1
|
Zheng WC, Cheng XY, Tao YH, Mao YS, Lu CP, Lin ZH, Chen J. Assessment of the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity of QS-CATH, a promising therapeutic agent isolated from the Chinese spiny frogs (Quasipaa spinosa). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 283:109943. [PMID: 38810897 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are important antimicrobial peptides in various vertebrate species where they are crucial parts of the innate immune system. The current understanding of amphibian cathelicidins is limited, particularly with regard to their immunomodulatory effects. To address this knowledge gap, we produced the cDNA sequence of the cathelicidin gene from a skin transcriptome of the Chinese spiny frog Quasipaa spinosa. The amino acid sequence of the Quasipaa spinosa cathelicidin (QS-CATH) was predicted to consist of a signal peptide, a cathelin domain, and a mature peptide. Comparative analysis of the QS-CATH amino acid sequence with that of other amphibian cathelicidins revealed high variability in the functional mature peptide among amphibians, whereas the cathelin domain was conserved. The QS-CATH gene was expressed in several tissues, with the highest level of expression in the spleen. Upregulation of QS-CATH after Aeromonas hydrophila infection occurred in the kidney, gut, spleen, skin, and liver. Chemically synthesized QS-CATH exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity against Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus warneri, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore, QS-CATH disrupted the cell membrane integrity of S. flexneri, as evidenced by a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, and it hydrolyzed the genomic DNA of S. flexneri. Additionally, QS-CATH elicited chemotaxis and modulated the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in RAW264.7 mouse leukemic monocyte/macrophage cells. These findings confirm the antimicrobial effects of amphibian cathelicidin and its ability to influence immune cell function. This will expedite the potential utilization of amphibian antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Cheng Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Ecological Forestry Development Center of Suichang County, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Cheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Ecological Forestry Development Center of Suichang County, Lishui 323000, China.
| | - Yu-Hui Tao
- Forestry Bureau of Jinyun County, Lishui 321400, China
| | - Yue-Song Mao
- Ecological Forestry Development Center of Suichang County, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Cheng-Pu Lu
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China; Lishui Institute for Ecological Economy Research, Lishui 323000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Zhang CY, Wang Y, Zhang L, Seah RWX, Ma L, Ding GH. Discovery of Ll-CATH: a novel cathelicidin from the Chong'an Moustache Toad (Leptobrachium liui) with antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:343. [PMID: 39095814 PMCID: PMC11295328 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04202-9] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cathelicidins are vital antimicrobial peptides expressed in diverse vertebrates, crucial for immunity. Despite being a new field, amphibian cathelicidin research holds promise. RESULTS We isolated the cDNA sequence of the cathelicidin (Ll-CATH) gene from the liver transcriptome of the Chong'an Moustache Toad (Leptobrachium liui). We confirmed the authenticity of the cDNA sequence by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and reverse transcription PCR, and obtained the Ll-CATH amino acid sequence using the Open Reading Frame Finder, an online bioinformatics tool. Its translated protein contained a cathelin domain, signal peptide, and mature peptide, confirmed by amino acid sequence. The comparative analysis showed that the mature peptides were variable between the amphibian species, while the cathelin domain was conserved. The concentration of Ll-CATH protein and the expression of its gene varied in the tissues, with the spleen showing the highest levels. The expression levels of Ll-CATH in different tissues of toads was significantly increased post infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Chemically synthesized Ll-CATH effectively combated Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Vibrio harveyi, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus; disrupted the membrane of V. harveyi, hydrolyzed its DNA. Ll-CATH induced chemotaxis and modulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes in RAW264.7 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS This study unveiled the antibacterial and immunomodulatory potential of amphibian cathelicidin, implying its efficacy against infections. Ll-CATH characterization expands our knowledge, emphasizing its in a bacterial infection therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Laboratory of Amphibian Diversity Investigation, College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Chi-Ying Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou , Zhejiang, 311121, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Administration Center of Zhejiang Jiulongshan National Nature Reserve, Suichang, Zhejiang, 323300, China
| | - Le Zhang
- College of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Rachel Wan Xin Seah
- Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Li Ma
- Laboratory of Amphibian Diversity Investigation, College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Guo-Hua Ding
- Laboratory of Amphibian Diversity Investigation, College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen J, Yu CG, Zhou MM, Zhang GJ, Su HL, Ding GH, Wei L, Lin ZH, Ma L. An esculentin-1 homolog from a dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) possesses antibacterial and immunoregulatory properties. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:164. [PMID: 38678277 PMCID: PMC11055230 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04013-y] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esculentin-1, initially discovered in the skin secretions of pool frogs (Pelophylax lessonae), has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; however, its immunomodulatory properties have received little attention. RESULTS In the present study, esculentin-1 cDNA was identified by analysing the skin transcriptome of the dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus). Esculentin-1 from this species (esculentin-1PN) encompasses a signal peptide, an acidic spacer peptide, and a mature peptide. Sequence alignments with other amphibian esculentins-1 demonstrated conservation of the peptide, and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed its closest genetic affinity to esculentin-1P, derived from the Fukien gold-striped pond frog (Pelophylax fukienensis). Esculentin-1PN transcripts were observed in various tissues, with the skin exhibiting the highest mRNA levels. Synthetic esculentin-1PN demonstrated antibacterial activity against various pathogens, and esculentin-1PN exhibited bactericidal activity by disrupting cell membrane integrity and hydrolyzing genomic DNA. Esculentin-1PN did not stimulate chemotaxis in RAW264.7, a murine leukemic monocyte/macrophage cell line. However, it amplified the respiratory burst and augmented the pro-inflammatory cytokine gene (TNF-α and IL-1β) expression in RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS This novel finding highlights the immunomodulatory activity of esculentin-1PN on immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Ci-Gang Yu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Min-Min Zhou
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Gao-Jian Zhang
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Hai-Long Su
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Guo-Hua Ding
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Li Wei
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Li X, Pan X, Bai J, Chen Y, Lai Z, Chen Q, Ma F, Dong Y. Small-molecule α-lipoic acid targets ELK1 to balance human neutrophil and erythrocyte differentiation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:100. [PMID: 38589882 PMCID: PMC11003016 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03711-6] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythroid and myeloid differentiation disorders are commonly occurred in leukemia. Given that the relationship between erythroid and myeloid lineages is still unclear. To find the co-regulators in erythroid and myeloid differentiation might help to find new target for therapy of myeloid leukemia. In hematopoiesis, ALA (alpha lipoic acid) is reported to inhibit neutrophil lineage determination by targeting transcription factor ELK1 in granulocyte-monocyte progenitors via splicing factor SF3B1. However, further exploration is needed to determine whether ELK1 is a common regulatory factor for erythroid and myeloid differentiation. METHODS In vitro culture of isolated CD34+, CMPs (common myeloid progenitors) and CD34+ CD371- HSPCs (hematopoietic stem progenitor cells) were performed to assay the differentiation potential of monocytes, neutrophils, and erythrocytes. Overexpression lentivirus of long isoform (L-ELK1) or the short isoform (S-ELK1) of ELK1 transduced CD34+ HSPCs were transplanted into NSG mice to assay the human lymphocyte and myeloid differentiation differences 3 months after transplantation. Knocking down of SRSF11, which was high expressed in CD371+GMPs (granulocyte-monocyte progenitors), upregulated by ALA and binding to ELK1-RNA splicing site, was performed to analyze the function in erythroid differentiation derived from CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371- HPCs (hematopoietic progenitor cells). RNA sequencing of L-ELK1 and S-ELK1 overexpressed CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371- HPCs were performed to assay the signals changed by ELK1. RESULTS Here, we presented new evidence that ALA promoted erythroid differentiation by targeting the transcription factor ELK1 in CD34+ CD371- hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs). Overexpression of either the long isoform (L-ELK1) or the short isoform (S-ELK1) of ELK1 inhibited erythroid-cell differentiation, but knockdown of ELK1 did not affect erythroid-cell differentiation. RNAseq analysis of CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371- HPCs showed that L-ELK1 upregulated the expression of genes related to neutrophil activity, phosphorylation, and hypoxia signals, while S-ELK1 mainly regulated hypoxia-related signals. However, most of the genes that were upregulated by L-ELK1 were only moderately upregulated by S-ELK1, which might be due to a lack of serum response factor interaction and regulation domains in S-ELK1 compared to L-ELK1. In summary, the differentiation of neutrophils and erythrocytes might need to rely on the dose of L-ELK1 and S-ELK1 to achieve precise regulation via RNA splicing signals at early lineage commitment. CONCLUSIONS ALA and ELK1 are found to regulate both human granulopoiesis and erythropoiesis via RNA spliceosome, and ALA-ELK1 signal might be the target of human leukemia therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Xindu Road 783, Chengdu, 610500, China
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Pan
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China
| | - Ju Bai
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China
| | - Yijin Chen
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China
| | | | - Qiang Chen
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Ma
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China.
| | - Yong Dong
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Xindu Road 783, Chengdu, 610500, China.
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen J, Zhang CY, Chen JY, Seah RWX, Zhang L, Ma L, Ding GH. Host defence peptide LEAP2 contributes to antimicrobial activity in a mustache toad (Leptobrachium liui). BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:47. [PMID: 36765333 PMCID: PMC9921027 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03606-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is essential in host immunity against harmful pathogens and is only known to act as an extracellular modulator to regulate embryonic development in amphibians. However, there is a dearth of information on the antimicrobial function of amphibian LEAP2. Hence, a LEAP2 homologue from Leptobrachium liui was identified, characterized, and chemically synthesized, and its antibacterial activities and mechanisms were determined. RESULTS In this study, LEAP2 gene (Ll-LEAP2) cDNA was cloned and sequenced from the Chong'an Moustache Toad (Leptobrachium liui). The predicted amino acid sequence of Ll-LEAP2 comprises a signal peptide, a mature peptide, and a prodomain. From sequence analysis, it was revealed that Ll-LEAP2 belongs to the cluster of amphibian LEAP2 and displays high similarity to the Tropical Clawed Frog (Xenopus tropicalis)'s LEAP2. Our study revealed that LEAP2 protein was found in different tissues, with the highest concentration in the kidney and liver of L. liui; and Ll-LEAP2 mRNA transcripts were expressed in various tissues with the kidney having the highest mRNA expression level. As a result of Aeromonas hydrophila infection, Ll-LEAP2 underwent a noticeable up-regulation in the skin while it was down-regulated in the intestines. The chemically synthesized Ll-LEAP2 mature peptide was selective in its antimicrobial activity against several in vitro bacteria including both gram-positive and negative bacteria. Additionally, Ll-LEAP2 can kill specific bacteria by disrupting bacterial membrane and hydrolyzing bacterial gDNA. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first report on the antibacterial activity and mechanism of amphibian LEAP2. With more to uncover, the immunomodulatory functions and wound-healing activities of Ll-LEAP2 holds great potential for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- grid.440824.e0000 0004 1757 6428Laboratory of Amphibian Diversity Investigation, College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000 China
| | - Chi-Ying Zhang
- grid.440824.e0000 0004 1757 6428Laboratory of Amphibian Diversity Investigation, College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000 China
| | - Jing-Yi Chen
- grid.440824.e0000 0004 1757 6428Laboratory of Amphibian Diversity Investigation, College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000 China
| | - Rachel Wan Xin Seah
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Biological Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558 Singapore
| | - Le Zhang
- grid.440824.e0000 0004 1757 6428School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000 China
| | - Li Ma
- grid.440824.e0000 0004 1757 6428Laboratory of Amphibian Diversity Investigation, College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000 China
| | - Guo-Hua Ding
- Laboratory of Amphibian Diversity Investigation, College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fan XL, Yu SS, Zhao JL, Li Y, Zhan DJ, Xu F, Lin ZH, Chen J. Brevinin-2PN, an antimicrobial peptide identified from dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus), exhibits wound-healing activity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 137:104519. [PMID: 36041640 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Brevinins exhibit a wide range of structural features and strong biological activities. Brevinin-2, derived from several amphibians, has shown antimicrobial activities. However, little is known about the wound-healing activity of brevinin-2. In this study, brevinin-2 cDNA was identified from the skin transcriptome of the dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) and it comprises a signal peptide, a propeptide, and a mature peptide. Sequence alignment with brevinin-2 derived from other amphibians showed variability of the mature peptide, and the presence of a C-terminal cyclic heptapeptide domain (Cys-Lys-Xaa4-Cys) in the mature peptide. Dark-spotted frog brevinin-2 belonged to the brevinin-2 cluster and was closely related to brevinin-2HB1 from Pelophylax hubeiensis. Synthetic dark-spotted frog brevinin-2 mature peptide (brevinin-2PN) exhibited antibacterial activity against several pathogens by destroying cell membrane integrity and hydrolysis of genomic DNA. Brevinin-2PN exhibited significant wound-healing activity by accelerating the healing of human skin fibroblast cell scratches, influencing cell migration, and stimulating gene expression of growth factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Fan
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Shui-Sheng Yu
- Ecological Forestry Development Center of Suichang County, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Jia-Le Zhao
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Du-Juan Zhan
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Institute of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315020, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu E, Huang T, Gu W, Wang G, Dong F, Ma H, Zhang L, He X, Yao Z, Jiao W, Li C, Wang B, Xu G. Molecular characterization and antibacterial immunity functional analysis of the antimicrobial peptide hepcidin from Coregonus ussuriensis berg. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 122:78-86. [PMID: 35051564 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are immune system molecules existing in different organisms including mollusks, crustaceans and vertebrates. Hepcidins are a group of cysteine rich antimicrobial peptides, which plays an important role in fish response to a variety of pathogens. In this study, we cloned and identified Hepcidin from the Coregonus ussuriensis Berg, and its functions in vivo and in vitro was investigated. Our results showed that, CuHepc contains a 267 bp coding sequence (CDS) region that encodes 88 putative amino acids with a molecular weight of 9.77 kD. Hepcidin transcripts were most abundant in the liver of healthy C. ussuriensis Berg. The synthesized Hepcidin peptide exhibited a wide range of antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro, and the results of in vivo bacterial attack assays showed that the CuHepc gene was differentially up-regulated in the six tissues investigated after infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. To analyze the changes in protein levels in C. ussuriensis, we generated Hepc polyclonal antibodies in rabbits and verified that the protein expression was increased after bacterial infection with Western blot assay. MIC assay results showed a geometric mean value of 5.513 μM for CuHepc peptide. In the in vivo experiment, immune-related genes IL-10, NF-κB, TLR3 were up-regulated post-infection CuHepc peptide in liver and intestine. Finally, CuHepc peptide reduced the tissues microbial load compared to infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. The above results indicate that Hepc plays a role in the immune response of C. ussuriensis to exogenous disturbances, indicate that CuHepc might act a candidate for modulation of the innate immune system in C. ussuriensis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China
| | - Tianqing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China
| | - Wei Gu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China
| | - Gaochao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China
| | - Fulin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China
| | - Haibing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- Heilongjiang Fisheries Technology Extension Center, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xianchen He
- Heilongjiang Aquatic Animal Resource Conservation Center, Harbin, PR China
| | - Zuochun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China
| | - Wenlong Jiao
- Gansu Fisheries Research Institute, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Xinjiang Tianyun Organic Agriculture Limited Liability Company, Yili, PR China
| | - Bingqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China.
| | - Gefeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Biotechnology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen RY, Chen J, Liu ZM, Lin ZH, Guo ZP. Barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo) NK-lysin protects against Aeromonas hydrophila infection via immunomodulatory activity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 122:104114. [PMID: 33945835 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
NK-lysins (NKLs) are a family of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides that have activity against various microorganisms. However, the immunomodulatory activity of NKL in fish remains unclear. In this study, the cDNA sequence of barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo) NKL gene was cloned. Barbel steed NKL amino acid sequence comprised a signal peptide and a mature peptide. The saposin B domain in the mature peptide has six conserved cysteines that form three disulfide bonds. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the barbel steed NKL was most closely related to that of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) NKL. Differential expression analysis showed that the barbel steed NKL gene was expressed in all tested tissues, with the highest expression in the spleen. In response to Aeromonas hydrophila infection, NKL was significantly upregulated in the liver, spleen, head kidney, and gill. The barbel steed NKL showed strong antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, V. vulnificus, and Listeria monocytogenes. However, NKL had no antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria A. hydrophila. Lactate dehydrogenase release assays showed that NKL damaged the V. parahaemolyticus cell membrane. NKL significantly increased barbel steed survival rate after A. hydrophila infection and upregulated IL-1β and TNF-α expression in the spleen and head kidney. NKL induced monocyte/macrophage chemotaxis and enhanced the respiratory burst and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Our study shows that fish NKL exhibits immunomodulatory effects and protects the host from pathogenic infections independent of direct bacterial clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Yi Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Zi-Ming Liu
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
| | - Zhi-Ping Guo
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen J, Lin YF, Chen JH, Chen X, Lin ZH. Molecular characterization of cathelicidin in tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus): Antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory activity. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 247:109072. [PMID: 33965586 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are an important antimicrobial peptide family and are expressed in many different vertebrates. They play an important role in the innate immune system of the host. However, amphibian cathelicidins are poorly understood. In this study, the cDNA of the cathelicidin gene was obtained from the skin transcriptome of tiger frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus). The predicted amino acid sequence of tiger frog cathelicidin (HR-CATH) comprises a signal peptide, a cathelin domain, and a mature peptide. The HR-CATH amino acid sequence alignment with other frog cathelicidins showed that the functional mature peptide is highly variable in amphibians, whereas the cathelin domain is conserved. A phylogenetic tree analysis showed that HR-CATH is most closely related to cathelicidin-NV from Nanorana ventripunctata. HR-CATH was chemically synthesized and its in vitro activity was determined. It had high antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, and the pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila. HR-CATH damaged the cell membrane integrity of A. hydrophila according to a lactate dehydrogenase release assay and was able to hydrolyze the genomic DNA from A. hydrophila in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in RAW264.7 cells (mouse leukemic monocyte/macrophage cell line), HR-CATH induced chemotaxis and enhanced respiratory burst. Our study shows that amphibian cathelicidin has antimicrobial activity and an immunomodulatory effect on immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - You-Fu Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Jia-Hao Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Neefjes J, Cabukusta B. What the VAP: The Expanded VAP Family of Proteins Interacting With FFAT and FFAT-Related Motifs for Interorganellar Contact. CONTACT (THOUSAND OAKS (VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.)) 2021; 4:25152564211012246. [PMID: 34036242 PMCID: PMC7610837 DOI: 10.1177/25152564211012246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Membrane contact sites are formed by tether proteins that have the ability to bring two organellar membranes together. VAP proteins are a family of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident tether proteins specialized in interacting with FFAT (two phenylalanines in an acidic tract) peptide motifs in other proteins. If the FFAT-motif-containing proteins reside on other organelles, VAP proteins form contact sites between these organelles and the ER. The role of VAPA and VAPB, the two founding members of the VAP family in recruiting proteins to the ER and forming membrane contact sites is well appreciated as numerous interaction partners of VAPA and VAPB at different intracellular contact sites have been characterized. Recently, three new proteins -MOSPD1, MOSPD2 and MOSPD3-have been added to the VAP family. While MOSPD2 has a motif preference similar to VAPA and VAPB, MOSPD1 and MOSPD3 prefer to interact with proteins containing FFNT (two phenylalanines in a neutral tract) motifs. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in motif binding by VAP proteins along with the other biological processes VAP proteins are involved in.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Neefjes
- Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Birol Cabukusta
- Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li CH, Chen J, Nie L, Chen J. MOSPD2 is a receptor mediating the LEAP-2 effect on monocytes/macrophages in a teleost, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. Zool Res 2021; 41:644-655. [PMID: 33124217 PMCID: PMC7671916 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.211] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) is a cationic peptide that plays an important role in a host's innate immune system. We previously demonstrated that mudskipper ( Boleophthalmus pectinirostris) LEAP-2 (BpLEAP-2) induces chemotaxis and activation of monocytes/ macrophages (MO/MФ). However, the molecular mechanism by which BpLEAP-2 regulates MO/MΦ remains unclear. In this study, we used yeast two-hybrid cDNA library screening to identify mudskipper protein(s) that interacted with BpLEAP-2, and characterized a sequence encoding motile sperm domain-containing protein 2 (BpMOSPD2). The interaction between BpLEAP-2 and BpMOSPD2 was subsequently confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Sequence analyses revealed that the predicted BpMOSPD2 contained an N-terminal extracellular portion composed of a CRAL-TRIO domain and a motile sperm domain, a C-terminal transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that BpMOSPD2 grouped tightly with fish MOSPD2 homologs and was most closely related to that of the Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus). The recombinant BpMOSPD2 was produced by prokaryotic expression and the corresponding antibody was prepared for protein concentration determination. RNA interference was used to knockdown BpMOSPD2 expression in the mudskipper MO/MФ, and the knockdown efficiency was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Knockdown of BpMOSPD2 significantly inhibited BpLEAP-2-induced chemotaxis of mudskipper MO/MФ and BpLEAP-2-induced bacterial killing activity. Furthermore, knockdown of BpMOSPD2 inhibited the effect of BpLEAP-2 on mRNA expression levels of BpIL-10, BpTNFα, BpIL-1β, and BpTGFβ in MO/MФ. In general, BpMOSPD2 directly interacted with BpLEAP-2, and mediated the effects of BpLEAP-2 on chemotaxis and activation of mudskipper MO/MФ. This is the first identification of MOSPD2 as a receptor for LEAP-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China.,College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Li Nie
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315832, China. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen J, Jiang W, Xu YW, Chen RY, Xu Q. Sequence analysis of hepcidin in barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo): QSHLS motif confers hepcidin iron-regulatory activity but limits its antibacterial activity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 114:103845. [PMID: 32888968 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fish hepcidin genes are generally classified into two groups: hamp1-and hamp2-type isoforms. Hamp1-type hepcidin exhibits iron regulatory and antimicrobial activity, while hamp2-type shows a unique role in the immune response against various pathogens. An iron-regulatory motif exists at the N-terminus of hamp1-type hepcidin; however, the functional effect of this motif in fish is not well understood. Here, cDNA of the barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo) hepcidin gene was cloned and sequenced. The predicted amino acid sequence comprised a signal peptide, a prodomain, and a mature peptide. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that barbel steed hepcidin belongs to the fish HAMP1 cluster and is closely related to Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) hepcidin. Barbel steed hepcidin is constitutively expressed in healthy fish tissues, predominantly in the liver. Following iron dextran treatment or Aeromonas hydrophila infection, expression of barbel steed hepcidin increased significantly in tested tissues. In vivo administration of intact hepcidin mature peptide (hep25) significantly and dose-dependently reduced ferroportin 1 expression, while truncated hepcidin mature peptide (hep20) lacking a QSHLS motif had no such effect. In vitro treatment of barbel steed monocytes/macrophages with hep25, but not hep20, increased the labile iron pool levels. Hep25 and hep20 conferred antibacterial activity only against A. hydrophila and Vibrio vulnificus, with greater activity of the latter at low concentrations. Neither hep25 nor hep20 impaired the cell membrane integrity of A. hydrophila, but could hydrolyze its genomic DNA; lack of a QSHLS motif enables hep20 to have a better hydrolytic effect. In summary, we identified an iron-regulatory motif in a fish species and demonstrated that this motif confers hamp1-type hepcidin iron-regulatory activity, but attenuates its antibacterial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China.
| | - Wei Jiang
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Ya-Wen Xu
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Ru-Yi Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Qian Xu
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun Y, Wang Q, Ren J, Yang S. Identification and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Hemibarbus labeo BML (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2020; 5:2655-2657. [PMID: 33457895 PMCID: PMC7782797 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2020.1778570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The complete mitochondrial genome of Hemibarbus labeo BML (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) is 16,612 bases in length. It consists of 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 non-coding region. Its overall nucleotide composition is A: 29.85%, G: 17.07%, T: 25.86%, and C: 27.23%, respectively, with an A + T rich feature (55.71%). The gene arrangement and organization of the mitogenome from H. labeo BML were very similar to other Cyprinidae fishes. The phylogenetic analysis showed that H. labeo BML clustered in genus Hemibarbus. These results will contribute to the taxonomy and conservation biology studies of H. labeo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, P. R. China
| | - Qilin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, P. R. China
| | | | - Shoubao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|