1
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Gruber CW. Plant-Derived Peptides: (Neglected) Natural Products for Drug Discovery. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:627-630. [PMID: 38843800 PMCID: PMC11156498 DOI: 10.1055/a-2219-9724] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Peptides have emerged as key regulators in various physiological processes, including growth, development, stress, and defense responses within plants as well as ecological interactions of plants with microbes and animals. Understanding and harnessing plant peptides can lead to the development of innovative strategies for crop improvement, increasing agricultural productivity, and enhancing resilience to environmental challenges such as drought, pests, and diseases. Moreover, some plant peptides have shown promise in human health applications, with potential therapeutic benefits as ingredients in herbal medicines as well as novel drug leads. The exploration of plant peptides is essential for unraveling the mysteries of plant biology and advancing peptide drug discovery. This short personal commentary provides a very brief overview about the field of plant-derived peptides and a personal word of motivation to increase the number of scientists in pharmacognosy working with these fascinating biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian W. Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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2
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Lian Y, Tang X, Hu G, Miao C, Cui Y, Zhangsun D, Wu Y, Luo S. Characterization and evaluation of cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of cyclotides from Viola japonica. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9733. [PMID: 38679643 PMCID: PMC11056381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60246-9] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclotides are a type of defense peptide most commonly found in the Violaceae family of plants, exhibiting various biological activities. In this study, we focused on the Viola japonica as our research subject and conducted transcriptome sequencing and analysis using high-throughput transcriptomics techniques. During this process, we identified 61 cyclotides, among which 25 were previously documented, while the remaining 36 were designated as vija 1 to vija 36. Mass spectrometry detection showed that 21 putative cyclotides were found in the extract of V. japonica. Through isolation, purification and tandem mass spectrometry, we characterized and investigated the activities of five cyclotides. Our results demonstrated inhibitory effects of these cyclotides on the growth of Acinetobacter baumannii and Bacillus subtilis, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 4.2 μM and 2.1 μM, respectively. Furthermore, time killing kinetic assays revealed that cyclotides at concentration of 4 MICs achieved completely bactericidal effects within 2 h. Additionally, fluorescence staining experiments confirmed that cyclotides disrupt microbial membranes. Moreover, cytotoxicity studies showed that cyclotides possess cytotoxic effects, with IC50 values ranging from 0.1 to 3.5 μM. In summary, the discovery of new cyclotide sequences enhances our understanding of peptide diversity and the exploration of their activity lays the foundation for a deeper investigation into the mechanisms of action of cyclotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Lian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xue Tang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Gehui Hu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Chenfang Miao
- Department of Pharmacy, The 900Th Hospital of Joint Logistics Team of the PLA, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yunfei Cui
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
| | - Sulan Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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3
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Gualandi N, Fracarossi D, Riommi D, Sollitto M, Greco S, Mardirossian M, Pacor S, Hori T, Pallavicini A, Gerdol M. Unveiling the Impact of Gene Presence/Absence Variation in Driving Inter-Individual Sequence Diversity within the CRP-I Gene Family in Mytilus spp. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040787. [PMID: 37107545 PMCID: PMC10138031 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mussels (Mytilus spp.) tolerate infections much better than other species living in the same marine coastal environment thanks to a highly efficient innate immune system, which exploits a remarkable diversification of effector molecules involved in mucosal and humoral responses. Among these, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are subjected to massive gene presence/absence variation (PAV), endowing each individual with a potentially unique repertoire of defense molecules. The unavailability of a chromosome-scale assembly has so far prevented a comprehensive evaluation of the genomic arrangement of AMP-encoding loci, preventing an accurate ascertainment of the orthology/paralogy relationships among sequence variants. Here, we characterized the CRP-I gene cluster in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis, which includes about 50 paralogous genes and pseudogenes, mostly packed in a small genomic region within chromosome 5. We further reported the occurrence of widespread PAV within this family in the Mytilus species complex and provided evidence that CRP-I peptides likely adopt a knottin fold. We functionally characterized the synthetic peptide sCRP-I H1, assessing the presence of biological activities consistent with other knottins, revealing that mussel CRP-I peptides are unlikely to act as antimicrobial agents or protease inhibitors, even though they may be used as defense molecules against infections from eukaryotic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Gualandi
- Area of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies, 34136 Trieste, Italy;
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Davide Fracarossi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Damiano Riommi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Marco Sollitto
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Samuele Greco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Mario Mardirossian
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Sabrina Pacor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Tiago Hori
- Atlantic Aqua Farms Ltd., Vernon Bridge, PE C0A 2E0, Canada;
| | - Alberto Pallavicini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
- Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Gerdol
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (D.F.); (D.R.); (M.S.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (S.P.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence:
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4
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Ajingi YS, Rukying N, Jiddah NU, Koga Y, Jongruja N. Cloning, recombinant expression, purification, and functional characterization of AGAAN antibacterial peptide. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:88. [PMID: 36811032 PMCID: PMC9938847 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03512-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A recombinant version of the AGAAN antimicrobial peptide (rAGAAN) was cloned, expressed, and purified in this study. Its antibacterial potency and stability in harsh environments were thoroughly investigated. A 15 kDa soluble rAGAAN was effectively expressed in E. coli. The purified rAGAAN exhibited a broad antibacterial spectrum and was efficacious against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of rAGAAN against the growth of M. luteus (TISTR 745) was as low as 60 µg/ml. Membrane permeation assay reveals that the integrity of the bacterial envelope is compromised. In addition, rAGAAN was resistant to temperature shock and maintained a high degree of stability throughout a reasonably extensive pH range. The bactericidal activity of rAGAAN ranged from 36.26 to 79.22% in the presence of pepsin and Bacillus proteases. Lower bile salt concentrations had no significant effect on the function of the peptide, whereas higher concentrations induced E. coli resistance. Additionally, rAGAAN exhibited minimal hemolytic activity against red blood cells. This study indicated that rAGAAN may be produced on a large scale in E. coli and that it had an excellent antibacterial activity and sufficient stability. This first work to express biologically active rAGAAN in E. coli yielded 8.01 mg/ml at 16 °C/150 rpm for 18 h in Luria Bertani (LB) medium supplemented with 1% glucose and induced with 0.5 mM IPTG. It also assesses the interfering factors that influence the activity of the peptide, demonstrating its potential for research and therapy of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya’u Sabo Ajingi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT), 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Thonburi , 10140 Bangkok Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, Nigeria
| | - Neeranuch Rukying
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT), 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Thonburi , 10140 Bangkok Thailand
| | - Nafiu Usman Jiddah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT), 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Thonburi , 10140 Bangkok Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria
| | - Yuichi Koga
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University of Science , Ridai-cho 1-1, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Japan
| | - Nujarin Jongruja
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Mongkut’s University of Technology (KMUTT), 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Thonburi , 10140 Bangkok Thailand
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5
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Attah FA, Lawal BA, Yusuf AB, Adedeji OJ, Folahan JT, Akhigbe KO, Roy T, Lawal AA, Ogah NB, Olorundare OE, Chamcheu JC. Nutritional and Pharmaceutical Applications of Under-Explored Knottin Peptide-Rich Phytomedicines. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3271. [PMID: 36501311 PMCID: PMC9737898 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Phytomedicines reportedly rich in cystine knot peptides (Knottins) are found in several global diets, food/herbal supplements and functional foods. However, their knottin peptide content has largely been unexplored, notably for their emerging dual potentials at both the food and medicine space. The nutritional roles, biological targets and mechanism(s) of activity of these knotted peptides are largely unknown. Meanwhile, knottins have recently been unveiled as emerging peptide therapeutics and nutraceuticals of primary choice due to their broad spectrum of bioactivity, hyper stability, selective toxicity, impressive selectivity for biomolecular targets, and their bioengineering applications. In addition to their potential dietary benefits, some knottins have displayed desirable limited toxicity to human erythrocytes. In an effort to appraise what has been accomplished, unveil knowledge gaps and explore the future prospects of knottins, an elaborate review of the nutritional and pharmaceutical application of phytomedicines rich in knottins was carried out. Herein, we provide comprehensive data on common dietary and therapeutic knottins, the majority of which are poorly investigated in many food-grade phytomedicines used in different cultures and localities. Findings from this review should stimulate scientific interest to unveil novel dietary knottins and knottin-rich nutraceutical peptide drug candidates/leads with potential for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Alfred Attah
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240272, Nigeria
| | - Bilqis Abiola Lawal
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240272, Nigeria
| | - Abdulmalik Babatunde Yusuf
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240272, Nigeria
| | - Oluwakorede Joshua Adedeji
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240272, Nigeria
| | - Joy Temiloluwa Folahan
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
| | - Kelvin Oluwafemi Akhigbe
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240272, Nigeria
| | - Tithi Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
| | - Azeemat Adeola Lawal
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240272, Nigeria
| | - Ngozi Blessing Ogah
- Department of Biotechnology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki 480101, Nigeria
| | | | - Jean Christopher Chamcheu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
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6
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Conzelmann C, Muratspahić E, Tomašević N, Münch J, Gruber CW. In vitro Inhibition of HIV-1 by Cyclotide-Enriched Extracts of Viola tricolor. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:888961. [PMID: 35712712 PMCID: PMC9196940 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.888961] [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: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since viral infectious diseases continue to be a global health threat, new antiviral drugs are urgently needed. A unique class of therapeutic compounds are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). They can be found in humans, bacteria and plants. Plants express a wide variety of such defense peptides as part of their innate immune system to protect from invading pathogens. Cyclotides are non-classical AMPs that share a similar structure. Their unique topology consists of a circular peptide backbone and disulfide bonds. In previous studies they have been attributed to a wide range of biological activities. To identify novel cyclotides with antiviral activity, we established a library of plant extracts largely consisting of cyclotide-rich species and screened them as inhibitors of HIV-1 infection. Subsequent extraction and fractionation revealed four cyclotide-containing subfractions from Viola tricolor with antiviral activity. These subfractions inhibited HIV-1 infection with IC50 values between 0.6 and 11.2 μg/ml, and selectivity indices of up to 8.1. The identification and characterization of antiviral cyclotides and the determination of the antiviral mechanisms may allow to develop novel agents to combat viral infections. Therefore, cyclotides represent a natural source of bioactive molecules with prospects for development as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Conzelmann
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jan Münch, ; Christian W. Gruber,
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Jan Münch, ; Christian W. Gruber,
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7
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Pavlicevic M, Marmiroli N, Maestri E. Immunomodulatory peptides-A promising source for novel functional food production and drug discovery. Peptides 2022; 148:170696. [PMID: 34856531 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory peptides are a complex class of bioactive peptides that encompasses substances with different mechanisms of action. Immunomodulatory peptides could also be used in vaccines as adjuvants which would be extremely desirable, especially in response to pandemics. Thus, immunomodulatory peptides in food of plant origin could be regarded both as valuable suplements of novel functional food preparation and/or as precursors or possible active ingredients for drugs design for treatment variety of conditions arising from impaired function of immune system. Given variety of mechanisms, different tests are required to assess effects of immunomodulatory peptides. Some of those effects show good correlation with in vivo results but others, less so. Certain plant peptides, such as defensins, show both immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effect, which makes them interesting candidates for preparation of functional food and feed, as well as templates for design of synthetic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Pavlicevic
- Institute for Food Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nelson Marmiroli
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, and Interdepartmental Center SITEIA.PARMA, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Maestri
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, and Interdepartmental Center SITEIA.PARMA, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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8
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Khan MA, Kassianos AJ, Hoy WE, Alam AK, Healy HG, Gobe GC. Promoting Plant-Based Therapies for Chronic Kidney Disease. J Evid Based Integr Med 2022; 27:2515690X221079688. [PMID: 35243916 PMCID: PMC8902019 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x221079688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is debilitating, increasing in incidence worldwide, and a financial and social burden on health systems. Kidney failure, the final stage of CKD, is life-threatening if untreated with kidney replacement therapies. Current therapies using commercially-available drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers, generally only delay the progression of CKD. This review article focuses on effective alternative therapies to improve the prevention and treatment of CKD, using plants or plant extracts. Three mechanistic processes that are well-documented in CKD pathogenesis are inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Many plants and their extracts are already known to ameliorate kidney dysfunction through antioxidant action, with subsequent benefits on inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments using plant-based therapies for pre-clinical research demonstrate some robust therapeutic benefits. In the CKD clinic, combination treatments of plant extracts with conventional therapies that are seen as relatively successful currently may confer additive or synergistic renoprotective effects. Therefore, the aim of recent research is to identify, rigorously test pre-clinically and clinically, and avoid any toxic outcomes to obtain optimal therapeutic benefit from medicinal plants. This review may prove to be a filtering tool to researchers into complementary and alternative medicines to find out the current trends of using plant-based therapies for the treatment of kidney diseases, including CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali Khan
- NHMRC CKD CRE (CKD.QLD), Univ of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Univ of Queensland, Australia.,Conjoint Internal Medicine Laboratory, Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Univ of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Bangladesh
| | - Andrew J Kassianos
- Conjoint Internal Medicine Laboratory, Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Chronic Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Univ of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Kidney Health Service, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,IHBI, Queensland Univ of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wendy E Hoy
- NHMRC CKD CRE (CKD.QLD), Univ of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Centre for Chronic Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Univ of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Helen G Healy
- NHMRC CKD CRE (CKD.QLD), Univ of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Conjoint Internal Medicine Laboratory, Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Chronic Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Univ of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Kidney Health Service, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Glenda C Gobe
- NHMRC CKD CRE (CKD.QLD), Univ of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Univ of Queensland, Australia.,Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Univ of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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9
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Muratspahić E, Tomašević N, Nasrollahi-Shirazi S, Gattringer J, Emser FS, Freissmuth M, Gruber CW. Plant-Derived Cyclotides Modulate κ-Opioid Receptor Signaling. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:2238-2248. [PMID: 34308635 PMCID: PMC8406418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived disulfide-rich peptides comprising a cyclic cystine knot, which confers remarkable stability against thermal, proteolytic, and chemical degradation. They represent an emerging class of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands. In this study, utilizing a screening approach of plant extracts and pharmacological analysis we identified cyclotides from Carapichea ipecacuanha to be ligands of the κ-opioid receptor (KOR), an attractive target for developing analgesics with reduced side effects and therapeutics for multiple sclerosis (MS). This prompted us to verify whether [T20K]kalata B1, a cyclotide in clinical development for the treatment of MS, is able to modulate KOR signaling. T20K bound to and fully activated KOR in the low μM range. We then explored the ability of T20K to allosterically modulate KOR. Co-incubation of T20K with KOR ligands resulted in positive allosteric modulation in functional cAMP assays by altering either the efficacy of dynorphin A1-13 or the potency and efficacy of U50,488 (a selective KOR agonist), respectively. In addition, T20K increased the basal response upon cotreatment with U50,488. In the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay T20K negatively modulated the efficacy of U50,488. This study identifies cyclotides capable of modulating KOR and highlights the potential of plant-derived peptides as an opportunity to develop cyclotide-based KOR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nataša Tomašević
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Shahrooz Nasrollahi-Shirazi
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Gaston
H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical
University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Gattringer
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabiola Susanna Emser
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Gaston
H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical
University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W. Gruber
- Center
for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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10
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Gattringer J, Ndogo OE, Retzl B, Ebermann C, Gruber CW, Hellinger R. Cyclotides Isolated From Violet Plants of Cameroon Are Inhibitors of Human Prolyl Oligopeptidase. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:707596. [PMID: 34322026 PMCID: PMC8311463 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.707596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional medicine and the use of herbal remedies are well established in the African health care system. For instance, Violaceae plants are used for antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory applications in folk medicine. This study describes the phytochemical analysis and bioactivity screening of four species of the violet tribe Allexis found in Cameroon. Allexis cauliflora, Allexis obanensis, Allexis batangae and Allexis zygomorpha were evaluated for the expression of circular peptides (cyclotides) by mass spectrometry. The unique cyclic cystine-rich motif was identified in several peptides of all four species. Knowing that members of this peptide family are protease inhibitors, the plant extracts were evaluated for the inhibition of human prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). Since all four species inhibited POP activity, a bioactivity-guided fractionation approach was performed to isolate peptide inhibitors. These novel cyclotides, alca 1 and alca 2 exhibited IC50 values of 8.5 and 4.4 µM, respectively. To obtain their amino acid sequence information, combinatorial enzymatic proteolysis was performed. The proteolytic fragments were evaluated in MS/MS fragmentation experiments and the full-length amino acid sequences were obtained by de novo annotation of fragment ions. In summary, this study identified inhibitors of the human protease POP, which is a drug target for inflammatory or neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Gattringer
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olivier Eteme Ndogo
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Retzl
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Ebermann
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Attah AF, Omobola AI, Moody JO, Sonibare MA, Adebukola OM, Onasanwo SA. Detection of cysteine-rich peptides in Tragia benthamii Baker (Euphorbiaceae) and in vivo antiinflammatory effect in a chick model. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2020-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Tragia benthamii (TBM) commonly called the climbing nettle is a tropical plant claimed to have numerous anti inflammatory effects in sub Saharan African ethnomedicine which lacks scientific evidence. Aqueous extracts of TBM were further prepurified on a RP-C18 parked solid phase system to obtain 20% aqueous fraction. This fraction was enzymatically and chemically analyzed (by MALDI TOF MS and MS/MS) to contain interesting low molecular weight cysteine-rich stable peptides within the range of 2.5–3.2 KDa. The 20% aqueous fraction was further tested in vivo using carrageenan-induced foot edema (acute inflammation) in seven-day old chicks with diclofenac as reference drug. The cytotoxicity of this active fraction was investigated using the brine shrimp lethality assay. The brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay produced LC50 above 1000 μg/mL. Pretreatment with the TBM extract (30–300 mg/kg, i.p) dose dependently (P<0.01) reduced foot edema with maximal inhibition of 0.253 ± 0.180 (84.3%) at 300 mg/kg body weight, which was comparable to that of diclofenac with inhibition (P<0.05) of 0.410 ± 0.271 (74.5%) at 10 mg/kg body weight. The study has therefore shown for the first time, the detection of cysteine-rich biologically active peptides in T. benthamii and the stable peptide extracts from this ethnomedicinal plant, which is not toxic to Artemia salina, exhibits anti inflammatory activity in a chick in vivo model. This may provide scientific evidence for its use in the treatment of inflammation and pain in traditional medicine. Further in-depth vivo and in vitro studies will be required to investigate its anti inflammatory activity including effect on HUVEC-TERT, the possible inhibition of ICAM-1 surface expression and the mechanism of the anti inflammatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred F. Attah
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ilorin , Ilorin , Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Abobarin I. Omobola
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Jones O. Moody
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Mubo A. Sonibare
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Olubori M. Adebukola
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Samuel A. Onasanwo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
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Li J, Hu S, Jian W, Xie C, Yang X. Plant antimicrobial peptides: structures, functions, and applications. BOTANICAL STUDIES 2021; 62:5. [PMID: 33914180 PMCID: PMC8085091 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-021-00312-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of short, usually positively charged polypeptides that exist in humans, animals, and plants. Considering the increasing number of drug-resistant pathogens, the antimicrobial activity of AMPs has attracted much attention. AMPs with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against many gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi are an important defensive barrier against pathogens for many organisms. With continuing research, many other physiological functions of plant AMPs have been found in addition to their antimicrobial roles, such as regulating plant growth and development and treating many diseases with high efficacy. The potential applicability of plant AMPs in agricultural production, as food additives and disease treatments, has garnered much interest. This review focuses on the types of plant AMPs, their mechanisms of action, the parameters affecting the antimicrobial activities of AMPs, and their potential applications in agricultural production, the food industry, breeding industry, and medical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Li
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Shuping Hu
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Wei Jian
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Chengjian Xie
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Xingyong Yang
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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