1
|
Waters JE, Stevens-Cullinane L, Siebenmann L, Hess J. Recent advances in the development of metal complexes as antibacterial agents with metal-specific modes of action. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 75:102347. [PMID: 37467616 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The mounting burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most concerning threats to public health worldwide. With low economic incentives and a dwindling supply of new drugs in clinical pipelines, more innovative approaches to novel drug design and development are desperately required. Metal-based compounds are rapidly emerging as an alternative to organic drugs, as they have the ability to kill pathogens via metal-specific modes of action. We herein review recent advances in metal-based antibacterial agents, including metal complexes, metal ions and catalytic metallodrugs. The review concludes with a perspective on the rational design of metal-based antibiotics, and how we can exploit their unique properties to tackle AMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Waters
- Biological Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom; Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Stevens-Cullinane
- Biological Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom; Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Lukas Siebenmann
- Biological Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom; Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom
| | - Jeannine Hess
- Biological Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom; Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, 7 Trinity Street, London SE1 1DB, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jahan I, Kumar SD, Shin SY, Lee CW, Shin SH, Yang S. Multifunctional Properties of BMAP-18 and Its Aliphatic Analog against Drug-Resistant Bacteria. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1356. [PMID: 37895827 PMCID: PMC10609797 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BMAP-18, derived from the N-terminal region of bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide BMAP-27, demonstrates potent antimicrobial activity without cytotoxicity. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties of BMAP-18, rich in aromatic phenylalanine residues, with its aliphatic analog, BMAP-18-FL. Both aromatic BMAP-18 and aliphatic BMAP-18-FL exhibited equally potent antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA). Mechanistic investigations employing SYTOX green uptake, DNA binding, and FACScan analysis revealed that both peptides acted by inducing membrane permeabilization and subsequent intracellular targeting. Moreover, both BMAP-18 and BMAP-18-FL effectively prevented biofilm formation and eradicated existing biofilms of MRSA and MDRPA. Notably, BMAP-18-FL displayed a superior anti-inflammatory activity compared to BMAP-18, significantly reducing the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. This study emphasizes the similarities and differences in the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties between aromatic BMAP-18 and aliphatic BMAP-18-FL, providing valuable insights for the development of multifunctional antimicrobial peptides against drug-resistant bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ishrat Jahan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sukumar Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea; (S.D.K.); (S.Y.S.)
| | - Song Yub Shin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea; (S.D.K.); (S.Y.S.)
| | - Chul Won Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sung-Heui Shin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea; (S.D.K.); (S.Y.S.)
| | - Sungtae Yang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang W, Li P, Huang Q, Zhu Q, He S, Bing W, Zhang Z. Functionalized antibacterial peptide with DNA cleavage activity for enhanced bacterial disinfection. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 228:113412. [PMID: 37343506 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections, but the misuse and abuse of antibiotics have given rise to a severe problem of the drug resistance of bacteria. Solving this problem has been a vitally important task in the modern medical arena. Antibacterial peptide (AMPs) has become a promising candidate drug to replace antibiotics because of their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and their difficulty in making bacteria resistant. However, its wider clinical application is limited by the shortcomings of high cytotoxicity and low antibacterial efficiency. In this paper, we constructed an antibacterial peptide (Cu-GGH-KKLRKIAFK, abbreviated as Cu-GGH-AMP) with a DNA cleavage function. The peptide has two functional regions, the C-terminal antibacterial peptide PaDBS1R6F10 (KKLRLKIAFK) and the N-terminal Cu-GGH complex. PaDBS1R6F10 is a unique antibacterial peptide, which shows lower tendency to produce bacterial resistance than traditional antibiotics. Cu-GGG complexes are formed by chelating Cu with the classical amino terminal Cu (II)- and Ni (II) -Binding (ATCUN) motif GGH. In the presence of ascorbic acid, Cu-GGH can efficiently catalyze the oxidative cleavage of bacterial DNA, thus playing a synergistic antibacterial role with antibacterial peptides. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated this functionalized antibacterial peptide possesses excellent antibacterial and anti-skin infection capability, as well as the activity of promoting wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Peizhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 130018, China
| | - Qiwen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 130018, China
| | - Qiming Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 130018, China
| | - Shuijian He
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wei Bing
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China.
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 130018, China; Shaoxing Keqiao Research Institute of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Shaoxing 312000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Greve JM, Cowan JA. Activity and Synergy of Cu-ATCUN Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214151. [PMID: 36430622 PMCID: PMC9692552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance demands innovative strategies and therapies. The pairs of antimicrobial peptides tested in this work show broad-spectrum synergy and are capable of interacting with diverse bacterial membranes. In most cases, the ATCUN motif enhanced the activity of peptides tested in combination. Our studies also show CP10A to be a multifaceted peptide, displaying both cell membrane and intracellular activity and acting as a chameleon, improving the activity of other peptides as needed. The results of the synergy experiments demonstrate the importance of varied modes of action and how these changes can affect the ability to combat pathogens, while also illustrating the value of the metal-binding domain in enhancing the activity of antimicrobial peptides in combination.
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen X, Han J, Cai X, Wang S. Antimicrobial peptides: Sustainable application informed by evolutionary constraints. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108012. [PMID: 35752270 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The proliferation and global expansion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have deepened the need to develop novel antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as promising antibacterial agents because of their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and multifaceted mechanisms of action with non-specific targets. However, if AMPs are to be applied sustainably, knowledge of how they induce resistance in pathogenic bacteria must be mastered to avoid repeating the traditional antibiotic resistance mistakes currently faced. Furthermore, the evolutionary constraints on the acquisition of AMP resistance by microorganisms in the natural environment, such as functional compatibility and fitness trade-offs, inform the translational application of AMPs. Consequently, the shortcut to achieve sustainable utilization of AMPs is to uncover the evolutionary constraints of bacteria on AMP resistance in nature and find the tricks to exploit these constraints, such as applying AMP cocktails to minimize the efficacy of selection for resistance or combining nanomaterials to maximize the costs of AMP resistance. Altogether, this review dissects the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of utilizing AMPs against disease-causing bacteria, and highlights the use of AMP cocktails or nanomaterials to proactively address potential AMP resistance crises in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China; College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Jinzhi Han
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Xixi Cai
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Shaoyun Wang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Goldmeier MN, Khononov A, Belakhov V, Pieńko T, Orbach N, Gilad Barzilay Y, Baasov T. Dynamic Intramolecular Cap for Preserving Metallodrug Integrity─A Case of Catalytic Fluoroquinolones. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14049-14065. [PMID: 36219830 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A library of eight new fluoroquinolone-nuclease conjugates containing a guanidinoethyl or aminoethyl auxiliary pendant on the cyclen moiety was designed and synthesized to investigate their potential for overcoming the general issue of "metallodrug vulnerability" under physiological conditions. The Cu(II) and Co(III) complexes of the new designer compounds were synthesized, and their potential to operate a dynamic, intramolecular cap with DNase activity was explored. The lead Co(III)-cyclen-ciprofloxacin conjugate showed excellent in vitro hydrolytic DNase activity, which was retained in the presence of strong endogenous chelators and exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity relative to the metal-free ligand (in the absence of any adjuvants), thereby demonstrating a "proof of concept" in vitro and ex vivo, respectively, for the dynamic cap hypothesis. The lead conjugate nicked supercoiled plasmid DNA within the fluoroquinolone-gyrase-DNA ternary complex and thereby disabled the function of gyrase, a new mode of action not previously reported for any fluoroquinolone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moshe N Goldmeier
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Alina Khononov
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Valery Belakhov
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Tomasz Pieńko
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Noam Orbach
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Yuval Gilad Barzilay
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Timor Baasov
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion─Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Greve JM, Cowan JA. Tackling antimicrobial stewardship through synergy and antimicrobial peptides. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:511-521. [PMID: 35694695 PMCID: PMC9132191 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00048b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The unrestricted use of antibiotics has led to rapid development of antibiotic resistance (AR) and renewed calls to address this serious problem. This review summarizes the most common mechanisms of antibiotic action, and in turn antibiotic resistance, as well as pathways to mitigate the harm. Focus is then turned to emerging antibiotic strategies, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), with a discussion of their modes of action, biochemical features, and potential challenges for their use as antibiotics. The role of synergy in antimicrobials is also examined, with a focus on the synergy of AMPs and other emerging interactions with synergistic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Greve
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University 100 West 18th Avenue Columbus Ohio 43210 USA +1 614 292 2703
| | - James A Cowan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University 100 West 18th Avenue Columbus Ohio 43210 USA +1 614 292 2703
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anjomshoa M, Amirheidari B. Nuclease-like metalloscissors: Biomimetic candidates for cancer and bacterial and viral infections therapy. Coord Chem Rev 2022; 458:214417. [PMID: 35153301 PMCID: PMC8816526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the extensive and rapid discovery of modern drugs for treatment of cancer, microbial infections, and viral illnesses; these diseases are still among major global health concerns. To take inspiration from natural nucleases and also the therapeutic potential of metallopeptide antibiotics such as the bleomycin family, artificial metallonucleases with the ability of promoting DNA/RNA cleavage and eventually affecting cellular biological processes can be introduced as a new class of therapeutic candidates. Metal complexes can be considered as one of the main categories of artificial metalloscissors, which can prompt nucleic acid strand scission. Accordingly, biologists, inorganic chemists, and medicinal inorganic chemists worldwide have been designing, synthesizing and evaluating the biological properties of metal complexes as artificial metalloscissors. In this review, we try to highlight the recent studies conducted on the nuclease-like metalloscissors and their potential therapeutic applications. Under the light of the concurrent Covid-19 pandemic, the human need for new therapeutics was highlighted much more than ever before. The nuclease-like metalloscissors with the potential of RNA cleavage of invading viral pathogens hence deserve prime attention.
Collapse
|
9
|
Liang J, Sun D, Yang Y, Li M, Li H, Chen L. Discovery of metal-based complexes as promising antimicrobial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113696. [PMID: 34274828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an intractable problem for the world. Metal ions are essential for the cell process and biological function in microorganisms. Many metal-based complexes with the potential for releasing ions are more likely to be absorbed for their higher lipid solubility. Hence, this review highlights the clinical potential of organometallic compounds for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria or fungi in recent five years. The common scaffolds, including antimicrobial peptides, N-heterocyclic carbenes, Schiff bases, photosensitive-grand-cycle skeleton structures, aliphatic amines-based ligands, and special metal-based complexes are summarized here. We also discuss their therapeutic targets and the risks that should be paid attention to in the future studies, aiming to provide information for researchers on metal-based complexes as antimicrobial agents and inspire the design and synthesis of new antimicrobial drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Dejuan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yueying Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Mingxue Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thompson Z, Greve JM, Cowan JA. Enhanced Synergism and Mechanism of Action Studies of Synthetic Antimicrobial Metallopeptides. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2112-2120. [PMID: 33825350 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found throughout most kingdoms of life, are an important part of host immunity, and have been shown to act synergistically in various organisms to ameliorate bacterial infections. Herein, we report the synergistic behavior observed between two AMPs, Sub5 and CP10A, against E. coli. In addition, enhanced synergistic activity against E. coli and MRSA 43300 for two derivatives of Sub5, extended with the amino-terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) binding motif, is observed when dosed together with CP10A, while displaying little cytotoxicity towards human dermal fibroblasts. All three combinations of peptides co-localized within bacterial cells as evidenced by fluorescence confocal microscopy. Investigations into the mechanism of synergy shows that all peptides indirectly damage DNA within cells, while only the ATCUN derivatives can oxidize phospholipids. Combinations of peptides were also shown to upregulate the concentration of reactive oxygen species within both E. coli and MRSA 43300. These results suggest that the production of reactive oxygen species is an important aspect mechanistically and further highlights the potential of these metallopeptides to aid in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zechariah Thompson
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Evans Laboratory of Chemistry 100, West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Jenna M Greve
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Evans Laboratory of Chemistry 100, West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - James Allan Cowan
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Evans Laboratory of Chemistry 100, West 18th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Goldmeier MN, Katz S, Glaser F, Belakhov V, Khononov A, Baasov T. Toward Catalytic Antibiotics: Redesign of Fluoroquinolones to Catalytically Fragment Chromosomal DNA. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:608-623. [PMID: 33448785 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A library of ciprofloxacin-nuclease conjugates was designed and synthesized to investigate their potential as catalytic antibiotics. The Cu(II) complexes of the new designer compounds (i) showed excellent in vitro hydrolytic and oxidative DNase activity, (ii) showed good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and (iii) proved to be highly potent bacterial DNA gyrase inhibitors via a mechanism that involves stabilization of the fluoroquinolone-topoisomerase-DNA ternary complex. Furthermore, the Cu(II) complexes of two of the new designer compounds were shown to fragment supercoiled plasmid DNA into linear DNA in the presence of DNA gyrase, demonstrating a "proof of concept" in vitro. These ciprofloxacin-nuclease conjugates can therefore serve as models with which to develop next-generation, in vivo functioning catalytic antimicrobials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moshe N. Goldmeier
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion − Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Sofya Katz
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion − Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Fabian Glaser
- The Lorry I. Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Valery Belakhov
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion − Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Alina Khononov
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion − Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Timor Baasov
- Edith and Joseph Fischer Enzyme Inhibitors Laboratory, Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion − Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Portelinha J, Angeles-Boza AM. The Antimicrobial Peptide Gad-1 Clears Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms under Cystic Fibrosis Conditions. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1646-1655. [PMID: 33428273 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are an emerging health issue and lead to a premature death. CF is a hereditary disease that creates a thick mucus in the lungs that is prone to bacterial biofilm formation, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. These biofilms are very difficult to treat because many of them have antibiotic resistance that is worsened by the presence of extracellular DNA (eDNA). eDNA helps to stabilize biofilms and can bind antimicrobial compounds to lessen their effects. The metallo-antimicrobial peptide Gaduscidin-1 (Gad-1) eradicates established P. aeruginosa biofilms through a combination of modes of action that includes nuclease activity that can cleave eDNA in biofilms. In addition, Gad-1 exhibits synergistic activity when used with the antibiotics kanamycin and ciprofloxacin, thus making Gad-1 a new lead compound for the potential treatment of bacterial biofilms in CF patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Portelinha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 N. Eagleville Road Storrs, Connecticut, CT 06269, USA
| | - Alfredo M Angeles-Boza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 N. Eagleville Road Storrs, Connecticut, CT 06269, USA.,Institute of Material Science, University of Connecticut, 97 N. Eagleville Road Storrs, Connecticut, CT 06269, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Portelinha J, Duay SS, Yu SI, Heilemann K, Libardo MDJ, Juliano SA, Klassen JL, Angeles-Boza AM. Antimicrobial Peptides and Copper(II) Ions: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities. Chem Rev 2021; 121:2648-2712. [PMID: 33524257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of new pathogens and multidrug resistant bacteria is an important public health issue that requires the development of novel classes of antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising platform with great potential for the identification of new lead compounds that can combat the aforementioned pathogens due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and relatively low rate of resistance emergence. AMPs of multicellular organisms made their debut four decades ago thanks to ingenious researchers who asked simple questions about the resistance to bacterial infections of insects. Questions such as "Do fruit flies ever get sick?", combined with pioneering studies, have led to an understanding of AMPs as universal weapons of the immune system. This review focuses on a subclass of AMPs that feature a metal binding motif known as the amino terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) motif. One of the metal-based strategies of hosts facing a pathogen, it includes wielding the inherent toxicity of copper and deliberately trafficking this metal ion into sites of infection. The sudden increase in the concentration of copper ions in the presence of ATCUN-containing AMPs (ATCUN-AMPs) likely results in a synergistic interaction. Herein, we examine common structural features in ATCUN-AMPs that exist across species, and we highlight unique features that deserve additional attention. We also present the current state of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms behind their antimicrobial activity and the methods available to study this promising class of AMPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Portelinha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Searle S Duay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States.,Chemistry Department, Adamson University, 900 San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Seung I Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Kara Heilemann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - M Daben J Libardo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Samuel A Juliano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Jonathan L Klassen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Alfredo M Angeles-Boza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States.,Institute of Material Science, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bouraguba M, Glattard E, Naudé M, Pelletier R, Aisenbrey C, Bechinger B, Raibaut L, Lebrun V, Faller P. Copper-binding motifs Xxx-His or Xxx-Zzz-His (ATCUN) linked to an antimicrobial peptide: Cu-binding, antimicrobial activity and ROS production. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 213:111255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
15
|
Maiti BK, Govil N, Kundu T, Moura JJG. Designed Metal-ATCUN Derivatives: Redox- and Non-redox-Based Applications Relevant for Chemistry, Biology, and Medicine. iScience 2020; 23:101792. [PMID: 33294799 PMCID: PMC7701195 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The designed “ATCUN” motif (amino-terminal copper and nickel binding site) is a replica of naturally occurring ATCUN site found in many proteins/peptides, and an attractive platform for multiple applications, which include nucleases, proteases, spectroscopic probes, imaging, and small molecule activation. ATCUN motifs are engineered at periphery by conjugation to recombinant proteins, peptides, fluorophores, or recognition domains through chemically or genetically, fulfilling the needs of various biological relevance and a wide range of practical usages. This chemistry has witnessed significant growth over the last few decades and several interesting ATCUN derivatives have been described. The redox role of the ATCUN moieties is also an important aspect to be considered. The redox potential of designed M-ATCUN derivatives is modulated by judicious choice of amino acid (including stereochemistry, charge, and position) that ultimately leads to the catalytic efficiency. In this context, a wide range of M-ATCUN derivatives have been designed purposefully for various redox- and non-redox-based applications, including spectroscopic probes, target-based catalytic metallodrugs, inhibition of amyloid-β toxicity, and telomere shortening, enzyme inactivation, biomolecules stitching or modification, next-generation antibiotic, and small molecule activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biplab K Maiti
- National Institute of Technology Sikkim, Ravangla Campus, Barfung Block, Ravangla Sub Division, South Sikkim 737139, India
| | - Nidhi Govil
- National Institute of Technology Sikkim, Ravangla Campus, Barfung Block, Ravangla Sub Division, South Sikkim 737139, India
| | - Taraknath Kundu
- National Institute of Technology Sikkim, Ravangla Campus, Barfung Block, Ravangla Sub Division, South Sikkim 737139, India
| | - José J G Moura
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Antibacterial Activity of a Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Clinical Isolates and Their Potential Molecular Targets. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25215035. [PMID: 33142969 PMCID: PMC7663601 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance reduces the efficacy of antibiotics. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR), Gram-negative bacterial strains, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKp) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPa), are a serious threat to global health. However, cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are promising as an alternative therapeutic strategy against MDR strains. In this study, the inhibitory activity of a cationic peptide, derived from cecropin D-like (ΔM2), against MDRKp and MDRPa clinical isolates, and its interaction with membrane models and bacterial genomic DNA were evaluated. In vitro antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution test, whereas interactions with lipids and DNA were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and electronic absorption, respectively. A strong bactericidal effect of ΔM2 against MDR strains, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) between 4 and 16 μg/mL, was observed. The peptide had a pronounced effect on the thermotropic behavior of the 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)/1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylglycerol (DMPG) membrane models that mimic bacterial membranes. Finally, the interaction between the peptide and genomic DNA (gDNA) showed a hyperchromic effect, which indicates that ΔM2 can denature bacterial DNA strands via the grooves.
Collapse
|
17
|
Yu Z, Thompson Z, Behnke SL, Fenk KD, Huang D, Shafaat HS, Cowan JA. Metalloglycosidase Mimics: Oxidative Cleavage of Saccharides Promoted by Multinuclear Copper Complexes under Physiological Conditions. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:11218-11222. [PMID: 32799467 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c01193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Degradation of saccharides is relevant to the design of catalytic therapeutics, the production of biofuels, inhibition of biofilms, as well as other applications in chemical biology. Herein, we report the design of multinuclear Cu complexes that enable cleavage of saccharides under physiological conditions. Reactivity studies with para-nitrophenyl (pNP)-conjugated carbohydrates show that dinuclear Cu complexes exhibit a synergistic effect and promote faster and more robust cleavage of saccharide substrates, relative to the mononuclear Cu complex, while no further enhancement is observed for the tetranuclear Cu complex. The use of scavengers for reactive oxygen species confirms that saccharide cleavage is promoted by the formation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals through CuII/I redox chemistry, similar to that observed for native copper-containing lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LMPOs). Differences in selectivity for di- and tetranuclear Cu complexes are modest. However, these are the first reported small multinuclear Cu complexes that show selectivity and reactivity against mono- and disaccharide substrates and form a basis for further development of metalloglycosidases for applications in chemical biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Zechariah Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Shelby L Behnke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Kevin D Fenk
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Derrick Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Hannah S Shafaat
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - J A Cowan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Thompson Z, Cowan JA. Artificial Metalloenzymes: Recent Developments and Innovations in Bioinorganic Catalysis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2000392. [PMID: 32372559 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202000392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cellular life is orchestrated by the biochemical components of cells that include nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and cofactors such as metabolites and metals, all of which coalesce and function synchronously within the cell. Metalloenzymes allow for such complex chemical processes, as they catalyze a myriad of biochemical reactions both efficiently and selectively, where the metal cofactor provides additional functionality to promote reactivity not readily achieved in their absence. While the past 60 years have yielded considerable insight on how enzymes catalyze these reactions, a need to engineer and develop artificial metalloenzymes has been driven not only by industrial and therapeutic needs, but also by innate human curiosity. The design of miniature enzymes, both rationally and through serendipity, using both organic and inorganic building blocks has been explored by many scientists over the years and significant progress has been made. Herein, recent developments over the past 5 years in areas that have not been recently reviewed are summarized, and prospects for future research in these areas are addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zechariah Thompson
- Evans Laboratory of Chemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - James Allan Cowan
- Evans Laboratory of Chemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Di Natale C, De Benedictis I, De Benedictis A, Marasco D. Metal-Peptide Complexes as Promising Antibiotics to Fight Emerging Drug Resistance: New Perspectives in Tuberculosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9060337. [PMID: 32570779 PMCID: PMC7344629 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In metal-peptide interactions, cations form stable complexes through bonds with coordinating groups as side chains of amino acids. These compounds, among other things, exert a wide variety of antimicrobial activities through structural changes of peptides upon metal binding and redox chemistry. They exhibit different mechanisms of action (MOA), including the modification of DNA/RNA, protein and cell wall synthesis, permeabilization and modulation of gradients of cellular membranes. Nowadays, the large increase in antibiotic resistance represents a crucial problem to limit progression at the pandemic level of the diseases that seemed nearly eradicated, such as tuberculosis (Tb). Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics due to chromosomal mutations which can lead to the onset of novel strains. Consequently, the maximum pharmaceutical effort should be focused on the development of new therapeutic agents and antimicrobial peptides can represent a valuable option as a copious source of potential bioactive compounds. The introduction of a metal center can improve chemical diversity and hence specificity and bioavailability while, in turn, the coordination to peptides of metal complexes can protect them and enhance their poor water solubility and air stability: the optimization of these parameters is strictly required for drug prioritization and to obtain potent inhibitors of Mtb infections with novel MOAs. Here, we present a panoramic review of the most recent findings in the field of metal complex-peptide conjugates and their delivery systems with the potential pharmaceutical application as novel antibiotics in Mtb infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Di Natale
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy; (C.D.N.); (I.D.B.); (A.D.B.)
- Center for Advanced Biomaterial for Health Care (CABHC), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB) and Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria De Benedictis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy; (C.D.N.); (I.D.B.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Arianna De Benedictis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy; (C.D.N.); (I.D.B.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy; (C.D.N.); (I.D.B.); (A.D.B.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Plaza-Garrido M, Salinas-García MC, Martínez JC, Cámara-Artigas A. The effect of an engineered ATCUN motif on the structure and biophysical properties of the SH3 domain of c-Src tyrosine kinase. J Biol Inorg Chem 2020; 25:621-634. [PMID: 32279137 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-020-01785-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Metal binding to sites engineered in proteins can provide an increase in their stability and facilitate new functions. Besides the sites introduced in purpose, sometimes they are present accidentally as a consequence of the expression system used to produce the protein. This happens with the copper- and nickel-binding (ATCUN) motif generated by the amino-terminal residues Gly-Ser-His. This ATCUN motif is fortuitously present in many proteins, but how it affects the structural and biophysical characterization of the proteins has not been studied. In this work, we have compared the structure and biophysical properties of a small modular domain, the SH3 domain of the c-Src tyrosine kinase, cloned with and without an ATCUN motif at the N terminus. At pH 7.0, the SH3 domain with the ATCUN motif binds nickel with a binding constant Ka = 28.0 ± 3.0 mM-1. The formation of the nickel complex increases the thermal and chemical stability of the SH3 domain. A comparison of the crystal structures of the SH3 domain with and without the ATCUN motif shows that the binding of nickel does not affect the overall structure of the SH3 domain. In all crystal structures analyzed, residues Gly-Ser-His in complex with Ni2+ show a square planar geometry. The CD visible spectrum of the nickel complex shows that this geometry is also present in the solution. Therefore, our results not only show that the ATCUN motif might influence the biophysical properties of the protein, but also points to an advantageous stabilization of the protein with potential biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Plaza-Garrido
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Almería, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3 and CIAMBITAL, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Mª Carmen Salinas-García
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Almería, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3 and CIAMBITAL, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - José C Martínez
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Cámara-Artigas
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Almería, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3 and CIAMBITAL, 04120, Almería, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yu Z, Cowan JA. Design and applications of catalytic metallodrugs containing the ATCUN motif. Med Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.adioch.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
22
|
Zhong C, Zhu N, Zhu Y, Liu T, Gou S, Xie J, Yao J, Ni J. Antimicrobial peptides conjugated with fatty acids on the side chain of D-amino acid promises antimicrobial potency against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Eur J Pharm Sci 2019; 141:105123. [PMID: 31676352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.105123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With the alarming burden of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) seem to be novel antimicrobial alternatives for infection treatment due to their rapid broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low tendency for bacterial resistance. To obtain promising AMPs, a series of new peptides were designed and synthesized by conjugating various lengths of fatty acid chains onto the side chain of the position 4 or 7 D-amino acid of Ano-D4,7 (analogue of anoplin with D-amino acid substitutions at positions 4 and 7). The new peptides exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria, especially multidrug-resistant bacteria in contrast to conventional antibiotics. Moreover, the new peptides conjugated with fatty acid chains ranging from 8 to 12 carbons in length presented preferable antimicrobial selectivity and anti-biofilm activity. Additionally, the new peptides also exerted high stability to trypsin, serum, salts and different pH environments. Most notably, the new peptides showed a low tendency to develop bacterial resistance and they displayed optimal antimicrobial activity against the obtained resistant strains. Furthermore, the results from the outer/inner membrane permeabilization and cytoplasmic membrane depolarization assays and flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that the new peptides exert antimicrobial effects by typical non-receptor-mediated membrane mechanisms, as well as intracellular targets characterized by gel retardation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays. Furthermore, the new peptides presented remarkable in vivo antimicrobial potency, anti-inflammatory activity, and endotoxin neutralization. Collectively, the conjugation of fatty acids to the side chains of D-amino acids is a potential strategy for designing hopeful antimicrobial alternatives to tackle the risk of bacterial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ningyi Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuewen Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tianqi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Sanhu Gou
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jia Yao
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jingman Ni
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Agbale CM, Sarfo JK, Galyuon IK, Juliano SA, Silva GGO, Buccini DF, Cardoso MH, Torres MDT, Angeles-Boza AM, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Franco OL. Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Helical Antimicrobial Peptide Sequences Incorporating Metal-Binding Motifs. Biochemistry 2019; 58:3802-3812. [PMID: 31448597 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent alternative strategies to combat the global health problem of antibiotic resistance. However, naturally occurring AMPs are generally not sufficiently active for use as antibiotics. Optimized synthetic versions incorporating additional design principles are needed. Here, we engineered amino-terminal Cu(II) and Ni(II) (ATCUN) binding motifs, which can enhance biological function, into the native sequence of two AMPs, CM15 and citropin1.1. The incorporation of metal-binding motifs modulated the antimicrobial activity of synthetic peptides against a panel of carbapenem-resistant enterococci (CRE) bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpC+) and Escherichia coli (KpC+). Activity modulation depended on the type of ATCUN variant utilized. Membrane permeability assays revealed that the in silico selected lead template, CM15, and its ATCUN analogs increased bacterial cell death. Mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that coordinating ATCUN derivatives with Cu(II) ions did not increase the helical tendencies of the AMPs. CM15 ATCUN variants, when combined with Meropenem, streptomycin, or chloramphenicol, showed synergistic effects against E. coli (KpC+ 1812446) biofilms. Motif addition also reduced the hemolytic activity of the wild-type AMP and improved the survival rate of mice in a systemic infection model. The dependence of these bioactivities on the particular amino acids of the ATCUN motif highlights the possible use of size, charge, and hydrophobicity to fine-tune AMP biological function. Our data indicate that incorporating metal-binding motifs into peptide sequences leads to synthetic variants with modified biological properties. These principles may be applied to augment the activities of other peptide sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caleb M Agbale
- S-INOVA Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande , Mato Grosso Do Sul, MS 79117-900 , Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences , University of Cape Coast , Cape Coast , Ghana.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences , University of Cape Coast , Cape Coast , Ghana
| | - Justice K Sarfo
- S-INOVA Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande , Mato Grosso Do Sul, MS 79117-900 , Brazil
| | - Isaac K Galyuon
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences , University of Cape Coast , Cape Coast , Ghana
| | - Samuel A Juliano
- Department of Chemistry , University of Connecticut , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States
| | - Gislaine G O Silva
- S-INOVA Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande , Mato Grosso Do Sul, MS 79117-900 , Brazil
| | - Danieli F Buccini
- S-INOVA Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande , Mato Grosso Do Sul, MS 79117-900 , Brazil
| | - Marlon H Cardoso
- S-INOVA Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande , Mato Grosso Do Sul, MS 79117-900 , Brazil.,Centro de Análises de Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília , DF 70790-160 , Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina , Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF 70910-900 , Brazil
| | - Marcelo D T Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, and Department of Bioengineering , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , United States
| | - Alfredo M Angeles-Boza
- Department of Chemistry , University of Connecticut , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States.,Institute of Materials Science , University of Connecticut , Storrs , Connecticut 06269 , United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, and Department of Bioengineering , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , United States
| | - Octavio L Franco
- S-INOVA Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica Dom Bosco , Campo Grande , Mato Grosso Do Sul, MS 79117-900 , Brazil.,Centro de Análises de Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia , Universidade Católica de Brasília , Brasília , DF 70790-160 , Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina , Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF 70910-900 , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rodrigues G, Silva GGO, Buccini DF, Duque HM, Dias SC, Franco OL. Bacterial Proteinaceous Compounds With Multiple Activities Toward Cancers and Microbial Infection. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1690. [PMID: 31447795 PMCID: PMC6691048 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, cancer and multidrug resistance have become a worldwide problem, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Some infectious agents like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Stomatococcus mucilaginous, Staphylococcus spp., E. coli. Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida spp., Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B and C, and human papillomaviruses (HPV) have been associated with the development of cancer. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and antibiotics are the conventional treatment for cancer and infectious disease. This treatment causes damage in healthy cells and tissues, and usually triggers systemic side-effects, as well as drug resistance. Therefore, the search for new treatments is urgent, in order to improve efficacy and also reduce side-effects. Proteins and peptides originating from bacteria can thus be a promising alternative to conventional treatments used nowadays against cancer and infectious disease. These molecules have demonstrated specific activity against cancer cells and bacterial infection; indeed, proteins and peptides can be considered as future antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. In this context, this review will focus on the desirable characteristics of proteins and peptides from bacterial sources that demonstrated activity against microbial infections and cancer, as well as their efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Rodrigues
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Danieli Fernanda Buccini
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade de Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yu Z, Fenk KD, Huang D, Sen S, Cowan JA. Rapid Telomere Reduction in Cancer Cells Induced by G-Quadruplex-Targeting Copper Complexes. J Med Chem 2019; 62:5040-5048. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|