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
|
Zhou X, Shen H, Wu S, Mu L, Yang H, Wu J. An amphibian-derived cathelicidin accelerates cutaneous wound healing through its main regulatory effect on phagocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111595. [PMID: 38295541 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111595] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are an important family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) involved in the innate immunity in vertebrates. The mammalian cathelicidins have been well characterized, but the relationship between structure and function in amphibian cathelicidins is still not well understood. In this study, a novel 29-residue cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (BugaCATH) was identified from the skin of Bufo gargarizans. Unlike other AMPs, BugaCATH does not display any direct antimicrobial effects in vitro. However, it effectively promotes full-thickness wound repair in mice. Following injury, BugaCATH initiates and expedites the inflammatory stage by recruiting neutrophils and macrophages to the wound site. BugaCATH not only regulates neutrophil phagocytic activity but also stimulates the generation of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL2, and CCL3) in macrophages and in mice. Furthermore, it promotes macrophage M2 polarization that facilitates the conversion from a pro-inflammatory macrophage-dominated wound environment to an anti-inflammatory one during the mid to late stages, which is crucial for reducing inflammation and effective wound repair. The MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38) and NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling pathways are involved in the activity. Moreover, BugaCATH directly enhances the migration of keratinocytes and vascular endothelial cells without affecting their proliferation. Notably, BugaCATH significantly improves the proliferation of keratinocytes and endothelial cells in the presence of macrophages. The current study revealed that in addition to proliferation of keratinocytes and endothelial cells, BugaCATH possesses the ability to modulate inflammatory processes during skin injury through its regulatory effect on phagocytes. The combination of these capabilities makes BugaCATH a potent candidate for skin wound therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Huan Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuxin Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lixian Mu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Hailong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu Y, Wang K, Jia X, Fu C, Yu H, Wang Y. Antioxidant peptides, the guardian of life from oxidative stress. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:275-364. [PMID: 37621230 DOI: 10.1002/med.21986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during oxidative metabolism in aerobic organisms. Under normal conditions, ROS production and elimination are in a relatively balanced state. However, under internal or external environmental stress, such as high glucose levels or UV radiation, ROS production can increase significantly, leading to oxidative stress. Excess ROS production not only damages biomolecules but is also closely associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as skin photoaging, diabetes, and cancer. Antioxidant peptides (AOPs) are naturally occurring or artificially designed peptides that can reduce the levels of ROS and other pro-oxidants, thus showing great potential in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we discussed ROS production and its role in inducing oxidative stress-related diseases in humans. Additionally, we discussed the sources, mechanism of action, and evaluation methods of AOPs and provided directions for future studies on AOPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Zhu
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyi Jia
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Food Science and Technology Center, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caili Fu
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haining Yu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
de Oliveira SG, Kotowski N, Sampaio-Filho HR, Aguiar FHB, Dávila AMR, Jardim R. Metalloproteinases in Restorative Dentistry: An In Silico Study toward an Ideal Animal Model. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3042. [PMID: 38002041 PMCID: PMC10669239 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113042] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In dentistry, various animal models are used to evaluate adhesive systems, dental caries and periodontal diseases. Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that degrade collagen in the dentin matrix and are categorized in over 20 different classes. Collagenases and gelatinases are intrinsic constituents of the human dentin organic matrix fibrillar network and are the most abundant MMPs in this tissue. Understanding such enzymes' action on dentin is important in the development of approaches that could reduce dentin degradation and provide restorative procedures with extended longevity. This in silico study is based on dentistry's most used animal models and intends to search for the most suitable, evolutionarily close to Homo sapiens. We were able to retrieve 176,077 mammalian MMP sequences from the UniProt database. These sequences were manually curated through a three-step process. After such, the remaining 3178 sequences were aligned in a multifasta file and phylogenetically reconstructed using the maximum likelihood method. Our study inferred that the animal models most evolutionarily related to Homo sapiens were Orcytolagus cuniculus (MMP-1 and MMP-8), Canis lupus (MMP-13), Rattus norvegicus (MMP-2) and Orcytolagus cuniculus (MMP-9). Further research will be needed for the biological validation of our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Gomes de Oliveira
- Piracicaba School of Dentistry, Campinas State University, Piracicaba 13414-903, SP, Brazil
- School of Dentistry, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, RJ, Brazil
| | - Nelson Kotowski
- Computational and Systems Biology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.K.); (A.M.R.D.)
| | | | | | - Alberto Martín Rivera Dávila
- Computational and Systems Biology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.K.); (A.M.R.D.)
| | - Rodrigo Jardim
- Computational and Systems Biology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.K.); (A.M.R.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shi J, Wu J, Chen Q, Shen Y, Mi K, Yang H, Mu L. A Frog-Derived Cathelicidin Peptide with Dual Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Activities Effectively Ameliorates Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Peritonitis in Mice. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:2464-2479. [PMID: 36378028 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As antimicrobial resistance poses an increasing threat to public health, it is urgent to develop new antimicrobial agents. In this paper, we identify a novel 30-residue peptide (Nv-CATH, NCNFLCKVKQRLRSVSSTSHIGMAIPRPRG) from the skin of the frog Nanorana ventripunctata, which belongs to the cathelicidin family. Nv-CATH exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Nv-CATH significantly protected mice from lethal infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the peptide suppressed excessive and harmful inflammatory responses by repressing the production of NO, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The NF-κB-NLRP3 and MAPK inflammatory signaling pathways were involved in the protection in vitro and in vivo. Nv-CATH also modulated macrophage/monocyte and neutrophil trafficking to the infection site by stimulating CXCL1, CXCL2, and CCL2 production in macrophages. Nv-CATH augmented immunocyte-mediated bacterial killing by modestly promoting neutrophils' phagocytosis and PMA-induced NET formation. Thus, Nv-CATH protects mice against bacterial infection by antimicrobial-immunomodulatory duality. The combination of these two characteristics makes Nv-CATH a promising molecule template for the development of novel antimicrobial and antibiotic-resistant agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shi
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Kai Mi
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Hailong Yang
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Lixian Mu
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Conlon JM. Recent articles highlighting the multifunctional character and wider therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides. Peptides 2022; 158:170896. [PMID: 36270507 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Photoaging induced by long-term exposure to UV irradiation and amelioration by Skipjack tuna skin hydrolysates: Targeting inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB signaling hyperactivation. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
9
|
Choi M, Cho HS, Ahn B, Prathap S, Nagasundarapandian S, Park C. Genomewide Analysis and Biological Characterization of Cathelicidins with Potent Antimicrobial Activity and Low Cytotoxicity from Three Bat Species. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11080989. [PMID: 35892379 PMCID: PMC9330922 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11080989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins are potent antimicrobial peptides with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity in many vertebrates and an important component of the innate immune system. However, our understanding of the genetic variations and biological characteristics of bat cathelicidins is limited. In this study, we performed genome-level analysis of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidins from seven bat species in the six families, listed 19 cathelicidin-like sequences, and showed that the number of functional cathelicidin genes differed among bat species. Based on the identified biochemical characteristics of bat cathelicidins, three cathelicidins, HA-CATH (from Hipposideros armiger), ML-CATH (from Myotis lucifugus), and PD-CATH (from Phyllostomus discolor), with clear antimicrobial signatures were chemically synthesized and evaluated antimicrobial activity. HA-CATH showed narrow-spectrum antibacterial activity against a panel of 12 reference bacteria, comprising 6 Gram-negative and 6 Gram-positive strains. However, ML-CATH and PD-CATH showed potent antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 and 3 μg/mL, respectively, against Staphylococcus aureus. ML-CATH and PD-CATH also showed antifungal activities against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus cuniculi with MIC of 5 to 40 μg/mL, respectively, and 80% inhibition of the metabolism of Mucor hiemalis hyphae at 80 μg/mL, while displaying minimal cytotoxicity to HaCaT cells. Taken together, although the spectrum and efficacy of bat cathelicidins were species-dependent, the antimicrobial activity of ML-CATH and PD-CATH was comparable to that of other highly active cathelicidins in vertebrates while having negligible cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. ML-CATH and PD-CATH can be exploited as promising candidates for the development of antimicrobial therapeutics.
Collapse
|
10
|
Xu D, Zhao M, Lin H, Li C. Theragra chalcogramma Hydrolysates, Rich in Gly-Leu-Pro-Ser-Tyr-Thr, Exerts Anti-Photoaging Potential via Targeting MAPK and NF-κB Pathways in SD Rats. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20050286. [PMID: 35621937 PMCID: PMC9144478 DOI: 10.3390/md20050286] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that excessive exposure to UV irradiation is the main cause of skin photoaging and the signaling pathways of MAPK and NF-κB are involved in this progression. The present study aims to investigate the anti-photoaging effects of low molecular weight hydrolysates from Theragra chalcogramma (TCH) and to clarify the underlying mechanism. The degradation of mechanical barrier functions in photoaged skin was substantially ameliorated after TCH administration; meanwhile, TCH significantly elevated the antioxidant capacity and suppressed the over-production of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Moreover, the histopathological deteriorations such as epidermal hyperplasia and dermal loss were significantly alleviated, along with the increase in procollagen type I content and decrease in MMP-1 activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, TCH effectively blocked the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways through inhibition of the phosphorylation of p38, JNK, ERK, iκB, and p65 proteins. Collectively, these data indicate that TCH has potential as a novel ingredient for the development of anti-photoaging foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Food, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China;
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Mouming Zhao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China;
| | - Haisheng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Marine Food, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China;
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Caihong Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (C.L.)
| |
Collapse
|