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Slezina MP, Odintsova TI. Plant Antimicrobial Peptides: Insights into Structure-Function Relationships for Practical Applications. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3674-3704. [PMID: 37185763 PMCID: PMC10136942 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short polypeptide molecules produced by multicellular organisms that are involved in host defense and microbiome preservation. In recent years, AMPs have attracted attention as novel drug candidates. However, their successful use requires detailed knowledge of the mode of action and identification of the determinants of biological activity. In this review, we focused on structure-function relationships in the thionins, α-hairpinins, hevein-like peptides, and the unique Ib-AMP peptides isolated from Impatiens balsamina. We summarized the available data on the amino acid sequences and 3D structure of peptides, their biosynthesis, and their biological activity. Special attention was paid to the determination of residues that play a key role in the activity and the identification of the minimal active cores. We have shown that even subtle changes in amino acid sequences can affect the biological activity of AMPs, which opens up the possibility of creating molecules with improved properties, better therapeutic efficacy, and cheaper large-scale production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina P Slezina
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics RAS, 119333 Moscow, Russia
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2
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Zhang R, Duan R, Wang W, Yu Z, Li Y, Zhao Y. Study on the dynamic variation of the secondary metabolites in Viscum coloratum using targeted metabolomics. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:308-320. [PMID: 37120249 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60439-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai is a well-known medicinal plant. However, the optimal harvest time for V. coloratum is unknown. Few studies were performed to analyze compound variation during storage and to improve post-harvest quality control. Our study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the quality of V. coloratum in different growth stages, and determine the dynamic variation of metabolites. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify 29 compounds in V. coloratum harvested in six growth periods, and the associated biosynthetic pathways were explored. The accumulation of different types of compounds were analyzed based on their synthesis pathways. Grey relational analysis was used to evaluate the quality of V. coloratum across different months. The compound variation during storage was analyzed by a high-temperature high-humidity accelerated test. The results showed that the quality of V. coloratum was the hightest in March, followed by November, and became the lowest in July. During storage, compounds in downstream steps of the biosynthesis pathway were first degraded to produce the upstream compounds and some low-molecular-weight organic acids, leading to an increase followed by a decrease in the content of some compounds, and resulted in a large gap during the degradation time course among different compounds. Due to the rapid rate and large degree of degradation, five compounds were tentatively designated as "early warning components" for quality control. This report provides reference for better understanding the biosynthesis and degradation of metabolites in V. coloratum and lays a theoretical foundation for rational application of V. coloratum and better quality control of V. coloratum during storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Rong Duan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Weiqing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhiguo Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Yunli Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Nicoletti M. The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Viscum album. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1460. [PMID: 37050086 PMCID: PMC10096603 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic story of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) presents a seesawing profile. In ancient times, this hemiparasitic plant was considered a panacea and even to be endowed with exceptional beneficial properties. In more recent times, despite its multiple uses in traditional medicines, some parts of the plant, in particular the berries, were considered poisonous and dangerous, including concerns of cytotoxicity, which spread serious suspicion on its medicinal utility. However, since the last century, medical interest in mistletoe has come back in force due to its utilization in clinical cancer treatments, based on its selective action on tumor cells. In Central Europe, the hydro-alcoholic extracts of European mistletoe register a relevant and continuous utilization in anthroposophic medicine, which is a holistic system that includes the utilization of phytomedicinal substances. In Switzerland and Germany, most physicians and patients use these products as complementary therapy in oncological treatments. However, despite its increasing use in this field, the results of mistletoe's use are not always convincing, and other aspects have appeared. Nowadays, products that contain mistletoe are utilized in several fields, including diet, phytotherapy, veterinary medicine and homeopathy, but in particular in cancer therapies as coadjuvant factors, in consideration of several positive effects including effects in the improvement of quality-of-life conditions and reinforcement of the immune system. In this review, based on the understanding of the association between cancer and inflammation, we propose a relationship between these recent uses of mistletoe, based on its antioxidant properties, which are supported by phytochemical and pharmacological data. The unicity of mistletoe metabolism, which is a direct consequence of its hemiparasitism, is utilized as a key interpretation element to explain its biological properties and steer its consequent therapeutic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Nicoletti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Rocha MS, Batista JVC, Melo MNO, de Campos VEB, Toledo ALMM, Oliveira AP, Picciani PHS, Baumgartner S, Holandino C. Pluronic ® F127 Thermoresponsive Viscum album Hydrogel: Physicochemical Features and Cellular In Vitro Evaluation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122775. [PMID: 36559269 PMCID: PMC9788499 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Viscum album L., popularly known as mistletoe, is well known for its anti-cancer properties, and the pharmaceutical application of hydroalcoholic dry extracts is still limited due to its low solubility in aqueous media, and physicochemical instability. The Pluronic® F127 is an amphiphilic polymer, which permits the solubilization of lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. In this investigation, physicochemical features of hydrogel containing V. album dry extract (VADE-loaded-hydrogel) were performed by: dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). VADE-loaded-hydrogel presented nanometer-size micelles with volume distribution ranging from 10.58 nm to 246.7 nm, and a polydispersity index of 0.441. The sample thermal analyses (TG and DSC) showed similar decomposition curves; however, the thermal events indicated an increase in thermal stability in relation to the presence of the extract. In addition to these interesting pharmaceutical features, IC50 values of 333.40 µg/mL and >1000 µg/mL were obtained when tumor (SCC-25) and non-tumor (L929) cells were incubated with VADE-loaded-hydrogel, respectively. The optical and ultrastructural cellular analysis confirmed the tumor selectivity since the following alterations were detected only in SCC-25 cells: disorganization of plasmatic membrane; an increase of cytoplasmatic vacuole size; alteration in the cristae mitochondrial shape; and generation of amorphous cellular material. These results emphasize the promising antitumoral potential of VADE-loaded-hydrogel as an herbal drug delivery system via in vitro assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S. Rocha
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - João V. C. Batista
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michelle N. O. Melo
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vania E. B. de Campos
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Anna Lecticia M. M. Toledo
- Institute of Macromolecules Professora Eloisa Mano, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Adriana P. Oliveira
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Paulo H. S. Picciani
- Institute of Macromolecules Professora Eloisa Mano, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Stephan Baumgartner
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany
- Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (C.H.)
| | - Carla Holandino
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Society for Cancer Research, Hiscia Institute, 4144 Arlesheim, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (C.H.)
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Amin M, Lammers T, Ten Hagen TLM. Temperature-sensitive polymers to promote heat-triggered drug release from liposomes: Towards bypassing EPR. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 189:114503. [PMID: 35998827 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Heat-triggered drug release from temperature-sensitive nanocarriers upon the application of mild hyperthermia is a promising approach to achieve site-specific delivery of drugs. The combination of mild hyperthermia (41-42 °C) and temperature-sensitive liposomes (TSL) that undergo lipid phase-transition and drug release has been studied extensively and has shown promising therapeutic outcome in a variety of animal tumor models as well as initial indications of success in humans. Sensitization of liposomes to mild hyperthermia by means of exploiting the thermal behavior of temperature-sensitive polymers (TSP) provides novel opportunities. Recently, TSP-modified liposomes (TSPL) have shown potential for enhancing tumor-directed drug delivery, either by triggered drug release or by triggered cell interactions in response to heat. In this review, we describe different classes of TSPL, and analyze and discuss the mechanisms and kinetics of content release from TSPL in response to local heating. In addition, the impact of lipid composition, polymer and copolymer characteristics, serum components and PEGylation on the mechanism of content release and TSPL performance is addressed. This is done from the perspective of rationally designing TSPL, with the overall goal of conceiving efficient strategies to increase the efficacy of TSPL plus hyperthermia to improve the outcome of targeted anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamadreza Amin
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus (NICE), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Timo L M Ten Hagen
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Nanomedicine Innovation Center Erasmus (NICE), Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Spatial structure and oligomerization of viscotoxin A3 in detergent micelles: Implication for mechanisms of ion channel formation and membrane lysis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 585:22-28. [PMID: 34781057 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Thionins are the family of small (∼5 kDa) cationic cysteine-rich peptides involved in the immune response in plants. Viscotoxin A3 (VtA3) is the thionin from mistletoe (Viscum album) demonstrating antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity against cancer cells in vitro. VtA3 (charge +6) interacts with the membranes containing anionic lipids and forms cation-selective ion channels. Here we studied the VtA3 structure in membrane-mimicking media by NMR spectroscopy. Spatial structure of VtA3, consisting of a helical hairpin and a short β-sheet, was stable and did not undergo significant changes during micelle binding. VtA3 molecule bound with high affinity to the surface of zwitterionic dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelle by hydrophobic patch in the helical hairpin. Oligomerization of VtA3 was observed in the anionic micelles of sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS). No direct contacts between the peptide molecules were observed and the possible interfaces of detergent-assisted oligomerization were revealed. The data obtained suggest that the VtA3 membrane activity, depending on the concentration, obeys the 'toroidal' pore model or the 'carpet' mechanism. The model of the membrane disrupting complex, which explains the ion channel formation in the partially anionic membranes, was proposed.
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Metabolomics-based Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Host and Environment on Viscum coloratum Metabolites and Antioxidative Activities. J Pharm Anal 2021; 12:243-252. [PMID: 35582400 PMCID: PMC9091737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Finol HJ, Garcia-Lunardi E, González R, Girón ME, Uzcátegui NL, Rodríguez-Acosta A. Qualitative and Quantitative Study of the Changes in the Ultrastructure of Mammalian Adrenal Cortex Caused by the Venezuelan Tigra Mariposa ( Bothrops venezuelensis) Snake Venom. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2020; 8:104-114. [PMID: 33282685 PMCID: PMC7703017 DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_49_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The damage of the adrenal gland by snake venoms needs to be clarified. Lethality (LD50) of Bothrops venezuelensis (Bv) venom was established by intraperitoneally mice injections. Preparation of specimens for transmission electron microscopy samples from cortex adrenal gland biopsies at 3, 6, and 24 h was processed. The quantitative description by the principal component analysis (PCA) of the adrenal gland was as follows: thickening of the capillary endothelium, area of the capillary lumen, cell nucleus area, enlargement of the perinuclear space, number of mitochondria, area of the mitochondria, number of mitochondrial cristae, number of cristae per mitochondrial unit, and tubular diameter of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Sections of the adrenal cortex, after 3 h postinjection with Bv venom showed in the cortical cells: mitochondria with tubular cristae and slightly swollen SER cisternae, nucleus with variable heterochromatin content, irregular edges, and swollen nuclear envelope. After 6 h, cells with swollen nucleus envelope, electron dense lipids and mitochondria with loss of their cristae were observed. Myelin figures, close to the microvilli of the cortical cell, multivesicular bodies, swollen profiles of the SER, and electron dense lipid drops were noticed. After 24 h, thickening of the endothelial wall, fenestrae and projections into the capillary lumen, loss of the mitochondrial cristae, destruction of the capillary and the plasma membrane of the cortical cell, multivesicular body, SER loss, and an enlargement of the perinuclear space were detected. In the quantitative PCA, there were significant changes after the venom treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor J Finol
- Microscopy Electronic Centre, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Central De Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Estefanie Garcia-Lunardi
- Microscopy Electronic Centre, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Central De Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Roschman González
- Microscopy Electronic Centre, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Central De Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Maria E Girón
- Anatomical Institute, Immunochemistry and Ultrastructure Laboratory, Universidad Central De Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Nestor L Uzcátegui
- Anatomical Institute, Immunochemistry and Ultrastructure Laboratory, Universidad Central De Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alexis Rodríguez-Acosta
- Anatomical Institute, Immunochemistry and Ultrastructure Laboratory, Universidad Central De Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
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Mistletoe-Based Drugs Work in Synergy with Radio-Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Glioma In Vitro and In Vivo in Glioblastoma Bearing Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:1376140. [PMID: 31354846 PMCID: PMC6636536 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1376140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Extracts from Viscum album L. (VE) are used in the complementary cancer therapy in Europe for decades. VE contain several compounds like the mistletoe lectins (MLs) 1-3 and viscotoxins and also several minor ingredients. Since mistletoe lectin 1 (ML-1) has been described as the main component of VE harboring antitumor activity, purified native or recombinant ML-1 has been recently used in clinical trials. MLs stimulate the immune system, induce cytotoxicity, are able to modify the expression of cancer-associated genes, and influence the proliferation and motility of tumor cells. Objective In this study our goal was to determine anticancer effects of the VE ISCADOR Qu, of recombinant ML-1 (Aviscumine), and of native ML-1 in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and highly malignant brain tumor in adults. Additionally we were interested whether these drugs, used in combination with a temozolomide-(TMZ)-based radio-chemotherapy, provide synergistic effects. Methods Cell culture assays, ex vivo murine hippocampal brain slice cultures, human GBM cryosections, and a xenograft orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model were used. Results In cells, the expression of the ML receptor CD75s, which is also expressed in GBM specimen, but not in normal brain, correlates with the drug-induced cytotoxicity. In GBM cells, the drugs induce cell death in a concentration-dependent manner and reduce cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The cell cycle arrest was paralleled by modifications in the expression of cell cycle regulating genes. ML containing drugs, if combined with glioma standard therapy, provide synergistic and additive anticancer effects. Despite not reaching statistical significance, a single intratumoral application of Aviscumine prolonged the median survival of GBM mice longer than tumor irradiation. Moreover, intratumorally applied Aviscumine prolonged the survival of GBM-bearing mice if used in combination with irradiation and TMZ for further 6.5 days compared to the radio-chemotherapy. Conclusion Our results suggest that an adjuvant treatment of glioma patients with ML-containing drugs might be beneficial.
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Biochemical and morphological changes in mouse liver induced by mistletoe toxins. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 129:229-238. [PMID: 31034933 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural compounds are often characterized by high biological activity and sometimes toxicity. This also applies to compounds contained in the herb mistletoe. The objective of this study was to investigate short-term effects (up to 48 h) of mistletoe toxins on mouse hepatocytes. Standardized mistletoe extract Iscador P was given to female mice as a single injection (0.1 mg/kg b.w., 1 mg/kg b.w., or 2 mg/kg b.w). Activities of lysosomal hydrolases: acid phosphatase, cathepsins D and L, N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase, β-D-glucuronidase, β-D-glucosidase and cytosolic proteases: arginine and leucine aminopeptidases were analyzed in the liver fractions 24 and 48 h after the injection. The morphology of hepatocytes was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Iscador P caused a decrease in the activity of all lysosomal hydrolases (except cathepsins) in the lysosomal pellet, and an increase in the activity of both aminopeptidases and β-D-glucuronidase in the cytosol. However, despite membranotropic properties of the viscotoxins, we did not find a significant labilising effect on the lysosomal membranes. Only β-D-glucuronidase activity was relocated to the supernatant of lysosomal fraction. Microscopic examinations revealed that hepatocyte mitochondria were enlarged and increased in number, whereas the surface of the rough endoplasmic reticulum was decreased significantly.
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Boonpa K, Tantong S, Weerawanich K, Panpetch P, Pringsulaka O, Roytrakul S, Sirikantaramas S. In Silico Analyses of Rice Thionin Genes and the Antimicrobial Activity of OsTHION15 Against Phytopathogens. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2019; 109:27-35. [PMID: 30028233 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-06-17-0217-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Thionins are a family of antimicrobial peptides. We performed in silico expression analyses of the 44 rice (Oryza sativa) thionins (OsTHIONs). Modulated expression levels of OsTHIONs under different treatments suggest their involvement in many processes, including biotic, abiotic, and nutritional stress responses, and in hormone signaling. OsTHION15 (LOC_Os06g32600) was selected for further characterization based on several in silico analyses. OsTHION15 in O. sativa subsp. indica 'KDML 105' was expressed in all of the tissues and organs examined, including germinating seed, leaves, and roots of seedlings and mature plants, and inflorescences. To investigate the antimicrobial activity of OsTHION15, we produced a recombinant peptide in Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami (DE3). The recombinant OsTHION15 exhibited inhibitory activities toward rice-pathogenic bacteria such as Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Pectobacterium carotovorum pv. atroseptica, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 112.6 and 14.1 µg ml-1, respectively. A significant hyphal growth inhibition was also observed toward Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense and Helminthosporium oryzae. In addition, we demonstrated the in planta antibacterial activity of this peptide in Nicotiana benthamiana against X. campestris pv. glycines. These activities suggest the possible application of OsTHION15 in plant disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krissana Boonpa
- First author: Biotechnology Program, and second, third, fourth, and seventh authors: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; fifth author: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; sixth author: Genome Technology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand; and seventh author: Natural Product Biotechnology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
| | - Suparuk Tantong
- First author: Biotechnology Program, and second, third, fourth, and seventh authors: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; fifth author: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; sixth author: Genome Technology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand; and seventh author: Natural Product Biotechnology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
| | - Kamonwan Weerawanich
- First author: Biotechnology Program, and second, third, fourth, and seventh authors: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; fifth author: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; sixth author: Genome Technology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand; and seventh author: Natural Product Biotechnology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
| | - Pawinee Panpetch
- First author: Biotechnology Program, and second, third, fourth, and seventh authors: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; fifth author: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; sixth author: Genome Technology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand; and seventh author: Natural Product Biotechnology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
| | - Onanong Pringsulaka
- First author: Biotechnology Program, and second, third, fourth, and seventh authors: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; fifth author: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; sixth author: Genome Technology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand; and seventh author: Natural Product Biotechnology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- First author: Biotechnology Program, and second, third, fourth, and seventh authors: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; fifth author: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; sixth author: Genome Technology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand; and seventh author: Natural Product Biotechnology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
| | - Supaart Sirikantaramas
- First author: Biotechnology Program, and second, third, fourth, and seventh authors: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; fifth author: Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; sixth author: Genome Technology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand; and seventh author: Natural Product Biotechnology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
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Odintsova TI, Slezina MP, Istomina EA. Plant thionins: structure, biological functions and potential use in biotechnology. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2018. [DOI: 10.18699/vj18.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of defense system in both plants and animals. They represent an ancient mechanism of innate immunity providing rapid first line of defense against pathogens. Plant AMPs are classified into several families: thionins, defensins, nonspecific lipid-transfer proteins, hevein- and knottin-type peptides, hairpinins and macrocyclic peptides (cyclotides). The review focuses on the thionin family. Thionins comprise a plant-specific AMP family that consists of short (~5 kDA) cysteine-rich peptides containing 6 or 8 cysteine residues with antimicrobial and toxic properties. Based on similarity in amino acid sequences and the arrangement of disulphide bonds, five structural classes of thionins are discriminated. The three-dimensional structures of a number of thionins were determined. The amphipathic thionin molecule resembles the Greek letter Г, in which the long arm is formed by two antiparallel α-helices, while the short one, by two parallel β-strands. The residues responsible for the antimicrobial activity of thionins were identified. Thionins are synthesized as precursor proteins consisting of a signal peptide, the mature peptide region and the C-terminal prodomain. Thionins protect plants from pathogenic bacteria and fungi acting directly on the membranes of microorganisms at micromolar concentrations, although their precise mode of action remains unclear. In addition to plant pathogens, thionins inhibit growth of a number of human pathogens and opportunistic microorganisms, such as Candida spp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium solani, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thionins are toxic to different types of cells including mammalian cancer cell lines. Transgenic plants expressing thionin genes display enhanced resistance to pathogens. A wide range of biological activities makes thionins promising candidates for practical application in agriculture and medicine.
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Adjuvant Therapy Using Mistletoe Containing Drugs Boosts the T-Cell-Mediated Killing of Glioma Cells and Prolongs the Survival of Glioma Bearing Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:3928572. [PMID: 30224928 PMCID: PMC6129785 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3928572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Viscum album L. extracts (VE) are applied as complementary cancer therapeutics for more than one century. Extracts contain several compounds like mistletoe lectins (ML) 1-3 and viscotoxins, but also several minor ingredients. Since ML-1 has been described as one of the main active components harboring antitumor activity, purified native or recombinant ML-1 has been also used in clinical trials in the last years. The present study examined and compared the immunoboosting effects of three ML-1 containing drugs (the extract ISCADOR Qu, the recombinant ML-1 Aviscumine, and purified native ML-1) in the context of the T-cell mediated killing of glioma cells. Additionally we examined the possible underlying T-cell stimulating mechanisms. Using cocultures of immune and glioma cells, a PCR-based microarray, quantitative RT-PCR, and an antibody-based array to measure cytokines in blood serum, immunosupporting effects were determined. A highly aggressive, orthotopic, immunocompetent syngeneic mouse glioma model was used to determine the survival of mice treated with ISCADOR Qu alone or in combination with tumor irradiation and temozolomide (TMZ). Treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) cells with ISCADOR Qu that contains a high ML concentration, but also viscotoxins and other compounds, as well as with Aviscumine or native ML-1, enhanced the expansion of cancer cell-specific T-cells as well as T-cell-mediated tumor cell lysis, but to a different degree. In GBM cells all three ML-1-containing preparations modulated the expression of immune response associated genes. In vivo, subcutaneous ISCADOR Qu injections at increasing concentration induced cytokine release in immunocompetent VM/Dk-mice. Finally, ISCADOR Qu, if applied in combination with tumor irradiation and TMZ, further prolonged the survival of glioma mice. Our findings indicate that ML-1 containing drugs enhance anti-GBM immune responses and work in synergy with radiochemotherapy. Therefore, adjuvant mistletoe therapy should be considered as an auspicious treatment option for glioma patients.
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Plant antimicrobial peptides as potential anticancer agents. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:735087. [PMID: 25815333 PMCID: PMC4359852 DOI: 10.1155/2015/735087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune defense mechanism of many organisms and are promising candidates to treat infections caused by pathogenic bacteria to animals and humans. AMPs also display anticancer activities because of their ability to inactivate a wide range of cancer cells. Cancer remains a cause of high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, the development of methods for its control is desirable. Attractive alternatives include plant AMP thionins, defensins, and cyclotides, which have anticancer activities. Here, we provide an overview of plant AMPs anticancer activities, with an emphasis on their mode of action, their selectivity, and their efficacy.
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Park SM, Kim MS, Park SJ, Park ES, Choi KS, Kim YS, Kim HR. Novel temperature-triggered liposome with high stability: Formulation, in vitro evaluation, and in vivo study combined with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). J Control Release 2013; 170:373-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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16
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Bar-Sela G, Wollner M, Hammer L, Agbarya A, Dudnik E, Haim N. Mistletoe as complementary treatment in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with carboplatin-based combinations: A randomised phase II study. Eur J Cancer 2013; 49:1058-64. [PMID: 23218588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Revised: 10/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gil Bar-Sela
- Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, and Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Al-Ahmady ZS, Al-Jamal WT, Bossche JV, Bui TT, Drake AF, Mason AJ, Kostarelos K. Lipid-peptide vesicle nanoscale hybrids for triggered drug release by mild hyperthermia in vitro and in vivo. ACS NANO 2012; 6:9335-46. [PMID: 22857653 PMCID: PMC3480335 DOI: 10.1021/nn302148p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study describes leucine zipper peptide-lipid hybrid nanoscale vesicles engineered by self-assembled anchoring of the amphiphilic peptide within the lipid bilayer. These hybrid vesicles aim to combine the advantages of traditional temperature-sensitive liposomes (TSL) with the dissociative, unfolding properties of a temperature-sensitive peptide to optimize drug release under mild hyperthermia, while improving in vivo drug retention. The secondary structure of the peptide and its thermal responsiveness after anchoring onto liposomes were studied with circular dichroism. In addition, the lipid-peptide vesicles (Lp-peptide) showed a reduction in bilayer fluidity at the inner core, as observed with DPH anisotropy studies, while the opposite effect was observed with an ANS probe, indicating peptide interactions with both the headgroup region and the hydrophobic core. A model drug molecule, doxorubicin, was successfully encapsulated in the Lp-peptide vesicles at higher than 90% efficiency following the remote loading, pH-gradient methodology. The release of doxorubicin from Lp-peptide hybrids in vitro indicated superior serum stability at physiological temperatures compared to lysolipid-containing temperature-sensitive liposomes (LTSL) without affecting the overall thermo-responsive nature of the vesicles at 42 °C. A similar stabilizing effect was observed in vivo after intravenous administration of the Lp-peptide vesicles by measuring (14)C-doxorubicin blood kinetics that also led to increased tumor accumulation after 24 h. We conclude that Lp-peptide hybrid vesicles present a promising new class of TSL that can offer previously unexplored opportunities for the development of clinically relevant mild hyperthermia-triggered therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahraa S. Al-Ahmady
- Nanomedicine Lab, Centre for Drug Delivery Research, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Wafa’ T. Al-Jamal
- Nanomedicine Lab, Centre for Drug Delivery Research, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Jeroen V. Bossche
- Nanomedicine Lab, Centre for Drug Delivery Research, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Tam T. Bui
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Alex F. Drake
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - A. James Mason
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Nanomedicine Lab, Centre for Drug Delivery Research, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
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18
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Bar-Sela G. White-Berry Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) as complementary treatment in cancer: Does it help? Eur J Integr Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Bogomolovas J, Simon B, Sattler M, Stier G. Screening of fusion partners for high yield expression and purification of bioactive viscotoxins. Protein Expr Purif 2009; 64:16-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2008.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Revised: 10/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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20
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Opata MM, Izevbigie EB. Aqueous Vernomia amygdalina extracts alter MCF-7 cell membrane permeability and efflux. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2006; 3:174-9. [PMID: 16823089 PMCID: PMC3807507 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph2006030019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2005] [Accepted: 06/06/2006] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths of women in the United States. Several treatment strategies have been developed over the past decade to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality rates. While mortality rates have declined in some ethnic populations, the overall cancer incidence continues to grow. Hence, chemotherapeutic agents are needed to improve cancer treatment outcome. Previous studies show that low concentrations (microgram/ml) of water-soluble leaf extracts of a Nigerian edible plant, V. amygdalina (VA), potently retard the proliferative activities of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) human breast cancerous cells (MCF-7) cells in vitro in a concentration-dependent fashion. The anti-proliferative activities of VA are extracellular signal-regulated kinases (1/2) (ERKs (1/2))-dependent. Cell culture and animal model studies, conducted by other investigators using other plant extracts, have also revealed that plant extract components called thionins may be responsible for their anticancer activities. These thionins are believed to interact with the cells in ways that compromise membrane potential/permeability resulting in the alteration of efflux, cytosolic activities, and subsequent cell death. Therefore, we hypothesized that VA exposure may compromise cell membrane as another mode of action to elicit its anticancer activities in MCF-7 cells. The exposure of cells to VA decreased [3H]thymidine uptake in a concentration-dependent (0, 30, and 100 mug/ml VA) manner (p < 0.05) but increased [3H]thymidine release, expressed as percent of [3H]thymidine incorporated, into the medium (p < 0.05). The amount of [3H]thymidine released into the medium was 1.7, 7.4, and 11.0 % for 0, 30, and 100 mug/ml VA respectively. Thus suggesting the membranes in VA-treated cells were compromised in a concentration-dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M. Opata
- The Laboratory of Phytoceuticals, and Cancer Prevention and Therapies, Jackson State University, 1400 J. R. Lynch Street, P.O Box 18540, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, 1400 J. R. Lynch Street, P.O Box 18540, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
| | - Ernest B. Izevbigie
- The Laboratory of Phytoceuticals, and Cancer Prevention and Therapies, Jackson State University, 1400 J. R. Lynch Street, P.O Box 18540, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
- NIH-RCMI Center for Environmental Health, College of Science Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University, 1400 J. R. Lynch Street, P.O Box 18540, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, 1400 J. R. Lynch Street, P.O Box 18540, Jackson, MS 39217, USA
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21
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Giudici M, Poveda JA, Molina ML, de la Canal L, González-Ros JM, Pfüller K, Pfüller U, Villalaín J. Antifungal effects and mechanism of action of viscotoxin A3. FEBS J 2006; 273:72-83. [PMID: 16367749 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.05042.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Viscotoxins are cationic proteins, isolated from different mistletoe species, that belong to the group of thionins, a group of basic cysteine-rich peptides of approximately 5 kDa. They have been shown to be cytotoxic to different types of cell, including animal, bacterial and fungal. The aim of this study was to obtain information on the cell targets and the mechanism of action of viscotoxin isoform A3 (VtA3). We describe a detailed study of viscotoxin interaction with fungal-derived model membranes, its location inside spores of Fusarium solani, as well as their induced spore death. We show that VtA3 induces the appearance of ion-channel-like activity, the generation of H2O2, and an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+. Moreover, we show that Ca2+ is involved in VtA3-induced spore death and increased H2O2 concentration. The data presented here strongly support the notion that the antifungal activity of VtA3 is due to membrane binding and channel formation, leading to destabilization and disruption of the plasma membrane, thereby supporting a direct role for viscotoxins in the plant defence mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Giudici
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
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22
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Stec B, Markman O, Rao U, Heffron G, Henderson S, Vernon LP, Brumfeld V, Teeter MM. Proposal for molecular mechanism of thionins deduced from physico-chemical studies of plant toxins. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 64:210-24. [PMID: 15613085 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3011.2004.00187.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We propose a molecular model for phospholipid membrane lysis by the ubiquitous plant toxins called thionins. Membrane lysis constitutes the first major effect exerted by these toxins that initiates a cascade of cytoplasmic events leading to cell death. X-ray crystallography, solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies, small angle X-ray scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy provide evidence for the mechanism of membrane lysis. In the crystal structures of two thionins in the family, alpha(1)- and beta-purothionins (MW: approximately 4.8 kDa), a phosphate ion and a glycerol molecule are modeled bound to the protein. (31)P NMR experiments on the desalted toxins confirm phosphate-ion binding in solution. Evidence also comes from phospholipid partition experiments with radiolabeled toxins and with fluorescent phospholipids. This data permit a model of the phospholipid-protein complex to be built. Further, NMR experiments, one-dimensional (1D)- and two-dimensional (2D)-total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY), carried out on the model compounds glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) and short chain phospholipids, supported the predicted mode of phospholipid binding. The toxins' high positive charge, which renders them extremely soluble (>300 mg/mL), and the phospholipid-binding specificity suggest the toxin-membrane interaction is mediated by binding to patches of negatively charged phospholipids [phosphatidic acid (PA) or phosphatidyl serine (PS)] and their subsequent withdrawal. The formation of proteolipid complexes causes solubilization of the membrane and its lysis. The model suggests that the oligomerization may play a role in toxin's activation process and provides insight into the structural principles of protein-membrane interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Stec
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
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23
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Coulon A, Mosbah A, Lopez A, Sautereau AM, Schaller G, Urech K, Rougé P, Darbon H. Comparative membrane interaction study of viscotoxins A3, A2 and B from mistletoe (Viscum album) and connections with their structures. Biochem J 2003; 374:71-8. [PMID: 12733989 PMCID: PMC1223566 DOI: 10.1042/bj20030488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2003] [Revised: 04/29/2003] [Accepted: 05/06/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Viscotoxins A2 (VA2) and B (VB) are, together with viscotoxin A3 (VA3), among the most abundant viscotoxin isoforms that occur in mistletoe-derived medicines used in anti-cancer therapy. Although these isoforms have a high degree of amino-acid-sequence similarity, they are strikingly different from each other in their in vitro cytotoxic potency towards tumour cells. First, as VA3 is the only viscotoxin whose three-dimensional (3D) structure has been solved to date, we report the NMR determination of the 3D structures of VA2 and VB. Secondly, to account for the in vitro cytotoxicity discrepancy, we carried out a comparative study of the interaction of the three viscotoxins with model membranes. Although the overall 3D structure is highly conserved among the three isoforms, some discrete structural features and associated surface properties readily account for the different affinity and perturbation of model membranes. VA3 and VA2 interact in a similar way, but the weaker hydrophobic character of VA2 is thought to be mainly responsible for the apparent different affinity towards membranes. VB is much less active than the other two viscotoxins and does not insert into model membranes. This could be related to the occurrence of a single residue (Arg25) protruding outside the hydrophobic plane formed by the two amphipathic alpha-helices, through which viscotoxins are supposed to interact with plasma membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Coulon
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 5089, 205 route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse 4, France
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24
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Giudici M, Pascual R, de la Canal L, Pfüller K, Pfüller U, Villalaín J. Interaction of viscotoxins A3 and B with membrane model systems: implications to their mechanism of action. Biophys J 2003; 85:971-81. [PMID: 12885644 PMCID: PMC1303218 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(03)74536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2002] [Accepted: 02/14/2003] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Viscotoxins are small proteins that are thought to interact with biomembranes, displaying different toxic activities against a varied number of cell types, being viscotoxin A(3) (VtA(3)) the most cytotoxic whereas viscotoxin B (VtB) is the less potent. By using infrared and fluorescence spectroscopies, we have studied the interaction of VtA(3) and VtB, both wild and reduced ones, with model membranes containing negatively charged phospholipids. Both VtA(3) and VtB present a high conformational stability, and a similar conformation both in solution and when bound to membranes. In solution, the infrared spectra of the reduced proteins show an increase in bandwidth compared to the nonreduced ones indicating a greater flexibility. VtA(3) and VtB bind with high affinity to membranes containing negatively charged phospholipids and are motional restricted, their binding being dependent on phospholipid composition. Whereas nonreduced proteins maintain their structure when bound to membranes, reduced ones aggregate. Furthermore, leakage experiments show that wild proteins were capable of disrupting membranes whereas reduced proteins were not. The effect of VtA(3) and VtB on membranes having different phospholipid composition is diverse, affecting the cooperativity and fluidity of the membranes. Viscotoxins interact with membranes in a complex way, most likely organizing themselves at the surface inducing the appearance of defects that lead to the destabilization and disruption of the membrane bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Giudici
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Campus de Elche, E-03202 Elche-Alicante, Spain
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25
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Vila-Perelló M, Sánchez-Vallet A, García-Olmedo F, Molina A, Andreu D. Synthetic and structural studies on Pyrularia pubera thionin: a single-residue mutation enhances activity against Gram-negative bacteria. FEBS Lett 2003; 536:215-9. [PMID: 12586366 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The thionin from Pyrularia pubera (Pp-TH), a 47-residue peptide with four internal disulfide bonds, was efficiently produced by chemical synthesis. Its antimicrobial activity in vitro against several representative pathogens (EC(50)=0.3-3.0 microM) was identical to that of natural Pp-TH. This peptide has a unique Asp(32) instead of the consensus Arg found in other thionins of the same family. In order to evaluate the effect of this mutation, the Arg(32) analogue (Pp-TH(D32R)) was also synthesized and showed a significant increase in antibiotic activity against several Gram-negative bacteria, whereas it retained the same activity against other pathogens. The overall structure of Pp-TH(D32R) was maintained, though a slight decrease in the helical content of the peptide was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Vila-Perelló
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 80, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Tabiasco J, Pont F, Fournié JJ, Vercellone A. Mistletoe viscotoxins increase natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2002; 269:2591-600. [PMID: 12027898 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1033.2002.02932.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mistletoe extracts have immunomodulatory activity. We show that nontoxic concentrations of Viscum album extracts increase natural killer (NK) cell-mediated killing of tumor cells but spare nontarget cells from NK lysis. The compounds responsible for this bioactivity were isolated from mistletoe and characterized. They have low molecular mass and are thermostable and protease-resistant. After complete purification by HPLC, they were identified by tandem MS as viscotoxins A1, A2 and A3 (VTA1, VTA2 and VTA3, respectively). Whereas micromolar concentrations of these viscotoxins are cytotoxic to the targets, the bioactivity with respect to NK lysis is within the nanomolar range and differs between viscotoxin isoforms: VTA1 (85 nm), VTA2 (18 nm) and VTA3 (8 nm). Microphysiometry and assays of cell killing indicate that, within such nontoxic concentrations, viscotoxins do not activate NK cells, but act on cell conjugates to increase the resulting lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Tabiasco
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U563 and Service de spectrométrie de masse de l' IFR 30, CHU Purpan, BP3028, Toulouse, France
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