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Tang S, Zhang M, Cai J, Wen Q, Mo J, Long M, Lu Y, Gan Z. Identification and functional characterization of a long-type peptidoglycan recognition protein, PGRP-L in amphibian Xenopus laevis. Gene 2024; 928:148770. [PMID: 39032703 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148770] [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: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are a family of multifunctional proteins playing vital roles in PGN metabolism and antibacterial defense, and their functions have been well-characterized in mammals, bony fishes, and insects. However, the information about the functions of amphibian long-type PGRP is rather limited. Here, we identified and cloned a long-type PGRP gene (named Xl-PGRP-L) from African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. Xl-PGRP-L gene was detected in all orangs/tissues examined, and was rapidly induced in intestine, liver, and lung following the stimulation of PGN. Sequence analysis showed that Xl-PGRP-L possesses four Zn2+-binding residues (His358, Tyr395, His470, and Cys478) required for amidase activity of catalytic PGRPs, and assays for amidase activity revealed that recombinant Xl-PGRP-L cloud degrade PGN in a Zn2+-dependent manner, indicating that Xl-PGRP-L is belonging to catalytic PGRPs. In addition, Xl-PGRP-L have antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Edwardsiella tarda and Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae. The present investigation represents the first characterization regarding the biological activities of amphibian long-type PGRPs, thus contributes to a better understanding of the functions of tetrapod PGRPs and the molecular mechanisms of amphibian antibacterial defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoshuai Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, and Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, and Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Jiaqiao Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, and Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Qingqing Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, and Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Jingyi Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, and Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Meng Long
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, and Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Yishan Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, and Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China.
| | - Zhen Gan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, and Key Laboratory of Control for Disease of Aquatic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, and Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, China.
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Yeung HY, Ramiro IBL, Andersen DB, Koch TL, Hamilton A, Bjørn-Yoshimoto WE, Espino S, Vakhrushev SY, Pedersen KB, de Haan N, Hipgrave Ederveen AL, Olivera BM, Knudsen JG, Bräuner-Osborne H, Schjoldager KT, Holst JJ, Safavi-Hemami H. Fish-hunting cone snail disrupts prey's glucose homeostasis with weaponized mimetics of somatostatin and insulin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6408. [PMID: 39164229 PMCID: PMC11336141 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals have evolved diverse molecular mechanisms to incapacitate prey and defend against predators. Most venom components disrupt nervous, locomotor, and cardiovascular systems or cause tissue damage. The discovery that certain fish-hunting cone snails use weaponized insulins to induce hypoglycemic shock in prey highlights a unique example of toxins targeting glucose homeostasis. Here, we show that, in addition to insulins, the deadly fish hunter, Conus geographus, uses a selective somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) agonist that blocks the release of the insulin-counteracting hormone glucagon, thereby exacerbating insulin-induced hypoglycemia in prey. The native toxin, Consomatin nG1, exists in several proteoforms with a minimized vertebrate somatostatin-like core motif connected to a heavily glycosylated N-terminal region. We demonstrate that the toxin's N-terminal tail closely mimics a glycosylated somatostatin from fish pancreas and is crucial for activating the fish SSTR2. Collectively, these findings provide a stunning example of chemical mimicry, highlight the combinatorial nature of venom components, and establish glucose homeostasis as an effective target for prey capture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yan Yeung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 15 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Iris Bea L Ramiro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Daniel B Andersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Thomas Lund Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 15 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Alexander Hamilton
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Islet Cell Exocytosis, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Walden E Bjørn-Yoshimoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Samuel Espino
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Sergey Y Vakhrushev
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kasper B Pedersen
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Noortje de Haan
- Leiden University Medical Center, Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes L Hipgrave Ederveen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Baldomero M Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Jakob G Knudsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Hans Bräuner-Osborne
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 160, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine T Schjoldager
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jens Juul Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 15 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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3
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Lee J, Amatya R, Kim KE, Park YH, Hong E, Djayanti K, Min KA, Roh GS, Shin MC. Genetically engineered long-acting Esculentin-2CHa(1-30) fusion protein with potential applicability for the treatment of NAFLD. J Control Release 2024; 372:699-712. [PMID: 38925336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.061] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Esculentin-2CHa(1-30) (‟ESC") has been reported as a potent anti-diabetic peptide with little toxicity. However, its very short plasma residence time severely limits the therapeutic efficacy. To address this issue, we genetically engineered a fusion protein of tandem trimeric ESC with an albumin binding domain (ABD) and a fusion partner, SUMO (named ‟SUMO-3×ESC-ABD"). The SUMO-3×ESC-ABD, successfully produced from E. coli, showed low cellular and hemolytic toxicity while displaying potent activities for the amelioration of hyperglycemia as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in vitro. In animal studies, the estimated plasma half-life of SUMO-3×ESC-ABD was markedly longer (427-fold) than that of the ESC peptide. In virtue of the extended plasma residence, the SUMO-3×ESC-ABD could produce significant anti-hyperglycemic effects that lasted for >2 days, while both the ESC or ESC-ABD peptides elicited little effects. Further, twice-weekly treatment for 10 weeks, the SUMO-3×ESC-ABD displayed significant improvement in blood glucose control with a reduction in body weight. Most importantly, a significant improvement in the conditions of NAFLD was observed in the SUMO-3×ESC-ABD-treated mice. Along the systemic effects (by improved glucose tolerance and body weight reduction), direct inhibition of the hepatocyte lipid uptake was suggested as the major mechanism of the anti-NAFLD effects. Overall, this study demonstrated the utility of the long-acting SUMO-3×ESC-ABD as a potent drug candidate for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoong Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science, Metabolic Dysfunction Liver Disease Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Reeju Amatya
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Eun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science, Metabolic Dysfunction Liver Disease Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Park
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu, Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunmi Hong
- New Drug Development Center, Daegu, Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (DGMIF), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Krismala Djayanti
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, Gimhae, Gyeongnam 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Ah Min
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, Gimhae, Gyeongnam 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Gu Seob Roh
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science, Metabolic Dysfunction Liver Disease Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52727, Republic of Korea.
| | - Meong Cheol Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju, Gyeongnam 52828, Republic of Korea.
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Conlon JM, Sridhar A, Khan D, Cunning TS, Delaney JJ, Taggart MG, Ternan NG, Leprince J, Coquet L, Jouenne T, Attoub S, Mechkarska M. Multifunctional host-defense peptides isolated from skin secretions of the banana tree dwelling frog Boana platanera (Hylidae; Hylinae). Biochimie 2024; 223:23-30. [PMID: 38561076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.03.012] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Five host-defense peptides (figainin 2PL, hylin PL, raniseptin PL, plasticin PL, and peptide YL) were isolated from norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions of the banana tree dwelling frog Boana platanera (Hylidae; Hylinae) collected in Trinidad. Raniseptin PL (GVFDTVKKIGKAVGKFALGVAKNYLNS.NH2) and figainin 2PL (FLGTVLKLGKAIAKTVVPMLTNAMQPKQ. NH2) showed potent and rapid bactericidal activity against a range of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative ESKAPE + pathogens and Clostridioides difficile. The peptides also showed potent cytotoxic activity (LC50 values < 30 μM) against A549, MDA-MB-231 and HT29 human tumor-derived cell lines but appreciably lower hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes (LC50 = 262 ± 14 μM for raniseptin PL and 157 ± 16 μM for figainin 2PL). Hylin PL (FLGLIPALAGAIGNLIK.NH2) showed relatively weak activity against microorganisms but was more hemolytic. The glycine-leucine-rich peptide with structural similarity to the plasticins (GLLSTVGGLVGGLLNNLGL.NH2) and the non-cytotoxic peptide YL (YVPGVIESLL.NH2) lacked antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Hylin PL, raniseptinPL and peptide YL stimulated the rate of release of insulin from BRIN-BD11 clonal β-cells at concentrations ≥100 nM. Peptide YL was the most effective (2.3-fold increase compared with basal rate at 1 μM concentration) and may represent a template for the design of a new class of incretin-based anti-diabetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Ananyaa Sridhar
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Dawood Khan
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Taylor S Cunning
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Jack J Delaney
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Megan G Taggart
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Nigel G Ternan
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Université Rouen Normandie, Inserm, NorDiC UMR 1239, HeRacLeS, US 51, PRIMACEN, F-76000, Rouen, France
| | - Laurent Coquet
- CNRS UAR2026 HeRacLeS-PISSARO, CNRS UMR 6270 PBS, Université Rouen Normandie, 76821, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Thierry Jouenne
- CNRS UAR2026 HeRacLeS-PISSARO, CNRS UMR 6270 PBS, Université Rouen Normandie, 76821, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of The West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago
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5
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Du C, Chen L, Liu G, Yuan F, Zhang Z, Rong M, Mo G, Liu C. Tick-Derived Peptide Blocks Potassium Channel TREK-1. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8377. [PMID: 39125945 PMCID: PMC11312834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158377] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens, including rickettsia and viruses, when they feed on blood, afflicting humans and other animals. Bioactive components acting on inflammation, coagulation, and the immune system were reported to facilitate ticks' ability to suck blood and transmit tick-borne diseases. In this study, a novel peptide, IstTx, from an Ixodes scapularis cDNA library was analyzed. The peptide IstTx, obtained by recombinant expression and purification, selectively inhibited a potassium channel, TREK-1, in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 23.46 ± 0.22 μM. The peptide IstTx exhibited different characteristics from fluoxetine, and the possible interaction of the peptide IstTx binding to the channel was explored by molecular docking. Notably, extracellular acidification raised its inhibitory efficacy on the TREK-1 channel. Our results found that the tick-derived peptide IstTx blocked the TREK-1 channel and provided a novel tool acting on the potassium channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canwei Du
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Linyan Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guohao Liu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Fuchu Yuan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Zheyang Zhang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Mingqiang Rong
- National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Peptide Drug Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, No. 387-201 Heming Street, Chengdu 610212, China
| | - Guoxiang Mo
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Changjun Liu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
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Cancelarich NL, Arrulo M, Gugliotti ST, Barbosa EA, Moreira DC, Basso NG, Pérez LO, Teixeira C, Gomes P, de la Torre BG, Albericio F, Eaton P, Leite JRSA, Marani MM. First Bioprospecting Study of Skin Host-Defense Peptides in Odontophrynus americanus. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:1714-1724. [PMID: 38900961 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The adaptation of amphibians to diverse environments is closely related to the characteristics of their skin. The complex glandular system of frog skin plays a pivotal role in enabling these animals to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats and consists of crucial functions such as respiration and water balance as well as serving as a defensive barrier due to the secretion of bioactive compounds. We herein report the first investigation on the skin secretion of Odontophrynus americanus, as a potential source of bioactive peptides and also as an indicator of its evolutionary adaptations to changing environments. Americanin-1 was isolated and identified as a neutral peptide exhibiting moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli. Its amphipathic sequence including 19 amino acids and showing a propensity for α-helix structure is discussed. Comparisons of the histomorphology of the skin of O. americanus with other previously documented species within the same genus revealed distinctive features in the Patagonian specimen, differing from conspecifics from other Argentine provinces. The presence of the Eberth-Katschenko layer, a prevalence of iridophores, and the existence of glycoconjugates in its serous glands suggest that the integument is adapted to retain skin moisture. This adaptation is consistent with the prevailing aridity of its native habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L Cancelarich
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina U9120ACD
| | - Miriam Arrulo
- School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Eder A Barbosa
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Síntese e Análise de Biomoléculas, LSAB, Instituto de Química-UnB, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Néstor G Basso
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus), CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina U9120ACD
| | - Luis Orlando Pérez
- Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas (IPCSH), CONICET, Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina U9120ACD
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Gyros Protein Technologies, Inc., Tucson, Arizona 85714, United States
| | - Paula Gomes
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz G de la Torre
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Fernando Albericio
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter Eaton
- Bridge, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7EL, United Kingdom
| | - José R S A Leite
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Mariela M Marani
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bvd. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina U9120ACD
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7
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Samgina TY, Vasileva ID, Zubarev RA, Lebedev AT. EThcD as a Unique Tool for the Top-Down De Novo Sequencing of Intact Natural Ranid Amphibian Peptides. Anal Chem 2024; 96:12057-12064. [PMID: 38979842 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
De novo sequencing of any novel peptide/protein is a difficult task. Full sequence coverage, isomeric amino acid residues, inter- and intramolecular S-S bonds, and numerous other post-translational modifications make the investigators employ various chemical modifications, providing a variety of specific fragmentation MSn patterns. The chemical processes are time-consuming, and their yields never reach 100%, while the subsequent purification often leads to the loss of minor components of the initial peptide mixture. Here, we present the advantages of the EThcD method that enables establishing the full sequence of natural intact peptides of ranid frogs in de novo top-down mode without any chemical modifications. The method provides complete sequence coverage, including the cyclic disulfide section, and reliable identification of isomeric leucine/isoleucine residues. The proposed approach demonstrated its efficiency in the analysis of peptidomes of ranid frogs from several populations of Rana arvalis, Rana temporaria, and Pelophylax esculentus complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Yu Samgina
- Department of Materials Science, MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 517182, China
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Irina D Vasileva
- Department of Materials Science, MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 517182, China
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Roman A Zubarev
- Department of Medicinal Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Biometry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Albert T Lebedev
- Department of Materials Science, MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 517182, China
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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8
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Adebowale A, Oyaluna Z, Falobi AA, Abolaji AO, Olaiya CO, Ojo OO. Magainin-AM2 inhibits sucrose-induced hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and cognitive dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 222:S0891-5849(24)00545-8. [PMID: 38964592 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress plays significant roles in the development of type 2 diabetes and its complications. This study investigates effects of magainin-AM2 on high-sucrose diet induced redox imbalance and cognitive impairment in Drosophila melanogaster. Effects of various concentrations of sucrose, magainin-AM2 or a combination of both agents on mortality, eclosion rate, generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, activities of antioxidant enzymes, thiol system, and markers of cognitive functions in control and treated flies were examined. Results showed that the exposure of flies to high sucrose (30% - 60% w/w) diet increased mortality rate (38 - 67%, P<0.001) and levels of glucose (1.8 - 1.9-fold, P<0.001), hydrogen peroxide (1.4 - 1.5-fold, P<0.01) and nitrite/nitrate (1.2-fold, P<0.01). Decreased levels of total thiol (53 - 59%, P<0.01), non-protein thiols (59 - 63%, P<0.01), catalase activities (39 - 47%, P<0.01 -0.05) and glutathione-s-transferase activities (31 - 43%, P<0.01 - 0.05) were also observed. Magainin-AM2 (0 - 10 μM/kg diet) did not affect fly mortality rate, levels of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite/nitrate, and activities of catalase and glutathione-s-transferase. However, the peptide produced a dose-dependent increase in total thiol 1.2 - 1.6-fold, P<0.001-0.01)and increases non-protein thiol levels at 10μM/kg diet (2.0-fold, P<0.01). Magainin-AM2 inhibited sucrose-induced elevation of glucose (55 - 70%, P<0.001), hydrogen peroxide (11 - 12%, P<0.01) and nitrite/nitrate (20 - 34%, P<0.01 - 0.05). The peptide prevented sucrose-induced reduction in total and non-protein thiols (1.9 - 2.0-fold, P<0.05) levels and activities of catalase (2.3 - 3.1-fold, P<0.001) and glutathione-s-transferase (1.8 - 2.8-fold, P<0.001- 0.05). Magainin-AM2 inhibited sucrose-induced reduction in acetylcholinesterase activities (3.6 - 4.0-fold, P<0.001), eclosion rate (18%, P<0.001) and negative geotaxis (1.3 - 14-fold, P<0.001). These results indicate that beneficial actions of magainin-AM2 may also involve the prevention of hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative damage and encourage its further development as an anti-diabetic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeola Adebowale
- Nutritional and Industrial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Zeniat Oyaluna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ayodele A Falobi
- Diabetes Research Laboratory, Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, United Kingdom
| | - Amos O Abolaji
- Nutritional and Industrial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Drosophila Research and Training Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Charles O Olaiya
- Nutritional and Industrial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Opeolu O Ojo
- Diabetes Research Laboratory, Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, United Kingdom; Bioscience Research Education and Advisory Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria; IRID Biosciences, Stoke-On-Trent, United Kingdom.
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9
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Kong X, Vishwanath V, Neelakantan P, Ye Z. Harnessing antimicrobial peptides in endodontics. Int Endod J 2024; 57:815-840. [PMID: 38441321 DOI: 10.1111/iej.14043] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Endodontic therapy includes various procedures such as vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment and retreatment, surgical endodontic treatment and regenerative endodontic procedures. Disinfection and tissue repair are crucial for the success of these therapies, necessitating the development of therapeutics that can effectively target microbiota, eliminate biofilms, modulate inflammation and promote tissue repair. However, no current endodontic agents can achieve these goals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are sequences of amino acids, have gained attention due to their unique advantages, including reduced susceptibility to drug resistance, broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and the ability to modulate the immune response of the organism effectively. This review systematically discusses the structure, mechanisms of action, novel designs and limitations of AMPs. Additionally, it highlights the efforts made by researchers to overcome peptide shortcomings and emphasizes the potential applications of AMPs in endodontic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzi Kong
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Vijetha Vishwanath
- Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Prasanna Neelakantan
- Department of Endodontics, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zhou Ye
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
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10
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Yang T, Geng F, Tang X, Yu Z, Liu Y, Song B, Tang Z, Wang B, Ye B, Yu D, Zhang S. UV radiation-induced peptides in frog skin confer protection against cutaneous photodamage through suppressing MAPK signaling. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e625. [PMID: 38919335 PMCID: PMC11196897 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexposure to ultraviolet light (UV) has become a major dermatological problem since the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is increasing. As an adaption to outside environments, amphibians gained an excellent peptide-based defense system in their naked skin from secular evolution. Here, we first determined the adaptation and resistance of the dark-spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) to constant ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. Subsequently, peptidomics of frog skin identified a series of novel peptides in response to UVB. These UV-induced frog skin peptides (UIFSPs) conferred significant protection against UVB-induced death and senescence in skin cells. Moreover, the protective effects of UIFSPs were boosted by coupling with the transcription trans-activating (TAT) protein transduction domain. In vivo, TAT-conjugated UIFSPs mitigated skin photodamage and accelerated wound healing. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that multiple pathways were modulated by TAT-conjugated UIFSPs, including small GTPase/Ras signaling and MAPK signaling. Importantly, pharmacological activation of MAPK kinases counteracted UIFSP-induced decrease in cell death after UVB exposure. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for the potential preventive and therapeutic significance of UIFSPs in UV-induced skin damage by antagonizing MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, these results suggest a practicable alternative in which potential therapeutic agents can be mined from organisms with a fascinating ability to adapt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyi Yang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Fenghao Geng
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaoyou Tang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Medical College of Tibet University, Tibet UniversityLhasaChina
| | - Zuxiang Yu
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yulan Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChina National Nuclear Corporation 416 HospitalChengduChina
| | - Bin Song
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhihui Tang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Baoning Wang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bengui Ye
- Medical College of Tibet University, Tibet UniversityLhasaChina
| | - Daojiang Yu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChina National Nuclear Corporation 416 HospitalChengduChina
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Radiation MedicineWest China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Medical College of Tibet University, Tibet UniversityLhasaChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChina National Nuclear Corporation 416 HospitalChengduChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation (Mianyang Central Hospital)MianyangChina
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11
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Liu X, Shi D, Cheng S, Chen X, Ma C, Jiang Y, Wang T, Chen T, Shaw C, Wang L, Zhou M. Modification and Synergistic Studies of a Novel Frog Antimicrobial Peptide against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:574. [PMID: 39061256 PMCID: PMC11274128 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13070574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The overuse of traditional antibiotics has resulted in bacterial resistance and seriously compromised the therapeutic efficacy of traditional antibiotics, making the exploration of new antimicrobials particularly important. Several studies have shown that bioactive peptides have become an important source of new antimicrobial drugs due to their broad-spectrum antibacterial action and lack of susceptibility to resistance. In this study, a novel bioactive peptide Nigrosin-6VL was characterised from the skin secretion of the golden cross band frog, Odorrana andersonii, by using the 'shotgun' cloning strategy. Modifications on the Rana Box of Nigrosin-6VL revealed its critical role in antimicrobial functions. The peptide analogue, 2170-2R, designed to preserve the Rana Box structure while enhancing cationicity, exhibited improved therapeutic efficacy, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, with a therapeutic value of 45.27. Synergistic studies demonstrated that 2170-2R inherits the synergistic antimicrobial activities of the parent peptides and effectively enhances the antimicrobial capacity of cefepime and gentamicin against both planktonic cells and biofilms. Specifically, 2170-2R can synergise effectively with cefepime and gentamicin against different strains of P. aeruginosa biofilms. Consequently, 2170-2R holds promise as a potent antimicrobial agent developed to combat infections induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinze Liu
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Daning Shi
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Shiya Cheng
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Tao Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (X.L.); (S.C.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
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12
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Xiong W, Chai J, Wu J, Li J, Lu W, Tian M, Jmel MA, Ippel JH, Kotsyfakis M, Dijkgraaf I, Liu S, Xu X. Cathelicidin-HG Alleviates Sepsis-Induced Platelet Dysfunction by Inhibiting GPVI-Mediated Platelet Activation. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0381. [PMID: 38840901 PMCID: PMC11151873 DOI: 10.34133/research.0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Platelet activation contributes to sepsis development, leading to microthrombosis and increased inflammation, which results in disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction. Although Cathelicidin can alleviate sepsis, its role in sepsis regulation remains largely unexplored. In this study, we identified Cath-HG, a novel Cathelicidin from Hylarana guentheri skin, and analyzed its structure using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The modulatory effect of Cath-HG on the symptoms of mice with sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture was evaluated in vivo, and the platelet count, degree of organ damage, and microthrombosis were measured. The antiplatelet aggregation activity of Cath-HG was studied in vitro, and its target was verified. Finally, we further investigated whether Cath-HG could regulate thrombosis in vivo in a FeCl3 injury-induced carotid artery model. The results showed that Cath-HG exhibited an α-helical structure in sodium dodecyl sulfate solution and effectively reduced organ inflammation and damage, improving survival in septic mice. It alleviated sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia and microthrombosis. In vitro, Cath-HG specifically inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and modulated glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signaling pathways. Dot blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and pull-down experiments confirmed GPVI as the target of Cath-HG. Molecular docking and amino acid residue truncations/mutations identified crucial sites of Cath-HG. These findings suggest that GPVI represents a promising therapeutic target for sepsis, and Cath-HG may serve as a potential treatment for sepsis-related thrombocytopenia and thrombotic events. Additionally, identifying Cath-HG as a GPVI inhibitor provides insights for developing novel antithrombotic therapies targeting platelet activation mediated by GPVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Xiong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiali Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wancheng Lu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Maolin Tian
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mohamed Amine Jmel
- Institute of Parasitology,
Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Budweis (Ceske Budejovice) 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Johannes H. Ippel
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM),
Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Institute of Parasitology,
Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Budweis (Ceske Budejovice) 37005, Czech Republic
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,
Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ingrid Dijkgraaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM),
Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Shuwen Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xueqing Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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13
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Mitra S, Chandersekhar B, Li Y, Coopershlyak M, Mahoney ME, Evans B, Koenig R, Hall SCL, Klösgen B, Heinrich F, Deslouches B, Tristram-Nagle S. Novel non-helical antimicrobial peptides insert into and fuse lipid model membranes. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4088-4101. [PMID: 38712559 PMCID: PMC11109824 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00220b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
This research addresses the growing menace of antibiotic resistance by exploring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Specifically, we investigate two linear amphipathic AMPs, LE-53 (12-mer) and LE-55 (16-mer), finding that the shorter LE-53 exhibits greater bactericidal activity against both Gram-negative (G(-)) and Gram-positive (G(+)) bacteria. Remarkably, both AMPs are non-toxic to eukaryotic cells. The heightened effectiveness of LE-53 is attributed to its increased hydrophobicity (H) compared to LE-55. Circular dichroism (CD) reveals that LE-53 and LE-55 both adopt β-sheet and random coil structures in lipid model membranes (LMMs) mimicking G(-) and G(+) bacteria, so secondary structure is not the cause of the potency difference. X-ray diffuse scattering (XDS) reveals increased lipid chain order in LE-53, a potential key distinction. Additionally, XDS study uncovers a significant link between LE-53's upper hydrocarbon location in G(-) and G(+) LMMs and its efficacy. Neutron reflectometry (NR) confirms the AMP locations determined using XDS. Solution small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) demonstrates LE-53's ability to induce vesicle fusion in bacterial LMMs without affecting eukaryotic LMMs, offering a promising strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant strains while preserving human cell integrity, whereas LE-55 has a smaller ability to induce fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheli Mitra
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Bhairavi Chandersekhar
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Yunshu Li
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Mark Coopershlyak
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Margot E Mahoney
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Brandt Evans
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Rachel Koenig
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Stephen C L Hall
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Beate Klösgen
- University of Southern Denmark, Dept. Physics, Chemistry & Pharmacy, PhyLife, Campusvej 55, Odense M5230, Denmark
| | - Frank Heinrich
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
- Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Berthony Deslouches
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Stephanie Tristram-Nagle
- Biological Physics Group, Physics Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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14
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Kröner L, Lötters S, Hopp MT. Insights into caudate amphibian skin secretions with a focus on the chemistry and bioactivity of derived peptides. Biol Chem 2024; 0:hsz-2024-0035. [PMID: 38766708 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2024-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Amphibians are well-known for their ability to produce and secrete a mixture of bioactive substances in specialized skin glands for the purpose of antibiotic self-protection and defense against predators. Some of these secretions contain various small molecules, such as the highly toxic batrachotoxin, tetrodotoxin, and samandarine. For some time, the presence of peptides in amphibian skin secretions has attracted researchers, consisting of a diverse collection of - to the current state of knowledge - three to 104 amino acid long sequences. From these more than 2000 peptides many are known to exert antimicrobial effects. In addition, there are some reports on amphibian skin peptides that can promote wound healing, regulate immunoreactions, and may serve as antiparasitic and antioxidative substances. So far, the focus has mainly been on skin peptides from frogs and toads (Anura), eclipsing the research on skin peptides of the ca. 700 salamanders and newts (Caudata). Just recently, several novel observations dealing with caudate peptides and their structure-function relationships were reported. This review focuses on the chemistry and bioactivity of caudate amphibian skin peptides and their potential as novel agents for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Kröner
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Stefan Lötters
- Department of Biogeography, University of Trier, D-54286 Trier, Germany
| | - Marie-T Hopp
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, 38899 University of Koblenz , D-56070 Koblenz, Germany
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15
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Conlon JM, Owolabi BO, Flatt PR, Abdel-Wahab YHA. Amphibian host-defense peptides with potential for Type 2 diabetes therapy - an updated review. Peptides 2024; 175:171180. [PMID: 38401671 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Investigations conducted since 2018 have identified several host-defense peptides present in frog skin secretions whose properties suggest the possibility of their development into a new class of agent for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) therapy. Studies in vitro have described peptides that (a) stimulate insulin release from BRIN-BD11 clonal β-cells and isolated mouse islets, (b) display β-cell proliferative activity and protect against cytokine-mediated apoptosis and (c) stimulate production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and inhibit production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Rhinophrynin-27, phylloseptin-3.2TR and temporin F are peptides with therapeutic potential. Studies in vivo carried out in db/db and high fat-fed mice have shown that twice-daily administration of [S4K]CPF-AM1 and [A14K]PGLa-AM1, analogs of peptides first isolated from the octoploid frog Xenopus amieti, over 28 days lowers circulating glucose and HbA1c concentrations, increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose tolerance and lipid profile. Peptide treatment produced potentially beneficial changes in the expression of skeletal muscle genes involved in insulin signaling and islet genes involved in insulin secretion in these murine models of T2D. Lead compounds uncovered by the study of frog HDPs may provide a basis for the design of new types of agents that can be used, alone or in combination with existing therapies, for the treatment of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Bosede O Owolabi
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Yasser H A Abdel-Wahab
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
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Gach-Janczak K, Biernat M, Kuczer M, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Kluczyk A. Analgesic Peptides: From Natural Diversity to Rational Design. Molecules 2024; 29:1544. [PMID: 38611824 PMCID: PMC11013236 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071544] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain affects one-third of the global population and is a significant public health issue. The use of opioid drugs, which are the strongest painkillers, is associated with several side effects, such as tolerance, addiction, overdose, and even death. An increasing demand for novel, safer analgesic agents is a driving force for exploring natural sources of bioactive peptides with antinociceptive activity. Since the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in pain modulation, the discovery of new peptide ligands for GPCRs is a significant challenge for novel drug development. The aim of this review is to present peptides of human and animal origin with antinociceptive potential and to show the possibilities of their modification, as well as the design of novel structures. The study presents the current knowledge on structure-activity relationship in the design of peptide-based biomimetic compounds, the modification strategies directed at increasing the antinociceptive activity, and improvement of metabolic stability and pharmacodynamic profile. The procedures employed in prolonged drug delivery of emerging compounds are also discussed. The work summarizes the conditions leading to the development of potential morphine replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Gach-Janczak
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.G.-J.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Monika Biernat
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.G.-J.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
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17
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Lombardo GP, Miller A, Aragona M, Messina E, Fumia A, Kuciel M, Alesci A, Pergolizzi S, Lauriano ER. Immunohistochemical Characterization of Langerhans Cells in the Skin of Three Amphibian Species. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:210. [PMID: 38666822 PMCID: PMC11048468 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The amphibian taxon includes three orders that present different morphological characteristics: Anura, Caudata, and Apoda. Their skin has a crucial role: it acts as an immune organ constituting a physical, chemical, immunological, and microbiological barrier to pathogen insult and conducts essential physiological processes. Amphibians have developed specialized features to protect the vulnerable skin barrier, including a glandular network beneath the skin surface that can produce antimicrobial and toxic substances, thus contributing to the defense against pathogens and predators. This study aims to characterize Langerhans cells in the skin of Lithobates catesbeianus (order: Anura; Shaw, 1802), Amphiuma means (order: Caudata; Garden, 1821), and Typhlonectes natans (order: Apoda; Fischer, 1880) with the following antibodies: Langerin/CD207 (c-type lectin), Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)II, and Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 (expressed by different types of DCs). Our results showed Langerhans cells positive for Langerin CD/207 in the epidermis of the three species; moreover, some antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the connective tissue expressed TLR2 and MHCII. The distribution of the Langerhans cells is very similar in the three amphibians examined, despite their different habitats. A greater knowledge of the amphibian immune system could be useful to better understand the phylogeny of vertebrates and to safeguard amphibians from population declines. Furthermore, the similarities between amphibians' and human skin concerning immunological features may be useful in both biology and translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pia Lombardo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Anthea Miller
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Marialuisa Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Emmanuele Messina
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Angelo Fumia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Michał Kuciel
- Poison Information Centre, Department of Toxicology and Environmental Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Jagellonian University, Kopernika 15, 30-501 Krakòw, Poland;
| | - Alessio Alesci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Simona Pergolizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.P.L.); (E.M.); (A.A.); (E.R.L.)
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18
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García FA, Fuentes TF, Alonso IP, Bosch RA, Brunetti AE, Lopes NP. A Comprehensive Review of Patented Antimicrobial Peptides from Amphibian Anurans. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:600-616. [PMID: 38412091 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Since the 1980s, studies of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from anuran skin secretions have unveiled remarkable structural diversity and a wide range of activities. This study explores the potential of these peptides for drug development by examining granted patents, amino acid modifications related to patented peptides, and recent amphibians' taxonomic updates influencing AMP names. A total of 188 granted patents related to different anuran peptides were found, with Asia and North America being the predominant regions, contributing 65.4% and 15.4%, respectively. Conversely, although the Neotropical region is the world's most diversified region for amphibians, it holds only 3.7% of the identified patents. The antimicrobial activities of the peptides are claimed in 118 of these 188 patents. Additionally, for 160 of these peptides, 66 patents were registered for the natural sequence, 69 for both natural and derivative sequences, and 20 exclusively for sequence derivatives. Notably, common modifications include alterations in the side chains of amino acids and modifications to the peptides' N- and C-termini. This review underscores the biomedical potential of anuran-derived AMPs, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between AMP description and practical drug development while highlighting the urgency of biodiversity conservation to facilitate biomedical discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Almeida García
- NPPNS, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café, s/no, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Talia Frómeta Fuentes
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Street No. 455, Vedado 10400, Cuba
| | - Isel Pascual Alonso
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Street No. 455, Vedado 10400, Cuba
| | - Roberto Alonso Bosch
- Natural History Museum Felipe Poey, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Vedado 10400, Cuba
| | - Andrés E Brunetti
- Institute of Subtropical Biology (CONICET-UNAM), National University of Misiones, Posadas N3300LQH, Argentina
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Norberto Peporine Lopes
- NPPNS, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café, s/no, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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19
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Zhou X, Shen H, Wu S, Mu L, Yang H, Wu J. An amphibian-derived cathelicidin accelerates cutaneous wound healing through its main regulatory effect on phagocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111595. [PMID: 38295541 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111595] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are an important family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) involved in the innate immunity in vertebrates. The mammalian cathelicidins have been well characterized, but the relationship between structure and function in amphibian cathelicidins is still not well understood. In this study, a novel 29-residue cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (BugaCATH) was identified from the skin of Bufo gargarizans. Unlike other AMPs, BugaCATH does not display any direct antimicrobial effects in vitro. However, it effectively promotes full-thickness wound repair in mice. Following injury, BugaCATH initiates and expedites the inflammatory stage by recruiting neutrophils and macrophages to the wound site. BugaCATH not only regulates neutrophil phagocytic activity but also stimulates the generation of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL2, and CCL3) in macrophages and in mice. Furthermore, it promotes macrophage M2 polarization that facilitates the conversion from a pro-inflammatory macrophage-dominated wound environment to an anti-inflammatory one during the mid to late stages, which is crucial for reducing inflammation and effective wound repair. The MAPK (ERK, JNK, and p38) and NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling pathways are involved in the activity. Moreover, BugaCATH directly enhances the migration of keratinocytes and vascular endothelial cells without affecting their proliferation. Notably, BugaCATH significantly improves the proliferation of keratinocytes and endothelial cells in the presence of macrophages. The current study revealed that in addition to proliferation of keratinocytes and endothelial cells, BugaCATH possesses the ability to modulate inflammatory processes during skin injury through its regulatory effect on phagocytes. The combination of these capabilities makes BugaCATH a potent candidate for skin wound therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Huan Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuxin Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lixian Mu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Hailong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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20
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Carrillo JFC, Boaretto AG, Santana DJ, Silva DB. Skin secretions of Leptodactylidae (Anura) and their potential applications. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2024; 30:e20230042. [PMID: 38374940 PMCID: PMC10876013 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2023-0042] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin of anuran species is a protective barrier against predators and pathogens, showing also chemical defense by substances that represent a potential source for bioactive substances. This review describes the current chemical and biological knowledge from the skin secretions of Leptodactylidae species, one of the most diverse neotropical frog families. These skin secretions reveal a variety of substances such as amines (12), neuropeptides (16), and antimicrobial peptides (72). The amines include histamine and its methylated derivatives, tryptamine derivatives and quaternary amines. The peptides of Leptodactylidae species show molecular weight up to 3364 Da and ocellatins are the most reported. The peptides exhibit commonly glycine (G) or glycine-valine (GV) as C-terminal amino acids, and the most common N-terminal amino acids are glutamic acid (E), lysine (K), and valine (V). The substances from Leptodactylidae species have been evaluated against pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the most active peptides showed MIC of 1-15 µM. Furthermore, some compounds showed also pharmacological properties such as immunomodulation, treatment of degenerative diseases, anticancer, and antioxidant. Currently, only 9% of the species in this family have been properly studied, highlighting a large number of unstudied species such as an entire subfamily (Paratelmatobiinae). The ecological context, functions, and evolution of peptides and amines in this family are poorly understood and represent a large field for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. C. Carrillo
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Systematics and Biogeography of Amphibians and
Reptiles (Mapinguari), Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso
do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Mass Spectrometry (LaPNEM),
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition (FACFAN), Federal University
of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Galdi Boaretto
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Mass Spectrometry (LaPNEM),
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition (FACFAN), Federal University
of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Diego J. Santana
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Systematics and Biogeography of Amphibians and
Reptiles (Mapinguari), Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso
do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Denise Brentan Silva
- Program in Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Biosciences,
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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21
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Zhu Y, Wang K, Jia X, Fu C, Yu H, Wang Y. Antioxidant peptides, the guardian of life from oxidative stress. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:275-364. [PMID: 37621230 DOI: 10.1002/med.21986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during oxidative metabolism in aerobic organisms. Under normal conditions, ROS production and elimination are in a relatively balanced state. However, under internal or external environmental stress, such as high glucose levels or UV radiation, ROS production can increase significantly, leading to oxidative stress. Excess ROS production not only damages biomolecules but is also closely associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as skin photoaging, diabetes, and cancer. Antioxidant peptides (AOPs) are naturally occurring or artificially designed peptides that can reduce the levels of ROS and other pro-oxidants, thus showing great potential in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we discussed ROS production and its role in inducing oxidative stress-related diseases in humans. Additionally, we discussed the sources, mechanism of action, and evaluation methods of AOPs and provided directions for future studies on AOPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Zhu
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyi Jia
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Food Science and Technology Center, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caili Fu
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haining Yu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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22
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Loffredo MR, Nencioni L, Mangoni ML, Casciaro B. Antimicrobial peptides for novel antiviral strategies in the current post-COVID-19 pandemic. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3534. [PMID: 37501572 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted how urgent and necessary the discovery of new antiviral compounds is for novel therapeutic approaches. Among the various classes of molecules with antiviral activity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate immunity are among the most promising ones, mainly due to their different mechanisms of action against viruses and additional biological properties. In this review, the main physicochemical characteristics of AMPs are described, with particular interest toward peptides derived from amphibian skin. Living in aquatic and terrestrial environments, amphibians are one of the richest sources of AMPs with different primary and secondary structures. Besides describing the various antiviral activities of these peptides and the underlying mechanism, this review aims at emphasizing the high potential of these small molecules for the development of new antiviral agents that likely reduce the selection of resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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23
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Conlon JM, Moffett RC, Flatt PR, Leprince J. Strategy for the Identification of Host-Defense Peptides in Frog Skin Secretions with Therapeutic Potential as Antidiabetic Agents. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2758:291-306. [PMID: 38549020 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3646-6_15] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Several amphibian peptides that were first identified on the basis of their antimicrobial or cytotoxic properties have subsequently shown potential for development into agents for the treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes. A strategy is presented for the isolation and characterization of such peptides that are present in norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from a range of frog species. The methodology involves (1) fractionation of the secretions by reversed-phase HPLC, (2) identification of fractions containing components that stimulate the rate of release of insulin from BRIN-BD11 clonal β-cells without simultaneously stimulating the release of lactate dehydrogenase, (3) identification of active peptides in the fractions in the mass range 1-6 kDa by MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry, (4) purification of the peptides to near homogeneity by further reversed-phase HPLC on various column matrices, and (5) structural characterization by automated Edman degradation. The effect of synthetic replicates of the active peptides on glucose homeostasis in vivo may be evaluated in appropriate animal models of Type 2 diabetes such as db/db mice and mice fed a high fat diet to produce obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK.
| | - R Charlotte Moffett
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Peter R Flatt
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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24
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Vasileva ID, Samgina TY, Lebedev AT. Mass Spectrometric De Novo Sequencing of Natural Peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2758:61-75. [PMID: 38549008 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3646-6_3] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Natural peptides secreted under stress conditions by many organisms are bioactive molecules with a broad spectrum of activities. These molecules could become potential models for novel pharmaceuticals, to which bacteria, according to modern scientific concepts, do not have and cannot develop resistance. Taking this into consideration, it is necessary to clarify the amino acid sequences of such peptides. Here we describe our approach to de novo sequencing of amphibians' skin secretion peptides.
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25
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Wu J, Xiong W, Li J, Liao H, Chai J, Huang X, Lai S, Kozlov S, Chu X, Xu X. Peptide TK-HR from the Skin of Chinese Folk Medicine Frog Hoplobatrachus Rugulosus Accelerates Wound Healing via the Activation of the Neurokinin-1 Receptor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16002-16017. [PMID: 38015459 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex process and remains a considerable challenge in clinical trials due to the lack of ideal therapeutic drugs. Here, a new peptide TK-HR identified from the skin of the frog Hoplobatrachus rugulosus was tested for its ability to heal cutaneous wounds in mice. Topical application of TK-HR at doses of 50-200 μg/mL significantly accelerated wound closure without causing any adverse effects in the animals. In vitro and in vivo investigations proved the regulatory role of the peptide on neutrophils, macrophages, keratinocytes, and vein endothelial cells involved in the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of wound healing. Notably, TK-HR activated the MAPK and TGF-β-Smad signaling pathways by acting on NK1R in RAW264.7 cells and mice. The current work has identified that TK-HR is a potent wound healing regulator that can be applied for the treatment of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers and infected wounds, in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiena Wu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Weichen Xiong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jinqiao Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Hang Liao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowen Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Shian Lai
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Sergey Kozlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Xinwei Chu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueqing Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
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26
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Duengo S, Muhajir MI, Hidayat AT, Musa WJA, Maharani R. Epimerisation in Peptide Synthesis. Molecules 2023; 28:8017. [PMID: 38138507 PMCID: PMC10745333 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248017] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epimerisation is basically a chemical conversion that includes the transformation of an epimer into another epimer or its chiral partner. Epimerisation of amino acid is a side reaction that sometimes happens during peptide synthesis. It became the most avoided reaction because the process affects the overall conformation of the molecule, eventually even altering the bioactivity of the peptide. Epimerised products have a high similarity of physical characteristics, thus making it difficult for them to be purified. In regards to amino acids, epimerisation is very important in keeping the chirality of the assembled amino acids unchanged during the peptide synthesis and obtaining the desirable product without any problematic purification. In this review, we report several factors that induce epimerisation during peptide synthesis, including how to characterise and affect the bioactivities. To avoid undesirable epimerisation, we also describe several methods of suppressing the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleman Duengo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia; (S.D.); (M.I.M.); (A.T.H.)
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo 96128, North Sulawesi, Indonesia;
| | - Muhamad Imam Muhajir
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia; (S.D.); (M.I.M.); (A.T.H.)
| | - Ace Tatang Hidayat
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia; (S.D.); (M.I.M.); (A.T.H.)
- Central Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Weny J. A. Musa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo 96128, North Sulawesi, Indonesia;
| | - Rani Maharani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia; (S.D.); (M.I.M.); (A.T.H.)
- Central Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia
- Research Collaboration Centre for Theranostic Radiopharmaceutical, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia
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27
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Wang Y, Li Y, Ni D, Wei Z, Fu Z, Li C, Sun H, Wu Y, Li Y, Zhang Y, Liu N, Liu Y, Wang Z, Li J, Sun D, He L, Yang Y, Wang Y, Yang X. miR-186-5p targets TGFβR2 to inhibit RAW264.7 cell migration and proliferation during mouse skin wound healing. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:2826-2835. [PMID: 37565786 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23914] [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] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active peptides play a vital role in the development of new drugs and the identification and discovery of drug targets. As the first reported native peptide homodimer with pro-regenerative potency, OA-GP11d could potentially be used as a novel molecular probe to help elucidate the molecular mechanism of skin wound repair and provide new drug targets. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay were adopted to determine microRNAs (miRNAs) and its target. The prohealing potency of the miRNA was determined by MTS and a Transwell experiment against mouse macrophages. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, realtime polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms. RESULTS In this study, OA-GP11d was shown to induce Mus musculus microRNA-186-5p (mmu-miR-186-5p) down-regulation. Results showed that miR-186-5p had a negative effect on macrophage migration and proliferation as well as a targeted and negative effect on TGF-β type II receptor (TGFβR2) expression and an inhibitory effect on activation of the downstream SMAD family member 2 (Smad2) and protein-p38 kinase signaling pathways. Importantly, delivery of a miR-186-5p mimic delayed skin wound healing in mice. CONCLUSION miR-186-5p regulated macrophage migration and proliferation to delay wound healing through the TGFβR2/Smad2/p38 molecular axes, thus providing a promising new pro-repair drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglei Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuansheng Li
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Dan Ni
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ziqi Wei
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhe Fu
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Huiling Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yutong Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yilin Li
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yingxuan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Naixin Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yixiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources & Key Laboratory of Natural Products Synthetic Biology of Ethnic Medicinal Endophytes, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources & Key Laboratory of Natural Products Synthetic Biology of Ethnic Medicinal Endophytes, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Dandan Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources & Key Laboratory of Natural Products Synthetic Biology of Ethnic Medicinal Endophytes, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, School of Ethnic Medicine, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, China
| | - Xinwang Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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28
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Luo J, Gao Y, Zhao R, Shi J, Li YM. Synthesis of disulfide-rich C-terminal Cys-containing peptide acids through a photocleavable side-chain anchoring strategy. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:8863-8867. [PMID: 37888757 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01597a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
A side-chain anchoring strategy has been developed as an effective method for the synthesis of C-terminal Cys-containing peptide acids. However, the application of this strategy to CCAs containing more than one disulfide bond is still hindered due to the trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) lability of the anchored side-chain groups. Herein, we report a photocleavable side-chain anchoring strategy using newly developed molecules having photocleavable side-chain protecting groups that are stable against TFA cleavage to assist in the formation of disulfide bonds. The utility of this new strategy was demonstrated by the synthesis of Riparin 1.1 and hCNP22 containing one disulfide bond and α-conotoxin Vc1.1 containing two disulfide bonds. This new strategy will provide new possibilities for the synthesis of disulfide-rich C-terminal Cys-containing peptide acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Luo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for BioAnalytical Chemistry, Hefei National Laboratory of Physical Science at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Yi-Ming Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process, Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
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29
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Serafin P, Kleczkowska P. Bombesins: A New Frontier in Hybrid Compound Development. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2597. [PMID: 38004575 PMCID: PMC10674911 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, bombesin (BN) and its analogs have attracted much attention as excellent anticancer agents because they interact with specific receptors widely distributed on the surface of various cancer cells. However, their biological properties proceed far beyond this, given a broad spectrum of activity. Bombesin receptor ligands are effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or gastrointestinal diseases. However, most diseases are complex, and the use of polytherapy may lead to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions, resulting in side effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop effective compounds that also contain BN or its analogs, which are combined with other structural entities, thus generating a so-called hybrid drug. Hybrid drugs that contain bombesin pharmacophore(s) may be proposed as a solution to the problem of polytherapy or the lack of an effective cure. Such structures have now demonstrated the desired efficacy, though information on these aforementioned compounds is relatively scarce. Therefore, our paper aims to encourage researchers to focus on bombesins. Herein, we indicate that the hybrid approach should also be firmly applied to bombesins and the BN receptor family. This paper's structure is divided into two main sections demonstrating bombesins and their properties, as well as recent data on bombesin-based hybrid compounds and their potential usefulness in medicine. Overall, it refers to the discovery and synthesis of modified bombesin-based hybrid compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Serafin
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Kleczkowska
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland;
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie, Medical Academy in Warsaw, Solidarnosci 12 Str., 03-411 Warsaw, Poland
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30
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Han Z, Feng D, Wang W, Wang Y, Cheng M, Yang H, Liu Y. Influence of Fatty Acid Modification on the Anticancer Activity of the Antimicrobial Peptide Figainin 1. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:41876-41884. [PMID: 37970064 PMCID: PMC10633881 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides derived from the skin secretions of amphibians have made important progress in tumor therapy due to their unique mechanism of destroying cell membranes. Figainin 1 (F1) is an 18-amino acid antimicrobial peptide from the skin secretions of Boana raniceps frogs. In a previous study, F1 was shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. F1 is composed entirely of natural amino acids; therefore, it is easily degraded by a variety of proteases, resulting in poor stability and a short half-life. In the present study, we used a fatty acid modification strategy to improve the stability of Figainin 1. Among the 8 peptides synthesized, A-10 showed the strongest antiproliferative activity against K562 cells and the other four tumor cell lines, and its stability against serum and proteinase K was improved compared with F1. We found that A-10 works through two mechanisms, cell membrane destruction and apoptosis, and can arrest the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, A-10 exhibited self-assembly behavior. Overall, it is necessary to select a fatty acid with a suitable length for modification to improve the stability and antiproliferative activity of antimicrobial peptides. This study provides a good reference for the development of antimicrobial peptides as effective anticancer compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbin Han
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based
Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical
Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dongmei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based
Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical
Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based
Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical
Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based
Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical
Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based
Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical
Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Huali Yang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based
Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical
Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based
Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical
Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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31
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Rami M, Shafique M, Sarma SP. Structural, Functional, and Mutational Studies of a Potent Subtilisin Inhibitor from Budgett's Frog, Lepidobatrachus laevis. Biochemistry 2023; 62:2952-2969. [PMID: 37796763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Subtilases play a significant role in microbial pathogen infections by degrading the host proteins. Subtilisin inhibitors are crucial in fighting against these harmful microorganisms. LL-TIL, from skin secretions of Lepidobatrachus laevis, is a cysteine-rich peptide belonging to the I8 family of inhibitors. Protease inhibitory assays demonstrated that LL-TIL acts as a slow-tight binding inhibitor of subtilisin Carlsberg and proteinase K with inhibition constants of 91 pM and 2.4 nM, respectively. The solution structures of LL-TIL and a mutant peptide reveal that they adopt a typical TIL-type fold with a canonical conformation of a reactive site loop (RSL). The structure of the LL-TIL-subtilisin complex and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provided an in-depth view of the structural basis of inhibition. NMR relaxation data and molecular dynamics simulations indicated a rigid conformation of RSL, which does not alter significantly upon subtilisin binding. The energy calculation for subtilisin inhibition predicted Ile31 as the highest contributor to the binding energy, which was confirmed experimentally by site-directed mutagenesis. A chimeric mutant of LL-TIL broadened the inhibitory profile and attenuated subtilisin inhibition by 2 orders of magnitude. These results provide a template to engineer more specific and potent TIL-type subtilisin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir Rami
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Mohd Shafique
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Siddhartha P Sarma
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
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Samgina TY, Vasileva ID, Trebše P, Torkar G, Surin AK, Meng Z, Zubarev RA, Lebedev AT. Tandem Mass Spectrometry de novo Sequencing of the Skin Defense Peptides of the Central Slovenian Agile Frog Rana dalmatina. Molecules 2023; 28:7118. [PMID: 37894596 PMCID: PMC10608968 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207118] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides released on frogs' skin in a stress situation represent their only weapon against micro-organisms and predators. Every species and even population of frog possesses its own peptidome being appropriate for their habitat. Skin peptides are considered potential pharmaceuticals, while the whole peptidome may be treated as a taxonomic characteristic of each particular population. Continuing the studies on frog peptides, here we report the peptidome composition of the Central Slovenian agile frog Rana dalmatina population. The detection and top-down de novo sequencing of the corresponding peptides was conducted exclusively by tandem mass spectrometry without using any chemical derivatization procedures. Collision-induced dissociation (CID), higher energy collision-induced dissociation (HCD), electron transfer dissociation (ETD) and combined MS3 method EThcD with stepwise increase of HCD energy were used for that purpose. MS/MS revealed the whole sequence of the detected peptides including differentiation between isomeric Leu/Ile, and the sequence portion hidden in the disulfide cycle. The array of the discovered peptide families (brevinins 1 and 2, melittin-related peptides (MRPs), temporins and bradykinin-related peptides (BRPs)) is quite similar to that of R. temporaria. Since the genome of this frog remains unknown, the obtained results were compared with the recently published transcriptome of R. dalmatina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Yu. Samgina
- Department of Materials Science, MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 517182, China
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Irina D. Vasileva
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Polonca Trebše
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana Zdravstvena Pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gregor Torkar
- Department for Biology, Chemistry and Home Economics, University of Ljubljana Faculty of Education, Kardeljeva Ploščad 16, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Alexey K. Surin
- Pushchino Branch, Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Nauki 6, Pushchino, 142290 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Zhaowei Meng
- Department of Medicinal Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Biometry, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (Z.M.); (R.A.Z.)
| | - Roman A. Zubarev
- Department of Medicinal Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Biometry, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; (Z.M.); (R.A.Z.)
- The National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, 115478 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Pharmacological & Technological Chemistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Albert T. Lebedev
- Department of Materials Science, MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen 517182, China
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
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Xiong W, Xie J, Liang Y, Chai J, Guo R, Zeng B, Wu J, Lai S, Zhang H, Huang X, Chen X, Xu X. Cath-DM-NT, a peptide derived from the skin of Duttaphrynus melanostictus, shows dual lectin-like and antioxidant activity. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 956:175941. [PMID: 37536626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175941] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Chansu, a mixture extracted from Duttaphrynus melanostictus or Bufo gargarizans Cantor, is a traditional Chinese medicine with a broad range of medical applications. However, the peptides/proteins in it have not received adequate attention. Herein, a Cathelicidin-DM-derived peptide named Cath-DM-NT was identified from the skin of D. melanostictus. Previous studies have shown that Cathelicidin-DM has significant antibacterial activity, while Cath-DM-NT has no antibacterial activity. In this study, Cath-DM-NT is found to have lectin-like activity which can agglutinate erythrocytes and bacteria, and bind to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, Cath-DM-NT has antioxidant activity, which can scavenge 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and nitric oxide (NO) radicals and reduce Fe3+. Consistently, Cath-DM-NT can protect PC12 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage and carrageenan-induced paw edema, reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and restore superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels. Our study suggests that Cath-DM-NT can serve as a lead compound for the development of drugs with dual lectin and antioxidant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Xiong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianpeng Xie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baishuang Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shian Lai
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | - Haiyun Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Conlon JM, Guilhaudis L, Attoub S, Coquet L, Leprince J, Jouenne T, Mechkarska M. Purification, conformational analysis and cytotoxic activities of host-defense peptides from the Tungara frog Engystomops pustulosus (Leptodactylidae; Leiuperinae). Amino Acids 2023; 55:1349-1359. [PMID: 37548712 PMCID: PMC10689532 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03312-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The amphibian family Leptodactylidae is divided into three sub-families: Leiuperinae, Leptodactylinae, and Paratelmatobiinae. Host-defense peptides (HDPs) present in the skins of frogs belonging to the Leptodactylinae have been studied extensively, but information is limited regarding peptides from Leiuperinae species. Peptidomic analysis of norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from the Tungara frog Engystomops pustulosus (Leiuperinae) collected in Trinidad led to the isolation and structural characterization of previously undescribed pustulosin-1 (FWKADVKEIG KKLAAKLAEELAKKLGEQ), [Q28E] pustulosin-1 (pustulosin-2), and pustulosin-3 (DWKETAKELLKKIGAKVAQVISDKLNPAPQ). The primary structures of these peptides do not resemble those of previously described frog skin HDPs. In addition, the secretions contained tigerinin-1EP (GCKTYLIEPPVCT) with structural similarity to the tigerinins previously identified in skin secretions from frogs from the family Dicroglossidae. Pustulosin-1 and -3 adopted extended α-helical conformations in 25% trifluoroethanol-water and in the presence of cell membrane models (sodium dodecylsulfate and dodecylphosphocholine micelles). Pustulosin-1 and -3 displayed cytotoxic activity against a range of human tumor-derived cell lines (A549, MDA-MB-231, and HT29), but their therapeutic potential for development into anti-cancer agents is limited by their comparable cytotoxic activity against non-neoplastic human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The peptides also displayed weak antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (MIC = 125 µM) but were inactive against Staphylococcus aureus. Tigerinin-1EP was inactive against both the tumor-derived cells and bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Laure Guilhaudis
- Laboratoire COBRA (UMR 6014 & FR 3038), INSA de Rouen, CNRS, Université Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laurent Coquet
- CNRS UAR2026, HeRacLeS-PISSARO PBS UMR 6270, Université Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- CNRS UAR2026, HeRacLeS-PISSARO PBS UMR 6270, Université Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France
- INSERM, Normandie Université, NorDiC UMR 1239, HeRacLeS, US 51, PRIMACEN, Université Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Thierry Jouenne
- CNRS UAR2026, HeRacLeS-PISSARO PBS UMR 6270, Université Rouen Normandie, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
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Chai J, Wu J, Li J, Liao H, Lu W, Guo R, Shao Z, Jmel MA, Martins LA, Hackeng T, Ippel H, Dijkgraaf I, Kotsyfakis M, Xu X. Novel Amphibian Bowman-Birk-Like Inhibitor with Antioxidant and Anticoagulant Effects Ameliorates Pancreatitis Symptoms in Mice. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11869-11880. [PMID: 37610210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious inflammatory disorder and still lacks effective therapy globally. In this study, a novel Ranacyclin peptide, Ranacin, was identified from the skin of Pelophylax nigromaculatus frog. Ranacin adopted a compact β-hairpin conformation with a disulfide bond (Cys5-Cys15). Ranacin was also demonstrated effectively to inhibit trypsin and have anticoagulant and antioxidant activities in vitro. Furthermore, the severity of pancreatitis was significantly alleviated in l-Arg-induced AP mice after treatment with Ranacin. In addition, structure-activity studies of Ranacin analogues confirmed that the sequences outside the trypsin inhibitory loop (TIL), especially at the C-terminal side, might be closely associated with the efficacy of its trypsin inhibitory activity. In conclusion, our data suggest that Ranacin can improve pancreatic injury in mice with severe AP through its multi-activity. Therefore, Ranacin is considered a potential drug candidate in AP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinqiao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hang Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wancheng Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zuoyan Shao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mohamed Amine Jmel
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Budweis (Ceske Budejovice) 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Larissa Almeida Martins
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Budweis (Ceske Budejovice) 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Tilman Hackeng
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Ippel
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Dijkgraaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Budweis (Ceske Budejovice) 37005, Czech Republic
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, N. Plastira 100, 70013 Heracklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Vasileva ID, Samgina TY, Meng Z, Zubarev RA, Lebedev AT. EThcD Benefits for the Sequencing Inside Intramolecular Disulfide Cycles of Amphibian Intact Peptides. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:1979-1988. [PMID: 37525119 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Disulfide bonds formed by a pair of cysteine residues in the peptides' backbone represent a certain problem for their sequencing by means of mass spectrometry. As a rule, in proteomics, disulfide bonds should be cleaved before the analysis followed by some sort of chemical derivatization. That step is time-consuming and may lead to losses of minor peptides of the analyzed mixtures due to incomplete reaction, adsorption on the walls of the vials, etc. Certain problems in the de novo top-down sequencing of amphibian skin peptides are caused by the C-terminal disulfide loop, called the Rana box. Its reduction with or without subsequent derivatization was considered to be an unavoidable step before mass spectrometry. In the present study, EThcD demonstrated its efficiency in sequencing intact disulfide-containing peptides without any preliminary derivatization. Applied to the secretion of three frog species, EThcD provided the full sequence inside the intramolecular disulfide cycle for all S-S-containing peptides found in the samples, with the only exception being diarginine species. Proteolytic fragments, which are shorter than the original peptides, were helpful in some cases. HCD should be mentioned as a complementary tool to the EThcD tool, being useful as a confirmation method for some sequence details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina D Vasileva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Organic Chemistry, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana Yu Samgina
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Organic Chemistry, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zhaowei Meng
- Department of Medicinal Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Biometry, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roman A Zubarev
- Department of Medicinal Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Biometry, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Albert T Lebedev
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Organic Chemistry, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Conlon JM, Guilhaudis L, Attoub S, Coquet L, Leprince J, Jouenne T, Mechkarska M. Purification, Conformational Analysis and Cytotoxic Activities of Host-Defense Peptides from the Giant Gladiator Treefrog Boana boans (Hylidae: Hylinae). Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1102. [PMID: 37508198 PMCID: PMC10376367 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12071102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Frogs from the extensive amphibian family Hylidae are a rich source of peptides with therapeutic potential. Peptidomic analysis of norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from the Giant Gladiator Treefrog Boana boans (Hylidae: Hylinae) collected in Trinidad led to the isolation and structural characterization of five host-defense peptides with limited structural similarity to figainin 2 and picturin peptides from other frog species belonging to the genus Boana. In addition, the skin secretions contained high concentrations of tryptophyllin-BN (WRPFPFL) in both C-terminally α-amidated and non-amidated forms. Figainin 2BN (FLGVALKLGKVLG KALLPLASSLLHSQ) and picturin 1BN (GIFKDTLKKVVAAVLTTVADNIHPK) adopt α-helical conformations in trifluroethanol-water mixtures and in the presence of cell membrane models (sodium dodecylsulfate and dodecylphosphocholine micelles). The CD data also indicate contributions from turn structures. Both peptides and picturin 2BN (GLMDMLKKVGKVALT VAKSALLP) inhibited the growth of clinically relevant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values in the range 7.8-62.5 µM. Figainin 2BN was potently cytotoxic to A549, MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 human tumor-derived cells (LC50 = 7-14 µM) but displayed comparable potency against non-neoplastic HUVEC cells (LC50 = 15 µM) indicative of lack of selectivity for cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Laure Guilhaudis
- Laboratoire COBRA (UMR 6014 & FR 3038), UNIROUEN, INSA de Rouen, CNRS, Université Rouen Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laurent Coquet
- CNRS UAR2026 HeRacLeS-PISSARO, CNRS UMR 6270 PBS, Université Rouen Normandie, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm U1239, PRIMACEN, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Université Rouen Normandie, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Thierry Jouenne
- CNRS UAR2026 HeRacLeS-PISSARO, CNRS UMR 6270 PBS, Université Rouen Normandie, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, St. Augustine Campus, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
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Serafin P, Kowalczyk P, Mollica A, Stefanucci A, Laskowska AK, Zawadzka M, Kramkowski K, Kleczkowska P. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities against Various E. coli Strains of a Novel Hybrid Peptide-LENART01. Molecules 2023; 28:4955. [PMID: 37446618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding the ideal antimicrobial drug with improved efficacy and a safety profile that eliminates antibiotic resistance caused by pathogens remains a difficult task. Indeed, there is an urgent need for innovation in the design and development of a microbial inhibitor. Given that many promising antimicrobial peptides with excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial properties are secreted by some frog species (e.g., bombesins, opioids, temporins, etc.), our goal was to identify the antimicrobial properties of amphibian-derived dermorphin and ranatensin peptides, which were combined to produce a hybrid compound. This new chimera (named LENART01) was tested for its antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains K12 and R1-R4, which are characterized by differences in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) core oligosaccharide structure. The results showed that LENART01 had superior activity against the R2 and R4 strains compared with the effects of the clinically available antibiotics ciprofloxacin or bleomycin (MIC values). Importantly, the inhibitory effect was not concentration dependent; however, LENART01 showed a time- and dose-dependent hemolytic effect in hemolytic assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Serafin
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Kowalczyk
- Department of Animal Nutrition, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna K Laskowska
- Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT), Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zawadzka
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karol Kramkowski
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kleczkowska
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie Medical Academy in Warsaw, 03-411 Warsaw, Poland
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Wang X, Duan H, Li M, Xu W, Wei L. Characterization and mechanism of action of amphibian-derived wound-healing-promoting peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1219427. [PMID: 37397255 PMCID: PMC10309037 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1219427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound-healing-promoting peptides are excellent candidates for developing wound-healing agents due to their small size and low production cost. Amphibians are one of the major sources of bioactive peptides, including wound-healing-promoting peptides. So far, a series of wound-healing-promoting peptides have been characterized from amphibians. We hereby summarized the amphibian-derived wound-healing-promoting peptides and their mechanism of action. Among these peptides, two peptides (tylotoin and TK-CATH) were characterized from salamanders, and twenty five peptides were characterized from frogs. These peptides generally have small sizes with 5-80 amino acid residues, nine peptides (tiger17, cathelicidin-NV, cathelicidin-DM, OM-LV20, brevinin-2Ta, brevinin-2PN, tylotoin, Bv8-AJ, and RL-QN15) have intramolecular disulfide bonds, seven peptides (temporin A, temporin B, esculentin-1a, tiger17, Pse-T2, DMS-PS2, FW-1, and FW-2) are amidated at the C-terminus, and the others are linear peptides without modifications. They all efficiently accelerated the healing of skin wounds or photodamage in mice or rats. They selectively promoted the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, recruited neutrophils and macrophages to wounds, and regulated the immune response of neutrophils and macrophages in wounds, which were essential for wound healing. Interestingly, MSI-1, Pse-T2, cathelicidin-DM, brevinin-2Ta, brevinin-2PN, and DMS-PS2 were just antimicrobial peptides, but they also significantly promoted the healing of infected wounds by clearing off bacteria. Considering the small size, high efficiency, and definite mechanism, amphibian-derived wound-healing-promoting peptides might be excellent candidates for developing novel wound-healing-promoting agents in future.
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Yin S, Wang Y, Yang X. Amphibian-derived wound healing peptides: chemical molecular treasure trove for skin wound treatment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1120228. [PMID: 37377928 PMCID: PMC10291078 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibian-derived wound healing peptides thus offer new intervention measures and strategies for skin wound tissue regeneration. As novel drug lead molecules, wound healing peptides can help analyze new mechanisms and discover new drug targets. Previous studies have identified various novel wound healing peptides and analyzed novel mechanisms in wound healing, especially competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) (e.g., inhibition of miR-663a promotes skin repair). In this paper, we review amphibian-derived wound healing peptides, including the acquisition, identification, and activity of peptides, a combination of peptides with other materials, and the analysis of underlying mechanisms, to better understand the characteristics of wound healing peptides and to provide a molecular template for the development of new wound repair drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saige Yin
- Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicine Resource, State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education, School of Ethno-Medicine and Ethno-Pharmacy, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, China
| | - Xinwang Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Paolino G, Di Nicola MR, Avella I, Mercuri SR. Venomous Bites, Stings and Poisoning by European Vertebrates as an Overlooked and Emerging Medical Problem: Recognition, Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Management. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1228. [PMID: 37374011 DOI: 10.3390/life13061228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Europe presents a high number of venomous and poisonous animals able to elicit medically relevant symptoms in humans. However, since most of the accidents involving venomous or poisonous animals in Europe are unreported, their incidence and morbidity are severely overlooked. Here we provide an overview of the European vertebrate species of greatest toxicological interest, the clinical manifestations their toxins can cause, and their treatment. We report the clinical symptoms induced by envenomations and poisoning caused by reptiles, fishes, amphibians and mammals in Europe, ranging from mild, local symptoms (e.g., erythema, edema) to systemic and potentially deadly. The present work constitutes a tool for physicians to recognize envenomation/poisoning symptoms caused by the most medically relevant European vertebrates and to decide which approach is the most appropriate to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Paolino
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Dermatology, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Asociación Herpetológica Española, Apartado de Correos 191, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Ignazio Avella
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Santo Raffaele Mercuri
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
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42
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Chen B, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Xu N, Lu T, Wang T, Hong W, Fu Z, Penuelas J, Gillings M, Qian H. Antimicrobial Peptides in the Global Microbiome: Biosynthetic Genes and Resistance Determinants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7698-7708. [PMID: 37161271 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a promising new class of antimicrobials that could address the antibiotic resistance crisis, which poses a major threat to human health. These peptides are present in all kingdoms of life, but especially in microorganisms, having multiple origins in diverse taxa. To date, there has been no global study on the diversity of antimicrobial peptides, the hosts in which these occur, and the potential for resistance to these agents. Here, we investigated the diversity and number of antimicrobial peptides in four main habitats (aquatic, terrestrial, human, and engineered) by analyzing 52,515 metagenome-assembled genomes. The number of antimicrobial peptides was higher in the human gut microbiome than in other habitats, and most hosts of antimicrobial peptides were habitat-specific. The relative abundance of genes that confer resistance to antimicrobial peptides varied between habitats and was generally low, except for the built environment and on human skin. The horizontal transfer of potential resistance genes among these habitats was probably constrained by ecological barriers. We systematically quantified the risk of each resistance determinant to human health and found that nearly half of them pose a threat, especially those that confer resistance to multiple AMPs and polymyxin B. Our results help identify the biosynthetic potential of antimicrobial peptides in the global microbiome, further identifying peptides with a low risk of developing resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfeng Chen
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, P. R. China
| | - Zhenyan Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, P. R. China
| | - Nuohan Xu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, P. R. China
| | - Tao Lu
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, P. R. China
| | - Tingzhang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, P. R. China
| | - Wenjie Hong
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, P. R. China
| | - Zhengwei Fu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, P. R. China
| | - Josep Penuelas
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Catalonia, Spain
- CREAF, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Michael Gillings
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Haifeng Qian
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, P. R. China
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43
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Rollins-Smith LA. The importance of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in amphibian skin defense. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:104657. [PMID: 36754220 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced for defense in nearly all taxa from simple bacteria to complex mammalian species. Some amphibian families have developed this defensive strategy to a high level of sophistication by loading the AMPs into specialized granular glands within the dermis. Enervated by the sympathetic nervous system, the granular glands are poised to deliver an array of AMPs to cleanse the wound and facilitate healing. There have been a number of excellent review publications in recent years that describe amphibian AMPs with an emphasis on their possible uses for human medicine. Instead, my aim here is to review what is known about the nature of amphibian AMPs, the diversity of amphibian AMPs, regulation of their production, and to provide the accumulated evidence that they do, indeed, play an important role in the protection of amphibian skin, vital for survival. While much has been learned about amphibian AMPs, there are still important gaps in our understanding of peptide synthesis, storage, and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Rollins-Smith
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Mitra S, Coopershlyak M, Li Y, Chandersekhar B, Koenig R, Chen MT, Evans B, Heinrich F, Deslouches B, Tristram-Nagle S. Novel Helical Trp- and Arg-Rich Antimicrobial Peptides Locate Near Membrane Surfaces and Rigidify Lipid Model Membranes. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2023; 3:2300013. [PMID: 37476397 PMCID: PMC10358585 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202300013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are losing effectiveness as bacteria become resistant to conventional drugs. To find new alternatives, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are rationally designed with different lengths, charges, hydrophobicities (H), and hydrophobic moments (μH), containing only three types of amino acids: arginine, tryptophan, and valine. Six AMPs with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and <25% toxicity to mammalian cells are selected for biophysical studies. Their secondary structures are determined using circular dichroism (CD), which finds that the % α-helicity of AMPs depends on composition of the lipid model membranes (LMMs): gram-negative (G(-)) inner membrane (IM) >gram-positive (G(+)) > Euk33 (eukaryotic with 33 mol% cholesterol). The two most effective peptides, E2-35 (16 amino acid [AA] residues) and E2-05 (22 AAs), are predominantly helical in G(-) IM and G(+) LMMs. AMP/membrane interactions such as membrane elasticity, chain order parameter, and location of the peptides in the membrane are investigated by low-angle and wide-angle X-ray diffuse scattering (XDS). It is found that headgroup location correlates with efficacy and toxicity. The membrane bending modulus KC displays nonmonotonic changes due to increasing concentrations of E2-35 and E2-05 in G(-) and G(+) LMMs, suggesting a bacterial killing mechanism where domain formation causes ion and water leakage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saheli Mitra
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mark Coopershlyak
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yunshu Li
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Bhairavi Chandersekhar
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Rachel Koenig
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mei-Tung Chen
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Brandt Evans
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Frank Heinrich
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neutron Research National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Berthony Deslouches
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Stephanie Tristram-Nagle
- Biological Physics Group Physics Department Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Yang M, Huan W, Zhang G, Li J, Xia F, Durrani R, Zhao W, Lu J, Peng X, Gao F. Identification of Protein Quality Markers in Toad Venom from Bufo gargarizans. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083628. [PMID: 37110862 PMCID: PMC10141085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083628] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toad venom is a traditional Chinese medicine with high medicinal value. The existing quality evaluation standards of toad venom have obvious limitations because of the lack of research on proteins. Thus, it is necessary to screen suitable quality markers and establish appropriate quality evaluation methods for toad venom proteins to guarantee their safety and efficacy in clinical applications. SDS-PAGE, HPLC, and cytotoxicity assays were used to analyze differences in protein components of toad venom from different areas. Functional proteins were screened as potential quality markers by proteomic and bioinformatic analyses. The protein components and small molecular components of toad venom were not correlated in content. Additionally, the protein component had strong cytotoxicity. Proteomics analysis showed that 13 antimicrobial proteins, four anti-inflammatory and analgesic proteins, and 20 antitumor proteins were differentially expressed extracellular proteins. A candidate list of functional proteins was coded as potential quality markers. Moreover, Lysozyme C-1, which has antimicrobial activity, and Neuropeptide B (NPB), which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, were identified as potential quality markers for toad venom proteins. Quality markers can be used as the basis of quality studies of toad venom proteins and help to construct and improve safe, scientific, and comprehensive quality evaluation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyun Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Weiwei Huan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Utilization of Forestry Biomass, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Guobing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Province People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jie Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Utilization of Forestry Biomass, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Fengyan Xia
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 313000, China
| | - Rabia Durrani
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Jidong Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Xinmeng Peng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
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Conlon JM, Hunter L, Attoub S, Casciaro B, Mechkarska M, Abdel-Wahab YHA. Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and insulin-releasing activities of the amphibian host-defense peptide ocellatin-3N and its L-lysine-substituted analogs. J Pept Sci 2023; 29:e3463. [PMID: 36426386 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The host-defense peptide ocellatin-3N (GIFDVLKNLAKGVITSLAS.NH2 ), first isolated from the Caribbean frog Leptodactylus nesiotus, inhibited growth of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as a strain of the major emerging yeast pathogen Candida parapsilosis. Increasing cationicity while maintaining amphipathicity by the substitution Asp4 →Lys increased potency against the microorganisms by between 4- and 16-fold (MIC ≤3 μM) compared with the naturally occurring peptide. The substitution Ala18 →Lys and the double substitution Asp4 →Lys and Ala18 →Lys had less effects on potency. The [D4K] analog also showed 2.5- to 4-fold greater cytotoxic potency against non-small-cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells, and colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells (LC50 values in the range of 12-20 μM) compared with ocellatin-3N but was less hemolytic to mouse erythrocytes. However, the peptide showed no selectivity for tumor-derived cells [LC50 = 20 μM for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)]. Ocellatin-3N and [D4K]ocellatin-3N stimulated the release of insulin from BRIN-BD11 clonal β-cells at concentrations ≥1 nM, and [A18K]ocellatin-3N, at concentrations ≥0.1 nM. No peptide stimulated the release of lactate dehydrogenase at concentrations up to 3 μM, indicating that plasma membrane integrity had been preserved. The three peptides produced an increase in intracellular [Ca2+ ] in BRIN-BD11 cells when incubated at a concentration of 1 μM. In view of its high insulinotropic potency and relatively low hemolytic activity, the [A18K] ocellatin analog may represent a template for the design of agents with therapeutic potential for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Lauren Hunter
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Milena Mechkarska
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Yasser H A Abdel-Wahab
- Diabetes Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
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47
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Li J, Liang Y, Su M, Wu J, Chai J, Xiong W, Mo G, Chen X, Xu X. Characterization of a novel LTA/LPS-binding antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory temporin peptide from the skin of Fejervary limnocharis (Anura: Ranidae). Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115471. [PMID: 36893813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Septic shock caused by Gram-positive bacteria continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units globally. Most Temporins are excellent growth inhibitors of gram-positive bacteria and candidates for developing antimicrobial treatments due to their biological action and small molecular weight. In this study, a novel Temporin peptide from the skin of Fejervarya limnocharis frog, named as Temporin-FL, was characterized. Temporin-FL was found to adopt typical α-helical conformation in SDS solution and to exhibit selective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria through a membrane destruction mechanism. Accordingly, Temporin-FL showed protective effects against Staphylococcus aureus-induced sepsis in mice. Finally, Temporin-FL was demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory effects by neutralizing the action of LPS/LTA and by inhibiting MAPK pathway activation. Therefore, Temporin-FL represents a novel candidate for moleculartherapy of Gram-positive bacterial sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiao Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Minhong Su
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Weichen Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guoxiang Mo
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China.
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Ermakova EA, Kurbanov RK. Interaction of Uperin Peptides with Model Membranes: Molecular Dynamics Study. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:370. [PMID: 37103797 PMCID: PMC10146956 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of antimicrobial and amyloid peptides with cell membranes is a critical step in their activities. Peptides of the uperin family obtained from the skin secretion of Australian amphibians demonstrate antimicrobial and amyloidogenic properties. All-atomic molecular dynamics and an umbrella sampling approach were used to study the interaction of uperins with model bacterial membrane. Two stable configurations of peptides were found. In the bound state, the peptides in helical form were located right under the head group region in parallel orientation with respect to the bilayer surface. Stable transmembrane configuration was observed for wild-type uperin and its alanine mutant in both alpha-helical and extended unstructured forms. The potential of mean force characterized the process of peptide binding from water to the lipid bilayer and its insertion into the membrane, and revealed that the transition of uperins from the bound state to the transmembrane position was accompanied by the rotation of peptides and passes through the energy barrier of 4-5 kcal/mol. Uperins have a weak effect on membrane properties.
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49
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Indriani S, Karnjanapratum S, Nirmal NP, Nalinanon S. Amphibian Skin and Skin Secretion: An Exotic Source of Bioactive Peptides and Its Application. Foods 2023; 12:foods12061282. [PMID: 36981206 PMCID: PMC10048636 DOI: 10.3390/foods12061282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibians have been consumed as an alternative protein source all around the world due to their delicacy. The skin of edible amphibians, particularly frogs and giant salamanders, always goes to waste without further utilization. However, these wastes can be utilized to extract protein and bioactive peptides (BPs). Various BPs have been extracted and reported for numerous biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, etc. The main BPs identified were brevinins, bombesins, dermaseptins, esculentins, magainin, temporins, tigerinins, and salamandrins. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on various BPs isolated and identified from different amphibian skins or skin secretion and their biological activities. The general nutritional composition and production statues of amphibians were described. Additionally, multiple constraints against the utilization of amphibian skin and secretions are reported. Finally, the prospective applications of BPs in food and biomedical industries are presented such as multifunctional food additives and/or supplements as well as drug delivery agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Indriani
- School of Food Industry, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
| | - Supatra Karnjanapratum
- Professional Culinary Arts Program, School of Management, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand
- Food Technology and Innovation Research Center of Excellence, Department of Agro-Industry, School of Agricultural Technology, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand
| | | | - Sitthipong Nalinanon
- School of Food Industry, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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50
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A Pore Forming Toxin-like Protein Derived from Chinese Red Belly Toad Bombina maxima Triggers the Pyroptosis of Hippomal Neural Cells and Impairs the Cognitive Ability of Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030191. [PMID: 36977082 PMCID: PMC10054870 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxin-like proteins and peptides of skin secretions from amphibians play important physiological and pathological roles in amphibians. βγ-CAT is a Chinese red-belly toad-derived pore-forming toxin-like protein complex that consists of aerolysin domain, crystalline domain, and trefoil factor domain and induces various toxic effects via its membrane perforation process, including membrane binding, oligomerization, and endocytosis. Here, we observed the death of mouse hippocampal neuronal cells induced by βγ-CAT at a concentration of 5 nM. Subsequent studies showed that the death of hippocampal neuronal cells was accompanied by the activation of Gasdermin E and caspase-1, suggesting that βγ-CAT induces the pyroptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells. Further molecular mechanism studies revealed that the pyroptosis induced by βγ-CAT is dependent on the oligomerization and endocytosis of βγ-CAT. It is well known that the damage of hippocampal neuronal cells leads to the cognitive attenuation of animals. The impaired cognitive ability of mice was observed after intraperitoneal injection with 10 μg/kg βγ-CAT in a water maze assay. Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unknown toxicological function of a vertebrate-derived pore-forming toxin-like protein in the nerve system, which triggers the pyroptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells, ultimately leading to hippocampal cognitive attenuation.
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