are natural-source small peptides from the innate immune system, and certain AMPs can selectively kill a broad spectrum of cancer cells while exhibiting less damage to normal cells. Although it involves intracellular mechanisms, AMPs exert their anti-cancer effects mainly through membrane destruction effect; thus, AMPs also hold unique advantages in fighting drug-resistant cancer cells. However, the poor stability and hemolytic toxicity of peptides limit their clinical application. Fortunately, functionalized nanoparticles have many possibilities in overcoming the shortcomings of AMPs, which provides a huge prospect for better application of AMPs. In this paper, we briefly introduce the characteristics and different sources of AMPs, review and summarize the mechanisms of action and the research status of AMPs used as an anticancer therapy, and finally focus on the further use of AMPs nano agents in the anti-cancer direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Dong
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Research and Development Centre in Beijing, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jakkree Tangthianchaichana
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Mingxue Guo
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shouying Du
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Lu
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Shakibapour N, Asoodeh A, Saberi MR, Chamani J. Investigating the binding mechanism of temporin Rb with human serum albumin, holo transferrin, and hemoglobin using spectroscopic and molecular dynamics techniques. J Mol Liq 2023; 389:122833. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2023.122833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
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6
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Chen Q, Wu J, Li X, Ye Z, Yang H, Mu L. Amphibian-Derived Natural Anticancer Peptides and Proteins: Mechanism of Action, Application Strategies, and Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13985. [PMID: 37762285 PMCID: PMC10530844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major diseases that seriously threaten human life. Traditional anticancer therapies have achieved remarkable efficacy but have also some unavoidable side effects. Therefore, more and more research focuses on highly effective and less-toxic anticancer substances of natural origin. Amphibian skin is rich in active substances such as biogenic amines, alkaloids, alcohols, esters, peptides, and proteins, which play a role in various aspects such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer functions, and are one of the critical sources of anticancer substances. Currently, a range of natural anticancer substances are known from various amphibians. This paper aims to review the physicochemical properties, anticancer mechanisms, and potential applications of these peptides and proteins to advance the identification and therapeutic use of natural anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hailong Yang
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lixian Mu
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
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Gu Y, Wu L, Hameed Y, Nabi-Afjadi M. Overcoming the challenge: cell-penetrating peptides and membrane permeability. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSENSORS 2023; 2. [DOI: 10.58567/bab02010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
<p>Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing the membrane permeability of bioactive molecules, particularly in the treatment of central nervous system diseases. CPPs possess the ability to deliver a diverse array of bioactive molecules into cells using either covalent or non-covalent approaches, with a preference for non-covalent methods to preserve the biological activity of the transported molecules. By effectively traversing various physiological barriers, CPPs have exhibited significant potential in preclinical and clinical drug development. The discovery of CPPs represents a valuable solution to the challenge of limited membrane permeability of bioactive molecules and will continue to exert a crucial influence on the field of biomedical science.</p>
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gu
- The Statistics Department, The George Washington University, Washington, United States
| | - Long Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States
| | - Yasir Hameed
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Chen Z, Hong D, Li S, Jia Y. Novel Property Cytotoxicity and Mechanism of Food Preservative Brevilaterins against Human Gastric Cancer Cells. Foods 2023; 12:foods12081732. [PMID: 37107527 PMCID: PMC10137466 DOI: 10.3390/foods12081732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brevilaterins, antimicrobial peptides produced by Brevibacillus laterosporus, are regarded as excellent food preservatives and are popular as antimicrobial applications. Recent research has uncovered their potent cytotoxic effects against diverse cancer cells, thereby underscoring the pressing need for more extensive and intensive investigations into this use. In this study, we explored their novel function in inducing cytotoxicity to cancer cells and systematically investigated the mechanism of action of Brevilaterin B/C (BB/BC) in vivo. Proliferation, membrane permeability, and apoptotic rate were evaluated using CCK-8 assay, LDH assay, and Annexin V-FITC/PI kits. ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected using the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA and JC-1. Our results demonstrated that both BB and BC at concentrations of 4-6 µg/mL significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells BGC-823. Treatment with 4 µg/mL of BB/BC rapidly increased LDH levels in the supernatant of BGC-823 cells, leading to further investigation of the mechanism of apoptosis. We found that the apoptotic rate of BGC-823 cells significantly increased upon treatment with BB/BC, demonstrating their potent induction of apoptosis. BB/BC-induced ROS production in BGC-823 cells impaired their growth and induced apoptosis, indicating a close association between apoptosis and ROS elevation. Additionally, JC-1 aggregates rapidly accumulated after treatment with 4 µg/mL of BB/BC, suggesting changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and early apoptosis. Taken together, our findings revealed that BB and BC exhibit significant anticancer effects against gastric cancer cells, highlighting the promising potential of Brevilaterins as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Chen
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Dan Hong
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Siting Li
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yingmin Jia
- School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
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Temporins: Multifunctional Peptides from Frog Skin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065426. [PMID: 36982501 PMCID: PMC10049141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporins are short peptides secreted by frogs from all over the world. They exert antimicrobial activity, mainly against Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant pathogens; recent studies highlight other possible applications of these peptides as anticancer or antiviral agents. This review is meant to describe the main features of temporins produced by different ranid genera. Due to the abundance of published papers, we focus on the most widely investigated peptides. We report studies on their mechanism of action and three-dimensional structure in model systems mimicking bacterial membranes or in the presence of cells. The design and the antimicrobial activity of peptide analogues is also described, with the aim of highlighting elements that are crucial to improve the bioactivity of peptides while reducing their toxicity. Finally, a short section is dedicated to the studies aimed at applying these peptides as drugs, to produce new antimicrobial materials or in other technological uses.
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10
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Zhang J, Sun Y, Sun C, Shang D. The antimicrobial peptide LK2(6)A(L) exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by binding to the myeloid differentiation 2 domain and protects against LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. Bioorg Chem 2023; 132:106376. [PMID: 36706531 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106376] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease that is generally attributable to an uncontrolled inflammatory response in the lung, but there is a lack of effective treatments. At present, regulating the inflammatory response has become an important strategy for treating ALI. In the present study, LK2(6)A(L), a peptide derived from the natural antimicrobial peptide temporin-1CEa, inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and NO in RAW264.7 cells. Herein, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of LK2(6)A(L) was investigated. The RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) results showed that LK2(6)A(L) significantly inhibited the TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. The results of co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), pull-down experiment, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) suggested that MD2 was the direct target of LK2(6)A(L). Chemical inhibition of MD2 and its knockdown abolished the anti-inflammatory effect of LK2(6)A(L). Molecular dynamic simulation indicated that LK2(6)A(L) could bind to the active domain of the MD2 hydrophobic pocket via six hydrogen bonds. The truncated peptides were designed based on analysis of the molecular docking of LK2(6)A(L) to MD2. The truncated peptide IS-7 showed strong affinity to MD2 and a remarkable inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory factors that was comparable to the effect of LK2(6)A(L). Finally, LK2(6)A(L) and IS-7 relieved inflammatory symptoms and lung tissue destruction in the ALI mouse model. Overall, our study suggested that LK2(6)A(L) showed promising anti-inflammatory activity by targeting MD2, and the amino acid domain 7-13 was an important area that binds with MD2 and also an anti-inflammatory active region. LK2(6)A(L) and IS-7 may be potential new treatments for ALI and other acute inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Yue Sun
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Chengpeng Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Dejing Shang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China.
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11
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Zaman R, Islam RA, Chowdhury EH. Evolving therapeutic proteins to precisely kill cancer cells. J Control Release 2022; 351:779-804. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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12
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Brevilaterin B from Brevibacillus laterosporus has selective antitumor activity and induces apoptosis in epidermal cancer. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:201. [PMID: 35999383 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03372-8] [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: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Brevilaterins as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted by a newly discovered species Brevibacillus laterosporus, had been demonstrated to display excellent antibacterial and antifungal activities; however, very limited information about their new bioactivity was ever developed. Herein, we discovered Brevilaterin B, an AMP produced by Br. laterosporus S62-9, exhibited a new anticancer activity and investigated its anticancer details. Proliferation, membrane permeability and apoptotic rate of cell lines were studied by methods of CCK-8 Assay, LDH Assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI Kits, respectively. ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential of tested cells were further detected through the fluorescent probes DCFH-DA and JC-1. Brevilaterin B exhibited broad-spectrum anticancer activity in a dose-dependent manner. It selectively inhibited the proliferation of epidermal cancer cell A431 but had no effect on its control normal cells in a dose of 2.0 µg/mL. In comparision, typical morphological characteristics of apoptosis and an apoptotic ratio of 71.0% in A431 were observed after treatment by 2.0-3.0 µg/mL of Brevilaterin B. The ROS levels increased by 21.3% and mitochondrial membrane potential reduced by 48.8% from A431 were further occurred, indicating Brevilaterin B's anticancer action was mainly focus on the mitochondrion of cancer cells. In total, Brevilaterin B we reported above maybe believed to be a potential application as an anticancer medicament, increasing its commercial value.
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Moeinabadi-Bidgoli K, Rezaee M, Rismanchi H, Mohammadi MM, Babajani A. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides as Potential Anti-Neoplastic Agents: New Insight into Anticancer Mechanisms of Stem Cells and Exosomes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:900418. [PMID: 35874827 PMCID: PMC9298847 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.900418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as adult multipotent cells, possess considerable regenerative and anti-neoplastic effects, from inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells to reducing multidrug resistance that bring them up as an appropriate alternative for cancer treatment. These cells can alter the behavior of cancer cells, the condition of the tumor microenvironment, and the activity of immune cells that result in tumor regression. It has been observed that during inflammatory conditions, a well-known feature of the tumor microenvironment, the MSCs produce and release some molecules called “antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)” with demonstrated anti-neoplastic effects. These peptides have remarkable targeted anticancer effects by attaching to the negatively charged membrane of neoplastic cells, disrupting the membrane, and interfering with intracellular pathways. Therefore, AMPs could be considered as a part of the wide-ranging anti-neoplastic effects of MSCs. This review focuses on the possible anti-neoplastic effects of MSCs-derived AMPs and their mechanisms. It also discusses preconditioning approaches and using exosomes to enhance AMP production and delivery from MSCs to cancer cells. Besides, the clinical administration of MSCs-derived AMPs, along with their challenges in clinical practice, were debated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Moeinabadi-Bidgoli
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastroenterology Disorders Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malihe Rezaee
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Rismanchi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhesam Babajani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Antibacterial Peptide NP-6 Affects Staphylococcus aureus by Multiple Modes of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147812. [PMID: 35887160 PMCID: PMC9319634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147812] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study extracted and identified an antibacterial peptide that was named NP-6. Herein, we investigated the physicochemical properties of NP-6, and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the hemolysis activity of NP-6 was 2.39 ± 0.13%, lower than Nisin A (3.91 ± 0.43%) at the same concentration (512 µg/mL). Negligible cytotoxicity towards RAW264.7 cells was found when the concentration of NP-6 was lower than 512 µg/mL. In addition, it could keep most of its activity in fetal bovine serum. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and flow cytometry results showed that NP-6 can destroy the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane and increase the membrane permeability. Meanwhile, NP-6 had binding activity with bacterial DNA and RNA in vitro and strongly inhibited the intracellular β-galactosidase activity of S. aureus. Our findings suggest that NP-6 could be a promising candidate against S. aureus.
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15
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Karami Fath M, Babakhaniyan K, Zokaei M, Yaghoubian A, Akbari S, Khorsandi M, Soofi A, Nabi-Afjadi M, Zalpoor H, Jalalifar F, Azargoonjahromi A, Payandeh Z, Alagheband Bahrami A. Anti-cancer peptide-based therapeutic strategies in solid tumors. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:33. [PMID: 35397496 PMCID: PMC8994312 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nowadays, conventional medical treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy cannot cure all types of cancer. A promising approach to treat solid tumors is the use of tumor-targeting peptides to deliver drugs or active agents selectively. RESULT Introducing beneficial therapeutic approaches, such as therapeutic peptides and their varied methods of action against tumor cells, can aid researchers in the discovery of novel peptides for cancer treatment. The biomedical applications of therapeutic peptides are highly interesting. These peptides, owing to their high selectivity, specificity, small dimensions, high biocompatibility, and easy modification, provide good opportunities for targeted drug delivery. In recent years, peptides have shown considerable promise as therapeutics or targeting ligands in cancer research and nanotechnology. CONCLUSION This study reviews a variety of therapeutic peptides and targeting ligands in cancer therapy. Initially, three types of tumor-homing and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are described, and then their applications in breast, glioma, colorectal, and melanoma cancer research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimiya Babakhaniyan
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zokaei
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition Science, Food Science and Technology/National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Beyza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Beyza, Iran
| | - Azadeh Yaghoubian
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadaf Akbari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Khorsandi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Asma Soofi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of biological science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- American Association of Kidney Patients, Tampa, FL USA
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Jalalifar
- School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division Medical Inflammation Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Armina Alagheband Bahrami
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Jafari A, Babajani A, Sarrami Forooshani R, Yazdani M, Rezaei-Tavirani M. Clinical Applications and Anticancer Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides: From Bench to Bedside. Front Oncol 2022; 12:819563. [PMID: 35280755 PMCID: PMC8904739 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.819563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted global health issue and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, medical science has achieved great advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Despite the numerous advantages of conventional cancer therapies, there are major drawbacks including severe side effects, toxicities, and drug resistance. Therefore, the urgency of developing new drugs with low cytotoxicity and treatment resistance is increasing. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of various cancers, targeting tumor cells with less toxicity to normal tissues. In this review, we present the structure, biological function, and underlying mechanisms of AMPs. The recent experimental studies and clinical trials on anticancer peptides in different cancer types as well as the challenges of their clinical application have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Jafari
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhesam Babajani
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Sarrami Forooshani
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Yazdani
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Drug Design, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Manrique-Moreno M, Santa-González G, Gallego V. Bioactive cationic peptides as potential agents for breast cancer treatment. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20211218C. [PMID: 34874400 PMCID: PMC8655503 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211218c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer continues to affect millions of women worldwide, and the number of new cases dramatically increases every year. The physiological causes behind the disease are still not fully understood. One in every 100 cases can occur in men, and although the frequency is lower than among women, men tend to have a worse prognosis of the disease. Various therapeutic alternatives to combat the disease are available. These depend on the type and progress of the disease, and include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several well-reported side effects of these treatments that have a significant impact on life quality, and patients either relapse or are refractory to treatment. This makes it necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies. One promising initiative are bioactive peptides, which have emerged in recent years as a family of compounds with an enormous number of clinical applications due to their broad spectrum of activity. They are widely distributed in several organisms as part of their immune system. The antitumoral activity of these peptides lies in a nonspecific mechanism of action associated with their interaction with cancer cell membranes, inducing, through several routes, bilayer destabilization and cell death. This review provides an overview of the literature on the evaluation of cationic peptides as potential agents against breast cancer under different study phases. First, physicochemical characteristics such as the primary structure and charge are presented. Secondly, information about dosage, the experimental model used, and the mechanism of action proposed for the peptides are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin, Antioquia
| | - Gloria A. Santa-González
- Biomedical Innovation and Research Group, Faculty of Applied and Exact Sciences, Instituto Tecnólogico Metropolitano, A.A. 54959, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Vanessa Gallego
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin, Antioquia
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18
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Gopalakrishnan S, Uma SK, Mohan G, Mohan A, Shanmugam G, Kumar VTV, J S, Chandrika SK, Vasudevan D, Nori SRC, Sathi SN, George S, Maliekal TT. SSTP1, a Host Defense Peptide, Exploits the Immunomodulatory IL6 Pathway to Induce Apoptosis in Cancer Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:740620. [PMID: 34867962 PMCID: PMC8639500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.740620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
While the immunomodulatory pathways initiated in immune cells contribute to therapeutic response, their activation in cancer cells play a role in cancer progression. Also, many of the aberrantly expressed immunomodulators on cancer cells are considered as therapeutic targets. Here, we introduce host defense peptide (HDP), a known immuomodulator, as a therapeutic agent to target them. The cationic host defense peptides (HDPs), an integral part of the innate immune system, possess membranolytic activity, which imparts antimicrobial and antitumor efficacy to it. They act as immunomodulators by activating the immune cells. Though their antimicrobial function has been recently reassigned to immunoregulation, their antitumor activity is still attributed to its membranolytic activity. This membrane pore formation ability, which is proportional to the concentration of the peptide, also leads to side effects like hemolysis, limiting their therapeutic application. So, despite the identification of a variety of anticancer HDPs, their clinical utility is limited. Though HDPs are shown to exert the immunomodulatory activity through specific membrane targets on immune cells, their targets on cancer cells are unknown. We show that SSTP1, a novel HDP identified by shotgun cloning, binds to the active IL6/IL6Rα/gp130 complex on cancer cells, rearranging the active site residues. In contrast to the IL6 blockers inhibiting JAK/STAT activity, SSTP1 shifts the proliferative IL6/JAK/STAT signaling to the apoptotic IL6/JNK/AP1 pathway. In IL6Rα-overexpressing cancer cells, SSTP1 induces apoptosis at low concentration through JNK pathway, without causing significant membrane disruption. We highlight the importance of immunomodulatory pathways in cancer apoptosis, apart from its established role in immune cell regulation and cancer cell proliferation. Our study suggests that identification of the membrane targets for the promising anticancer HDPs might lead to the identification of new drugs for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyla Gopalakrishnan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
- Interdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Soumya Krishnan Uma
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Gayathri Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Amrutha Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Geetha Shanmugam
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Vineeth T. V. Kumar
- Interdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Sreekumar J
- Statistics, Section of Extension and Social Science, The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Sivakumar K. Chandrika
- Genomics Core Facility, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | | | - Sai Ravi Chandra Nori
- Interdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Shijulal Nelson Sathi
- Interdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Sanil George
- Interdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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19
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Beheshtirouy S, Mirzaei F, Eyvazi S, Tarhriz V. Recent Advances in Therapeutic Peptides for Breast Cancer Treatment. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 22:74-88. [PMID: 33208071 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721999201117123616] [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: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy and is the second leading cause of mortality among women around the world. Increasing the resistance to anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer cells persuades researchers to search the novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of this malignancy. Among the novel methods, therapeutic peptides that target and disrupt tumor cells have been of great interest. Therapeutic peptides are short amino acid monomer chains with high specificity to bind and modulate a protein interaction of interest. Several advantages of peptides, such as specific binding on tumor cells surface, low molecular weight, and low toxicity on normal cells, make the peptides appealing therapeutic agents against solid tumors, particularly breast cancer. Also, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes therapeutic peptides as a suitable candidate for the treatment of drug-resistant breast cancer. In this review, we attempt to review the different therapeutic peptides against breast cancer cells that can be used in the treatment and diagnosis of the malignancy. Meanwhile, we presented an overview of peptide vaccines that have been developed for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samad Beheshtirouy
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Eyvazi
- Department of Biology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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20
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Orafaie A, Bahrami AR, Matin MM. Use of anticancer peptides as an alternative approach for targeted therapy in breast cancer: a review. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:415-433. [PMID: 33615876 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Traditional therapies are expensive and cause severe side effects. Targeted therapy is a powerful method to circumvent the problems of other therapies. It also allows drugs to localize at predefined targets in a selective manner. Currently, there are several monoclonal antibodies which target breast cancer cell surface markers. However, using antibodies has some limitations. In the last two decades, many investigators have discovered peptides that may be useful to target breast cancer cells. In this article, we provide an overview on anti-breast cancer peptides, their sources and biological activities. We further discuss the pros and cons of using anticancer peptides with further emphasis on how to improve their effectiveness in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Orafaie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam M Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Novel Diagnostics & Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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21
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Antimicrobial peptide temporin-1CEa isolated from frog skin secretions inhibits the proinflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages through the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. Mol Immunol 2021; 132:227-235. [PMID: 33494936 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Temporin-1CEa, which is isolated from the skin secretions of the Chinese brown frog Rana chensinensis, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and antitumor activity. LK2(6) and LK2(6)A(L) are the analogs of temporin-1CEa obtained by replacing amino acids and displayed an improved anticancer activity. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of action of temporin-1CEa and its analogs LK2(6) and LK2(6)A(L) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages were investigated. The results showed that temporin-1CEa and its analogs decreased the production of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 by inhibiting the protein expression of nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase and the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies revealed that temporin-1CEa, LK2(6) and LK2(6)A(L) exhibited binding affinities to LPS, an important inflammatory inducer, with Kd values of 0.1, 0.03 and 0.06 μM, respectively. Circular dichroism and zeta potential experiments showed that temporin-1CEa and its analogs interacted with LPS by electrostatic binding between the positively charged peptides and negatively charged LPS, resulting in the neutralization of LPS toxicity.
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22
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Tan J, Tay J, Hedrick J, Yang YY. Synthetic macromolecules as therapeutics that overcome resistance in cancer and microbial infection. Biomaterials 2020; 252:120078. [PMID: 32417653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic macromolecular antimicrobials have shown efficacy in the treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens. These synthetic macromolecules, inspired by Nature's antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), mitigate resistance by disrupting microbial cell membrane or targeting multiple intracellular proteins or genes. Unlike AMPs, these polymers are less prone to degradation by proteases and are easier to synthesize on a large scale. Recently, various studies have revealed that cancer cell membrane, like that of microbes, is negatively charged, and AMPs can be used as anticancer agents. Nevertheless, efforts in developing polymers as anticancer agents has remained limited. This review highlights the recent advancement in the development of synthetic biodegradable antimicrobial polymers (e.g. polycarbonates, polyesters and polypeptides) and anticancer macromolecules including peptides and polymers. Additionally, strategies to improve their in vivo bioavailability and selectivity towards bacteria and cancer cells are examined. Lastly, future perspectives, including use of artificial intelligence or machine learning, in the development of antimicrobial and anticancer macromolecules are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Tan
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore; Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Joyce Tay
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore; Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - James Hedrick
- IBM Almaden Research Center, 650 Harry Road, San Jose, CA, 95120, United States
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore.
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23
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Zhou J, Liu Y, Shen T, Chen L, Zhang C, Cai K, Liu Z, Meng X, Zhang L, Liao C, Wang C. Enhancing the antibacterial activity of PMAP-37 by increasing its hydrophobicity. Chem Biol Drug Des 2019; 94:1986-1999. [PMID: 31437351 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
With increasing resistance against conventional antibiotics, there is an urgent need to discover novel substances to replace antibiotics. This need provides an opportunity for the development of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). To develop new AMPs with effective and safe therapeutic effects, two PMAP-37 analogs called PMAP-37(R13-I) and PMAP-37(K20/27-I) were designed to increase hydrophobicity. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and animal infection models were used to assess their antibacterial activity. The results showed that the minimal inhibitory concentrations of PMAP-37(R13-I) were lower than those of PMAP-37 for two gram-negative strains. Compared with PMAP-37, PMAP-37(K20/27-I) not only inhibited the growth of most bacterial strains, but also exhibited antibacterial activity against Shigella flexneri CICC21534. In addition, PMAP-37(K20/27-I) exhibited pH and thermal stability. PMAP-37(R13-I) had a therapeutic effect only in mice infected with Salmonella typhimurium SL1344. However, PMAP-37(K20/27-I) exhibited the therapeutic effects, whether in the clinical symptoms, the tissue lesions, or the tissue bacterial loads and the survival rates in mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 or S. typhimurium SL1344. Therefore, PMAP-37(K20/27-I) can be used as a substitute for antibiotics against infection with bacterial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfei Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yongqing Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Tengfei Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Liangliang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Kairui Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiangmiao Meng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Chengshui Liao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Chen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
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24
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Zhang H, Han D, Lv T, Liu K, Yang Y, Xu X, Chen Y. Novel peptide myristoly-CM4 induces selective cytotoxicity in leukemia K562/MDR and Jurkat cells by necrosis and/or apoptosis pathway. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:2153-2167. [PMID: 31308628 PMCID: PMC6612960 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s207224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: There is an urgent need for the development of novel, effective, and less toxic drugs to treat leukemia. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have received much more attention as alternative chemotherapeutic agents. This study aimed to examined the cytotoxicity of a novel AMP myristoly-CM4 against chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562/MDR) and acute lymphocytic leukemia cells (Jurkat), and further investigated its selectivity to clarify the cytotoxic mechanism. Materials and methods: In this study, the cytotoxicity and selectivity of myristoly-CM4 against K562/MDR and Jurkat cells were assessed in vitro, and the anticancer mechanism responsible for its cytotoxicity and selectivity was further investigated. Results: Myristoly-CM4 was cytotoxic to these leukemia cell lines (IC50 2–4 μM) and was less cytotoxic to normal cells (HEK-293, L02 cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and erythrocytes). Myristoyl-CM4 had stronger affinity to K562/MDR and Jurkat cells than to normal cells, while the contents of phosphatidylserine and sialic acids on the cell surfaces of K562/MDR and Jurkat cells were significantly higher than that of HEK293 cells. The myristoyl group effectively mediated the internalization of myristoyl-CM4 to leukemia cells. After internalization, myristoyl-CM4 could target mitochondria and affected mitochondrial function, including disruption of Δψm, increasing the accumulation of ROS, increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activating caspase 9 and 3, and PARP to induce mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in both K562/MDR and Jurkat cells. Myristoyl-CM4 also induced K562/MDR cell necrosis by directive membrane disruption, and significantly decreased the level of P-glycoprotein in K562/MDR cells. Conclusion: These results suggested that myristoyl-CM4 showed selective cytotoxicity to leukemia K562/MDR and Jurkat cells by apoptosis and/or necrosis pathway. Myristoyl-CM4, thus, appears to be a promising candidate for leukemia treatment, including multidrug-resistant leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongju Han
- Department of Biochemistry, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongtong Lv
- Department of Biochemistry, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kehang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunqing Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xixi Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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25
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Shaheen F, Nadeem-Ul-Haque M, Ahmed A, Simjee SU, Ganesan A, Jabeen A, Shah ZA, Choudhary MI. Synthesis of breast cancer targeting conjugate of temporin-SHa analog and its effect on pro- and anti-apoptotic protein expression in MCF-7 cells. Peptides 2018; 106:68-82. [PMID: 30026168 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The frog natural product temporin-SHa (FLSGIVGMLGKLFamide) is a potent antimicrobial peptide, as is the analog [S3K]SHa. By solid-phase synthesis, we prepared temporin-SHa and several temporin-SHa analogs with one or more D-alanine residues incorporated. The natural product and the analog [G10a]SHa were found to be cytotoxic in mammalian cell lines and induce cell death. To achieve selectivity, we conjugated the analog [G10a]SHa with a breast cancer targeting peptide (BCTP). The resulting peptide temporin [G10a]SHa-BCTP conjugate was selectively active against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with no cytotoxicity in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. Unlike the natural product or [G10a]SHa, the conjugated peptide induced apoptosis, downregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and survivin and upregulating Bax and caspase-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Shaheen
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Nadeem-Ul-Haque
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Aqeel Ahmed
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Shabana U Simjee
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan; Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - A Ganesan
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Almas Jabeen
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Ali Shah
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - M Iqbal Choudhary
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan; Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
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26
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Antimicrobial peptides, nanotechnology, and natural metabolites as novel approaches for cancer treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 183:160-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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27
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Sang M, Wu Q, Xi X, Ma C, Wang L, Zhou M, Burrows JF, Chen T. Identification and target-modifications of temporin-PE: A novel antimicrobial peptide in the defensive skin secretions of the edible frog, Pelophylax kl. esculentus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 495:2539-2546. [PMID: 29191658 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.11.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A potent natural antimicrobial peptide named temporin-PE was identified and encoded from the skin secretions of Pelophylax kl. esculentus via "shotgun" cloning and LC-MS/MS fragmentation analysis. Target-modifications were carried out to further enhance the antimicrobial and anti-proliferative bioactivities, whilst decreasing the hemolytic effect. A range of bioassays demonstrated that replacing a proline with a tyrosine residue resulted in a loss of the bioactivity against Gram-negative bacteria, but dramatically improved the hemolytic and anti-proliferative activity, indicating the FLP- motif influences the hemolytic activity of temporins. Moreover, the coupling of TAT to the peptide dramatically improved its antimicrobial activity, indicating coupling TAT to these peptides could be considered as a potential tool to improve their antimicrobial activity. Overall, we have shown that targeted modifications of this natural antimicrobial peptide can adjust its bioactivities to help its development as an antibiotic or anti-proliferative agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Qinan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Centre of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China; National and Local Collaborative Engineering, Centre of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| | - Xinping Xi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Chengbang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - James F Burrows
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
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Li QQ, Chen PG, Hu ZW, Cao Y, Chen LX, Chen YX, Zhao YF, Li YM. Selective inhibition of cancer cells by enzyme-induced gain of function of phosphorylated melittin analogues. Chem Sci 2017; 8:7675-7681. [PMID: 29568430 PMCID: PMC5849211 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc03217j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective killing of cancer cells and the avoidance of drug resistance are still difficult challenges in cancer therapy. Here, we report a new strategy that uses enzyme-induced gain of function (EIGF) to regulate the structure and function of phosphorylated melittin analogues (MelAs). Original MelAs have the capacity to disrupt plasma membranes and induce cell death without selectivity. However, phosphorylation of Thr23 on one of the MelAs (MelA2-P) efficiently ameliorated the membrane lysis potency as well as the cytotoxicity for normal mammalian cells. After treatment with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is more active in cancer cells than normal cells, MelA2-P restored the pore-forming function around the cancer cells and induced cancer cell death selectively. This mechanism was independent of the receptor proteins and the cell uptake process, which may partially bypass the development of drug resistance in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Li
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Pu-Guang Chen
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Zhi-Wen Hu
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Yuan Cao
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Liang-Xiao Chen
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Yong-Xiang Chen
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Yu-Fen Zhao
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology , Department of Chemistry , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , P. R. China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62796197
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing 100069 , P. R. China
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29
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Roudi R, Syn NL, Roudbary M. Antimicrobial Peptides As Biologic and Immunotherapeutic Agents against Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1320. [PMID: 29081781 PMCID: PMC5645638 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a pervasive and evolutionarily ancient component of innate host defense which is present in virtually all classes of life. In recent years, evidence has accumulated that parallel or de novo mechanisms by which AMPs curb infectious pathologies are also effective at restraining cancer cell proliferation and dissemination, and have consequently stimulated significant interest in their deployment as novel biologic and immunotherapeutic agents against human malignancies. In this review, we explicate the biochemical underpinnings of their tumor-selectivity, and discuss results of recent clinical trials (outside of oncologic indications) which substantiate their safety and tolerability profiles. Next, we present evidence for their preclinical antitumor activity, systematically organized by the major and minor classes of natural AMPs. Finally, we discuss the barriers to their clinical implementation and envision directions for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Roudi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nicholas L Syn
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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30
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Xia LJ, Wu YL, Zhang FC. Combination of cecropinXJ and LY294002 induces synergistic cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:7522-7528. [PMID: 29344198 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of cecropinXJ against human gastric cancer BGC823 cells, either alone, or in combination with a specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002. Cell viability and the apoptosis rate were measured using flow cytometry with Annexin-V staining. Additionally, the expression levels of several RAC-α serine/threonine kinase (Akt) phosphorylation-associated proteins and apoptosis-regulating proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis. It was observed that the combination of cecropinXJ and LY294002 resulted in significant synergistic cytotoxic and apoptosis effects, as compared with any single agent alone, in a dose-dependent manner. Corresponding to enhanced apoptosis, the expression levels of certain apoptosis-regulating proteins were changed, the most notable being the upregulation of caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated death promotor, Bcl-2 homologous antagonist killer, Bcl-2 interacting killer, Bcl-2-like protein 11, Bcl-2-like protein 4 and cytochrome c, and the downregulation of phosphorylated-Bad and Bcl-2 proteins. The present study provided a novel therapeutic regimen for the use of the cecropinXJ in combination with LY294002 for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Xia
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830046, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Ling Wu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830046, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Chun Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830046, P.R. China
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31
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Baxter AA, Lay FT, Poon IKH, Kvansakul M, Hulett MD. Tumor cell membrane-targeting cationic antimicrobial peptides: novel insights into mechanisms of action and therapeutic prospects. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3809-3825. [PMID: 28770291 PMCID: PMC11107634 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2604-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
There is an ongoing need for effective and targeted cancer treatments that can overcome the detrimental side effects presented by current treatment options. One class of novel anticancer molecules with therapeutic potential currently under investigation are cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs). CAPs are small innate immunity peptides found ubiquitously throughout nature that are typically membrane-active against a wide range of pathogenic microbes. A number of CAPs can also target mammalian cells and often display selective activity towards tumor cells, making them attractive candidates as novel anticancer agents warranting further investigation. This current and comprehensive review describes key examples of naturally occurring membrane-targeting CAPs and their modified derivatives that have demonstrated anticancer activity, across multiple species of origin and structural subfamilies. In addition, we address recent advances made in the field and the ongoing challenges faced in translating experimental findings into clinically relevant treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Baxter
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
| | - Fung T Lay
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Ivan K H Poon
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Marc Kvansakul
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Mark D Hulett
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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32
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Hisamatsu Y, Suzuki N, Masum AA, Shibuya A, Abe R, Sato A, Tanuma SI, Aoki S. Cationic Amphiphilic Tris-Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes Induce Cancer Cell Death via Interaction with Ca2+-Calmodulin Complex. Bioconjug Chem 2016; 28:507-523. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Hisamatsu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, §Division of Medical-Science-Engineering
Cooperation and ∥Imaging Frontier Center, Research Institute for Science
and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Nozomi Suzuki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, §Division of Medical-Science-Engineering
Cooperation and ∥Imaging Frontier Center, Research Institute for Science
and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Abdullah-Al Masum
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, §Division of Medical-Science-Engineering
Cooperation and ∥Imaging Frontier Center, Research Institute for Science
and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Ai Shibuya
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, §Division of Medical-Science-Engineering
Cooperation and ∥Imaging Frontier Center, Research Institute for Science
and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Ryo Abe
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, §Division of Medical-Science-Engineering
Cooperation and ∥Imaging Frontier Center, Research Institute for Science
and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Akira Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, §Division of Medical-Science-Engineering
Cooperation and ∥Imaging Frontier Center, Research Institute for Science
and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Sei-ichi Tanuma
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, §Division of Medical-Science-Engineering
Cooperation and ∥Imaging Frontier Center, Research Institute for Science
and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Shin Aoki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ‡Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, §Division of Medical-Science-Engineering
Cooperation and ∥Imaging Frontier Center, Research Institute for Science
and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
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33
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Eksteen JJ, Ausbacher D, Simon-Santamaria J, Stiberg T, Cavalcanti-Jacobsen C, Wushur I, Svendsen JS, Rekdal Ø. Iterative Design and in Vivo Evaluation of an Oncolytic Antilymphoma Peptide. J Med Chem 2016; 60:146-156. [PMID: 28004928 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic peptides represent a promising new strategy within the field of cancer immunotherapy. Here we describe the systematic design and evaluation of short antilymphoma peptides within this paradigm. The peptides were tested in vitro and in vivo to identify a lead compound for further evaluation as novel oncolytic immunotherapeutic. In vitro tests revealed peptides with high activity against several lymphoma types and low cytotoxicity toward normal cells. Treated lymphoma cells exhibited a reduced mitochondrial membrane potential that resulted in an irreversible disintegration of their plasma membranes. No caspase activation or ultrastructural features of apoptotic cell death were observed. One of these peptides, 11, was shown to induce complete tumor regression and protective immunity following intralesional treatment of murine A20 B-lymphomas. Due to its selectivity for lymphoma cells and its ability to induce tumor-specific immune responses, 11 has the potential to be used in intralesional treatment of accessible lymphoma tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Johannes Eksteen
- Lytix Biopharma AS , P.O. Box 6447, Siva Innovation Centre Tromsø, Tromsø NO-9294, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John S Svendsen
- Lytix Biopharma AS , P.O. Box 6447, Siva Innovation Centre Tromsø, Tromsø NO-9294, Norway
| | - Øystein Rekdal
- Lytix Biopharma AS , P.O. Box 6447, Siva Innovation Centre Tromsø, Tromsø NO-9294, Norway
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34
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Li Z, Liu X, Li Y, Lan X, Leung PH, Li J, Li G, Xie M, Han Y, Lin X. Composite Membranes of Recombinant Silkworm Antimicrobial Peptide and Poly (L-lactic Acid) (PLLA) for biomedical application. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31149. [PMID: 27503270 PMCID: PMC4977571 DOI: 10.1038/srep31149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides, produced by innate immune system of hosts in response to invading pathogens, are capable of fighting against a spectrum of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and cancer cells. Here, a recombinant silkworm AMP Bmattacin2 from heterologous expression is studied, indicating a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and showing selective killing ability towards skin and colon cancer cells over their normal cell counterparts. For the purpose of biomedical application, the electrospinning fabrication technique is employed to load Bmattacin2 into PLLA nanofibrous membrane. In addition to a good compatibility with the normal cells, Bmattacin2 loaded nanofibrous membranes demonstrate instant antibacterial effects and sustained anticancer effects. The cancer cell and bacteria targeting dynamics of recombinant Bmattacin2 are investigated. With these characteristics, PLLA/Bmattacin2 composite membranes have a great potential for developing novel biomedical applications such as cancer therapies and wound healing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Biomaterial Fiber and Modern Textile, College of Textiles and Garments, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xuan Liu
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yi Li
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Xiqian Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Polly Hangmei Leung
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Jiashen Li
- School of Materials, The University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Gang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Maobin Xie
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yanxia Han
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaofen Lin
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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35
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Tonk M, Vilcinskas A, Rahnamaeian M. Insect antimicrobial peptides: potential tools for the prevention of skin cancer. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:7397-405. [PMID: 27418360 PMCID: PMC4980408 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7718-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) are biologically active molecules with diverse structural properties that are produced by mammals, plants, insects, ticks, and microorganisms. They have a range of antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and even anticancer activities, and their biological properties could therefore be exploited for therapeutic and prophylactic applications. Cancer and cancer drug resistance are significant current health challenges, so the development of innovative cancer drugs with minimal toxicity toward normal cells and novel modes of action that can evade resistance may provide a new direction for anticancer therapy. The skin is the first line of defense against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection, and skin cancer is thus the most common type of cancer. The skin that has been exposed to sunlight is particularly susceptible, but lesions can occur anywhere on the body. Skin cancer awareness and self-efficacy are necessary to improve sun protection behavior, but more effective preventative approaches are also required. AMPs may offer a new prophylactic approach against skin cancer. In this mini review, we draw attention to the potential use of insect AMPs for the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miray Tonk
- LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse, 35394, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mohammad Rahnamaeian
- LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse, 35394, Giessen, Germany.
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36
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Wang C, Chen YW, Zhang L, Gong XG, Zhou Y, Shang DJ. Melanoma cell surface-expressed phosphatidylserine as a therapeutic target for cationic anticancer peptide, temporin-1CEa. J Drug Target 2015; 24:548-56. [PMID: 26596643 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2015.1113539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We have previously reported that temporin-1CEa, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, exerts preferential cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. However, the exact molecular mechanism for this cancer-selectivity is still largely unknown. Here, we found that the negatively charged phosphatidylserine (PS) expressed on cancer cell surface serves as a target for temporin-1CEa. Our results indicate that human A375 melanoma cells express 50-fold more PS than non-cancerous HaCaT cells. The expression of cell surface PS in various cancer cell lines closely correlated with their ability to be recognized, bound and killed by temporin-1CEa. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of temporin-1CEa against A375 cells can be ameliorated by annexin V, which binds to cell surface PS with high affinity. Moreover, the data of isothermal titration calorimetry assay further confirmed a direct binding of temporin-1CEa to PS, at a ratio of 1:5 (temporin-1CEa:PS). Interestingly, the circular dichroism spectra analysis using artificial biomembrane revealed that PS not only provides electrostatic attractive sites for temporin-1CEa but also confers the membrane-bound temporin-1CEa to form α-helical structure, therefore, enhances the affinity and membrane disrupting ability of temporin-1CEa. In summary, these findings suggested that the melanoma cells expressed PS may serve as a promising target for temporin-1CEa or other cationic anticancer peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Wang
- a Department of Pharmacy , School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University , Dalian , China and.,b Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery , School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University , Dalian , China
| | - Yin-Wang Chen
- a Department of Pharmacy , School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University , Dalian , China and
| | - Liang Zhang
- a Department of Pharmacy , School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University , Dalian , China and
| | - Xian-Ge Gong
- b Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery , School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University , Dalian , China
| | - Yang Zhou
- a Department of Pharmacy , School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University , Dalian , China and
| | - De-Jing Shang
- b Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery , School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University , Dalian , China
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CecropinXJ inhibits the proliferation of human gastric cancer BGC823 cells and induces cell death in vitro and in vivo. Int J Oncol 2015; 46:2181-93. [PMID: 25826779 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.2933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown that an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) cecropinXJ isolated from the larvae of Bombyx mori selectively inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the mechanism remains to be determined. In the present study, we examined the antitumor activity of cecropinXJ against human gastric cancer BGC823 cells and explored the mechanism. The results showed that cecropinXJ inhibited the growth of gastric cancer BGC823 cells in vitro and in vivo. MTT and colony formation assays indicated that cecropinXJ suppressed cell proliferation and reduced colony formation of BGC823 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but without inhibitory effect on normal gastric epithelia GES-1 cells. S-phase arrest in BGC823 cells was observed after treatment with cecropinXJ. Annexin V/PI staining suggested that cecropinXJ induced both early and late phases of apoptosis through activation of mitochondrial-mediated caspase pathway, upregulation of Bax expression and downregulation of Bcl-2 expression. Additionally, cecropinXJ treatment increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and led to release of cytochrome c. Importantly, in vivo study showed that cecropinXJ significantly prevented the growth of xenograft tumor in the BGC823-bearing mice, possibly mediated by the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis. These results suggest that cecropinXJ may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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38
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Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Motif Derived Peptides Induce Cell Membrane Damages in Human Lung Cancer and Hepatoma Cell Lines. Int J Pept Res Ther 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-015-9459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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39
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Li Y, Yu J. Research Progress in Structure-Activity Relationship of Bioactive Peptides. J Med Food 2015; 18:147-56. [DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2014.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
- Institute of Agricultural Products Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianmei Yu
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
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40
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Xu X, Lai R. The chemistry and biological activities of peptides from amphibian skin secretions. Chem Rev 2015; 115:1760-846. [PMID: 25594509 DOI: 10.1021/cr4006704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology , Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
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41
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Synthesis and in vitro antiproliferative evaluation of novel N-alkylated 6-isobutyl- and propyl pyrimidine derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:2913-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Wu D, Gao Y, Qi Y, Chen L, Ma Y, Li Y. Peptide-based cancer therapy: opportunity and challenge. Cancer Lett 2014; 351:13-22. [PMID: 24836189 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Conventional cancer therapies mainly focus on mass cell killing without high specificity and often cause severe side effects and toxicities. Peptides are a novel class of anticancer agents that could specifically target cancer cells with lower toxicity to normal tissues, which will offer new opportunities for cancer prevention and treatment. Anticancer peptides face several therapeutic challenges. In this review, we present the sources and mechanisms of anticancer peptides and further discuss modification strategies to improve the anticancer effects of bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Wu
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yuanming Qi
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Lixiang Chen
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yuanfang Ma
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yanzhang Li
- College of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China.
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Cai J, Feng J, Xie S, Wang F, Xu Q. Laminaria japonica Extract, an Inhibitor of Clavibater michiganense Subsp. Sepedonicum. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94329. [PMID: 24714388 PMCID: PMC3979835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial ring rot of potato is one of the most serious potato plant and tuber diseases. Laminaria japonica extract was investigated for its antimicrobial activity against Clavibater michiganense subsp. sepedonicum (Spieckermann & Kotthoff) Davis et al., the causative agent of bacterial ring rot of potato. The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions of antimicrobial substances from L. japonica were an extraction temperature of 80°C, an extraction time of 12 h, and a solid to liquid ratio of 1∶25. Active compounds of L. japonica were isolated by solvent partition, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography. All nineteen fractionations had antimicrobial activities against C. michiganense subsp. sepedonicum, while Fractionation three (Fr.3) had the highest (P<0.05) antimicrobial activity. Chemical composition analysis identified a total of 26 components in Fr.3. The main constituents of Fr.3 were alkanes (80.97%), esters (5.24%), acids (4.87%) and alcohols (2.21%). Antimicrobial activity of Fr.3 against C. michiganense subsp. sepedonicum could be attributed to its ability to damage the cell wall and cell membrane, induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increase cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, inhibit the glycolytic pathway (EMP) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis, and disrupt the normal cycle of DNA replication. These findings indicate that L. japonica extracts have potential for inhibiting C. michiganense subsp. sepedonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cai
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Feng
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shulian Xie
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feipeng Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiufeng Xu
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
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Gaspar D, Veiga AS, Castanho MARB. From antimicrobial to anticancer peptides. A review. Front Microbiol 2013; 4:294. [PMID: 24101917 PMCID: PMC3787199 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 489] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune defense mechanism of many organisms. Although AMPs have been essentially studied and developed as potential alternatives for fighting infectious diseases, their use as anticancer peptides (ACPs) in cancer therapy either alone or in combination with other conventional drugs has been regarded as a therapeutic strategy to explore. As human cancer remains a cause of high morbidity and mortality worldwide, an urgent need of new, selective, and more efficient drugs is evident. Even though ACPs are expected to be selective toward tumor cells without impairing the normal body physiological functions, the development of a selective ACP has been a challenge. It is not yet possible to predict antitumor activity based on ACPs structures. ACPs are unique molecules when compared to the actual chemotherapeutic arsenal available for cancer treatment and display a variety of modes of action which in some types of cancer seem to co-exist. Regardless the debate surrounding the definition of structure-activity relationships for ACPs, great effort has been invested in ACP design and the challenge of improving effective killing of tumor cells remains. As detailed studies on ACPs mechanisms of action are crucial for optimizing drug development, in this review we provide an overview of the literature concerning peptides' structure, modes of action, selectivity, and efficacy and also summarize some of the many ACPs studied and/or developed for targeting different solid and hematologic malignancies with special emphasis on the first group. Strategies described for drug development and for increasing peptide selectivity toward specific cells while reducing toxicity are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal
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