1
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Ferreira PS, Gerbelli BB, Castro-Kochi ACH, Cortez B, Castro FL, Cantero J, Iribarne F, Hamley IW, Alves WA. Exploring the Use of a Lipopeptide in Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine Monolayers for Enhanced Detection of Glyphosate in Aqueous Environments. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 38907731 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The growing reliance on pesticides for pest management in agriculture highlights the need for new analytical methods to detect these substances in food and water. Our research introduces a SPRWG-(C18H37) lipopeptide (LP) as a functional analog of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for glyphosate detection in environmental samples using phosphatidylcholine (PC) monolayers. This LP, containing hydrophilic amino acids linked to an 18-carbon aliphatic chain, alters lipid assembly properties, leading to a more flexible system. Changes included reduced molecular area and peak pressure in Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses provided insights into the LP's structural organization within the membrane and its interaction with glyphosate (PNG). Structural and geometric parameters, as derived from in silico molecular dynamics simulations (MD), substantiated the impact of LP on the monolayer structure and the interaction with PNG. Notably, the presence of the LP and glyphosate increased charge transfer resistance, indicating strong adherence of the monolayer to the indium tin oxide (ITO) surface and effective pesticide interaction. A calibration curve for glyphosate concentration adjustment revealed a detection limit (LOD) of 24 nmol L-1, showcasing the high sensitivity of this electrochemical biosensor. This LOD is significantly lower than that of a similar colorimetric biosensor in aqueous media with a detection limit of approximately 0.3 μmol L-1. Such an improvement in sensitivity likely stems from adding a polar residue to the amino acid chain of the LP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila S Ferreira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Barbara B Gerbelli
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Ana C H Castro-Kochi
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Bruna Cortez
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Fabiola L Castro
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Jorge Cantero
- Theoretical Chemical Physics and Biology Group, Mathematics-DETEMA Department, Faculty of Chemistry, UdelaR, General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Federico Iribarne
- Theoretical Chemical Physics and Biology Group, Mathematics-DETEMA Department, Faculty of Chemistry, UdelaR, General Flores 2124, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, U.K
| | - Wendel A Alves
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
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2
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Fu W, Guo M, Zhou X, Wang Z, Sun J, An Y, Guan T, Hu M, Li J, Chen Z, Ye J, Gao X, Gao GF, Dai L, Wang Y, Chen C. Injectable Hydrogel Mucosal Vaccine Elicits Protective Immunity against Respiratory Viruses. ACS NANO 2024; 18:11200-11216. [PMID: 38620102 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Intranasal vaccines, eliciting mucosal immune responses, can prevent early invasion, replication, and transmission of pathogens in the respiratory tract. However, the effective delivery of antigens through the nasal barrier and boosting of a robust systematic and mucosal immune remain challenges in intranasal vaccine development. Here, we describe an intranasally administered self-healing hydrogel vaccine with a reversible strain-dependent sol-gel transition by precisely modulating the self-assembly processes between the natural drug rhein and aluminum ions. The highly bioadhesive hydrogel vaccine enhances antigen stability and prolongs residence time in the nasal cavity and lungs by confining the antigen to the surface of the nasal mucosa, acting as a "mucosal mask". The hydrogel also stimulates superior immunoenhancing properties, including antigen internalization, cross-presentation, and dendritic cell maturation. Furthermore, the formulation recruits immunocytes to the nasal mucosa and nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) while enhancing antigen-specific humoral, cellular, and mucosal immune responses. Our findings present a promising strategy for preparing intranasal vaccines for infectious diseases or cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Fu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- Sino-Danish College, Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyu Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiufeng Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaling An
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Guan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- Sino-Danish College, Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinmin Ye
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingfa Gao
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - George Fu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianpan Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaling Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- Sino-Danish College, Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
- Research Unit of Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, People's Republic of China
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3
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Su H, An H, Tan S, Zhai Y, Fu Y, Li T. pH-Dependent Reversible Self-Assembly of β-Lactoglobulin-Derived Reducing Peptides. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38602372 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Peptide-based self-assembled nanostructures are emerging vehicles for nutrient delivery and interface engineering. The present study screened eight β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) derived peptides and found that two reducing peptides [EQSLVCQCLV (EV-10) and VCQCLVR (VR-7)] demonstrated pH-dependent reversible fibrilization. EV-10 formed fibrils at pH 2.0 but became unordered aggregates at pH 7.0. VR-7 showed the opposite trend. Both peptides could undergo repetitive transitions between fibrils and unordered aggregates during consecutive pH-cycling. Fibrilization of both peptides was dominated by charges carried by N- and C-terminals. Both fibrils were characterized by a cross-β sheet structure where the β-sheet was arranged in an antiparallel manner. Fe3+ was reduced by Cys and EV-10 (pH 5.0 and 7.0) simultaneously upon mixing. In contrast, EV-10 fibrils released Fe3+ reducing capacity progressively, which were beneficial to long-term protection Fe2+. The EV-10 fibrils remained intact after simulated gastric digestion and finally dissociated after intestinal digestion. The results shed light on the mechanisms of fibrilization of β-Lg derived peptides. This study was beneficial to the rational design of smart pH-responsive materials for drug delivery and antioxidants for nutrients susceptible to oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Su
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hao An
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Siying Tan
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yun Zhai
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yuying Fu
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Teng Li
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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4
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Cheng L, De Leon-Rodriguez LM, Gilbert EP, Loo T, Petters L, Yang Z. Self-assembly and hydrogelation of a potential bioactive peptide derived from quinoa proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129296. [PMID: 38199549 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
In this work the identification of peptides derived from quinoa proteins which could potentially self-assemble, and form hydrogels was carried out with TANGO, a statistical mechanical based algorithm that predicts β-aggregate propensity of peptides. Peptides with the highest aggregate propensity were subjected to gelling screening experiments from which the most promising bioactive peptide with sequence KIVLDSDDPLFGGF was selected. The self-assembling and hydrogelation properties of the C-terminal amidated peptide (KIVLDSDDPLFGGF-NH2) were studied. The effect of concentration, pH, and temperature on the secondary structure of the peptide were probed by circular dichroism (CD), while its nanostructure was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Results revealed the existence of random coil, α-helix, twisted β-sheet, and well-defined β-sheet secondary structures, with a range of nanostructures including elongated fibrils and bundles, whose proportion was dependant on the peptide concentration, pH, or temperature. The self-assembly of the peptide is demonstrated to follow established models of amyloid formation, which describe the unfolded peptide transiting from an α-helix-containing intermediate into β-sheet-rich protofibrils. The self-assembly is promoted at high concentrations, elevated temperatures, and pH values close to the peptide isoelectric point, and presumably mediated by hydrogen bond, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, and π-π interactions (from the F residue). At 15 mg/mL and pH 3.5, the peptide self-assembled and formed a self-supporting hydrogel exhibiting viscoelastic behaviour with G' (1 Hz) ~2300 Pa as determined by oscillatory rheology measurements. The study describes a straightforward method to monitor the self-assembly of plant protein derived peptides; further studies are needed to demonstrate the potential application of the formed hydrogels in food and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Cheng
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | | | - Elliot Paul Gilbert
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW, Australia; Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Trevor Loo
- BioProtection Aotearoa, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Ludwig Petters
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Zhi Yang
- School of Food and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand.
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5
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Hu X, Liao M, Ding K, Wang J, Xu H, Tao K, Zhou F, Lu JR. Neutron reflection and scattering in characterising peptide assemblies. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 322:103033. [PMID: 37931380 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.103033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Self-assemblies of de novo designed short peptides at interface and in bulk solution provide potential platforms for developing applications in many medical and technological areas. However, characterising how bioinspired supramolecular nanostructures evolve with dynamic self-assembling processes and respond to different stimuli remains challenging. Neutron scattering technologies including small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron reflection (NR) can be advantageous and complementary to other state-of-the-art techniques in tracing structural changes under different conditions. With more neutron sources now available, SANS and NR are becoming increasingly popular in studying self-assembling processes of diverse peptide and protein systems, but the difficulty in experimental manipulation and data analysis can deter beginners. This review will introduce the basic theory, general experimental setup and data analysis of SANS and NR, followed by provision of their applications in characterising interfacial and solution self-assemblies of representative peptides and proteins. SANS and NR are remarkably effective in determining the morphological features self-assembled short peptides, especially size and shape transitions as a result of either sequence changes or in response to environmental stimuli, demonstrating the unique capability of NR and SANS in unravelling the interactive processes. These examples highlight the potential of NR and SANS in supporting the development of novel short peptides and proteins as biopharmaceutical candidates in the fight against many diseases and infections that share common features of membrane interactive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuzhi Hu
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.; Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Tianshui Middle Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Mingrui Liao
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Ke Ding
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jiqian Wang
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Hai Xu
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Kai Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Tianshui Middle Road, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Jian R Lu
- Biological Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK..
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6
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Laurent H, Hughes MDG, Walko M, Brockwell DJ, Mahmoudi N, Youngs TGA, Headen TF, Dougan L. Visualization of Self-Assembly and Hydration of a β-Hairpin through Integrated Small and Wide-Angle Neutron Scattering. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4869-4879. [PMID: 37874935 PMCID: PMC10646990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental understanding of the structure and assembly of nanoscale building blocks is crucial for the development of novel biomaterials with defined architectures and function. However, accessing self-consistent structural information across multiple length scales is challenging. This limits opportunities to exploit atomic scale interactions to achieve emergent macroscale properties. In this work we present an integrative small- and wide-angle neutron scattering approach coupled with computational modeling to reveal the multiscale structure of hierarchically self-assembled β hairpins in aqueous solution across 4 orders of magnitude in length scale from 0.1 Å to 300 nm. Our results demonstrate the power of this self-consistent cross-length scale approach and allows us to model both the large-scale self-assembly and small-scale hairpin hydration of the model β hairpin CLN025. Using this combination of techniques, we map the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of this model self-assembled biomolecular surface with atomic resolution. These results have important implications for the multiscale investigation of aqueous peptides and proteins, for the prediction of ligand binding and molecular associations for drug design, and for understanding the self-assembly of peptides and proteins for functional biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Laurent
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS2
9JT
| | - Matt D. G. Hughes
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS2
9JT
- Astbury
Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom LS2
9JT
| | - Martin Walko
- School
of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, United
Kingdom, LS2 9JT
| | - David J. Brockwell
- Astbury
Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom LS2
9JT
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS
Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, United Kingdom, OX11 0QX
| | - Tristan G. A. Youngs
- ISIS
Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, United Kingdom, OX11 0QX
| | - Thomas F. Headen
- ISIS
Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, United Kingdom, OX11 0QX
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS2
9JT
- Astbury
Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom LS2
9JT
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7
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Cao S, Song Z, Rong J, Andrikopoulos N, Liang X, Wang Y, Peng G, Ding F, Ke PC. Spike Protein Fragments Promote Alzheimer's Amyloidogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:40317-40329. [PMID: 37585091 PMCID: PMC10480042 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia inducing memory loss, cognitive decline, and mortality among the aging population. While the amyloid aggregation of peptide Aβ has long been implicated in neurodegeneration in AD, primarily through the production of toxic polymorphic aggregates and reactive oxygen species, viral infection has a less explicit role in the etiology of the brain disease. On the other hand, while the COVID-19 pandemic is known to harm human organs and function, its adverse effects on AD pathobiology and other human conditions remain unclear. Here we first identified the amyloidogenic potential of 1058HGVVFLHVTYV1068, a short fragment of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The peptide fragment was found to be toxic and displayed a high binding propensity for the amyloidogenic segments of Aβ, thereby promoting the aggregation and toxicity of the peptide in vitro and in silico, while retarding the hatching and survival of zebrafish embryos upon exposure. Our study implicated SARS-CoV-2 viral infection as a potential contributor to AD pathogenesis, a little explored area in our quest for understanding and overcoming Long Covid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujian Cao
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Zhiyuan Song
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Jinyu Rong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Nicholas Andrikopoulos
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Xiufang Liang
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guotao Peng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Pu Chun Ke
- Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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8
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Kaygisiz K, Rauch-Wirth L, Dutta A, Yu X, Nagata Y, Bereau T, Münch J, Synatschke CV, Weil T. Data-mining unveils structure-property-activity correlation of viral infectivity enhancing self-assembling peptides. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5121. [PMID: 37612273 PMCID: PMC10447463 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40663-6] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy via retroviral vectors holds great promise for treating a variety of serious diseases. It requires the use of additives to boost infectivity. Amyloid-like peptide nanofibers (PNFs) were shown to efficiently enhance retroviral gene transfer. However, the underlying mode of action of these peptides remains largely unknown. Data-mining is an efficient method to systematically study structure-function relationship and unveil patterns in a database. This data-mining study elucidates the multi-scale structure-property-activity relationship of transduction enhancing peptides for retroviral gene transfer. In contrast to previous reports, we find that not the amyloid fibrils themselves, but rather µm-sized β-sheet rich aggregates enhance infectivity. Specifically, microscopic aggregation of β-sheet rich amyloid structures with a hydrophobic surface pattern and positive surface charge are identified as key material properties. We validate the reliability of the amphiphilic sequence pattern and the general applicability of the key properties by rationally creating new active sequences and identifying short amyloidal peptides from various pathogenic and functional origin. Data-mining-even for small datasets-enables the development of new efficient retroviral transduction enhancers and provides important insights into the diverse bioactivity of the functional material class of amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Kaygisiz
- Department Synthesis of Macromolecules, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lena Rauch-Wirth
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstraße 1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Arghya Dutta
- Department Polymer Theory, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Xiaoqing Yu
- Department Molecular Spectroscopy, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Yuki Nagata
- Department Molecular Spectroscopy, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tristan Bereau
- Department Polymer Theory, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Philosophenweg 19, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstraße 1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christopher V Synatschke
- Department Synthesis of Macromolecules, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Tanja Weil
- Department Synthesis of Macromolecules, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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9
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Hamley IW, Castelletto V. Small-angle scattering techniques for peptide and peptide hybrid nanostructures and peptide-based biomaterials. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 318:102959. [PMID: 37473606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The use of small-angle scattering (SAS) in the study of the self-assembly of peptides and peptide conjugates (lipopeptides, polymer-peptide conjugates and others) is reviewed, highlighting selected research that illustrates different methods and analysis techniques. Both small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) are considered along with examples that exploit their unique capabilities. For SAXS, this includes the ability to perform rapid measurements enabling high throughput or fast kinetic studies and measurements under dilute conditions. For SANS, contrast variation using H2O/D2O mixtures enables the study of peptides interacting with lipids and TR-SANS (time-resolved SANS) studies of exchange kinetics and/or peptide-induced structural changes. Examples are provided of studies measuring form factors of different self-assembled structures (micelles, fibrils, nanotapes, nanotubes etc) as well as structure factors from ordered phases (lyotropic mesophases), peptide gels and hybrid materials such as membranes formed by mixing peptides with polysaccharides or peptide/liposome mixtures. SAXS/WAXS (WAXS: wide-angle x-ray scattering) on peptides and peptide hybrids is also discussed, and the review concludes with a perspective on potential future directions for research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, UK.
| | - Valeria Castelletto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
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10
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Castelletto V, Seitsonen J, Hamley IW. Effect of Glycosylation on Self-Assembly of Lipid A Lipopolysaccharides in Aqueous Solutions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023. [PMID: 37289534 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) based on lipid A produced by bacteria are of interest due to their bioactivity in stimulating immune responses, as are simpler synthetic components or analogues. Here, the self-assembly in water of two monodisperse lipid A derivatives based on simplified bacterial LPS structures is examined and compared to that of a native Escherichia coli LPS using small-angle X-ray scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The critical aggregation concentration is obtained from fluorescence probe experiments, and conformation is probed using circular dichroism spectroscopy. The E. coli LPS is found to form wormlike micelles, whereas the synthetic analogues bearing six lipid chains and with four or two saccharide head groups (Kdo2-lipid A and monophosphoryl lipid A) self-assemble into nanosheets or vesicles, respectively. These observations are rationalized by considering the surfactant packing parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Castelletto
- School of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, U.K
| | - Jani Seitsonen
- Nanomicroscopy Center, Aalto University, Puumiehenkuja 2, Espoo FIN-02150, Finland
| | - Ian W Hamley
- School of Chemistry, Food Biosciences and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, U.K
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11
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Hansda B, Majumder J, Mondal B, Chatterjee A, Das S, Kumar S, Gachhui R, Castelletto V, Hamley IW, Sen P, Banerjee A. Histidine-Containing Amphiphilic Peptide-Based Non-Cytotoxic Hydrogelator with Antibacterial Activity and Sustainable Drug Release. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:7307-7316. [PMID: 37192174 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
A histidine-based amphiphilic peptide (P) has been found to form an injectable transparent hydrogel in phosphate buffer solution over a pH range from 7.0 to 8.5 with an inherent antibacterial property. It also formed a hydrogel in water at pH = 6.7. The peptide self-assembles into a nanofibrillar network structure which is characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and wide-angle powder X-ray diffraction. The hydrogel exhibits efficient antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). The minimum inhibitory concentration of the hydrogel ranges from 20 to 100 μg/mL. The hydrogel is capable of encapsulation of the drugs naproxen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), amoxicillin (an antibiotic), and doxorubicin, (an anticancer drug), but, selectively and sustainably, the gel releases naproxen, 84% being released in 84 h and amoxicillin was released more or less in same manner with that of the naproxen. The hydrogel is biocompatible with HEK 293T cells as well as NIH (mouse fibroblast cell line) cells and thus has potential as a potent antibacterial and drug releasing agent. Another remarkable feature of this hydrogel is its magnification property like a convex lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswanath Hansda
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Jhilam Majumder
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Biplab Mondal
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Akash Chatterjee
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Subhadeep Das
- Purdue University, 175 South University Street, West Lafayette Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Sourav Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Ratan Gachhui
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Valeria Castelletto
- School of Chemistry, University of Reading, White knights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AD, U.K
| | - Ian W Hamley
- School of Chemistry, University of Reading, White knights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6AD, U.K
| | - Prosenjit Sen
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Arindam Banerjee
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
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12
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Ligorio C, Mata A. Synthetic extracellular matrices with function-encoding peptides. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:1-19. [PMID: 37359773 PMCID: PMC10127181 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00055-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The communication of cells with their surroundings is mostly encoded in the epitopes of structural and signalling proteins present in the extracellular matrix (ECM). These peptide epitopes can be incorporated in biomaterials to serve as function-encoding molecules to modulate cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions. In this Review, we discuss natural and synthetic peptide epitopes as molecular tools to bioengineer bioactive hydrogel materials. We present a library of functional peptide sequences that selectively communicate with cells and the ECM to coordinate biological processes, including epitopes that directly signal to cells, that bind ECM components that subsequently signal to cells, and that regulate ECM turnover. We highlight how these epitopes can be incorporated in different biomaterials as individual or multiple signals, working synergistically or additively. This molecular toolbox can be applied in the design of biomaterials aimed at regulating or controlling cellular and tissue function, repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Ligorio
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alvaro Mata
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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13
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Xiang Y, Mao H, Tong SC, Liu C, Yan R, Zhao L, Zhu L, Bao C. A Facile and Versatile Approach to Construct Photoactivated Peptide Hydrogels by Regulating Electrostatic Repulsion. ACS NANO 2023; 17:5536-5547. [PMID: 36892586 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Short peptides that can respond to external stimuli have been considered as the preferred building blocks to construct hydrogels for biomedical applications. In particular, photoresponsive peptides that are capable of triggering the formation of hydrogels upon light irradiation allow the properties of hydrogels to be changed remotely by precise and localized actuation. Here, we used the photochemical reaction of the 2-nitrobenzyl ester group (NB) to develop a facile and versatile strategy for constructing photoactivated peptide hydrogels. The peptides with high aggregation propensity were designed as hydrogelators, which were photocaged by a positively charged dipeptide (KK) to provide strong charge repulsion and prevent self-assembly in water. Light irradiation led to the removal of KK and triggered the self-assembly of peptides and the formation of hydrogel. Light stimulation endows spatial and temporal control, which enables the formation of hydrogel with precisely tunable structure and mechanical properties. Cell culture and behavior study indicated that the optimized photoactivated hydrogel was suitable for 2D and 3D cell culture, and its photocontrollable mechanical strength could regulate the spreading of stem cells on its surface. Therefore, our strategy provides an alternative way to construct photoactivated peptide hydrogels with wide applications in biomedical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Xiang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Huanv Mao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Si-Cheng Tong
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Can Liu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Li Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chunyan Bao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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14
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Bassan R, Varshney M, Roy S. An Amino Acid‐Based Thixotropic Hydrogel: Tuning of Gel Recovery Time by Mechanical Shaking. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruchika Bassan
- Department of chemistry Birla Institute of Technology and science-Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus NH 17B, Zuarinagar Sancoale Goa 403726 India
| | - Mayank Varshney
- Application Specialist Characterization Division Anton Paar India Pvt. Ltd. 582, Phase V, Udyog Vihar Industrial Area, Gurgaon 122016 Haryana) India
| | - Subhasish Roy
- Department of chemistry Birla Institute of Technology and science-Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus NH 17B, Zuarinagar Sancoale Goa 403726 India
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15
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Fasola E, Alboreggia G, Pieraccini S, Oliva F, Agharbaoui FE, Bollati M, Bertoni G, Recchia S, Marelli M, Piarulli U, Pellegrino S, Gazzola S. Conformational switch and multiple supramolecular structures of a newly identified self-assembling protein-mimetic peptide from Pseudomonas aeruginosa YeaZ protein. Front Chem 2022; 10:1038796. [PMID: 36583150 PMCID: PMC9792601 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1038796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-mimetic peptides (PMPs) are shorter sequences of self-assembling proteins, that represent remarkable building blocks for the generation of bioinspired functional supramolecular structures with multiple applications. The identification of novel aminoacidic sequences that permit the access to valuable biocompatible materials is an attractive area of research. In this work, in silico analysis of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa YeaZ protein (PaYeaZ) led to the identification of a tetradecapeptide that represents the shortest sequence responsible for the YeaZ-YeaZ dimer formation. Based on its sequence, an innovative 20-meric peptide, called PMP-2, was designed, synthesized, and characterized in terms of secondary structure and self-assembly properties. PMP-2 conserves a helical character and self-assembles into helical nanofibers in non-polar solvents (DMSO and trifluoroethanol), as well as in dilute (0.5 mM) aqueous solutions. In contrast, at higher concentrations (>2 mM) in water, a conformational transition from α-helix to β-sheet occurs, which is accompanied by the Protein-mimetic peptide aggregation into 2D-sheets and formation supramolecular gel in aqueous environment. Our findings reveal a newly identified Protein-mimetic peptide that could turn as a promising candidate for future material applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elettra Fasola
- Science and High Technology Department, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Giulia Alboreggia
- Science and High Technology Department, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Michela Bollati
- CNR and Department of Biosciences, Institute of Biophysics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Recchia
- Science and High Technology Department, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Marcello Marelli
- CNR-SCITEC—Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Piarulli
- Science and High Technology Department, University of Insubria, Como, Italy,*Correspondence: Umberto Piarulli, ; Silvia Gazzola,
| | - Sara Pellegrino
- Pharmaceutical Science Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Gazzola
- Science and High Technology Department, University of Insubria, Como, Italy,*Correspondence: Umberto Piarulli, ; Silvia Gazzola,
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16
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Activation, p53, and Autophagy Inhibition Characterize the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Spike Protein Induced Neurotoxicity. Cureus 2022; 14:e32361. [PMID: 36514706 PMCID: PMC9733976 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and prions use common pathogenic pathways to induce toxicity in neurons. Infectious prions rapidly activate the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins rapidly activate both the p38 MAPK and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways through toll-like receptor signaling, indicating the potential for similar neurotoxicity, causing prion and prion-like disease. In this review, we analyze the roles of autophagy inhibition, molecular mimicry, elevated intracellular p53 levels and reduced Wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (Wip1) and dual-specificity phosphatase (DUSP) expression in neurons in the disease process. The pathways induced by the spike protein via toll-like receptor activation induce both the upregulation of PrPC (the normal isoform of the prion protein, PrP) and the expression of β amyloid. Through the spike-protein-dependent elevation of p53 levels via β amyloid metabolism, increased PrPC expression can lead to PrP misfolding and impaired autophagy, generating prion disease. We conclude that, according to the age of the spike protein-exposed patient and the state of their cellular autophagy activity, excess sustained activity of p53 in neurons may be a catalytic factor in neurodegeneration. An autoimmune reaction via molecular mimicry likely also contributes to neurological symptoms. Overall results suggest that neurodegeneration is in part due to the intensity and duration of spike protein exposure, patient advanced age, cellular autophagy activity, and activation, function and regulation of p53. Finally, the neurologically damaging effects can be cumulatively spike-protein dependent, whether exposure is by natural infection or, more substantially, by repeated mRNA vaccination.
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17
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Aksenova AY, Likhachev IV, Grishin SY, Galzitskaya OV. The Increased Amyloidogenicity of Spike RBD and pH-Dependent Binding to ACE2 May Contribute to the Transmissibility and Pathogenic Properties of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron as Suggested by In Silico Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13502. [PMID: 36362302 PMCID: PMC9655063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a rapidly evolving pathogen that has caused a global pandemic characterized by several consecutive waves. Based on epidemiological and NGS data, many different variants of SARS-CoV-2 were described and characterized since the original variant emerged in Wuhan in 2019. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 variants differ in transmissibility and pathogenicity in the human population, although the molecular basis for this difference is still debatable. A significant role is attributed to amino acid changes in the binding surface of the Spike protein to the ACE2 receptor, which may facilitate virus entry into the cell or contribute to immune evasion. We modeled in silico the interaction between Spike RBDs of Wuhan-Hu-1, Delta, and Omicron BA.1 variants and ACE2 at different pHs (pH 5 and pH 7) and showed that the strength of this interaction was higher for the Omicron BA.1 RBD compared to Wuhan-Hu-1 or Delta RBDs and that the effect was more profound at pH 5. This finding is strikingly related to the increased ability of Omicron variants to spread in the population. We also noted that during its spread in the population, SARS-CoV-2 evolved to a more charged, basic composition. We hypothesize that the more basic surface of the Omicron variant may facilitate its spread in the upper respiratory tract but not in the lower respiratory tract, where pH estimates are different. We calculated the amyloidogenic properties of Spike RBDs in different SARS-CoV-2 variants and found eight amyloidogenic regions in the Spike RBDs for each of the variants predicted by the FoldAmyloid program. Although all eight regions were almost identical in the Wuhan to Gamma variants, two of them were significantly longer in both Omicron variants, making the Omicron RBD more amyloidogenic. We discuss how the increased predicted amyloidogenicity of the Omicron variants RBDs may be important for protein stability, influence its interaction with ACE2 and contribute to immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Y. Aksenova
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ilya V. Likhachev
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology RAS, The Branch of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
| | - Sergei Y. Grishin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, 625003 Tyumen, Russia
| | - Oxana V. Galzitskaya
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
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18
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Mondal B, Gupta VK, Hansda B, Bhoumik A, Mondal T, Majumder HK, Edwards-Gayle CJC, Hamley IW, Jaisankar P, Banerjee A. Amino acid containing amphiphilic hydrogelators with antibacterial and antiparasitic activities. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:7201-7216. [PMID: 36098333 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00562j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale self-assembly of peptide constructs represents a promising means to present bioactive motifs to develop new functional materials. Here, we present a series of peptide amphiphiles which form hydrogels based on β-sheet nanofibril networks, several of which have very promising anti-microbial and anti-parasitic activities, in particular against multiple strains of Leishmania including drug-resistant ones. Aromatic amino acid based amphiphilic supramolecular gelators C14-Phe-CONH-(CH2)n-NH2 (n = 6 for P1 and n = 2 for P3) and C14-Trp-CONH-(CH2)n-NH2 (n = 6 for P2 and n = 2 for P4) have been synthesized and characterized, and their self-assembly and gelation behaviour have been investigated in the presence of ultrapure water (P1, P2, and P4) or 2% DMSO(v/v) in ultrapure water (P3). The rheological, morphological and structural properties of the gels have been comprehensively examined. The amphiphilic gelators (P1 and P3) were found to be active against both Gram-positive bacteria B. subtilis and Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Interestingly, amphiphiles P1 and P3 containing an L-phenylalanine residue show both antibacterial and antiparasitic activities. Herein, we report that synthetic amphiphiles with an amino acid residue exhibit a potent anti-protozoan activity and are cytotoxic towards a wide array of protozoal parasites, which includes Indian varieties of Leishmania donovani and also kill resistant parasitic strains including BHU-575, MILR and CPTR cells. These gelators are highly cytotoxic to promastigotes of Leishmania and trigger apoptotic-like events inside the parasite. The mechanism of killing the parasite is shown and these gelators are non-cytotoxic to host macrophage cells indicating the potential use of these gels as therapeutic agents against multiple forms of leishmaniasis in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplab Mondal
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Chemical Biology, Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, India.
| | - Biswanath Hansda
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Arpita Bhoumik
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, India
| | - Tanushree Mondal
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
| | - Hemanta K Majumder
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, India
| | | | - Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AD, UK
| | - Parasuraman Jaisankar
- Laboratory of Catalysis and Chemical Biology, Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700 032, India.
| | - Arindam Banerjee
- School of Biological Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032, India.
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19
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Castro ACH, Bezerra ÍRS, Pascon AM, da Silva GH, Philot EA, de Oliveira VL, Mancini RSN, Schleder GR, Castro CE, de Carvalho LRS, Fernandes BHV, Cilli EM, Sanches PRS, Santhiago M, Charlie-Silva I, Martinez DST, Scott AL, Alves WA, Lima RS. Modular Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensor Loading Nature-Inspired Peptide toward the Widespread Use of COVID-19 Antibody Tests. ACS NANO 2022; 16:14239-14253. [PMID: 35969505 PMCID: PMC9397565 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Limitations of the recognition elements in terms of synthesis, cost, availability, and stability have impaired the translation of biosensors into practical use. Inspired by nature to mimic the molecular recognition of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein antibody (AbS) by the S protein binding site, we synthesized the peptide sequence of Asn-Asn-Ala-Thr-Asn-COOH (abbreviated as PEP2003) to create COVID-19 screening label-free (LF) biosensors based on a carbon electrode, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The PEP2003 is easily obtained by chemical synthesis, and it can be adsorbed on electrodes while maintaining its ability for AbS recognition, further leading to a sensitivity 3.4-fold higher than the full-length S protein, which is in agreement with the increase in the target-to-receptor size ratio. Peptide-loaded LF devices based on noncovalent immobilization were developed by affording fast and simple analyses, along with a modular functionalization. From studies by molecular docking, the peptide-AbS binding was found to be driven by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the peptide is not amenable to denaturation, thus addressing the trade-off between scalability, cost, and robustness. The biosensor preserves 95.1% of the initial signal for 20 days when stored dry at 4 °C. With the aid of two simple equations fitted by machine learning (ML), the method was able to make the COVID-19 screening of 39 biological samples into healthy and infected groups with 100.0% accuracy. By taking advantage of peptide-related merits combined with advances in surface chemistry and ML-aided accuracy, this platform is promising to bring COVID-19 biosensors into mainstream use toward straightforward, fast, and accurate analyses at the point of care, with social and economic impacts being achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. H. Castro
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Ítalo R. S. Bezerra
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Aline M. Pascon
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Gabriela H. da Silva
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Eric A. Philot
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Vivian L. de Oliveira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute,
University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São
Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S. N. Mancini
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Gabriel R. Schleder
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied
Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138,
United States
| | - Carlos E. Castro
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eduardo M. Cilli
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo
State University, Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-900,
Brazil
| | - Paulo R. S. Sanches
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo
State University, Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-900,
Brazil
| | - Murilo Santhiago
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Ives Charlie-Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São
Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Diego S. T. Martinez
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Ana L. Scott
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Wendel A. Alves
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Renato S. Lima
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
- Institute of Chemistry, University of
Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970,
Brazil
- São Carlos Institute of Chemistry,
University of São Paulo, São Carlos, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
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20
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Gerbelli BB, Filho PLO, Cortez B, Sodré PT, Coutinho-Neto MD, Hamley IW, Seitsonen J, Alves WA. Interaction between glyphosate pesticide and amphiphilic peptides for colorimetric analysis. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2022; 4:3592-3599. [PMID: 36134354 PMCID: PMC9400510 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00345g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The large-scale use of glyphosate pesticides in food production has attracted attention due to environmental damage and toxicity risks. Several regulatory authorities have established safe limits or concentrations of these pesticides in water and various food products consumed daily. The irreversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity is one of the strategies used for pesticide detection. Herein, we found that lipopeptide sequences can act as biomimetic microenvironments of AChE, showing higher catalytic activities than natural enzymes in an aqueous solution, based on IC50 values. These biomolecules contain in the hydrophilic part the amino acids l-proline (P), l-arginine (R), l-tryptophan (W), and l-glycine (G), covalently linked to a hydrophobic part formed by one or two long aliphatic chains. The obtained materials are referred to as compounds 1 and 2, respectively. According to fluorescence assays, 2 is more hydrophobic than 1. The circular dichroism (CD) data present a significant difference in the molar ellipticity values, likely related to distinct conformations assumed by the proline residue in the lipopeptide supramolecular structure in solution. The morphological aspect was further characterized using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), which showed that compounds 1 and 2 self-assembly into cylindrical and planar core-shell structures, respectively. The mimetic AchE behaviour of lipopeptides was confirmed by Ellman's hydrolysis reaction, where the proline residue in the peptides act as a nucleophilic scavenger of organophosphate pesticides. Moreover, the isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments revealed that host-guest interactions in both systems were dominated by enthalpically-driven thermodynamics. UV-vis kinetic experiments were performed to assess the inhibition of the lipopeptide catalytic activity and the IC50 values were obtained, and we found that the detection limit correlated with the increase in hydrophobicity of the lipopeptides, implying the micellization process is more favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara B Gerbelli
- University of Reading, Department of Chemistry Reading UK
- Universidade Federal do ABC, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Pedro L O Filho
- University of Copenhagen, Niels Bohr Institute Copenhagen Denmark
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Física São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Bruna Cortez
- Universidade Federal do ABC, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Pedro T Sodré
- Universidade Federal do ABC, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas São Paulo SP Brazil
| | | | - Ian W Hamley
- University of Reading, Department of Chemistry Reading UK
| | - Jani Seitsonen
- Nanomicroscopy Center, Aalto University Puumiehenkuja 2 FIN-02150 Espoo Finland
| | - Wendel A Alves
- Universidade Federal do ABC, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas São Paulo SP Brazil
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21
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Domingues C, Santos A, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Concheiro A, Jarak I, Veiga F, Barbosa I, Dourado M, Figueiras A. Where Is Nano Today and Where Is It Headed? A Review of Nanomedicine and the Dilemma of Nanotoxicology. ACS NANO 2022; 16:9994-10041. [PMID: 35729778 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide nanotechnology development and application have fueled many scientific advances, but technophilic expectations and technophobic demands must be counterbalanced in parallel. Some of the burning issues today are the following: (1) Where is nano today? (2) How good are the communication and investment networks between academia/research and governments? (3) Is there any spotlight application for nanotechnology? Nanomedicine is a particular arm of nanotechnology within the healthcare landscape, focused on diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of emerging (such as coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) and contemporary (including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer) diseases. However, it may only represent the bright side of the coin. In fact, in the recent past, the concept of nanotoxicology has emerged to address the dark shadows of nanomedicine. The nanomedicine field requires more nanotoxicological studies to identify undesirable effects and guarantee safety. Here, we provide an overall perspective on nanomedicine and nanotoxicology as central pieces of the giant puzzle of nanotechnology. First, the impact of nanotechnology on education and research is highlighted, followed by market trends and scientific output tendencies. In the next section, the nanomedicine and nanotoxicology dilemma is addressed through the interplay of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models with the support of omics and microfluidic approaches. Lastly, a reflection on the regulatory issues and clinical trials is provided. Finally, some conclusions and future perspectives are proposed for a clearer and safer translation of nanomedicines from the bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Domingues
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Santos
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS, and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Angel Concheiro
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS, and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Barbosa
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Phamaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marília Dourado
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Center for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Center for Studies and Development of Continuous and Palliative Care (CEDCCP), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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22
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Liang C, Bi X, Gan K, Wu J, He G, Xue B, Ye Z, Cao Y, Hu B. Short Peptides Derived from a Block Copolymer-like Barnacle Cement Protein Self-Assembled into Diverse Supramolecular Structures. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2019-2030. [PMID: 35482604 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Peptides capable of self-assembling into different supramolecular structures have potential applications in a variety of areas. The biomimetic molecular design offers an important avenue to discover novel self-assembling peptides. Despite this, a lot of biomimetic self-assembling peptides have been reported so far; to continually expand the scope of peptide self-assembly, it is necessary to find out more novel self-assembling peptides. Barnacle cp19k, a key underwater adhesive protein, shows special block copolymer-like characteristics and diversified self-assembly properties, providing an ideal template for biomimetic peptide design. In this study, inspired by Balanus albicostatus cp19k (Balcp19k), we rationally designed nine biomimetic peptides (P1-P9) and systematically studied their self-assembly behaviors for the first time. Combining microscale morphology observations and secondary structure analyses, we found that multiple biomimetic peptides derived from the central region and the C-terminus of Balcp19k form distinct supramolecular structures via different self-assembly mechanisms under acidic conditions. Specifically, P9 self-assembles into typical amyloid fibers. P7, which resembles ionic self-complementary peptides by containing nonstrictly alternating hydrophobic and charged amino acids, self-assembles into uniform, discrete nanofibers. P6 with amphipathic features forms twisted nanoribbons. Most interestingly, P4 self-assembles to form helical nanofibers and novel ring-shaped microstructures, showing unique self-assembly behaviors. Apart from their self-assembly properties, these peptides showed good cytocompatibility and demonstrated promising applications in biomedical areas. Our results expanded the repertoire of self-assembling peptides and provided new insights into the structure-function relationship of barnacle cp19k.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liang
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
| | - Xiangyun Bi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Kesheng Gan
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
| | - Jizhe Wu
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
| | - Guangxiao He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Bin Xue
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Zonghuang Ye
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optical Sensing and Manipulation, Ministry of Education, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.,Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.,Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.,Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Biru Hu
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
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23
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de Mello LR, Carrascosa V, Rebelato E, Juliano MA, Hamley IW, Castelletto V, Vassiliades SV, Alves WA, Nakaie CR, da Silva ER. Nanostructure Formation and Cell Spheroid Morphogenesis of a Peptide Supramolecular Hydrogel. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:3434-3445. [PMID: 35274959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptide-based hydrogels have attracted much attention due to their extraordinary applications in biomedicine and offer an excellent mimic for the 3D microenvironment of the extracellular matrix. These hydrated matrices comprise fibrous networks held together by a delicate balance of intermolecular forces. Here, we investigate the hydrogelation behavior of a designed decapeptide containing a tetraleucine self-assembling backbone and fibronectin-related tripeptides near both ends of the strand. We have observed that this synthetic peptide can produce hydrogel matrices entrapping >99% wt/vol % water. Ultrastructural analyses combining atomic force microscopy, small-angle neutron scattering, and X-ray diffraction revealed that amyloid-like fibrils form cross-linked networks endowed with remarkable thermal stability, the structure of which is not disrupted up to temperatures >80 °C. We also examined the interaction of peptide hydrogels with either NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts or HeLa cells and discovered that the matrices sustain cell viability and induce morphogenesis into grape-like cell spheroids. The results presented here show that this decapeptide is a remarkable building block to prepare highly stable scaffolds simultaneously endowed with high water retention capacity and the ability to instruct cell growth into tumor-like spheroids even in noncarcinoma lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R de Mello
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Carrascosa
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Rebelato
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Maria A Juliano
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Ian W Hamley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Reading RGD 6AD, U.K
| | | | - Sandra V Vassiliades
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Wendel A Alves
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Clovis R Nakaie
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Emerson R da Silva
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
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