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Galatola E, Agrillo B, Gogliettino M, Palmieri G, Maccaroni S, Vicenza T, Proroga YTR, Mancusi A, Di Pasquale S, Suffredini E, Cozzi L. A Reliable Multifaceted Solution against Foodborne Viral Infections: The Case of RiLK1 Decapeptide. Molecules 2024; 29:2305. [PMID: 38792166 PMCID: PMC11124387 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102305] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Food-borne transmission is a recognized route for many viruses associated with gastrointestinal, hepatic, or neurological diseases. Therefore, it is essential to identify new bioactive compounds with broad-spectrum antiviral activity to exploit innovative solutions against these hazards. Recently, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been recognized as promising antiviral agents. Indeed, while the antibacterial and antifungal effects of these molecules have been widely reported, their use as potential antiviral agents has not yet been fully investigated. Herein, the antiviral activity of previously identified or newly designed AMPs was evaluated against the non-enveloped RNA viruses, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and murine norovirus (MNV), a surrogate for human norovirus. Moreover, specific assays were performed to recognize at which stage of the viral infection cycle the peptides could function. The results showed that almost all peptides displayed virucidal effects, with about 90% of infectivity reduction in HAV or MNV. However, the decapeptide RiLK1 demonstrated, together with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, a notable reduction in viral infection for both HAV and MNV, possibly through direct interaction with viral particles causing their damage or hindering the recognition of cellular receptors. Hence, RiLK1 could represent a versatile antimicrobial agent effective against various foodborne pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Galatola
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.G.); (B.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Bruna Agrillo
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.G.); (B.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Marta Gogliettino
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.G.); (B.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Gianna Palmieri
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.G.); (B.A.); (M.G.)
- Materias Srl, 80146 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Maccaroni
- National Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (T.V.); (S.D.P.); (E.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Teresa Vicenza
- National Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (T.V.); (S.D.P.); (E.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Yolande T. R. Proroga
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy; (Y.T.R.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Mancusi
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy; (Y.T.R.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Simona Di Pasquale
- National Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (T.V.); (S.D.P.); (E.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- National Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (T.V.); (S.D.P.); (E.S.); (L.C.)
| | - Loredana Cozzi
- National Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses, Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (T.V.); (S.D.P.); (E.S.); (L.C.)
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2
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Chen X, Yang J, Qu C, Zhang Q, Sun S, Liu L. Anti- Staphylococcus aureus effects of natural antimicrobial peptides and the underlying mechanisms. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:355-372. [PMID: 38440873 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0168] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus can cause localized infections such as abscesses and pneumonia, as well as systemic infections such as bacteremia and sepsis. Especially, methicillin-resistant S. aureus often presents multidrug resistance, which becomes a major clinical challenge. One of the most common reasons for methicillin-resistant S. aureus antibiotic resistance is the presence of biofilms. Natural antimicrobial peptides derived from different species have shown effectiveness in combating S. aureus biofilms. In this review, we summarize the inhibitory activity of antimicrobial peptides against S. aureus planktonic cells and biofilms. We also summarize the possible inhibitory mechanisms, involving cell adhesion inhibition, membrane fracture, biofilm disruption and DNA disruption. We believe this can provide the basis for further research against S. aureus biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiuli Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Shandong Medicine & Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Daxing District Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine. Beijing, 102600, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital. Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
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3
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Achimba F, Faezov B, Cohen B, Dunbrack R, Holford M. Targeting Dysregulated Ion Channels in Liver Tumors with Venom Peptides. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:139-147. [PMID: 38015557 PMCID: PMC10831335 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of cellular processes by ion channels has become central to the study of cancer mechanisms. Designing molecules that can modify ion channels specific to tumor cells is a promising area of targeted drug delivery and therapy. Despite their potential in drug discovery, venom peptides-a group of natural products-have largely remained understudied and under-characterized. In general, venom peptides display high specificity and selectivity for their target ion channels. Therefore, they may represent an effective strategy for selectively targeting the dysregulation of ion channels in tumor cells. This review examines existing venom peptide therapies for different cancer types and focuses on the application of snail venom peptides in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer worldwide. We provide insights into the mode of action of venom peptides that have been shown to target tumors. We also explore the benefit of using new computational methods like de novo protein structure prediction to screen venom peptides and identify potential druggable candidates. Finally, we summarize the role of cell culture, animal, and organoid models in developing effective therapies against HCC and highlight the need for creating models that represent the most disproportionately affected ethnicities in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favour Achimba
- The PhD Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Bulat Faezov
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Brandon Cohen
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Roland Dunbrack
- Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mandë Holford
- The PhD Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
- Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York
- The PhD Program in Chemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
- The PhD Program in Biology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, The American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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4
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Ferrazzano GF, D’Ambrosio F, Caruso S, Gatto R, Caruso S. Bioactive Peptides Derived from Edible Insects: Effects on Human Health and Possible Applications in Dentistry. Nutrients 2023; 15:4611. [PMID: 37960264 PMCID: PMC10650930 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel foods, including edible insects, are emerging because of their nutritional characteristics and low environmental impacts and could represent a valid alternative source of food in a more sustainable way. Edible insects have been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. Insect-derived bioactive peptides exert antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and have protective effects against common metabolic conditions. In this review, the roles of edible insects in human health are reported, and the possible applications of these peptides in clinical practice are discussed. A special mention is given to the role of antimicrobial peptides and their potential applications in controlling infections in orthodontic procedures. In this context, insects' antimicrobial peptides might represent a potential tool to face the onset of infective endocarditis, with a low chance to develop resistances, and could be manipulated and optimized to replace common antibiotics used in clinical practice so far. Although some safety concerns must be taken into consideration, and the isolation and production of insect-derived proteins are far from easy, edible insects represent an interesting source of peptides, with beneficial effects that may be, in the future, integrated into clinical and orthodontic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmaria Fabrizio Ferrazzano
- UNESCO Chair in Health Education and Sustainable Development, Paediatric Dentistry Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesca D’Ambrosio
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Diseases Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Caruso
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.C.); (R.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Roberto Gatto
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.C.); (R.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Silvia Caruso
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.C.); (R.G.); (S.C.)
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5
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Bose B, Downey T, Ramasubramanian AK, Anastasiu DC. Identification of Distinct Characteristics of Antibiofilm Peptides and Prospection of Diverse Sources for Efficacious Sequences. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:783284. [PMID: 35185814 PMCID: PMC8856603 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A majority of microbial infections are associated with biofilms. Targeting biofilms is considered an effective strategy to limit microbial virulence while minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance. Toward this need, antibiofilm peptides are an attractive arsenal since they are bestowed with properties orthogonal to small molecule drugs. In this work, we developed machine learning models to identify the distinguishing characteristics of known antibiofilm peptides, and to mine peptide databases from diverse habitats to classify new peptides with potential antibiofilm activities. Additionally, we used the reported minimum inhibitory/eradication concentration (MBIC/MBEC) of the antibiofilm peptides to create a regression model on top of the classification model to predict the effectiveness of new antibiofilm peptides. We used a positive dataset containing 242 antibiofilm peptides, and a negative dataset which, unlike previous datasets, contains peptides that are likely to promote biofilm formation. Our model achieved a classification accuracy greater than 98% and harmonic mean of precision-recall (F1) and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) scores greater than 0.90; the regression model achieved an MCC score greater than 0.81. We utilized our classification-regression pipeline to evaluate 135,015 peptides from diverse sources for potential antibiofilm activity, and we identified 185 candidates that are likely to be effective against preformed biofilms at micromolar concentrations. Structural analysis of the top 37 hits revealed a larger distribution of helices and coils than sheets, and common functional motifs. Sequence alignment of these hits with known antibiofilm peptides revealed that, while some of the hits showed relatively high sequence similarity with known peptides, some others did not indicate the presence of antibiofilm activity in novel sources or sequences. Further, some of the hits had previously recognized therapeutic properties or host defense traits suggestive of drug repurposing applications. Taken together, this work demonstrates a new in silico approach to predicting antibiofilm efficacy, and identifies promising new candidates for biofilm eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bipasa Bose
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Taylor Downey
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
| | - Anand K. Ramasubramanian
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Anand K. Ramasubramanian
| | - David C. Anastasiu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, United States
- David C. Anastasiu
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6
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The Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Potential of the Amphibian Peptide AR-23. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020883. [PMID: 35055066 PMCID: PMC8779559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections represent a serious threat to the world population and are becoming more frequent. The search and identification of broad-spectrum antiviral molecules is necessary to ensure new therapeutic options, since there is a limited availability of effective antiviral drugs able to eradicate viral infections, and consequently due to the increase of strains that are resistant to the most used drugs. Recently, several studies on antimicrobial peptides identified them as promising antiviral agents. In detail, amphibian skin secretions serve as a rich source of natural antimicrobial peptides. Their antibacterial and antifungal activities have been widely reported, but their exploitation as potential antiviral agents have yet to be fully investigated. In the present study, the antiviral activity of the peptide derived from the secretion of Rana tagoi, named AR-23, was evaluated against both DNA and RNA viruses, with or without envelope. Different assays were performed to identify in which step of the infectious cycle the peptide could act. AR-23 exhibited a greater inhibitory activity in the early stages of infection against both DNA (HSV-1) and RNA (MeV, HPIV-2, HCoV-229E, and SARS-CoV-2) enveloped viruses and, on the contrary, it was inactive against naked viruses (PV-1). Altogether, the results indicated AR-23 as a peptide with potential therapeutic effects against a wide variety of human viruses.
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7
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Current strategies in inhibiting biofilm formation for combating urinary tract infections: Special focus on peptides, nano-particles and phytochemicals. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2021.102209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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8
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Sahoo A, Swain SS, Behera A, Sahoo G, Mahapatra PK, Panda SK. Antimicrobial Peptides Derived From Insects Offer a Novel Therapeutic Option to Combat Biofilm: A Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:661195. [PMID: 34248873 PMCID: PMC8265172 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.661195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms form a complex layer with defined structures, that attach on biotic or abiotic surfaces, are tough to eradicate and tend to cause some resistance against most antibiotics. Several studies confirmed that biofilm-producing bacteria exhibit higher resistance compared to the planktonic form of the same species. Antibiotic resistance factors are well understood in planktonic bacteria which is not so in case of biofilm producing forms. This may be due to the lack of available drugs with known resistance mechanisms for biofilms. Existing antibiotics cannot eradicate most biofilms, especially of ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). Insects produce complex and diverse set of chemicals for survival and defense. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced by most insects, generally have a broad spectrum of activity and the potential to bypass the resistance mechanisms of classical antibiotics. Besides, AMPs may well act synergistically with classical antibiotics for a double-pronged attack on infections. Thus, AMPs could be promising alternatives to overcome medically important biofilms, decrease the possibility of acquired resistance and treatment of multidrug-resistant pathogens including ESKAPE. The present review focuses on insect-derived AMPs with special reference to anti-biofilm-based strategies. It covers the AMP composition, pathways and mechanisms of action, the formation of biofilms, impact of biofilms on human diseases, current strategies as well as therapeutic options to combat biofilm with antimicrobial peptides from insects. In addition, the review also illustrates the importance of bioinformatics tools and molecular docking studies to boost the importance of select bioactive peptides those can be developed as drugs, as well as suggestions for further basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaka Sahoo
- Department of Skin & VD, Institute of Medical Sciences, SUM Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Shasank Sekhar Swain
- Division of Microbiology & NCDs, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Ayusman Behera
- Department of Zoology, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, India
| | - Gunanidhi Sahoo
- Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Sujogya Kumar Panda
- Centre of Environment, Climate Change and Public Health, RUSA 2.0, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, India
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9
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Memariani H, Memariani M. Melittin as a promising anti-protozoan peptide: current knowledge and future prospects. AMB Express 2021; 11:69. [PMID: 33983454 PMCID: PMC8119515 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-021-01229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and sleeping sickness still levy a heavy toll on human lives. Deplorably, only few classes of anti-protozoan drugs have thus far been developed. The problem is further compounded by their intrinsic toxicity, emergence of drug resistance, and the lack of licensed vaccines. Thus, there is a genuine exigency to develop novel anti-protozoan medications. Over the past years, melittin, the major constituent in the venom of European honeybee Apis mellifera, has gathered the attention of researchers due to its potential therapeutic applications. Insofar as we are aware, there has been no review pertinent to anti-protozoan properties of melittin. The present review outlines the current knowledge about anti-protozoan effects of melittin and its underlying mechanisms. The peptide has proven to be efficacious in killing different protozoan parasites such as Leishmania, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Trypanosoma in vitro. Apart from direct membrane-disruptive activity, melittin is capable of destabilizing calcium homeostasis, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, disorganizing kinetoplast DNA, instigating apoptotic cell death, and induction of autophagy in protozoan pathogens. Emerging evidence suggests that melittin is a promising candidate for future vaccine adjuvants. Transmission-blocking activity of melittin against vector-borne pathogens underscores its potential utility for both transgenic and paratransgenic manipulations. Nevertheless, future research should focus upon investigating anti-microbial activities of melittin, alone or in combination with the current anti-protozoan medications, against a far broader spectrum of protozoan parasites as well as pre-clinical testing of the peptide in animal models.
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10
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Deusenbery C, Wang Y, Shukla A. Recent Innovations in Bacterial Infection Detection and Treatment. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:695-720. [PMID: 33733747 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections are a major threat to human health, exacerbated by increasing antibiotic resistance. These infections can result in tremendous morbidity and mortality, emphasizing the need to identify and treat pathogenic bacteria quickly and effectively. Recent developments in detection methods have focused on electrochemical, optical, and mass-based biosensors. Advances in these systems include implementing multifunctional materials, microfluidic sampling, and portable data-processing to improve sensitivity, specificity, and ease of operation. Concurrently, advances in antibacterial treatment have largely focused on targeted and responsive delivery for both antibiotics and antibiotic alternatives. Antibiotic alternatives described here include repurposed drugs, antimicrobial peptides and polymers, nucleic acids, small molecules, living systems, and bacteriophages. Finally, closed-loop therapies are combining advances in the fields of both detection and treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current trends in detection and treatment systems for bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Deusenbery
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Molecular and Nanoscale Innovation, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Yingying Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Anita Shukla
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Molecular and Nanoscale Innovation, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
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11
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Muller JAI, Lawrence N, Chan LY, Harvey PJ, Elliott AG, Blaskovich MAT, Gonçalves JC, Galante P, Mortari MR, Toffoli-Kadri MC, Koehbach J, Craik DJ. Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties of Synthetic Peptides Derived from the Wasp Parachartergus fraternus. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1415-1423. [PMID: 33244888 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agelaia-MPI and protonectin are antimicrobial peptides isolated from the wasp Parachartergus fraternus that show antimicrobial and neuroactive activities. Previously, two analogues of these peptides, neuroVAL and protonectin-F, were designed to reduce nonspecific toxicity and improve potency. Here, the three-dimensional structures of neuroVAL, protonectin and protonectin-F were determined by using circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. Antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities were tested for the parent peptides and analogues. All peptides showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with agelaia-MPI being the most active. Protonectin and protonectin-F were found to be toxic to cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. Internalization experiments revealed that these peptides accumulate inside both cell types. By contrast, neuroVAL was nontoxic to all tested cells and was able to enter cells without accumulating. In summary, neuroVAL has potential as a nontoxic cell-penetrating peptide, while protonectin-F needs further modification to realize its potential as an antitumor peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A I Muller
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Lai Yue Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Alysha G Elliott
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Superbug Solutions, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Centre for Superbug Solutions, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jacqueline C Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Marcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IB/University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasilia, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Mônica C Toffoli-Kadri
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Inflammation, FACFAN/Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Johannes Koehbach
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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12
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Anti-fungal properties and mechanisms of melittin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6513-6526. [PMID: 32500268 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10701-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Many fungal diseases remain poorly addressed by public health authorities, despite posing a substantial threat to humans, animals, and plants. More worryingly, few classes of anti-fungals have been developed to combat fungal infections thus far. These medications also have certain drawbacks in terms of toxicity, spectrum of activity, and pharmacokinetic properties. Hence, there is a dire need for discovery of novel anti-fungal agents. Melittin, the main constituent in the venom of European honeybee Apis mellifera, has attracted considerable attention among researchers owing to its potential therapeutic applications. To our knowledge, there has been no review pertinent to anti-fungal properties of melittin, prompting us to synopsize the results of experimental investigations with a special emphasis upon underlying mechanisms. In this respect, melittin inhibits a broad spectrum of fungal genera including Aspergillus, Botrytis, Candida, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Malassezia, Neurospora, Penicillium, Saccharomyces, Trichoderma, Trichophyton, and Trichosporon. Melittin hinders fungal growth by several mechanisms such as membrane permeabilization, apoptosis induction by reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondria/caspase-dependent pathway, inhibition of (1,3)-β-D-glucan synthase, and alterations in fungal gene expression. Overall, melittin will definitely open up new avenues for various biomedical applications, from medicine to agriculture. KEYPOINTS: • Venom-derived peptides have potential for development of anti-microbial agents. • Many fungal pathogens are susceptible to melittin at micromolar concentrations. • Melittin possesses multi-target mechanism of action against fungal cells.
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13
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Moravvej H, Memariani M, Memariani H, Robati RM, Gheisari M. Can Antimicrobial Peptides Be Repurposed as a Novel Therapy for Keloids? Dermatology 2020; 237:293-295. [PMID: 32200374 DOI: 10.1159/000506831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Moravvej
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | - Hamed Memariani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mahmoud Robati
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Dermatology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Gheisari
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Dermatology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Munusamy S, Conde R, Bertrand B, Munoz-Garay C. Biophysical approaches for exploring lipopeptide-lipid interactions. Biochimie 2020; 170:173-202. [PMID: 31978418 PMCID: PMC7116911 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, lipopeptides (LPs) have attracted a lot of attention in the pharmaceutical industry due to their broad-spectrum of antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogens and their unique mode of action. This class of compounds has enormous potential for application as an alternative to conventional antibiotics and for pest control. Understanding how LPs work from a structural and biophysical standpoint through investigating their interaction with cell membranes is crucial for the rational design of these biomolecules. Various analytical techniques have been developed for studying intramolecular interactions with high resolution. However, these tools have been barely exploited in lipopeptide-lipid interactions studies. These biophysical approaches would give precise insight on these interactions. Here, we reviewed these state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Knowledge at this level is indispensable for understanding LPs activity and particularly their potential specificity, which is relevant information for safe application. Additionally, the principle of each analytical technique is presented and the information acquired is discussed. The key challenges, such as the selection of the membrane model are also been briefly reviewed. A brief overview of topics to understand the generalities of lipopeptide (LP) science. Main analytical techniques used to reveal the interaction and the distorting effect of LP on artificial membranes. Guidelines for selecting of the most adequate membrane models for the given analytical technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathishkumar Munusamy
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Renaud Conde
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Brandt Bertrand
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Carlos Munoz-Garay
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, 62210, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
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Memariani H, Memariani M, Moravvej H, Shahidi-Dadras M. Melittin: a venom-derived peptide with promising anti-viral properties. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:5-17. [PMID: 31422545 PMCID: PMC7224078 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite tremendous advances in the development of anti-viral therapeutics, viral infections remain a chief culprit accounting for ongoing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Natural products, in particular animal venoms, embody a veritable cornucopia of exotic constituents, suggesting an immensurable source of anti-infective drugs. In this context, melittin, the principal constituent in the venom of the European honeybee Apis mellifera, has been demonstrated to exert anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, and adjuvant properties. To our knowledge, there is no review appertaining to effects of melittin against viruses, prompting us to synopsize experimental investigations on its anti-viral activity throughout the past decades. Accumulating evidence indicates that melittin curbs infectivity of a diverse array of viruses including coxsackievirus, enterovirus, influenza A viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), Junín virus (JV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). However, medication safety, different routes of administrations, and molecular mechanisms behind the anti-viral activity of melittin should be scrutinized in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Memariani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamideh Moravvej
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Memariani H, Memariani M, Ghasemian A. An overview on anti-biofilm properties of quercetin against bacterial pathogens. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:143. [PMID: 31493142 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2719-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are multicellular aggregates enclosed in a self-created biopolymer matrix. Biofilm-producing bacteria have become a great public health problem worldwide because biofilms enable these microorganisms to evade several clearance mechanisms produced by host and synthetic sources. Over the past years, different flavonoids including quercetin have engrossed considerable interest among researchers owing to their potential anti-biofilm properties. To our knowledge, there is no review regarding effects of quercetin towards bacterial biofilms, prompting us to summarize experimental evidence on its anti-biofilm properties. Quercetin inhibits biofilm development by a diverse array of bacterial pathogens such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Prevention of bacterial adhesion, suppression of quorum-sensing pathways, disruption or alteration of plasma membrane, inhibition of efflux pumps, and blocking nucleic acid synthesis have been documented as major anti-biofilm mechanisms of quercetin. Overall, anti-biofilm activity of quercetin can open up new horizons in a wide range of biomedical areas, from food industry to medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Memariani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Oshiro KGN, Cândido ES, Chan LY, Torres MDT, Monges BED, Rodrigues SG, Porto WF, Ribeiro SM, Henriques ST, Lu TK, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Craik DJ, Franco OL, Cardoso MH. Computer-Aided Design of Mastoparan-like Peptides Enables the Generation of Nontoxic Variants with Extended Antibacterial Properties. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8140-8151. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen G. N. Oshiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910900, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil
| | - Elizabete S. Cândido
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790160, Brazil
| | - Lai Y. Chan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Marcelo D. T. Torres
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center; The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210170, Brazil
| | - Bruna E. D. Monges
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil
| | - Silvia G. Rodrigues
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil
| | - William F. Porto
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil
- Porto Reports, Brasília, DF 70790160, Brazil
| | - Suzana M. Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS 79825070, Brazil
| | - Sónia T. Henriques
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Timothy K. Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center; The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center; The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Octávio L. Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910900, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790160, Brazil
| | - Marlon H. Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910900, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790160, Brazil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Memariani H, Memariani M, Shahidi-Dadras M, Nasiri S, Akhavan MM, Moravvej H. Melittin: from honeybees to superbugs. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:3265-3276. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09698-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ko SJ, Kang NH, Kim MK, Park J, Park E, Park GH, Kang TW, Na DE, Park JB, Yi YE, Jeon SH, Park Y. Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity, and mechanism of action of pleurocidin against drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Microb Pathog 2018; 127:70-78. [PMID: 30508627 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The abuse of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of infections, and antibiotic-resistant S. aureus has become a serious problem. Antimicrobial peptides play an important role in innate immunity and are attracting increasing attention as alternative antibiotics. In a previous study, pleurocidin, derived from winter flounder, was identified as a 25-amino acid antimicrobial peptide with no cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells and low hemolytic activity. In the present study, pleurocidin was observed to exhibit antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, especially against drug resistant S. aureus. Pleurocidin retained its antibacterial activity against drug resistant S. aureus in the presence of a physiological salt concentration. Membrane depolarization assays and propidium iodide uptake indicated that pleurocidin kills bacteria by damaging the integrity of the bacterial membrane. DNA binding assays revealed that pleurocidin binds to DNA. Thus, pleurocidin targets not only the bacterial membrane, but also their DNA. S. aureus biofilms have become a serious problem because of increased resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, we investigated the effect of pleurocidin on biofilm inhibition and eradication using crystal violet staining and microscopic observation. Pleurocidin inhibited and eradicated biofilms at low concentrations. Taken together, the results suggested that pleurocidin is a promising candidate therapeutic agent to treat drug-resistant bacteria and biofilm-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Na Hee Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Min Kyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Jonggwan Park
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kongju National University, Kongju, 38065, South Korea
| | - Eunji Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Ga Hyeon Park
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | - Tae Woo Kang
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | - Da Eun Na
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | - Jin Bae Park
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | - Yae Eun Yi
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | | | - Yoonkyung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea; Research Center for Proteineous Materials, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea.
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Syed H, Tauseef M, Ahmad Z. A connection between antimicrobial properties of venom peptides and microbial ATP synthase. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 119:23-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.07.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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