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Santos FA, Cruz GS, Vieira FA, Queiroz BR, Freitas CD, Mesquita FP, Souza PF. Systematic Review of Antiprotozoal Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106675. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Recombinant C-Terminal Domains from Scorpine-like Peptides Inhibit the Plasmodium berghei Ookinete Development In Vitro. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Vieira CS, Waniek PJ, Mattos DP, Castro DP, Mello CB, Ratcliffe NA, Garcia ES, Azambuja P. Humoral responses in Rhodnius prolixus: bacterial feeding induces differential patterns of antibacterial activity and enhances mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides in the midgut. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:232. [PMID: 24885969 PMCID: PMC4032158 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The triatomine, Rhodnius prolixus, is a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in Latin America. It has a strictly blood-sucking habit in all life stages, ingesting large amounts of blood from vertebrate hosts from which it can acquire pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the midgut of the insect is vital to control possible infection, and to maintain the microbiota already present in the digestive tract. METHODS In the present work, we studied the antimicrobial activity of the Rhodnius prolixus midgut in vitro against the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. We also analysed the abundance of mRNAs encoding for defensins, prolixicin and lysozymes in the midgut of insects orally infected by these bacteria at 1 and 7 days after feeding. RESULTS Our results showed that the anterior midgut contents contain a higher inducible antibacterial activity than those of the posterior midgut. We observed that the main AMP encoding mRNAs in the anterior midgut, 7 days after a blood meal, were for lysozyme A, B, defensin C and prolixicin while in the posterior midgut lysozyme B and prolixicin transcripts predominated. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that R. prolixus modulates AMP gene expression upon ingestion of bacteria with patterns that are distinct and dependent upon the species of bacteria responsible for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Norman A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Wang S, Jacobs-Lorena M. Genetic approaches to interfere with malaria transmission by vector mosquitoes. Trends Biotechnol 2013; 31:185-93. [PMID: 23395485 PMCID: PMC3593784 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most devastating diseases worldwide, causing over 1 million deaths every year. The most vulnerable stages of Plasmodium development in the vector mosquito occur in the midgut lumen, making the midgut a prime target for intervention. Mosquito transgenesis and paratransgenesis are two novel strategies that aim at rendering the vector incapable of sustaining Plasmodium development. Mosquito transgenesis involves direct genetic engineering of the mosquito itself for delivery of anti-Plasmodium effector molecules. Conversely, paratransgenesis involves the genetic modification of mosquito symbionts for expression of anti-pathogen effector molecules. Here we consider both genetic manipulation strategies for rendering mosquitoes refractory to Plasmodium infection, and discuss challenges for the translation of laboratory findings to field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Akaddar A, Doderer-Lang C, Marzahn MR, Delalande F, Mousli M, Helle K, Van Dorsselaer A, Aunis D, Dunn BM, Metz-Boutigue MH, Candolfi E. Catestatin, an endogenous chromogranin A-derived peptide, inhibits in vitro growth of Plasmodium falciparum. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:1005-15. [PMID: 20043183 PMCID: PMC2827800 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-009-0235-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 12/03/2009] [Accepted: 12/11/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Catestatin, an endogenous peptide derived from bovine chromogranin A, and its active domain cateslytin display powerful antimicrobial activities. We have tested the activities of catestatin and other related peptides on the growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Catestatin inhibits growth of the chloroquine-sensitive strain of P. falciparum 3D7, exhibiting 88% inhibition at 20 microM. A similar partial inhibition of parasite growth was observed for the chloroquine-resistant strain, 7G8 (64%,) and the multidrug-resistant strain, W2 (62%). In the presence of parasite-specific lactate dehydrogenase, a specific protein-protein interaction between catestatin and plasmepsin II precursor was demonstrated. In addition, catestatin partially inhibited the parasite-specific proteases plasmepsin in vitro. A specific interaction between catestatin and plasmepsins II and IV from P. falciparum and plasmepsin IV from the three remaining species of Plasmodium known to infect man was observed, suggesting a catestatin-induced reduction in availability of nutrients for protein synthesis in the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziza Akaddar
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, EA 4438, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Cécile Doderer-Lang
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, EA 4438, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Melissa R. Marzahn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, 100245 Gainesville, FL USA
| | - François Delalande
- Développement et Physiopathologie de l’Intestin et du Pancréas, Université de Strasbourg, INSERM U682, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Marc Mousli
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, EA 4438, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Karen Helle
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alain Van Dorsselaer
- Laboratoire de spectrométrie de masse BioOrganique, IPHC-DSA, UDS, CNRS, UMR178, 67087 Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Aunis
- Physiopathologie du Système Nerveux, Université de Strasbourg, INSERM U575, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ben M. Dunn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, 100245 Gainesville, FL USA
| | | | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Université de Strasbourg, EA 4438, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Ursic-Bedoya RJ, Nazzari H, Cooper D, Triana O, Wolff M, Lowenberger C. Identification and characterization of two novel lysozymes from Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 54:593-603. [PMID: 18258253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2007.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2007] [Revised: 12/12/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Lysozymes have been described in invertebrates as digestive or immune molecules. We report here the characterization of two novel c-type lysozymes, RpLys-A (EU250274) and RpLys-B (EU250275), isolated from the fat body and digestive tract of immune stimulated Rhodnius prolixus, a major vector of Chagas disease. Transcriptional profiles indicate that the temporal and spatial expression patterns of these two peptides are very different. RpLys-A is expressed predominantly in the midgut after ingestion of Trypanosoma cruzi in a bloodmeal, or after injection of bacteria into the hemocoel. RpLys-B is expressed primarily in the fat body after bacterial injection. Phylogenetic alignments indicate that RpLys-A aligns best with molecules from other hemipterans whose major expression is found in the intestinal tract whereas RpLys-B aligns best with mosquito and tick molecules whose expression is found principally in hemocytes and fat body and whose role has been described as immune-related. These data suggest a differential compartmentalized role of two closely related molecules; one for immunity in the hemocoel and the other for digestion in the midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul J Ursic-Bedoya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6.
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Moreira CK, Rodrigues FG, Ghosh A, de P. Varotti F, Miranda A, Daffre S, Jacobs-Lorena M, Moreira LA. Effect of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin against different life stages of Plasmodium spp. Exp Parasitol 2007; 116:346-53. [PMID: 17376436 PMCID: PMC1978196 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Revised: 01/25/2007] [Accepted: 01/31/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
While seeking strategies for interfering with Plasmodium development in vertebrate/invertebrate hosts, we tested the activity of gomesin, an antimicrobial peptide isolated from the hemocytes of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. Gomesin was tested against asexual, sexual and pre-sporogonic forms of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei parasites. The peptide inhibited the in vitro growth of intraerythrocytic forms of P. falciparum. When gomesin was added to in vitro culture of P. berghei mature gametocytes, it significantly inhibited the exflagellation of male gametes and the formation of ookinetes. In vivo, the peptide reduced the number of oocysts of both Plasmodium species in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, and did not appear to affect the mosquitoes. These properties make gomesin an excellent candidate as a transmission blocking agent for the genetic engineering of mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina K. Moreira
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Flávia G. Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Malária, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brasil, CEP 30190-002
| | - Anil Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Fernando de P. Varotti
- Laboratório de Malária, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brasil, CEP 30190-002
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, 100, São Paulo-SP, Brasil, CEP 04044-020
| | - Sirlei Daffre
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo-SP, Brasil, CEP 05508-900
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Luciano A. Moreira
- Laboratório de Malária, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brasil, CEP 30190-002
- * Corresponding author. Mailing address: Laboratório de Malária, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brasil, CEP 30190-002. Phone: 55 31 3349 7772. Fax: 55 31 3295 3115. E-mail:
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Perumal Samy R, Pachiappan A, Gopalakrishnakone P, Thwin MM, Hian YE, Chow VTK, Bow H, Weng JT. In vitro antimicrobial activity of natural toxins and animal venoms tested against Burkholderia pseudomallei. BMC Infect Dis 2006; 6:100. [PMID: 16784542 PMCID: PMC1569838 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-6-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Burkholderia pseudomallei are the causative agent of melioidosis. Increasing resistance of the disease to antibiotics is a severe problem in treatment regime and has led to intensification of the search for new drugs. Antimicrobial peptides are the most ubiquitous in nature as part of the innate immune system and host defense mechanism. Methods Here, we investigated a group of venoms (snakes, scorpions and honey bee venoms) for antimicrobial properties against two strains of Gram-negative bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei by using disc-diffusion assay for in vitro susceptibility testing. The antibacterial activities of the venoms were compared with that of the isolated L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2s) enzymes. MICs were determined using broth dilution method. Bacterial growth was assessed by measurement of optical density at the lowest dilutions (MIC 0.25 mg/ml). The cell viability was measured using tetrazolium salts (XTT) based cytotoxic assay. Results The studied venoms showed high antimicrobial activity. The venoms of C. adamanteus, Daboia russelli russelli, A. halys, P. australis, B. candidus and P. guttata were equally as effective as Chloramphenicol and Ceftazidime (30 μg/disc). Among those tested, phospholipase A2 enzymes (crotoxin B and daboiatoxin) showed the most potent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (TES) bacteria. Naturally occurring venom peptides and phospholipase A2 proved to possess highly potent antimicrobial activity against Burkholderia pseudomallei. The XTT-assay results showed that the cell survival decreased with increasing concentrations (0.05–10 mg/mL) of Crotalus adamanteus venom, with no effect on the cell viability evident at 0.5 mg/mL. Conclusion This antibacterial profile of snake venoms reported herein will be useful in the search for potential antibacterial agents against drug resistant microorganisms like B. pseudomallei.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Perumal Samy
- Venom and Toxin Research Programme, Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117597
| | - A Pachiappan
- Venom and Toxin Research Programme, Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117597
| | - P Gopalakrishnakone
- Venom and Toxin Research Programme, Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117597
| | - Maung M Thwin
- Venom and Toxin Research Programme, Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117597
| | - Yap E Hian
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117597
| | - Vincent TK Chow
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117597
| | - Ho Bow
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117597
| | - Joseph T Weng
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore - 117597
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Marrelli MT, Moreira CK, Kelly D, Alphey L, Jacobs-Lorena M. Mosquito transgenesis: what is the fitness cost? Trends Parasitol 2006; 22:197-202. [PMID: 16564223 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2005] [Revised: 01/18/2006] [Accepted: 03/08/2006] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The generation of transgenic mosquitoes with a minimal fitness load is a prerequisite for the success of strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases using transgenic insects. It is important to assemble as much information as possible on this subject because realistic estimates of transgene fitness costs are essential for modeling and planning release strategies. Transgenic mosquitoes must have minimal fitness costs, because such costs would reduce the effectiveness of the genetic drive mechanisms that are used to introduce the transgenes into field mosquito populations. Several factors affect fitness of transgenic mosquitoes, including the potential negative effect of transgene products and insertional mutagenesis. Studies to assess fitness of transgenic mosquitoes in the field (as opposed to the laboratory) are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro T Marrelli
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Malaria Research Institute, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Abraham EG, Donnelly-Doman M, Fujioka H, Ghosh A, Moreira L, Jacobs-Lorena M. Driving midgut-specific expression and secretion of a foreign protein in transgenic mosquitoes with AgAper1 regulatory elements. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2005; 14:271-9. [PMID: 15926896 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2004.00557.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The Anopheles gambiae adult peritrophic matrix protein 1 (AgAper1) regulatory elements were used to drive the expression of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), a protein known to disrupt malaria parasite development in mosquitoes. These AgAper1 regulatory elements were sufficient to promote the accumulation of PLA2 in midgut epithelial cells before a blood meal and its release into the lumen upon blood ingestion. Plasmodium berghei oocyst formation was reduced by approximately 80% (74-91% range) in transgenic mosquitoes. Blood-seeking behaviour and survival of AgAper1-PLA2 transgenic mosquitoes were comparable to sibling wild-type mosquitoes, while fertility was substantially lower. Ultrastructural studies suggest that decreased fitness is a consequence of internal damage to midgut epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Abraham
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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11
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Lopez L, Morales G, Ursic R, Wolff M, Lowenberger C. Isolation and characterization of a novel insect defensin from Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 33:439-47. [PMID: 12650692 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(03)00008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
An antimicrobial peptide belonging to the defensin family of small cationic peptides associated with innate immunity in insects was isolated from the hemolymph of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. This peptide, designated R. prolixus defensin A, was purified and sequenced. The active peptide contains 43 residues and aligns well with other insect defensins. However the pre-pro region of the sequence has little shared identity with other insect defensins. We have identified 3 isoforms of R. prolixus defensin from cDNA clones obtained from RNA isolated from the whole bodies of immune activated insects. Northern analysis and Real-Time Quantitative PCR indicate that there is a very low baseline transcription of this peptide in naïve insects, and that transcription increases significantly in the fat body of immune activated insects. In addition there is a delayed induction of transcription of this peptide in the intestine 24 h post activation suggesting that the midgut/intestine of this species is active in the immune response against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lopez
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 67 No 53-108, Medellín, Colombia
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Arrighi RBG, Nakamura C, Miyake J, Hurd H, Burgess JG. Design and activity of antimicrobial peptides against sporogonic-stage parasites causing murine malarias. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002; 46:2104-10. [PMID: 12069961 PMCID: PMC127320 DOI: 10.1128/aac.46.7.2104-2110.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects produce several types of peptides to combat a broad spectrum of invasive pathogenic microbes, including protozoans. However, despite this defense response, infections are often established. Our aim was to design novel peptides that produce high rates of mortality among protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, the malaria parasites. Using existing antimicrobial peptide sequences as templates, we designed and synthesized three short novel hybrids, designated Vida1 to Vida3. Each has a slightly different predicted secondary structure. The peptides were tested against sporogonic stages of the rodent malaria parasites Plasmodium berghei (in vitro and in vivo) and P. yoelii nigeriensis (in vitro). The level of activity varied for each peptide and according to the parasite stage targeted. Vida3 (which is predicted to have large numbers of beta sheets and coils but no alpha helices) showed the highest level of activity, killing the early sporogonic stages in culture and causing highly significant reductions in the prevalence and intensity of infection of P. berghei after oral administration or injection in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The secondary structures of these peptides may play a crucial role in their ability to interact with and kill sporogonic forms of the malaria parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romanico B G Arrighi
- Center for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
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Possani LD, Corona M, Zurita M, Rodríguez MH. From noxiustoxin to scorpine and possible transgenic mosquitoes resistant to malaria. Arch Med Res 2002; 33:398-404. [PMID: 12234530 DOI: 10.1016/s0188-4409(02)00370-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion venom contains different types of peptides toxic to a variety of organisms whose molecular targets have been described as mainly ion-channels of excitable cells where they cause impairment of function. Based on mouse, cricket, and crustacean bioassays, specific toxins for each group of animals have been found. Chromatographic techniques were used to isolate and chemically characterize these peptides. One of the best-studied peptides is noxiustoxin, a 39-amino acid residue-long peptide specific for K(+)-channels. Hadrurin is another scorpion venom peptide whose activity was shown to be bactericidal to a variety of species. Structural similarities of a newly discovered peptide (scorpine) with those of defensins and cecropins showed that scorpion venom contains peptides toxic to microorganisms and malaria parasites. Scorpine was shown to disrupt the sporogonic development of Plasmodium berghei. Using this system as a model for malaria, we introduced the gene of scorpine into a vector for generation of transgenic flies resistant to the infection by Plasmodium. The final aim of this work is to incorporate this gene under the promoter of proteolytic enzymes of digestive tract of mosquitoes for synthesis and liberation of toxic peptide(s) into stomach of freshly fed mosquitoes potentially carrying Plasmodium gametes. In this manner, a putative transgenic mosquito with these characteristics would secrete a toxic peptide with digestive enzymes into midgut, impairing proper development of Plasmodium, hence controlling malaria, one of the most important tropical diseases worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourival D Possani
- Departamento de Reconocimiento Molecular y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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14
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Lowenberger CA. Form, function and phylogenetic relationships of mosquito immune peptides. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2002; 484:113-29. [PMID: 11418977 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-1291-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C A Lowenberger
- Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1655 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Abstract
Insects are able to protect themselves from invasion by pathogens by a rapid and potent arsenal of inducible immune peptides. This fast, extremely effective response is part of the innate immunity exhibited by all insects and many invertebrates, and shows striking similarities with the innate immune response of vertebrates. In Aedes aegypti invasion of the hemocoel by bacteria elicits the production of defensins, cecropins, a peptide active only against Gram-negative bacteria, and several other peptides that we are now characterizing. However, not all insects utilize the same peptides in the same concentrations, which may reflect the pathogens to which they may have been exposed through evolutionary time. These protective measures we see in mosquitoes are the current state of the evolution of a rapid immune response that has contributed to the success of insects in inhabiting essentially every niche on earth. The molecules involved in the response of Aedes aegypti to pathogens, and the potential role of these peptides against eukaryotic parasites ingested and transmitted by mosquitoes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lowenberger
- Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, , Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Conde R, Zamudio FZ, Rodríguez MH, Possani LD. Scorpine, an anti-malaria and anti-bacterial agent purified from scorpion venom. FEBS Lett 2000; 471:165-8. [PMID: 10767415 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)01384-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A novel peptide, scorpine, was isolated from the venom of the scorpion Pandinus imperator, with anti-bacterial activity and a potent inhibitory effect on the ookinete (ED(50) 0.7 microM) and gamete (ED(50) 10 microM) stages of Plasmodium berghei development. It has 75 amino acids, three disulfide bridges with a molecular mass of 8350 Da. Scorpine has a unique amino acid sequence, similar only to some cecropins in its N-terminal segment and to some defensins in its C-terminal region. Its gene was cloned from a cDNA library.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Conde
- Department of Molecular Recognition and Structural Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Avenida Universidad, 2001, P.O. Box 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Lowenberger C, Charlet M, Vizioli J, Kamal S, Richman A, Christensen BM, Bulet P. Antimicrobial activity spectrum, cDNA cloning, and mRNA expression of a newly isolated member of the cecropin family from the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:20092-7. [PMID: 10400619 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.29.20092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
An antimicrobial peptide belonging to the cecropin family was isolated from the hemolymph of bacteria-challenged adult Aedes aegypti. This new peptide, named cecropin A, was purified to homogeneity and fully characterized after cDNA cloning. The 34-residue A. aegypti cecropin A is different from the majority of reported insect cecropins in that it is devoid of a tryptophan residue and C-terminal amidation. The importance of these two structural features on the activity spectrum was investigated using a chemically synthesized peptide. A comparison of the antimicrobial activity spectrum of A. aegypti and Drosophila cecropin A showed a lower activity for the mosquito molecule. A. aegypti cecropin mRNA expression was not detected by Northern blot or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis in any immature stage of the mosquito, nor in naïve adults, but it was observed in challenged adults 6 h after bacteria inoculation, and it continued over 7-10 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lowenberger
- Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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