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Singh A, Nice JB, Wu M, Brown AC, Wittenberg NJ. Multivariate Analysis of Individual Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles Using Fluorescence Microscopy. CHEMICAL & BIOMEDICAL IMAGING 2024; 2:352-361. [PMID: 38817321 PMCID: PMC11134603 DOI: 10.1021/cbmi.4c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that play a critical role in cell-cell communication and virulence. OMVs have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for various biological applications such as vaccines and targeted drug delivery. However, the full potential of OMVs is currently constrained by inherent heterogeneities, such as size and cargo differences, and traditional ensemble assays are limited in their ability to reveal OMV heterogeneity. To overcome this issue, we devised an innovative approach enabling the identification of various characteristics of individual OMVs. This method, employing fluorescence microscopy, facilitates the detection of variations in size and surface markers. To demonstrate our method, we utilize the oral bacterium Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) which produces OMVs with a bimodal size distribution. As part of its virulence, A. actinomycetemcomitans secretes leukotoxin (LtxA) in two forms: soluble and surface associated with the OMVs. We observed a correlation between the size and toxin presence where larger OMVs were much more likely to possess LtxA compared to the smaller OMVs. In addition, we noted that, among the smallest OMVs (<100 nm diameter), the fractions that are toxin positive range from 0 to 30%, while the largest OMVs (>200 nm diameter) are between 70 and 100% toxin positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarshi
N. Singh
- Department
of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Justin B Nice
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Meishan Wu
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Angela C. Brown
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Nathan J. Wittenberg
- Department
of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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2
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Vieira APGC, de Souza AN, Lima WG, Brito JCM, Simião DC, Gonçalves LVR, Cordeiro LPB, de Oliveira Scoaris D, Fernandes SOA, Resende JM, Bechinger B, Verly RM, de Lima ME. The Synthetic Peptide LyeTx I mn∆K, Derived from Lycosa erythrognatha Spider Toxin, Is Active against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) In Vitro and In Vivo. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:248. [PMID: 38534683 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030248] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The urgent global health challenge posed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections demands effective solutions. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising tools of research of new antibacterial agents and LyeTx I mn∆K, a short synthetic peptide based on the Lycosa erythrognatha spider venom, is a good representative. This study focused on analyzing the antimicrobial activities of LyeTx I mn∆K, including minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations, synergy and resensitization assays, lysis activity, the effect on biofilm, and the bacterial death curve in MRSA. Additionally, its characterization was conducted through isothermal titration calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, calcein release, and finally, efficacy in a mice wound model. The peptide demonstrates remarkable efficacy against planktonic cells (MIC 8-16 µM) and biofilms (>30% of inhibition) of MRSA, and outperforms vancomycin in terms of rapid bactericidal action and anti-biofilm effects. The mechanism involves significant membrane damage. Interactions with bacterial model membranes, including those with lysylphosphatidylglycerol (LysylPOPG) modifications, highlight the versatility and selectivity of this compound. Also, the peptide has the ability to sensitize resistant bacteria to conventional antibiotics, showing potential for combinatory therapy. Furthermore, using an in vivo model, this study showed that a formulated gel containing the peptide proved superior to vancomycin in treating MRSA-induced wounds in mice. Together, the results highlight LyeTx I mnΔK as a promising prototype for the development of effective therapeutic strategies against superficial MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Gonçalves Coelho Vieira
- Faculdade de Saúde Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Medicina e Biomedicina, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, Brazil
| | - Amanda Neves de Souza
- Departamento de Química, FACET, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM)-Campus JK, Diamantina 39100-000, Brazil
- Institut de Chimie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7177, Université de Strasbourg, 67070 Strasbourg, France
| | - William Gustavo Lima
- Faculdade de Saúde Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Medicina e Biomedicina, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Carolina Simião
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia-Campus Pampulha, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Lucas Vinícius Ribeiro Gonçalves
- Faculdade de Saúde Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Medicina e Biomedicina, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, Brazil
| | - Lídia Pereira Barbosa Cordeiro
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Simone Odília Antunes Fernandes
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia-Campus Pampulha, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Magalhães Resende
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Burkhard Bechinger
- Institut de Chimie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7177, Université de Strasbourg, 67070 Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rodrigo Moreira Verly
- Departamento de Química, FACET, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM)-Campus JK, Diamantina 39100-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Faculdade de Saúde Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Medicina e Biomedicina, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, Brazil
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3
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Chang DH, Lee MR, Wang N, Lynn DM, Palecek SP. Establishing Quantifiable Guidelines for Antimicrobial α/β-Peptide Design: A Partial Least-Squares Approach to Improve Antimicrobial Activity and Reduce Mammalian Cell Toxicity. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2632-2651. [PMID: 38014670 PMCID: PMC10807133 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates to combat pathogens that are resistant to conventional antimicrobial drugs because they operate through mechanisms that involve membrane disruption. However, the use of AMPs in clinical settings has been limited, at least in part, by their susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and their lack of selectivity toward pathogenic microbes vs mammalian cells. We recently reported on the design of α- and β-peptide oligomers structurally templated upon the naturally occurring α-helical AMP aurein 1.2. These α/β-peptide oligomers are more proteolytically stable than aurein 1.2 and have several other attributes that render them attractive as alternatives to conventional AMPs. This study describes the influence of peptide physicochemical properties on the broad-spectrum activity of aurein 1.2-based α/β-peptide mimics against nine bacterial, fungal, and mammalian cell lines. We used a partial least-squares regression (PLSR)-supervised machine learning model to quantify and visualize relationships between experimentally determined physicochemical properties (e.g., hydrophobicity, charge, and helicity) and experimentally measured cell-type-specific activities of 21 peptides in a 149-member α/β-peptide library. Using this approach, we identified several peptides that were predicted to exhibit enhanced broad-spectrum selectivity, a measure that evaluates antimicrobial activity relative to mammalian cell toxicity compared to aurein 1.2. Experimental validation demonstrated high model predictive performance, and characterization of compounds with the highest broad-spectrum selectivity revealed peptide hydrophobicity, helicity, and helical rigidity to be strong predictors of broad-spectrum selectivity. The most selective peptide identified from the model prediction has more than a 13-fold improvement in broad-spectrum selectivity than that of aurein 1.2, demonstrating the ability of using PLSR models to identify quantitative structure-function relationships for nonstandard amino acid-containing peptides. Overall, this work establishes quantifiable guidelines for the rational design of helical antimicrobial α/β-peptides and identifies promising new α/β-peptides with significantly reduced mammalian toxicities and improved antifungal and antibacterial activities relative to aurein 1.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas H. Chang
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Myung-Ryul Lee
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nathan Wang
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David M. Lynn
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sean P. Palecek
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
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4
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Has C, Das SL. The Functionality of Membrane-Inserting Proteins and Peptides: Curvature Sensing, Generation, and Pore Formation. J Membr Biol 2023; 256:343-372. [PMID: 37650909 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-023-00289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Proteins and peptides with hydrophobic and amphiphilic segments are responsible for many biological functions. The sensing and generation of membrane curvature are the functions of several protein domains or motifs. While some specific membrane proteins play an essential role in controlling the curvature of distinct intracellular membranes, others participate in various cellular processes such as clathrin-mediated endocytosis, where several proteins sort themselves at the neck of the membrane bud. A few membrane-inserting proteins form nanopores that permeate selective ions and water to cross the membrane. In addition, many natural and synthetic small peptides and protein toxins disrupt the membrane by inducing nonspecific pores in the membrane. The pore formation causes cell death through the uncontrolled exchange between interior and exterior cellular contents. In this article, we discuss the insertion depth and orientation of protein/peptide helices, and their role as a sensor and inducer of membrane curvature as well as a pore former in the membrane. We anticipate that this extensive review will assist biophysicists to gain insight into curvature sensing, generation, and pore formation by membrane insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Has
- Department of Chemical Engineering, GSFC University, Vadodara, 391750, Gujarat, India.
| | - Sovan Lal Das
- Physical and Chemical Biology Laboratory and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad, 678623, Kerala, India
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5
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Tang Z, Jiang W, Li S, Huang X, Yang Y, Chen X, Qiu J, Xiao C, Xie Y, Zhang X, Li J, Verma CS, He Y, Yang A. Design and evaluation of tadpole-like conformational antimicrobial peptides. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1177. [PMID: 37980400 PMCID: PMC10657444 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05560-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Herein, we report a class of "tadpole-like" peptides consisting of an amphipathic α-helical head and an aromatic tail. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of "tadpole-like" temporin-SHf and its analogs revealed that increasing the number of aromatic residues in the tail, introducing Arg to the α-helical head and rearranging the peptide topology dramatically increased antimicrobial activity. Through progressive structural optimization, we obtained two peptides, HT2 and RI-HT2, which exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, no hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, and no propensity to induce resistance. NMR and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that both peptides indeed adopted "tadpole-like" conformations. Fluorescence experiments and electron microscopy confirmed the membrane targeting mechanisms of the peptides. Our studies not only lead to the discovery of a series of ultrashort peptides with potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, but also provide a new strategy for rational design of novel "tadpole-like" antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Tang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Wuqiao Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Shuangli Li
- National Centre for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xue Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xiaorong Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Jingyi Qiu
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Chuyu Xiao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Ying Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- National Centre for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Chandra Shekhar Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Yun He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
- BayRay Innovation Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China.
| | - Aimin Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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6
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Singh AN, Nice JB, Brown AC, Wittenberg NJ. Identifying size-dependent toxin sorting in bacterial outer membrane vesicles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539273. [PMID: 37205353 PMCID: PMC10187208 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that play a critical role in cell-cell communication and virulence. Despite being isolated from a single population of bacteria, OMVs can exhibit heterogeneous size and toxin content, which can be obscured by assays that measure ensemble properties. To address this issue, we utilize fluorescence imaging of individual OMVs to reveal size-dependent toxin sorting. Our results showed that the oral bacterium Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) produces OMVs with a bimodal size distribution, where larger OMVs were much more likely to possess leukotoxin (LtxA). Among the smallest OMVs (< 100 nm diameter), the fraction that are toxin positive ranges from 0-30%, while the largest OMVs (> 200 nm diameter) are between 70-100% toxin positive. Our single OMV imaging method provides a non-invasive way to observe OMV surface heterogeneity at the nanoscale level and determine size-based heterogeneities without the need for OMV fraction separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarshi N. Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, U.S.A
| | - Justin B Nice
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, U.S.A
| | - Angela C. Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, U.S.A
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Adélaïde M, Salnikov E, Ramos-Martín F, Aisenbrey C, Sarazin C, Bechinger B, D’Amelio N. The Mechanism of Action of SAAP-148 Antimicrobial Peptide as Studied with NMR and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030761. [PMID: 36986623 PMCID: PMC10051583 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: SAAP-148 is an antimicrobial peptide derived from LL-37. It exhibits excellent activity against drug-resistant bacteria and biofilms while resisting degradation in physiological conditions. Despite its optimal pharmacological properties, its mechanism of action at the molecular level has not been explored. Methods: The structural properties of SAAP-148 and its interaction with phospholipid membranes mimicking mammalian and bacterial cells were studied using liquid and solid-state NMR spectroscopy as well as molecular dynamics simulations. Results: SAAP-148 is partially structured in solution and stabilizes its helical conformation when interacting with DPC micelles. The orientation of the helix within the micelles was defined by paramagnetic relaxation enhancements and found similar to that obtained using solid-state NMR, where the tilt and pitch angles were determined based on 15N chemical shift in oriented models of bacterial membranes (POPE/POPG). Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that SAAP-148 approaches the bacterial membrane by forming salt bridges between lysine and arginine residues and lipid phosphate groups while interacting minimally with mammalian models containing POPC and cholesterol. Conclusions: SAAP-148 stabilizes its helical fold onto bacterial-like membranes, placing its helix axis almost perpendicular to the surface normal, thus probably acting by a carpet-like mechanism on the bacterial membrane rather than forming well-defined pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Adélaïde
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France
| | - Evgeniy Salnikov
- Institut de Chimie, UMR7177, Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Francisco Ramos-Martín
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France
- Correspondence: (F.R.-M.); (N.D.); Tel.: +33-3-22-82-74-73 (F.R.-M. & N.D.)
| | - Christopher Aisenbrey
- Institut de Chimie, UMR7177, Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Sarazin
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France
| | - Burkhard Bechinger
- Institut de Chimie, UMR7177, Université de Strasbourg/CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicola D’Amelio
- Unité de Génie Enzymatique et Cellulaire UMR 7025 CNRS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80039 Amiens, France
- Correspondence: (F.R.-M.); (N.D.); Tel.: +33-3-22-82-74-73 (F.R.-M. & N.D.)
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8
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Kakar A, Sastré-Velásquez LE, Hess M, Galgóczy L, Papp C, Holzknecht J, Romanelli A, Váradi G, Malanovic N, Marx F. The Membrane Activity of the Amphibian Temporin B Peptide Analog TB_KKG6K Sheds Light on the Mechanism That Kills Candida albicans. mSphere 2022; 7:e0029022. [PMID: 35972132 PMCID: PMC9599520 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00290-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporin B (TB) is a 13-amino-acid-long, cationic peptide secreted by the granular glands of the European frog Rana temporaria. We recently showed that the modified TB peptide analog TB_KKG6K rapidly killed planktonic and sessile Candida albicans at low micromolar concentrations and was neither hemolytic nor cytotoxic to mammalian cells in vitro. The present study aimed to shed light into its mechanism of action, with a focus on its fungal cell membrane activity. We utilized different fluorescent dyes to prove that it rapidly induces membrane depolarization and permeabilization. Studies on model membrane systems revealed that the TB analog undergoes hydrophobic and electrostatic membrane interactions, showing a preference for anionic lipids, and identified phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin as possible peptide targets. Fluorescence microscopy using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled TB_KKG6K in the presence of the lipophilic dye FM4-64 indicated that the peptide compromises membrane integrity and rapidly enters C. albicans cells in an energy-independent manner. Peptide-treated cells analyzed by cryo-based electron microscopy exhibited no signs of cell lysis; however, subcellular structures had disintegrated, suggesting that intracellular activity may form part of the killing mechanism of the peptide. Taken together, this study proved that TB_KKG6K compromises C. albicans membrane function, which explains the previously observed rapid, fungicidal mode of action and supports its great potential as a future anti-Candida therapeutic. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections with the opportunistic human pathogen C. albicans are associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. This is partly due to the yeast's ability to rapidly develop resistance toward currently available antifungals. Small, cationic, membrane-active peptides are promising compounds to fight against resistance development, as many of them effectuate rapid fungal cell death. This fast killing is believed to hamper the development of resistance, as the fungi do not have sufficient time to adapt to the antifungal compound. We previously reported that the synthetic variant of the amphibian TB peptide, TB_KKG6K, rapidly kills C. albicans. In the current study, the mechanism of action of the TB analog was investigated. We show that this TB analog is membrane-active and impairs cell membrane function, highlighting its potential to be developed as an attractive alternative anti-C. albicans therapeutic that may hinder the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Kakar
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Michael Hess
- Institute for Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - László Galgóczy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Györgyi Váradi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nermina Malanovic
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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9
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Kumari S, Morrow MR, Booth V. Role of lipopolysaccharide in antimicrobial and cell penetrating peptide membrane interactions probed by deuterium NMR of whole cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022:184053. [PMID: 36155053 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how non-lipid components of bacteria affect antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-induced membrane disruption is important for a comprehensive understanding of AMP mechanisms and informing AMP-based drug development. This study investigates how lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affects membrane disruption by the AMP MSI-78 and compares the results to the effect of TP2, a cell-penetrating peptide that crosses membrane bilayers without permeabilizing them. We destabilize the LPS layer of Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells via chelation of the stabilizing divalent cations. 2H NMR spectra of E. coli demonstrate that EDTA concentrations of 2.5 mM and 9.0 mM alone have very minor effects on lipid acyl chain order. Interestingly, we find that E. coli pre-treated with 9.0 mM EDTA before treatment with MSI-78 are more sensitive to AMP-induced acyl chain disruption, indicating that intact LPS reduces MSI-78-induced membrane disruption in E. coli. Surprisingly, we also found that at the level of 2H NMR, the peptide-induced acyl chain disruption is similar for MSI-78 and TP2, although MSI-78 permeabilizes the bilayer and TP2 does not. Furthermore, LPS disruption appears to protect the bacteria from TP2, although it sensitizes them to MSI-78.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Michael R Morrow
- Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3X7, Canada
| | - Valerie Booth
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada; Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3X7, Canada.
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10
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Maleš M, Zoranić L. Simulation Study of the Effect of Antimicrobial Peptide Associations on the Mechanism of Action with Bacterial and Eukaryotic Membranes. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:891. [PMID: 36135911 PMCID: PMC9502835 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12090891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be directed to specific membranes based on differences in lipid composition. In this study, we performed atomistic and coarse-grained simulations of different numbers of the designed AMP adepantin-1 with a eukaryotic membrane, cytoplasmic Gram-positive and Gram-negative membranes, and an outer Gram-negative membrane. At the core of adepantin-1's behavior is its amphipathic α-helical structure, which was implemented in its design. The amphipathic structure promotes rapid self-association of peptide in water or upon binding to bacterial membranes. Aggregates initially make contact with the membrane via positively charged residues, but with insertion, the hydrophobic residues are exposed to the membrane's hydrophobic core. This adaptation alters the aggregate's stability, causing the peptides to diffuse in the polar region of the membrane, mostly remaining as a single peptide or pairing up to form an antiparallel dimer. Thus, the aggregate's proposed role is to aid in positioning the peptide into a favorable conformation for insertion. Simulations revealed the molecular basics of adepantin-1 binding to various membranes, and highlighted peptide aggregation as an important factor. These findings contribute to the development of novel anti-infective agents to combat the rapidly growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matko Maleš
- Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Larisa Zoranić
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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11
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Aslam MZ, Firdos S, Li Z, Wang X, Liu Y, Qin X, Yang S, Ma Y, Xia X, Zhang B, Dong Q. Detecting the Mechanism of Action of Antimicrobial Peptides by Using Microscopic Detection Techniques. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182809. [PMID: 36140937 PMCID: PMC9497566 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182809] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing antibiotic resistance has shifted researchers’ focus to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternatives to antibiotics. AMPs are small, positively charged, amphipathic peptides with secondary helical structures. They have the ability to disrupt the bacterial membrane and create wedges due to electrostatic differences. Water molecules enter the pathogens through those wedges and disrupt their normal cellular functioning, eventually causing the death of the pathogens. Keeping in mind the importance of AMPs, this review compiles recent data and is divided into three parts. The first part explains the AMP structure and properties, the second part comprises the spectroscopy techniques currently used for evaluating the AMP-bacterial targeting mechanism as well as its structure and safety; and the third part describes the production of AMPs from an animal source (whey protein). Most of the peptides that were used in recent studies have been either the precursors of a natural peptide or synthetic peptides with some modifications, but data on the exploitation of dairy protein are scarce. Among the little-studied milk proteins and peptides, in the last three years, whey protein has been studied the least based on the reported data. Because whey protein is a leftover part of cheese making that often drains out as cheese waste, causing soil and environmental pollution, today, the need of the hour is to produce safe AMPs from whey protein. The use of whey protein that is based on hydrolyzing lactic acid bacteria with some structural modifications can increase AMPs’ potency, stability, and safety, and it can also help to avoid soil and environmental pollution as a result of whey drainage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zohaib Aslam
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Shumaila Firdos
- Dera Ghazi Khan Section of Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Dera Ghazi Khan 32200, Pakistan
| | - Zhousi Li
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yangtai Liu
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xiaojie Qin
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yue Ma
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xuejuan Xia
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Bolin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Forest Food Processing and Safety, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qingli Dong
- School of Health Sciences and Engineering, The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-135-8597-1239
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12
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Kumari S, Morrow MR, Booth V. Role of lipopolysaccharide in antimicrobial and cell penetrating peptide membrane interactions probed by deuterium NMR of whole cells. BBA ADVANCES 2022; 2:100057. [PMID: 37082590 PMCID: PMC10074874 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2022.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how non-lipid components of bacteria affect antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-induced membrane disruption is important for a comprehensive understanding of AMP mechanisms and informing AMP-based drug development. This study investigates how lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affects membrane disruption by the AMP MSI-78 and compares the results to the effect of TP2, a cell-penetrating peptide that crosses membrane bilayers without permeabilizing them. We destabilize the LPS layer of Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells via chelation of the stabilizing divalent cations. 2H NMR spectra of E. coli demonstrate that EDTA concentrations of 2.5 mM and 9.0 mM alone have very minor effects on lipid acyl chain order. Interestingly, we find that E. coli pre-treated with 9.0 mM EDTA before treatment with MSI-78 are more sensitive to AMP-induced acyl chain disruption, indicating that intact LPS reduces MSI-78-induced membrane disruption in E. coli. Surprisingly, we also found that at the level of 2H_NMR, the peptide-induced acyl chain disruption is similar for MSI-78 and TP2, although MSI-78 permeabilizes the bilayer and TP2 does not. Furthermore, LPS disruption appears to protect the bacteria from TP2, although it sensitizes them to MSI-78.
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13
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Priya A, Aditya A, Budagavi DP, Chugh A. Tachyplesin and CyLoP-1 as efficient anti-mycobacterial peptides: A novel finding. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183895. [PMID: 35271828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.183895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB) known to be a highly contagious disease and is the major cause of mortality from a single infectious agent worldwide. Emergence of multi-drug resistant and extremely drug resistant strains of M. tuberculosis has made TB management extremely challenging eliciting the urgent need for alternative therapeutics. Peptide based therapeutic strategies are an emerging area that can be employed as a prospective alternative to the currently existing therapeutic regime for TB treatment. Here, we are reporting the anti-mycobacterial activity of two peptides, Tachyplesin and CyLoP-1, derived from marine horseshoe crab and snake toxin respectively, with potent anti-mycobacterial activity against various mycobacterium species. Both the peptides exhibit appreciable antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against mycobacterium species with minimum cytotoxicity towards macrophage cells. They are also effective in eliminating mycobacterium cells from infected macrophage cells. Tachyplesin acts on mycobacterium cells in a lytic manner with outer membrane disruption confirmed by propidium iodide uptake with slight membrane depolarization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. CyLoP-1, on the other hand, does not rupture the mycobacterium cells even at high concentrations. It seems to follow intracellular pathway of killing mycobacterium cells by production of more ROS and membrane depolarization. Both the peptides do not lead to apoptotic way of mycobacterium cell death. These results suggest an effective peptide-based antimicrobial strategy for development of future anti-TB therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Priya
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Anusha Aditya
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi 110016, India
| | | | - Archana Chugh
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi 110016, India.
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14
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Fischer M, Müller P, Scheidt HA, Luck M. Drug-Membrane Interactions: Effects of Virus-Specific RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors Remdesivir and Favipiravir on the Structure of Lipid Bilayers. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1392-1403. [PMID: 35731976 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The two RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors remdesivir and favipiravir were originally developed and approved as broad-spectrum antiviral drugs for the treatment of harmful viral infections such as Ebola and influenza. With the outbreak of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the two drugs were repurposed for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Clinical studies suggested that the efficacy of the drugs is enhanced in the case of an early or even prophylactic application. Because the contact between drug molecules and the plasma membrane is essential for a successful permeation process of the substances and therefore for their intracellular efficiency, drug-induced effects on the membrane structure are likely and have already been shown for other substances. We investigated the impact of remdesivir and favipiravir on lipid bilayers in model and cell membranes via several biophysical approaches. The measurements revealed that the embedding of remdesivir molecules in the lipid bilayer results in a disturbance of the membrane structure of the tested phospholipid vesicles. Nevertheless, in a cell-based assay, the presence of remdesivir induced only weak hemolysis of the treated erythrocytes. In contrast, no experimental indication for an effect on the structure and integrity of the membrane was detected in the case of favipiravir. Regarding potential prophylactic or accompanying use of the drugs in the therapy of COVID-19, the physiologically relevant impacts associated with the drug-induced structural modifications of the membrane might be important to understand side effects and/or low effectivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Fischer
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Müller
- Institute of Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger A Scheidt
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Meike Luck
- Institute of Biology, Biophysical Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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15
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Chiou PC, Hsu WW, Chang Y, Chen YF. Molecular packing of lipid membranes and action mechanisms of membrane-active peptides. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 213:112384. [PMID: 35151994 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112384] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Biomembranes are involved in diverse cellular activities. How membranes and proteins interact in the activities might hinge on the former's physical characteristics, which in turn are influenced by packing of lipid molecules. Yet, the validity of this understanding and its mechanism are unclear. By varying chain saturation of membranes, we explored correlations between lipid packing and peptide-mediated membrane disruption for the antimicrobial peptide, melittin, and amyloidogenic peptide, β-amyloid (1-42). Remarkably, reducing molecular packing flexibility enhanced the membrane disruption, possibly due to a shift from membrane perforation to micellization. A theoretical analysis suggested the energetic basis of this shift. This mechanistically shows that a peptide's mechanism might be dictated not only by its intrinsic properties but also by physical characteristics of membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Chiuan Chiou
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wei Hsu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Yung Chang
- R&D Center for Membrane Technology and Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Jhong-Li, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fan Chen
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan.
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16
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Immunomodulatory and Allergenic Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052499. [PMID: 35269641 PMCID: PMC8910669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the growing problem of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the search for alternative ways to combat bacterial infections is extremely urgent. While analyzing the effect of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on immunocompetent cells, their effect on all parts of the immune system, and on humoral and cellular immunity, is revealed. AMPs have direct effects on neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes, and mast cells, participating in innate immunity. They act on B-lymphocytes indirectly, enhancing the induction of antigen-specific immunity, which ultimately leads to the activation of adaptive immunity. The adjuvant activity of AMPs in relation to bacterial and viral antigens was the reason for their inclusion in vaccines and made it possible to formulate the concept of a “defensin vaccine” as an innovative basis for constructing vaccines. The immunomodulatory function of AMPs involves their influence on cells in the nearest microenvironment, recruitment and activation of other cells, supporting the response to pathogenic microorganisms and completing the inflammatory process, thus exhibiting a systemic effect. For the successful use of AMPs in medical practice, it is necessary to study their immunomodulatory activity in detail, taking into account their pleiotropy. The degree of maturity of the immune system and microenvironment can contribute to the prevention of complications and increase the effectiveness of therapy, since AMPs can suppress inflammation in some circumstances, but aggravate the response and damage of organism in others. It should also be taken into account that the real functions of one or another AMP depend on the types of total regulatory effects on the target cell, and not only on properties of an individual peptide. A wide spectrum of biological activity, including direct effects on pathogens, inactivation of bacterial toxins and influence on immunocompetent cells, has attracted the attention of researchers, however, the cytostatic activity of AMPs against normal cells, as well as their allergenic properties and low stability to host proteases, are serious limitations for the medical use of AMPs. In this connection, the tasks of searching for compounds that selectively affect the target and development of an appropriate method of application become critically important. The scope of this review is to summarize the current concepts and newest advances in research of the immunomodulatory activity of natural and synthetic AMPs, and to examine the prospects and limitations of their medical use.
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17
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Modak B, Girkar S, Narayan R, Kapoor S. Mycobacterial Membranes as Actionable Targets for Lipid-Centric Therapy in Tuberculosis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3046-3065. [PMID: 35133820 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases remain significant health concerns worldwide, and resistance is particularly common in patients with tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The development of anti-infectives with novel modes of action may help overcome resistance. In this regard, membrane-active agents, which modulate membrane components essential for the survival of pathogens, present attractive antimicrobial agents. Key advantages of membrane-active compounds include their ability to target slow-growing or dormant bacteria and their favorable pharmacokinetics. Here, we comprehensively review recent advances in the development of membrane-active chemotypes that target mycobacterial membranes and discuss clinically relevant membrane-active antibacterial agents that have shown promise in counteracting bacterial infections. We discuss the relationship between the membrane properties and the synthetic requirements within the chemical scaffold, as well as the limitations of current membrane-active chemotypes. This review will lay the chemical groundwork for the development of membrane-active antituberculosis agents and will foster the discovery of more effective antitubercular agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswabrata Modak
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Siddhali Girkar
- School of Chemical and Materials Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Goa, Goa 403110, India
| | - Rishikesh Narayan
- School of Chemical and Materials Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Goa, Goa 403110, India
| | - Shobhna Kapoor
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India.,Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
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18
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Siegel DP. Bicontinuous inverted cubic phase stabilization as an index of antimicrobial and membrane fusion peptide activity. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183815. [PMID: 34748744 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Some antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and membrane fusion-catalyzing peptides (FPs) stabilize bicontinuous inverted cubic (QII) phases. Previous authors proposed a topological rationale: since AMP-induced pores, fusion intermediates, and QII phases all have negative Gaussian curvature (NGC), peptides which produce NGC in one structure also do it in another. This assumes that peptides change the curvature energy of the lipid membranes. Here I test this with a Helfrich curvature energy model. First, experimentally, I show that lipid systems often used to study peptide NGC have NGC without peptides at higher temperatures. To determine the net effect of an AMP on NGC, the equilibrium phase behavior of the host lipids must be determined. Second, the model shows that AMPs must make large changes in the curvature energy to stabilize AMP-induced pores. Peptide-induced changes in elastic constants affect pores and QII phase differently. Changes in spontaneous curvature affect them in opposite ways. The observed correlation between QII phase stabilization and AMP activity doesn't show that AMPs act by lowering pore curvature energy. A different rationale is proposed. In theory, AMPs could simultaneously stabilize QII phase and pores by drastically changing two particular elastic constants. This could be tested by measuring AMP effects on the individual constants. I propose experiments to do that. Unlike AMPs, FPs must make only small changes in the curvature energy to catalyze fusion. It they act in this way, their fusion activity should correlate with their ability to stabilize QII phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Siegel
- Givaudan Inc., 1199 Edison Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45216, United States of America.
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19
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Gimenez-Dejoz J, Numata K. Molecular dynamics study of the internalization of cell-penetrating peptides containing unnatural amino acids across membranes. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2022; 4:397-407. [PMID: 36132688 PMCID: PMC9419563 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00674f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-based delivery systems that deliver target molecules into cells have been gaining traction. These systems need cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which have the remarkable ability to penetrate into biological membranes and help internalize different cargoes into cells through the cell membranes. The molecular internalization mechanism and structure-function relationships of CPPs are not clear, although the incorporation of nonproteinogenic amino acids such as α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) has been reported to increase their helicity, biostability and penetration efficiencies. Here, we used molecular dynamics to study two Aib-containing CPPs, poly(LysAibAla)3 (KAibA) and poly(LysAibGly)3 (KAibG), that previously showed high cell internalization efficiency. KAibA and KAibG displayed the lowest internalization energies among the studied CPPs, showing distinct internalization mechanisms depending on the lipid composition of the model membranes. The presence of Aib residues allows these CPPs to adopt amphipathic folding to efficiently penetrate through the membranes. Elucidating how Aib incorporation affects CPP-membrane binding and interactions is beneficial for the design of CPPs for efficient intracellular delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Gimenez-Dejoz
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Saitama Japan
| | - Keiji Numata
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Saitama Japan
- Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University Kyoto Japan
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20
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Wang G, Zietz CM, Mudgapalli A, Wang S, Wang Z. The evolution of the antimicrobial peptide database over 18 years: Milestones and new features. Protein Sci 2022; 31:92-106. [PMID: 34529321 PMCID: PMC8740828 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptide database (APD) has served the antimicrobial peptide field for 18 years. Because it is widely used in research and education, this article documents database milestones and key events that have transformed it into the current form. A comparison is made for the APD peptide statistics between 2010 and 2020, validating the major database findings to date. We also describe new additions ranging from peptide entries to search functions. Of note, the APD also contains antimicrobial peptides from host microbiota, which are important in shaping immune systems and could be linked to a variety of human diseases. Finally, the database has been re-programmed to the web branding and latest security compliance of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The reprogrammed APD can be accessed at https://aps.unmc.edu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyCollege of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - C. Michael Zietz
- Research Information Technology OfficeUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Ashok Mudgapalli
- Research Information Technology OfficeUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Shuona Wang
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyCollege of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyCollege of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
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21
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Laulund AS, Schwartz FA, Christophersen L, Høiby N, Svendsen JSM, Stensen W, Thomsen K, Cavanagh JP, Moser C. Lactoferricin inspired peptide AMC-109 augments the effect of ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in chronic murine wounds. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 29:185-193. [PMID: 34954415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The pathophysiology of chronic wounds is characterized by prolonged inflammation, low mitogenic-activity, high protease-/low inhibitor-activity, microbiota changes and biofilm formation, in combination with the etiology of the original insult. One strategy to promote healing is to terminate the parasitism-like-relationship between the biofilm-growing-pathogen and the host response. The antimicrobial peptide AMC-109 is a potential treatment with low resistance-potential and broad-spectrum coverage with rapid bactericidal effect. Our purpose was to investigate if adjunctive AMC-109 could augment the ciprofloxacin effect in a chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound model. METHODS Third-degree-burns were inflicted on 33BALB/c mice. P.Aeruginosa embedded in seaweed alginate was injected under the eschar to mimic a biofilm. Mice were randomized to receive AMC-109, combined AMC-109 and ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin or placebo for 5 days followed by sample collection. RESULTS Lower bacterial load was seen in the double treated group when compared to both monotherapy groups (AMC-109, p=0.008 and ciprofloxacin, p=0.03). To evaluate the innate host response, quantification of cytokines and growth factors were performed. The pro-inflammatory response was dampened in the double-treated mice, compared to the mono-ciprofloxacin-treated group (p=0.0009). A lower mobilization of neutrophils from the bone marrow was indicated by reduced granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor in all treatment groups compared to the placebo group. Improved tissue-remodeling was indicated by the highest level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases and low metalloprotease level in the double-treated group. CONCLUSIONS AMC-109 revealed adjunctive anti-pseudomonas abilities augmenting the antimicrobial effect of ciprofloxacin in this wound model. The study indicates a potential role for AMC-109 in treating chronic wounds with complicating biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sofie Laulund
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Henrik Harpestrengs Vej 4A, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark, phone +4593999557
| | | | - Lars Christophersen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet
| | - Niels Høiby
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet and Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), University of Copenhagen
| | - John Sigurd Mjøen Svendsen
- Amicoat AS, Sykehusvegen 26, 9019 Tromsø, Norway and the Department of Chemistry, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Wenche Stensen
- Department of Chemistry, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kim Thomsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet
| | - Jorunn Pauline Cavanagh
- Amicoat AS, Sykehusvegen 26, 9019 Tromsø, Norway and the Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Claus Moser
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet
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22
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Lessons from a Single Amino Acid Substitution: Anticancer and Antibacterial Properties of Two Phospholipase A2-Derived Peptides. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 44:46-62. [PMID: 35723383 PMCID: PMC8929095 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane-active nature of phospholipase A2-derived peptides makes them potential candidates for antineoplastic and antibacterial therapies. Two short 13-mer C-terminal fragments taken from snake venom Lys49-PLA2 toxins (p-AppK and p-Acl), differing by a leucine/phenylalanine substitution, were synthesized and their bioactivity was evaluated. Their capacity to interfere with the survival of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as with solid and liquid tumors was assessed in vitro. Toxicity to red blood cells was investigated via in silico and in vitro techniques. The mode of action was mainly studied by molecular dynamics simulations and membrane permeabilization assays. Briefly, both peptides have dual activity, i.e., they act against both bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains and tumor cells. All tested bacteria were susceptible to both peptides, Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most affected. RAMOS, K562, NB4, and CEM cells were the main leukemic targets of the peptides. In general, p-Acl showed more significant activity, suggesting that phenylalanine confers advantages to the antibacterial and antitumor mechanism, particularly for osteosarcoma lines (HOS and MG63). Peptide-based treatment increased the uptake of a DNA-intercalating dye by bacteria, suggesting membrane damage. Indeed, p-AppK and p-Acl did not disrupt erythrocyte membranes, in agreement with in silico predictions. The latter revealed that the peptides deform the membrane and increase its permeability by facilitating solvent penetration. This phenomenon is expected to catalyze the permeation of solutes that otherwise could not cross the hydrophobic membrane core. In conclusion, the present study highlights the role of a single amino acid substitution present in natural sequences towards the development of dual-action agents. In other words, dissecting and fine-tuning biomembrane remodeling proteins, such as snake venom phospholipase A2 isoforms, is again demonstrated as a valuable source of therapeutic peptides.
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23
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Teixeira-Santos R, Lima M, Gomes LC, Mergulhão FJ. Antimicrobial coatings based on chitosan to prevent implant-associated infections: A systematic review. iScience 2021; 24:103480. [PMID: 34927024 PMCID: PMC8652012 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the advancements in material science and surgical techniques, the incidence of implant-associated infections (IAIs) has increased significantly. IAIs are mainly caused by microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on implant surfaces. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and critically discuss the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan-based coatings to prevent the occurrence of IAIs. For this purpose, a PRISMA-oriented systematic review was conducted based on predefined criteria and forty studies were selected for qualitative analysis. Results indicated that chitosan (CS) association with enzymes and antimicrobial peptides improves its antimicrobial activity and extends its use in a broad range of physiological conditions. Likewise, CS association with polymers resulted in enhanced antimicrobial and anti-adhesive coatings with desirable properties, such as biocompatibility and durability, for implantable medical devices (IMDs). These findings can assist researchers in the design of new CS coatings for application in IMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Teixeira-Santos
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Lima
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciana C Gomes
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe J Mergulhão
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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24
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Chen Y, Li H, Liu J, Zhong R, Li H, Fang S, Liu S, Lin S. Synthesis and biological evaluation of indole-based peptidomimetics as antibacterial agents against Gram-positive bacteria. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113813. [PMID: 34520955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of bacterial multidrug resistance and the lack of new antimicrobial agents urgently demand the discovery and development of novel antibacterials that avoid bacterial resistance. Antimicrobial peptidomimetics represent a promising approach for overcoming antibiotic resistance. Herein we report the synthesis and evaluation of indole-based amphiphilic antimicrobial peptidomimetics, bearing hydrophobic side chains and hydrophilic cationic moieties. Among these derivatives, compound 28 demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, low hemolytic activity and low toxicity towards mammalian cells, as well as good stability in salt conditions. Moreover, compound 28 showed the rapid killing of bacteria via membrane-targeting action without developing bacterial resistance. More importantly, compound 28 displayed high antimicrobial potency against Gram-positive bacteria in a murine model of bacterial keratitis, and was found to be more efficient than vancomycin. Thus, compound 28 had great potential as a promising lead compound for the treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Hongxia Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Jiayong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Rongcui Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Haizhou Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Shanfang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Shouping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
| | - Shuimu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State & NMPA Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
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25
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Zhang X, Zhao Q, Wen L, Wu C, Yao Z, Yan Z, Li R, Chen L, Chen F, Xie Z, Chen F, Xie Q. The Effect of the Antimicrobial Peptide Plectasin on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Health, and Immune Function of Yellow-Feathered Chickens. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:688611. [PMID: 34250068 PMCID: PMC8260853 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.688611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the study was to test the effects of an antibiotic substitute, plectasin, on the growth performance, immune function, intestinal morphology and structure, intestinal microflora, ileal mucosal layer construction and tight junctions, ileal immune-related cytokines, and blood biochemical indices of yellow-feathered chickens. A total of 1,500 one-day-old yellow-feathered chicks were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups with five replicates in each group and 75 yellow-feathered chicks in each replication, as follows: basal diet (group A); basal diet supplemented with 10 mg enramycin/kg of diet (group B), basal diet supplemented with 100 mg plectasin/kg of diet (group C), and basal diet supplemented with 200 mg plectasin/kg of diet (group D). It was found that the dietary antimicrobial peptide plectasin could improve the ADG and had better F/G for the overall period of 1–63 days. Dietary plectasin can enhance H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody levels of yellow-feathered chickens at 21, and 35 days of age. Dietary plectasin can enhance the intestine structure, inhibit Escherichia coli and proinflammatory cytokines in the ileum, and ameliorate the blood biochemical indices of yellow-feathered chickens at 21 days of age. This study indicates that the antimicrobial peptide plectasin has beneficial effects on the growth performance, intestinal health and immune function of yellow-feathered chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinheng Zhang
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiqi Zhao
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Wen
- Guangdong Hinabiotech Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Che Wu
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Yao
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuanqiang Yan
- Guangdong Enterprise Key Laboratory for Animal Health and Environmental Control, Wen's Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd, Yunfu, China
| | - Ruoying Li
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liyi Chen
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feiyang Chen
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi Xie
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingmei Xie
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Vector Vaccine of Animal Virus, Guangzhou, China.,South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Li S, Wang Y, Xue Z, Jia Y, Li R, He C, Chen H. The structure-mechanism relationship and mode of actions of antimicrobial peptides: A review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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27
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Tuning of a Membrane-Perforating Antimicrobial Peptide to Selectively Target Membranes of Different Lipid Composition. J Membr Biol 2021; 254:75-96. [PMID: 33564914 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-021-00174-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of designed antimicrobial peptides as drugs has been impeded by the absence of simple sequence-structure-function relationships and design rules. The likely cause is that many of these peptides permeabilize membranes via highly disordered, heterogeneous mechanisms, forming aggregates without well-defined tertiary or secondary structure. We suggest that the combination of high-throughput library screening with atomistic computer simulations can successfully address this challenge by tuning a previously developed general pore-forming peptide into a selective pore-former for different lipid types. A library of 2916 peptides was designed based on the LDKA template. The library peptides were synthesized and screened using a high-throughput orthogonal vesicle leakage assay. Dyes of different sizes were entrapped inside vesicles with varying lipid composition to simultaneously screen for both pore size and affinity for negatively charged and neutral lipid membranes. From this screen, nine different LDKA variants that have unique activity were selected, sequenced, synthesized, and characterized. Despite the minor sequence changes, each of these peptides has unique functional properties, forming either small or large pores and being selective for either neutral or anionic lipid bilayers. Long-scale, unbiased atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations directly reveal that rather than rigid, well-defined pores, these peptides can form a large repertoire of functional dynamic and heterogeneous aggregates, strongly affected by single mutations. Predicting the propensity to aggregate and assemble in a given environment from sequence alone holds the key to functional prediction of membrane permeabilization.
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28
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Kurbasic M, Parisi E, Garcia AM, Marchesan S. Self-Assembling, Ultrashort Peptide Gels as Antimicrobial Biomaterials. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1300-1309. [PMID: 32178611 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200316150221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular antimicrobial hydrogels based on peptides are attractive soft materials for the treatment of infections, considering their ease of preparation and benign fate in biological settings and in the environment. In particular, stimuli-responsive systems that can be assembled/disassembled ad hoc could offer the opportunity to switch on/off their bioactivity as needed. Besides, the shorter is the peptide, the lower its cost of production. However, a structure-to-function relationship is yet to be defined and reported activities are generally not yet competitive relative to traditional antibiotics. Inspiration for their design can be found in host defense peptides (HDPs), which can self-assemble to exert their function. This article reviews research developments in this emerging area, and it examines features, differences and similarities between antimicrobial and amyloid peptides to open the avenue towards the next generation of supramolecular antimicrobial peptides as innovative therapeutic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Kurbasic
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Evelina Parisi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ana M Garcia
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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29
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Mescola A, Ragazzini G, Alessandrini A. Daptomycin Strongly Affects the Phase Behavior of Model Lipid Bilayers. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:8562-8571. [PMID: 32886515 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c06640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Daptomycin (DAP) is a calcium-dependent cyclic lipopeptide with great affinity for negatively charged phospholipids bearing the phosphatidylglycerol (PG) headgroup and has been used since 2003 as a last resort antibiotic in the treatment of severe infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The first step of its mechanism of action involves the interaction with the bacterial membrane, which not only represents a physical barrier but also accommodates transmembrane proteins, such as receptors, transporters, and enzymes, whose activity is crucial for the survival of bacteria. This results in a less efficient development of resistance strategies by pathogens compared to common antibiotics that activate or inhibit biochemical pathways connected to specific target proteins. Although already on the market, the molecular mechanism of action of DAP is still a controversial subject of investigation and it is most likely the result of a combination of distinct effects. Understanding how DAP targets the membrane of pathogens could be of great help in finding its analogues that could better avoid the development of resistance. Here, exploiting fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we demonstrated that DAP affects the thermodynamic behavior of lipid mixtures containing PG moieties. Regardless of whether the PG lipids are in the liquid or solid phase, DAP preferably interacts with this headgroup and is able to penetrate more deeply into the lipid bilayer in the regions where this headgroup is present. In particular, considering the results of an AFM/spectroscopy investigation, DAP appears to produce a stiffening effect of the domains where PG lipids are mainly in the fluid phase, whereas it causes fluidification of the domains where PG lipids are in the solid phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mescola
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Gregorio Ragazzini
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy.,Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Alessandrini
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy.,Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy
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30
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Tzitzilis A, Boura‐Theodorou A, Michail V, Papadopoulos S, Krikorian D, Lekka ME, Koukkou A, Sakarellos‐Daitsiotis M, Panou‐Pomonis E. Cationic amphipathic peptide analogs of cathelicidin LL‐37 as a probe in the development of antimicrobial/anticancer agents. J Pept Sci 2020; 26:e3254. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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31
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Casciaro B, Cappiello F, Loffredo MR, Ghirga F, Mangoni ML. The Potential of Frog Skin Peptides for Anti-Infective Therapies: The Case of Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1405-1419. [PMID: 31333082 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190722095408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are the key effectors of the innate immunity and represent promising molecules for the development of new antibacterial drugs. However, to achieve this goal, some problems need to be overcome: (i) the cytotoxic effects at high concentrations; (ii) the poor biostability and (iii) the difficulty in reaching the target site. Frog skin is one of the richest natural storehouses of AMPs, and over the years, many peptides have been isolated from it, characterized and classified into several families encompassing temporins, brevinins, nigrocins and esculentins. In this review, we summarized how the isolation/characterization of peptides belonging to the esculentin-1 family drove us to the design of an analogue, i.e. esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, with a powerful antimicrobial action and immunomodulatory properties. The peptide had a wide spectrum of activity, especially against the opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We described the structural features and the in vitro/in vivo biological characterization of this peptide as well as the strategies used to improve its biological properties. Among them: (i) the design of a diastereomer carrying Damino acids in order to reduce the peptide's cytotoxicity and improve its half-life; (ii) the covalent conjugation of the peptide to gold nanoparticles or its encapsulation into poly(lactide- co-glycolide) nanoparticles; and (iii) the peptide immobilization to biomedical devices (such as silicon hydrogel contact lenses) to obtain an antibacterial surface able to reduce microbial growth and attachment. Summing up the best results obtained so far, this review traces all the steps that led these frog-skin AMPs to the direction of peptide-based drugs for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@ Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@ Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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32
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Effect of AMPs MSI-78 and BP100 on the lipid acyl chains of 2H-labeled intact Gram positive bacteria. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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33
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Zheng W, Anzaldua M, Arora A, Jiang Y, McIntyre K, Doerfert M, Winter T, Mishra A, Ma H, Liang H. Environmentally Benign Nanoantibiotics with a Built-in Deactivation Switch Responsive to Natural Habitats. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:2187-2198. [PMID: 32202760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The massive use of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture has led to their artificial accumulation in natural habitats, which risks the structure and function of the microbial communities in ecosystems, threatens food and water security, and accelerates the development of resistome. Ideally, antibiotics should remain fully active in clinical services while becoming deactivated rapidly once released into the environment, but none of the current antibiotics meet this criterion. Here, we show a nanoantibiotic design that epitomizes the concept of carrying a built-in "OFF" switch responsive to natural stimuli. The environmentally benign nanoantibiotics consist of cellulose backbones covalently grafted with hydrophilic polymer brushes that by themselves are antimicrobially inactive. In their nanostructured forms in services, these cellulose-based polymer molecular brushes are potent killers for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including clinical multidrug-resistant strains; after services and being discharged into the environment, they are shredded into antimicrobially inactive pieces by cellulases that do not exist in the human body but are abundant in natural habitats. This study illuminates a new concept of mitigating the environmental footprints of antibiotics with rationally designed nanoantibiotics that can be dismantled and disabled by bioorthogonal chemistry occurring exclusively in natural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Zheng
- Department of Cell Physiology & Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, United States
| | - Miguel Anzaldua
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Ankita Arora
- Department of Cell Physiology & Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Yunjiang Jiang
- Department of Cell Physiology & Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, United States
| | - Kelly McIntyre
- Department of Cell Physiology & Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, United States
| | - Michael Doerfert
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Theodora Winter
- The Honors College, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Abhijit Mishra
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Hairong Ma
- Department of Cell Physiology & Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, United States
| | - Hongjun Liang
- Department of Cell Physiology & Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, United States.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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34
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Boix-Lemonche G, Lekka M, Skerlavaj B. A Rapid Fluorescence-Based Microplate Assay to Investigate the Interaction of Membrane Active Antimicrobial Peptides with Whole Gram-Positive Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9020092. [PMID: 32093104 PMCID: PMC7168298 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Membrane-active antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are interesting candidates for the development of novel antimicrobials. Although their effects were extensively investigated in model membrane systems, interactions of AMPs with living microbial membranes are less known due to their complexity. The aim of the present study was to develop a rapid fluorescence-based microplate assay to analyze the membrane effects of AMPs in whole Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Methods: Bacteria were exposed to bactericidal and sub-inhibitory concentrations of two membrane-active AMPs in the presence of the potential-sensitive dye 3,3′-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide (diSC3(5)) and the DNA staining dye propidium iodide (PI), to simultaneously monitor and possibly distinguish membrane depolarization and membrane permeabilization. Results: The ion channel-forming gramicidin D induced a rapid increase of diSC3(5), but not PI fluorescence, with slower kinetics at descending peptide concentrations, confirming killing due to membrane depolarization. The pore-forming melittin, at sub-MIC and bactericidal concentrations, caused, respectively, an increase of PI fluorescence in one or both dyes simultaneously, suggesting membrane permeabilization as a key event. Conclusions: This assay allowed the distinction between specific membrane effects, and it could be applied in the mode of action studies as well as in the screening of novel membrane-active AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Boix-Lemonche
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.B.-L.); (B.S.)
| | - Maria Lekka
- Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Barbara Skerlavaj
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.B.-L.); (B.S.)
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35
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Miao X, Zhou T, Zhang J, Xu J, Guo X, Hu H, Zhang X, Hu M, Li J, Yang W, Xie J, Xu Z, Mou L. Enhanced cell selectivity of hybrid peptides with potential antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory effect. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129532. [PMID: 31953126 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hybridization is a useful strategy to bond the advantages of different peptides into novel constructions. We designed a series of AMPs based on the structures of a synthetic AMP KFA3 and a naturally-occurred host defense peptide substance P (SP) to obtain peptides retaining the high antibacterial activity of KFA3 and the immunomodulatory activity and low cytotoxicity of SP. METHODS Two repeats of KFA and different C terminal fragments of SP were hybridized, generating a series of novel AMPs (KFSP1-8). The antibacterial activities, host cell toxicity and immunomodulation were measured. The antibacterial mechanisms were investigated. RESULTS Hybrid peptides KFSP1-4 exerted substantial antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria of standard strains and clinical drug-resistant isolates including E.coli, A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa, while showing little toxicity towards host cells. Compared with KFA3, moderate reduction in α-helix content and the interruption in α-helix continuality were indicated in CD spectra analysis and secondary-structure simulation in these peptides. Membrane permeabilization combined with time-kill studies and FITC-labeled imaging, indicated a selective membrane interaction of KFSP1 with bacteria cell membranes. By specially activating NK1 receptor, the hybrid peptides kept the ability of SP to induce intracellular calcium release and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, but unable to stimulate NF-κB phosphorylation. KFSP1 facilitated the survival of mouse macrophage RAW264.7, directly interacting with LPS and inhibiting the LPS-induced NF-κB phosphorylation and TNF-α expression. CONCLUSION Hybridization is a useful strategy to bond the advantages of different peptides. KFSP1 and its analogs are worth of advanced efforts to explore their potential applications as novel antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Tianxiong Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Jingjie Xu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Guo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Hui Hu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Mingning Hu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Wenle Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Zhaoqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Lingyun Mou
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
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Simpson DH, Hapeshi A, Rogers NJ, Brabec V, Clarkson GJ, Fox DJ, Hrabina O, Kay GL, King AK, Malina J, Millard AD, Moat J, Roper DI, Song H, Waterfield NR, Scott P. Metallohelices that kill Gram-negative pathogens using intracellular antimicrobial peptide pathways. Chem Sci 2019; 10:9708-9720. [PMID: 32015803 PMCID: PMC6977464 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc03532j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of new water-compatible optically pure metallohelices - made by self-assembly of simple non-peptidic organic components around Fe ions - exhibit similar architecture to some natural cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) and are found to have high, structure-dependent activity against bacteria, including clinically problematic Gram-negative pathogens. A key compound is shown to freely enter rapidly dividing E. coli cells without significant membrane disruption, and localise in distinct foci near the poles. Several related observations of CAMP-like mechanisms are made via biophysical measurements, whole genome sequencing of tolerance mutants and transcriptomic analysis. These include: high selectivity for binding of G-quadruplex DNA over double stranded DNA; inhibition of both DNA gyrase and topoisomerase I in vitro; curing of a plasmid that contributes to the very high virulence of the E. coli strain used; activation of various two-component sensor/regulator and acid response pathways; and subsequent attempts by the cell to lower the net negative charge of the surface. This impact of the compound on multiple structures and pathways corresponds with our inability to isolate fully resistant mutant strains, and supports the idea that CAMP-inspired chemical scaffolds are a realistic approach for antimicrobial drug discovery, without the practical barriers to development that are associated with natural CAMPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Simpson
- Department of Chemistry , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Road , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK .
| | - Alexia Hapeshi
- Warwick Medical School , University of Warwick , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK
| | - Nicola J Rogers
- Department of Chemistry , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Road , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK .
| | - Viktor Brabec
- The Czech Academy of Sciences , Institute of Biophysics , Kralovopolska 135 , CZ-61265 Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Guy J Clarkson
- Department of Chemistry , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Road , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK .
| | - David J Fox
- Department of Chemistry , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Road , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK .
| | - Ondrej Hrabina
- The Czech Academy of Sciences , Institute of Biophysics , Kralovopolska 135 , CZ-61265 Brno , Czech Republic
- Department of Biophysics , Palacky University , Slechtitelu 27 , 783 71 Olomouc , Czech Republic
| | - Gemma L Kay
- Warwick Medical School , University of Warwick , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK
| | - Andrew K King
- Department of Chemistry , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Road , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK .
| | - Jaroslav Malina
- The Czech Academy of Sciences , Institute of Biophysics , Kralovopolska 135 , CZ-61265 Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Andrew D Millard
- Warwick Medical School , University of Warwick , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK
| | - John Moat
- School of Life Sciences , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Campus , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK
| | - David I Roper
- School of Life Sciences , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Campus , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK
| | - Hualong Song
- Department of Chemistry , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Road , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK .
| | | | - Peter Scott
- Department of Chemistry , University of Warwick , Gibbet Hill Road , Coventry , CV4 7AL , UK .
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Small-Molecule Morphogenesis Modulators Enhance the Ability of 14-Helical β-Peptides To Prevent Candida albicans Biofilm Formation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02653-18. [PMID: 31209011 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02653-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for mucosal candidiasis and systemic candidemia in humans. Often, these infections are associated with the formation of drug-resistant biofilms on the surfaces of tissues or medical devices. Increased incidence of C. albicans resistance to current antifungals has heightened the need for new strategies to prevent or eliminate biofilm-related fungal infections. In prior studies, we designed 14-helical β-peptides to mimic the structural properties of natural antimicrobial α-peptides (AMPs) in an effort to develop active and selective antifungal compounds. These amphiphilic, cationic, helical β-peptides exhibited antifungal activity against planktonic C. albicans cells and inhibited biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo Recent studies have suggested the use of antivirulence agents in combination with antifungals. In this study, we investigated the use of compounds that target C. albicans polymorphism, such as 1-dodecanol, isoamyl alcohol, and farnesol, to attempt to improve β-peptide efficacy for preventing C. albicans biofilms. Isoamyl alcohol, which prevents hyphal formation, reduced the minimum biofilm prevention concentrations (MBPCs) of β-peptides by up to 128-fold. Combinations of isoamyl alcohol and antifungal β-peptides resulted in less than 10% hemolysis at the antifungal MBPCs. Overall, our results suggest potential benefits of combination therapies comprised of morphogenesis modulators and antifungal AMP peptidomimetics for preventing C. albicans biofilm formation.
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Spontaneous and Stress-Induced Pore Formation in Membranes: Theory, Experiments and Simulations. J Membr Biol 2019; 252:241-260. [PMID: 31363808 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-019-00083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The large plasticity, dynamics and adaptability of biological membranes allow different modes of intrinsic and inducible permeability. These phenomena are of physiological importance for a number of natural functions related to cell death and can also be manipulated artificially for practical purposes like gene transfer, drug delivery, prevention of infections or anticancer therapy. For these advances to develop in a controllable and specific way, we need a sufficient understanding of the membrane permeability phenomena. Since the formulation of early concepts of pore formation, there has been an enormous effort to describe membrane permeability by using theory, simulations and experiments. A major breakthrough has come recently through theoretical developments that allow building continuous trajectories of pore formation both in the absence and presence of stress conditions. The new model provides a coherent quantitative view of membrane permeabilization, useful to test the impact of known lipid properties, make predictions and postulate specific pore intermediates that can be studied by simulations. For example, this theory predicts unprecedented dependencies of the line tension on the pore radius and on applied lateral tension which explain previous puzzling results. In parallel, important concepts have also come from molecular dynamics simulations, of which the role of water for membrane permeabilization is of special interest. These advances open new challenges and perspectives for future progress in the study of membrane permeability, as experiments and simulations will need to test the theoretical predictions, while theory achieves new refinements that provide a physical ground for observations.
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Velasco-Bolom JL, Corzo G, Garduño-Juárez R. Folding profiles of antimicrobial scorpion venom-derived peptides on hydrophobic surfaces: a molecular dynamics study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:2928-2938. [PMID: 31345123 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1648319] [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] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Most helical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are usually unfolded in aqueous solution; however they acquire their secondary structure in the presence of a hydrophobic environment such as lipid membranes. Being the biological membranes the main target of many AMPs it is necessary to understand their way of action. Pandinin 2 (Pin2) is an alpha-helical AMP isolated from the venom of the African scorpion Pandinus imperator which shows high antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and it is less active against Gram-negative bacteria, nevertheless, it has strong hemolytic activity. Its chemically synthesized Pin2GVG analog has low hemolytic activity while keeping its antimicrobial activity. With the aim of exploring the partition and subsequent folding of these peptides, in this work we report the results of extensive molecular dynamics simulations of Pin2 and Pin2GVG peptides in the presence of 2 hydrophobic environments such as dodecyl-phosphocholine (DPC) micelle and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline (POPC) membrane. Our results indicate that Pin2 folds in DPC with a 79% of alpha-helical content, which is in agreement with the experimental results, while in POPC it has 62.5% of alpha-helical content. On the other hand, Pin2GVG presents a higher percentage of alpha-helical structure in POPC and a smaller content in DPC when compared with Pin2. These results can help to better choose the starting structures in future molecular dynamics simulations of AMPs, because these peptides can adopt slightly different conformations depending on the hydrophobic environment.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- José-Luis Velasco-Bolom
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Ramón Garduño-Juárez
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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Rodríguez López ADL, Lee MR, Ortiz BJ, Gastfriend BD, Whitehead R, Lynn DM, Palecek SP. Preventing S. aureus biofilm formation on titanium surfaces by the release of antimicrobial β-peptides from polyelectrolyte multilayers. Acta Biomater 2019; 93:50-62. [PMID: 30831325 PMCID: PMC6693497 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus infections represent the major cause of titanium based-orthopaedic implant failure. Current treatments for S. aureus infections involve the systemic delivery of antibiotics and additional surgeries, increasing health-care costs and affecting patient's quality of life. As a step toward the development of new strategies that can prevent these infections, we build upon previous work demonstrating that the colonization of catheters by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans can be prevented by coating them with thin polymer multilayers composed of chitosan (CH) and hyaluronic acid (HA) designed to release a β-amino acid-based peptidomimetic of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). We demonstrate here that this β-peptide is also potent against S. aureus (MBPC = 4 μg/mL) and characterize its selectivity toward S. aureus biofilms. We demonstrate further that β-peptide-containing CH/HA thin-films can be fabricated on the surfaces of rough planar titanium substrates in ways that allow mammalian cell attachment and permit the long-term release of β-peptide. β-Peptide loading on CH/HA thin-films was then adjusted to achieve release of β-peptide quantities that selectively prevent S. aureus biofilms on titanium substrates in vitro for up to 24 days and remained antimicrobial after being challenged sequentially five times with S. aureus inocula, while causing no significant MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cytotoxicity compared to uncoated and film-coated controls lacking β-peptide. We conclude that these β-peptide-containing films offer a novel and promising localized delivery approach for preventing orthopaedic implant infections. The facile fabrication and loading of β-peptide-containing films reported here provides opportunities for coating other medical devices prone to biofilm-associated infections. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are used widely in orthopaedic devices due to their mechanical strength and long-term biocompatibility. However, these devices are susceptible to bacterial colonization and the subsequent formation of biofilms. Here we report a chitosan and hyaluronic acid polyelectrolyte multilayer-based approach for the localized delivery of helical, cationic, globally amphiphilic β-peptide mimetics of antimicrobial peptides to inhibit S. aureus colonization and biofilm formation. Our results reveal that controlled release of this β-peptide can selectively kill S. aureus cells without exhibiting toxicity toward MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells. Further development of this polymer-based coating could result in new strategies for preventing orthopaedic implant-related infections, improving outcomes of these titanium implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica de L Rodríguez López
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 1509 University Avenue, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Myung-Ryul Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, 1415 Engineering Drive, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Benjamín J Ortiz
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, 1415 Engineering Drive, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, 1415 Engineering Drive, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Riley Whitehead
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, 1415 Engineering Drive, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David M Lynn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 1509 University Avenue, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, 1415 Engineering Drive, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Chemistry, 1101 University Avenue, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 1509 University Avenue, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, 1415 Engineering Drive, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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41
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Mescola A, Marín-Medina N, Ragazzini G, Accolla M, Alessandrini A. Magainin-H2 effects on the permeabilization and mechanical properties of giant unilamellar vesicles. J Colloid Interface Sci 2019; 553:247-258. [PMID: 31207545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Among the potential novel therapeutics to treat bacterial infections, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a very promising substitute due to their broad-spectrum activity and rapid bactericidal action. AMPs strongly interact with the bacterial membrane, and the need to have a correct understanding of the interaction between AMPs and lipid bilayers at a molecular level prompted a wealth of experimental and theoretical studies exploiting a variety of AMPs. Here, we studied the effects of magainin H2 (Mag H2), an analog of the well-known magainin 2 (wt Mag 2) AMP endowed with a higher degree of hydrophobicity, on giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) concentrating on its permeabilization activity and the effect on the lipid bilayer mechanical properties. We demonstrated that the increased hydrophobicity of Mag H2 affects its selectivity conferring a strong permeabilization activity also on zwitterionic lipid bilayers. Moreover, when lipid mixtures including PG lipids are considered, PG has a protective effect, at variance from wt Mag 2, suggesting that for Mag H2 the monolayer curvature could prevail over the peptide-membrane electrostatic interaction. We then mechanically characterized GUVs by measuring the effect of Mag H2 on the bending constant of lipid bilayers by flickering spectroscopy and, by using micropipette aspiration technique, we followed the steps leading to vesicle permeabilization. We found that Mag H2, notwithstanding its enhanced hydrophobicity, has a pore formation mechanism compatible with the toroidal pore model similar to that of wt Mag 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mescola
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Nathaly Marín-Medina
- Department of Physics, University of Los Andes, Carrera 1 N° 18A - 12, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Gregorio Ragazzini
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy; Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Accolla
- Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Alessandrini
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy; Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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Lee MT, Hung WC, Huang HW. Rhombohedral trap for studying molecular oligomerization in membranes: application to daptomycin. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:4326-4333. [PMID: 31070654 PMCID: PMC6541503 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm00323a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
A persistent problem in the studies of membrane-active peptides, including antimicrobial peptides and pathogenic amyloidal peptides, is the lack of methods for investigating their molecular configurations in membranes. These peptides spontaneously bind to membranes from solutions, and often form oligomers that induce changes of membrane permeability. For antimicrobials, such actions appear to relate to the antimicrobial mechanisms, but for amyloidal peptides, the oligomerization has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. In many cases, no further understanding of such oligomerization has been achieved due to the lack of structural information. In this article, we will demonstrate a method of trapping such peptide oligomers in a rhombohedral (R) phase of lipid so that the oligomers can be subjected to 3D diffraction analysis. The conditions for forming the R phase and the electron density distribution in the rhombohedral unit cell provide information about peptide-lipid interactions and the molecular size of the trapped oligomer. Such information cannot be obtained from membranes in the planar configuration. For illustration, we apply this method to daptomycin, an FDA-approved antibiotic that attacks membranes containing phosphatidylglycerol, in the presence of calcium ions. We have successfully used the brominated phosphatidylglycerol to perform bromine-atom anomalous diffraction in the rhombohedral phase containing daptomycin and calcium ions. The preliminary results apparently exhibit diffraction data related to daptomycin oligomers. We believe that this method will also be applicable to the difficult problems related to amyloidal peptides, such as amyloid beta of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Tao Lee
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Physics, National Central University, Jhongli, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chin Hung
- Department of Physics, R. O. C. Military Academy, Fengshan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Huey W. Huang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston TX, USA
- Corresponding address:
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Cho JY, Jung HY, Kim JK. Biodegraded mackerel wastewater selectively inhibits harmful algal blooms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 364:349-355. [PMID: 30384245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Functional substances from mackerel wastewater were biodegraded and tested for inhibitory activity against harmful algal blooms (HABs) that are detrimental to aquaculture. The supernatant from a 48 h culture of mackerel wastewater had a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.54-0.68 mg/ml for the three tested HAB organisms (Heterocapsa triquetra, Alexandrium fundyense and Prorocentrum minimum). This inhibitory effect was not observed form 48-h biodegraded nutrient broth culture supernatant, indicating inhibitory substances did not originate from bacterial metabolites. Rough estimation of molecular weight using ultrafiltration indicated that the inhibitory substance was less than 2 kDa, and it did not inhibit the non-HAB organism (Skeletonema costatum), which is essential for preserving marine ecosystems in real-world applications. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect against HABs was not observed for biodegraded culture supernatants of other protein sources (skim milk and okara), indicating that the inhibitory substances were derived from a particular source present only in raw mackerel wastewater. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the selective inhibitory effects of the culture supernatant of mackerel wastewater against HABs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ja Young Cho
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Yi Jung
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Kyun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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Culham DE, Marom D, Boutin R, Garner J, Ozturk TN, Sahtout N, Tempelhagen L, Lamoureux G, Wood JM. Dual Role of the C-Terminal Domain in Osmosensing by Bacterial Osmolyte Transporter ProP. Biophys J 2018; 115:2152-2166. [PMID: 30448037 PMCID: PMC6289098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ProP is a member of the major facilitator superfamily, a proton-osmolyte symporter, and an osmosensing transporter. ProP proteins share extended cytoplasmic carboxyl terminal domains (CTDs) implicated in osmosensing. The CTDs of the best characterized, group A ProP orthologs, terminate in sequences that form intermolecular, antiparallel α-helical coiled coils (e.g., ProPEc, from Escherichia coli). Group B orthologs lack that feature (e.g., ProPXc, from Xanthomonas campestris). ProPXc was expressed and characterized in E. coli to further elucidate the role of the coiled coil in osmosensing. The activity of ProPXc was a sigmoid function of the osmolality in cells and proteoliposomes. ProPEc and ProPXc attained similar activities at the same expression level in E. coli. ProPEc transports proline and glycine betaine with comparable high affinities at low osmolality. In contrast, proline weakly inhibited high-affinity glycine-betaine uptake via ProPXc. The KM for proline uptake via ProPEc increases dramatically with the osmolality. The KM for glycine-betaine uptake via ProPXc did not. Thus, ProPXc is an osmosensing transporter, and the C-terminal coiled coil is not essential for osmosensing. The role of CTD-membrane interaction in osmosensing was examined further. As for ProPEc, the ProPXc CTD co-sedimented with liposomes comprising E. coli phospholipid. Molecular dynamics simulations illustrated association of the monomeric ProPEc CTD with the membrane surface. Comparison with the available NMR structure for the homodimeric coiled coil formed by the ProPEc-CTD suggested that membrane association and homodimeric coiled-coil formation by that peptide are mutually exclusive. The membrane fluidity in liposomes comprising E. coli phospholipid decreased with increasing osmolality in the range relevant for ProP activation. These data support the proposal that ProP activates as cellular dehydration increases cytoplasmic cation concentration, releasing the CTD from the membrane surface. For group A orthologs, this also favors α-helical coiled-coil formation that stabilizes the transporter in an active form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen E Culham
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Marom
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca Boutin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Garner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tugba Nur Ozturk
- Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Naheda Sahtout
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Tempelhagen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guillaume Lamoureux
- Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Janet M Wood
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Effects of the peptide Magainin H2 on Supported Lipid Bilayers studied by different biophysical techniques. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:2635-2643. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Guo Y, Xun M, Han J. A bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide (BMAP-28) and its analogs kill pan-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii by interacting with outer membrane protein A (OmpA). Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e12832. [PMID: 30334982 PMCID: PMC6211872 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000012832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit multiple activities against bacteria and fungi. A bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide (BMAP-28) belongs to the cathelicidin-derived AMPs and has antimicrobial activity. Due to the rapidly increasing number of infections and outbreaks caused by pan-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (PDRAB), we sought to determine whether BMAP-28 and its 4 analog peptides (A837, A838, A839, and A840) have antimicrobial activity against PDRAB. Furthermore, we clarified the possible mechanism of inhibition by which of BMAP-28 acts against PDRAB. In the current study, we examined the inhibitory effect of BMAP-28 and its 4 analog peptides on the growth of PDRAB through minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis and short time killing assays. We also evaluated the effects of BMAP-28 and its analogs on the bacterial cell surface through the use of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). In order to determine the inhibitory mechanism of BMAP-28, we examined the interaction between BMAP-28 and outer membrane proteins (OMPs), especially the interaction between BMAP-28 and A. baumannii OmpA (AbOmpA), which is the main component of OMPs, by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). BMAP-28 and its 4 analogs were effective in inhibiting the growth of PDRAB and had rapid killing ability. BMAP-28 showed exceptionally strong and rapid inhibitory effects on PDRAB when compared to the other peptides and was also shown to cause damage to the cell surface of PDRAB. Moreover, QCM analysis provided evidence of potential interaction between BMAP-28 and AbOmpA. These data indicate that BMAP-28 is a promising candidate for the treatment of PDRAB infections and that its inhibitory effects were related with its binding to AbOmpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology
| | - Meng Xun
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology
| | - Jing Han
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
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47
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Carrillo W, Lucio A, Gaibor J, Morales D, Vásquez G. Isolation of Antibacterial Hydrolysates from Hen Egg White Lysozyme and Identification of Antibacterial Peptides. J Med Food 2018; 21:808-818. [DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2017.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wilman Carrillo
- Research Department, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Bolivar State University, Guaranda, Ecuador
| | - Araceli Lucio
- Research Department, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Bolivar State University, Guaranda, Ecuador
| | - Juan Gaibor
- Research Department, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Bolivar State University, Guaranda, Ecuador
| | - Dayana Morales
- Laboratory of Functional Foods, Faculty of Foods Science and Engineering, Technical University of Ambato, Ambato, Ecuador
| | - Grace Vásquez
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Production Sciences, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Chen H, Nyantakyi SA, Li M, Gopal P, Aziz DB, Yang T, Moreira W, Gengenbacher M, Dick T, Go ML. The Mycobacterial Membrane: A Novel Target Space for Anti-tubercular Drugs. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1627. [PMID: 30072978 PMCID: PMC6060259 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) poses an enduring threat to global health. Consistently ranked among the top 10 causes of death worldwide since 2000, TB has now exceeded HIV-AIDS in terms of deaths inflicted by a single infectious agent. In spite of recently declining TB incident rates, these decreases have been incremental and fall short of threshold levels required to end the global TB epidemic. As in other infectious diseases, the emergence of resistant organisms poses a major impediment to effective TB control. Resistance in mycobacteria may evolve from genetic mutations in target genes which are transmitted during cell multiplication from mother cells to their progeny. A more insidious form of resistance involves sub-populations of non-growing (“dormant”) mycobacterial persisters. Quiescent and genetically identical to their susceptible counterparts, persisters exhibit non-inheritable drug tolerance. Their prevalence account for the protracted treatment period that is required for the treatment of TB. In order to improve the efficacy of treatment against mycobacterial persisters and drug-resistant organisms, novel antitubercular agents are urgently required. Selective targeting of bacterial membranes has been proposed as a viable therapeutic strategy against infectious diseases. The underpinning rationale is that a functionally intact cell membrane is vital for both replicating and dormant bacteria. Perturbing the membrane would thus disrupt a multitude of embedded targets with lethal pleiotropic consequences, besides limiting the emergence of resistant strains. There is growing interest in exploring small molecules as selective disruptors of the mycobacterial membrane. In this review, we examined the recent literature on different chemotypes with membrane perturbing properties, the mechanisms by which they induce membrane disruption and their potential as anti-TB agents. Cationic amphiphilicity is a signature motif that is required of membrane targeting agents but adherence to this broad physical requirement does not necessarily translate to conformity in terms of biological outcomes. Nor does it ensure selective targeting of mycobacterial membranes. These are unresolved issues that require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Samuel A Nyantakyi
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pooja Gopal
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dinah B Aziz
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tianming Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wilfried Moreira
- Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Antimicrobial Resistance Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Martin Gengenbacher
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Thomas Dick
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mei L Go
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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49
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Álvarez CA, Barriga A, Albericio F, Romero MS, Guzmán F. Identification of Peptides in Flowers of Sambucus nigra with Antimicrobial Activity against Aquaculture Pathogens. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23051033. [PMID: 29702623 PMCID: PMC6100021 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23051033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The elder (Sambucus spp.) tree has a number of uses in traditional medicine. Previous studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of elderberry liquid extract against human pathogenic bacteria and also influenza viruses. These properties have been mainly attributed to phenolic compounds. However, other plant defense molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), may be present. Here, we studied peptide extracts from flowers of Sambucus nigra L. The mass spectrometry analyses determined peptides of 3 to 3.6 kDa, among them, cysteine-rich peptides were identified with antimicrobial activity against various Gram-negative bacteria, including recurrent pathogens of Chilean aquaculture. In addition, membrane blebbing on the bacterial surface after exposure to the cyclotide was visualized by SEM microscopy and SYTOX Green permeabilization assay showed the ability to disrupt the bacterial membrane. We postulate that these peptides exert their action by destroying the bacterial membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Andrés Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina (FIGEMA), Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo 1781421, Chile.
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile.
- Centro AquaPacífico, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile.
| | - Andrés Barriga
- Unidad de Espectrometría de Masas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile.
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Department of Organic Chemistry and CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08007, Spain.
- School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa.
| | - María Soledad Romero
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1781421, Chile.
| | - Fanny Guzmán
- Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile.
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50
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Smart M, Rajagopal A, Liu WK, Ha BY. Opposing effects of cationic antimicrobial peptides and divalent cations on bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Phys Rev E 2017; 96:042405. [PMID: 29347628 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.96.042405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The permeability of the bacterial outer membrane, enclosing Gram-negative bacteria, depends on the interactions of the outer, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer, with surrounding ions and molecules. We present a coarse-grained model for describing how cationic amphiphilic molecules (e.g., antimicrobial peptides) interact with and perturb the LPS layer in a biologically relevant medium, containing monovalent and divalent salt ions (e.g., Mg^{2+}). In our approach, peptide binding is driven by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions and is assumed to expand the LPS layer, eventually priming it for disruption. Our results suggest that in parameter ranges of biological relevance (e.g., at micromolar concentrations) the antimicrobial peptide magainin 2 effectively disrupts the LPS layer, even though it has to compete with Mg^{2+} for the layer. They also show how the integrity of LPS is restored with an increasing concentration of Mg^{2+}. Using the approach, we make a number of predictions relevant for optimizing peptide parameters against Gram-negative bacteria and for understanding bacterial strategies to develop resistance against cationic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Smart
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Aruna Rajagopal
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Wing-Ki Liu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Bae-Yeun Ha
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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