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Chaudhary S, Ali Z, Mahfouz M. Molecular farming for sustainable production of clinical-grade antimicrobial peptides. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:2282-2300. [PMID: 38685599 PMCID: PMC11258990 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14344] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as next-generation therapeutics due to their broad-spectrum activity against drug-resistant bacterial strains and their ability to eradicate biofilms, modulate immune responses, exert anti-inflammatory effects and improve disease management. They are produced through solid-phase peptide synthesis or in bacterial or yeast cells. Molecular farming, i.e. the production of biologics in plants, offers a low-cost, non-toxic, scalable and simple alternative platform to produce AMPs at a sustainable cost. In this review, we discuss the advantages of molecular farming for producing clinical-grade AMPs, advances in expression and purification systems and the cost advantage for industrial-scale production. We further review how 'green' production is filling the sustainability gap, streamlining patent and regulatory approvals and enabling successful clinical translations that demonstrate the future potential of AMPs produced by molecular farming. Finally, we discuss the regulatory challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of molecular farming-based AMP production for therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Chaudhary
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences4700 King Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Zahir Ali
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences4700 King Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Magdy Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences4700 King Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
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2
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Kordi M, Talkhounche PG, Vahedi H, Farrokhi N, Tabarzad M. Heterologous Production of Antimicrobial Peptides: Notes to Consider. Protein J 2024; 43:129-158. [PMID: 38180586 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10174-w] [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] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Heavy and irresponsible use of antibiotics in the last century has put selection pressure on the microbes to evolve even faster and develop more resilient strains. In the confrontation with such sometimes called "superbugs", the search for new sources of biochemical antibiotics seems to have reached the limit. In the last two decades, bioactive antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are polypeptide chains with less than 100 amino acids, have attracted the attention of many in the control of microbial pathogens, more than the other types of antibiotics. AMPs are groups of components involved in the immune response of many living organisms, and have come to light as new frontiers in fighting with microbes. AMPs are generally produced in minute amounts within organisms; therefore, to address the market, they have to be either produced on a large scale through recombinant DNA technology or to be synthesized via chemical methods. Here, heterologous expression of AMPs within bacterial, fungal, yeast, plants, and insect cells, and points that need to be considered towards their industrialization will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Kordi
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnian Ghaedi Talkhounche
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Helia Vahedi
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Farrokhi
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Tabarzad
- Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Straus SK. Tryptophan- and arginine-rich antimicrobial peptides: Anti-infectives with great potential. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2024; 1866:184260. [PMID: 38113954 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, there is a need to design synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are effective and selective for bacteria, i.e. non-toxic to mammalian cells. One design strategy, namely the use of tryptophan- and arginine-rich AMPs, is rooted in the study of natural AMPs that are composed mainly of these amino acids, such as lactoferricin, tritrpticin, and puroindoline. A number of important studies on these AMPs by the Vogel group are reviewed here. More recent work on W-/R-rich peptides is also presented. The examples show that these peptides represent anti-infectives with great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzana K Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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4
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Liu M, Xiao Y, Yang Y, Zhou S, Shen X, Zhang Y, Wang W. Carrier proteins boost expression of PR-39-derived peptide in Pichia pastoris. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad297. [PMID: 38052427 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Multidrug resistance presents difficulties in preventing and treating bacterial infections. Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) inhibit bacterial growth by affecting the intracellular targets rather than by permeabilizing the membrane. The aim of this study was to develop a yeast-based fusion carrier system using calmodulin (CaM) and xylanase (XynCDBFV) as two carriers to express the model PrAMP PR-39-derived peptide (PR-39-DP) in Pichia pastoris. METHODS AND RESULTS Fusion protein secreted into the culture supernatant was purified in a one-step on-column digestion using human rhinovirus 3C protease, obtaining the target peptide PR-39-DP. The growth curves of Escherichia coli were monitored by recording the OD600 values of the bacteria. The antibacterial activity of PR-39-DP was evaluated in killing assays performed on E. coli. The yield of PR-39-DP was 1.0-1.2 mg l-1 in the CaM fusion carrier system, approximately three times that of the XynCDBFV fusion carrier system. The minimal inhibitory concentration of PR-39-DP was ∼10.5 µg ml-1. CONCLUSIONS CaM and XynCDBFV provide increased stability and promote the expression and secretion of active PR-39-DP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 100032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Sihan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Youxi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 100032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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5
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Xu Y, Dong M, Wang Q, Sun Y, Hang B, Zhang H, Hu J, Zhang G. Soluble Expression of Antimicrobial Peptide BSN-37 from Escherichia coli by SUMO Fusion Technology. Protein J 2023; 42:563-574. [PMID: 37561256 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10144-2] [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] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a kind of small molecular peptide that an organism produces to resist the invasion of foreign microorganisms. AMP BSN-37 is a bovine AMP that exhibits high antibacterial activity. In this paper, the optimized gene AMP BSN-37 was cloned into pCold-SUMO for fusion expression by recombinant DNA technology. The gene sequence of AMP BSN-37 was obtained by codons reverse translation, and the codons were optimized according to the codons preference of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recombinant plasmid was constructed and identified by PCR, enzyme digestion and sequencing. Then the recombinant plasmid was transformed into BL21 E. coli to induce expression, and the IPTG concentration and time were optimized. The expressed soluble fusion protein SUMO-BSN-37 was purified by chromatography and then cleaved by SUMO proteases to release BSN-37. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Western blotting were used for identification. The recombinant plasmid pCold-SUMO-BSN-37 was obtained, and the fusion AMP BSN-37 was preliminarily expressed in BL21. After optimization, the optimal expression condition was 37 ℃ with 0.4 µM IPTG and 6 h incubation. Under optimal conditions, a large amount of fusion AMP BSN-37 was obtained by purification. Western blotting showed that the fusion peptide was successfully expressed and had good activity. The expressed BSN-37 showed antimicrobial activity similar to that of synthesized BSN-37. In this study, soluble expression products of AMP BSN-37 were obtained, and the problem regarding the limited source of AMP BSN-37 could be effectively solved, laying a foundation for further research on AMP BSN-37.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhao Xu
- Postdoctoral Research Station, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Mengmeng Dong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Qing Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yawei Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Bolin Hang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jianhe Hu
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Station, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
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6
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Ou Y, Zhuang H, Chen R, Huang D, Wang C. Secretory Expression and Application of Antilipopolysaccharide Factor 3 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10050564. [PMID: 37237634 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10050564] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor is a class of antimicrobial peptides with lipopolysaccharide-binding structural domains, which has a broad antimicrobial spectrum, high antimicrobial activities, and broad application prospects in terms of the aquaculture industry. However, the low yield of natural antimicrobial peptides and their poor expression activity in bacteria and yeast have hindered their exploration and utilization. Therefore, in this study, the extracellular expression system of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, by fusing the target gene with the signal peptide, was used to express anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 3 (ALFPm3) from Penaeus monodon in order to obtain highly active ALFPm3. Transgenic C. reinhardtii T-JiA2, T-JiA3, T-JiA5, and T-JiA6, were verified using DNA-PCR, RT-PCR, and immunoblot. Additionally, the IBP1-ALFPm3 fusion protein could be detected not only within the cells but also in the culture supernatant. Moreover, the extracellular secretion containing ALFPm3 was collected from algal cultures, and then its bacterial inhibitory activity was analyzed. The results showed that the extracts from T-JiA3 had an inhibition rate of 97% against four common aquaculture pathogenic bacteria, including Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The highest inhibition rate of 116.18% was observed in the test against V. anguillarum. Finally, the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of the extracts from T-JiA3 to V. harveyi, V. anguillarum, V. alginolyticus, and V. parahaemolyticus were 0.11 μg/μL, 0.088 μg/μL, 0.11 μg/μL, and 0.011 μg/μL, respectively. This study supports the foundation of the expression of highly active anti-lipopolysaccharide factors using the extracellular expression system in C. reinhardtii, providing new ideas for the expression of highly active antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaohui Ou
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Huilin Zhuang
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ruoyu Chen
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Danqiong Huang
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chaogang Wang
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biological Development and Application, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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7
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Synthetic biology-inspired cell engineering in diagnosis, treatment, and drug development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:112. [PMID: 36906608 PMCID: PMC10007681 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast-developing synthetic biology (SB) has provided many genetic tools to reprogram and engineer cells for improved performance, novel functions, and diverse applications. Such cell engineering resources can play a critical role in the research and development of novel therapeutics. However, there are certain limitations and challenges in applying genetically engineered cells in clinical practice. This literature review updates the recent advances in biomedical applications, including diagnosis, treatment, and drug development, of SB-inspired cell engineering. It describes technologies and relevant examples in a clinical and experimental setup that may significantly impact the biomedicine field. At last, this review concludes the results with future directions to optimize the performances of synthetic gene circuits to regulate the therapeutic activities of cell-based tools in specific diseases.
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8
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Gelenter M, Bax A. Recombinant Expression and Chemical Amidation of Isotopically Labeled Native Melittin. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3850-3854. [PMID: 36753641 PMCID: PMC9951214 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications are ubiquitous in the eukaryotic proteome. However, these modifications are rarely incorporated in NMR studies of eukaryotic proteins, which are typically produced through recombinant expression in E. coli. Melittin is the primary peptide in honey bee venom. Its native C-terminal amide significantly affects its equilibrium structure and dynamics in solution and is thus a prerequisite for studying its native structure and function. Here, we present a method for producing triply isotopically labeled (2H, 13C, and 15N) native melittin through recombinant expression followed by chemical amidation. We then show that structural models produced with AlphaFold-Multimer are in even better agreement with experimental residual dipolar couplings than the 2.0 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure for residues G3-K23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin
D. Gelenter
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0520, United States
| | - Ad Bax
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0520, United States
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9
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Roca-Pinilla R, Lisowski L, Arís A, Garcia-Fruitós E. The future of recombinant host defense peptides. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:267. [PMID: 36544150 PMCID: PMC9768982 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01991-2] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance crisis calls for the discovery and production of new antimicrobials. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are small proteins with potent antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities that are attractive for translational applications, with several already under clinical trials. Traditionally, antimicrobial peptides have been produced by chemical synthesis, which is expensive and requires the use of toxic reagents, hindering the large-scale development of HDPs. Alternatively, HDPs can be produced recombinantly to overcome these limitations. Their antimicrobial nature, however, can make them toxic to the hosts of recombinant production. In this review we explore the different strategies that are used to fine-tune their activities, bioengineer them, and optimize the recombinant production of HDPs in various cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Roca-Pinilla
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XTranslational Vectorology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XTranslational Vectorology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia ,grid.415641.30000 0004 0620 0839Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Arís
- grid.8581.40000 0001 1943 6646Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries IRTA, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Fruitós
- grid.8581.40000 0001 1943 6646Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries IRTA, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
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10
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Das A, Deka D, Banerjee A, Radhakrishnan AK, Zhang H, Sun XF, Pathak S. A Concise Review on the Role of Natural and Synthetically Derived Peptides in Colorectal Cancer. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:2571-2588. [PMID: 35578849 DOI: 10.2174/1568026622666220516105049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer being the second leading cause of cancer-associated deaths has become a significant health concern around the globe. Though there are various cancer treatment approaches, many of them show adverse effects and some compromise the health of cancer patients. Hence, significant efforts are being made for the evolution of a novel biological therapeutic approach with better efficacy and minimal side effects. Current research suggests that the application of peptides in colorectal cancer therapeutics holds the possibility of the emergence of an anticancer reagent. The primary beneficial factors of peptides are their comparatively rapid and easy process of synthesis and the enormous potential for chemical alterations that can be evaluated for designing novel peptides and enhancing the delivery capacity of peptides. Peptides might be utilized as agents with cytotoxic activities or as a carrier of a specific drug or as cytotoxic agents that can efficiently target the tumor cells. Further, peptides can also be used as a tool for diagnostic purposes. The recent analysis aims at developing peptides that have the potential to efficiently target the tumor moieties without harming the nearby normal cells. Additionally, decreasing the adverse effects, and unfolding the other therapeutic properties of potential peptides, are also the subject matter of in-depth analysis. This review provides a concise summary of the function of both natural and synthetically derived peptides in colorectal cancer therapeutics that are recently being evaluated and their potent applications in the clinical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alakesh Das
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
| | - Dikshita Deka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
| | - Antara Banerjee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
| | - Arun Kumar Radhakrishnan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
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11
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Deo S, Turton KL, Kainth T, Kumar A, Wieden HJ. Strategies for improving antimicrobial peptide production. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107968. [PMID: 35489657 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found in a wide range of animal, insect, and plant species are host defense peptides forming an integral part of their innate immunity. Although the exact mode of action of some AMPs is yet to be deciphered, many exhibit membrane lytic activity or interact with intracellular targets. The ever-growing threat of antibiotic resistance has brought attention to research on AMPs to enhance their clinical use as a therapeutic alternative. AMPs have several advantages over antibiotics such as broad range of antimicrobial activities including anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and have not reported to contribute to resistance development. Despite the numerous studies to develop efficient production methods for AMPs, limitations including low yield, degradation, and loss of activity persists in many recombinant approaches. In this review, we outline available approaches for AMP production and various expression systems used to achieve higher yield and quality. In addition, recent advances in recombinant strategies, suitable fusion protein partners, and other molecular engineering strategies for improved AMP production are surveyed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Deo
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Kristi L Turton
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr. W., Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Tajinder Kainth
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Ayush Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Hans-Joachim Wieden
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
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12
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Gu H, Kato T, Kumeta H, Kumaki Y, Tsukamoto T, Kikukawa T, Demura M, Ishida H, Vogel HJ, Aizawa T. Three-Dimensional Structure of the Antimicrobial Peptide Cecropin P1 in Dodecylphosphocholine Micelles and the Role of the C-Terminal Residues. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:31924-31934. [PMID: 36120057 PMCID: PMC9475619 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cecropin P1 (CP1) isolated from a large roundworm Ascaris suum, which is found in pig intestines, has been extensively studied as a model antimicrobial peptide (AMP). However, despite being a model AMP, its antibacterial mechanism is not well understood, particularly the function of its C-terminus. By using an Escherichia coli overexpression system with calmodulin as a fusion partner, we succeeded in the mass expression of recombinant peptides, avoiding toxicity to the host and degradation of CP1. The structure of the recombinant 15N- and 13C-labeled CP1 and its C-terminus truncated analogue in dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles was determined by NMR. In this membrane-mimetic environment, CP1 formed an α-helix for almost its entire length, except for a short region at the C-terminus, and there was no evidence of a hinge, which is considered important for the expression of activity in other cecropins. Several NMR analyses showed that the entire length of CP1 was protected from water by micelles. Since the loss of the C-terminus of the analogue had little effect on the NMR structure or its interaction with the micelle, we investigated another role of the C-terminus of CP1 in its antimicrobial activity. The results showed that the C-terminal region affected the DNA-binding capacity of CP1, and this mechanism of action was also newly suggested that it contributed to the antimicrobial activity of CP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Gu
- Graduate
School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Takasumi Kato
- Graduate
School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kumeta
- Faculty
of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kumaki
- Faculty
of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Takashi Tsukamoto
- Faculty
of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Takashi Kikukawa
- Faculty
of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Makoto Demura
- Faculty
of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ishida
- Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hans J. Vogel
- Department
of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Tomoyasu Aizawa
- Faculty
of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10, W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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13
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Zhu W, Wang Y, Lv L, Wang H, Shi W, Liu Z, Yang W, Zhu J, Lu H. SHTXTHHly, an extracellular secretion platform for the preparation of bioactive peptides and proteins in Escherichia coli. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:128. [PMID: 35761329 PMCID: PMC9235172 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01856-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In previous work, we developed an E. coli extracellular secretion platform XTHHly based on the hemolysin A secretion system. It can produce bioactive peptides with simple purification procedures. However, the wider application of this platform is limited by poor secretion efficiency. Results In this study, we first discovered a positive correlation between the isoelectric point (pI) value of the target protein and the secretion level of the XTHHly system. Given the extremely high secretion level of S tag, we fused it at the N-terminus and created a novel SHTXTHHly system. The SHTXTHHly system significantly increased the secretion levels of antimicrobial peptides (PEW300, LL37, and Aurein 1.2) with full bioactivities, suggesting its excellent capacity for secretory production of bioactive peptides. Furthermore, RGDS, IL-15, and alcohol dehydrogenase were successfully secreted, and their bioactivities were largely maintained in the fusion proteins, indicating the potential applications of the novel system for the rapid determination of protein bioactivities. Finally, using the SHTXTHHly system, we produced the monomeric Fc, which showed a high affinity for Fcγ Receptor I and mediated the antibody-dependent immunological effects of immune cells, demonstrating its potential applications in immunotherapies. Conclusions The SHTXTHHly system described here facilitates the secretory production of various types of proteins in E. coli. In comparison to previously reported expression systems, our work enlightens an efficient and cost-effective way to evaluate the bioactivities of target proteins or produce them. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01856-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Liangyin Lv
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Wenqiang Shi
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zexin Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Huili Lu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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14
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Howell M, Wenc AK, Donaghy CM, Wasche DV, Abissi I, Naing MD, Pierce S, Angeles-Boza AM. Exploring synergy and its role in antimicrobial peptide biology. Methods Enzymol 2022; 663:99-130. [PMID: 35168799 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides will be an essential component in combating the escalating issue of antibiotic resistance. Identifying synergistic combinations of two or more substances will increase the value of these peptides further. Several potential pitfalls in conducting synergy testing with peptides are discussed in detail. As case studies, we describe observations of AMP synergy with peptides, antibiotics, and metal ions as well as some of the mechanistic details that have been uncovered. The Bliss and Loewe models for synergy are presented prior to recommending protocols for conducting checkerboard, minimal inhibitory concentration, and time-kill assays. Establishing mechanisms of action and exploring the potential for resistance will be crucial to translate these studies into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Howell
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Antonina K Wenc
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Caroline M Donaghy
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Devon V Wasche
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Izabela Abissi
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Marvin D Naing
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Scott Pierce
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Alfredo M Angeles-Boza
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.
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15
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Wei DX, Zhang XW. Biosynthesis, Bioactivity, Biosafety and Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides for Human Health. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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16
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Yang LB, Guo G, Tian ZQ, Zhou LX, Zhu LJ, Peng J, Sun CQ, Huang MJ. TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis of the effects of novel antimicrobial peptide AMP-17 against Candida albicans. J Proteomics 2022; 250:104385. [PMID: 34606990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. With the emergence of clinical fungal resistance, there is an urgent need to develop novel antifungal agents. AMP-17, a novel antimicrobial peptide from Musca domestica, has an antifungal effect against C. albicans, but its mechanism of antifungal action remains unclear. In the current study, we performed a proteomics analysis in C. albicans using TMT technique under the treatment of AMP-17. A total of 3931 proteins were identified, of which 3600 included quantitative information. With a 1.5-fold change threshold and a t-test p-value < 0.05 as standard, 423 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were up-regulated and 180 DEPs were down-regulated in the AMP-17/control. Notably, GO enrichment revealed that DEPs associated with the cell wall, RNA and oxidative stress were significantly up-regulated, while DEPs involved in ergosterol metabolism and membrane were significantly down-regulated in the AMP-17/control. KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that DEPs involved seven significant metabolic pathways, mainly involved oxidative phosphorylation, RNA degradation, propanoate metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. These results show that AMP-17 induces a complex organism response in C. albicans, indicating that AMP-17 may inhibit growth by affecting multiple targets in C. albicans cells. SIGNIFICANCE: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an important part of the innate immune system of organisms and having broad range of activity against fungi, bacteria and viruses. These AMPs are considered as probable candidate for forthcoming drugs, due to their broad range of activity, lesser toxicity and decreased resistance development by target cells. AMP-17, a novel antimicrobial peptide from M. domestica, has significant antifungal activity against C. albicans. It has been confirmed that AMP-17 can play an antifungal effect by destroying the cell wall and cell membrane of C. albicans in previous studies, but its mechanism of action at the protein level is currently unclear. In the current study, using the TMT-based quantitative proteomics method, 603 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the cells of C. albicans treated with AMP-17 for 12 h, and these DEPs were closely related to cell wall, cell membrane, RNA degradation and oxidative stress. The results provide new insights into the potential mechanism of action of AMP- 17 against C. albicans. Meanwhile, it provides certain technical support and theoretical basis for the research and development of novel peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Bing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
| | - Zhu-Qing Tian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Luo-Xiong Zhou
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jian Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biology & Engineering, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chao-Qin Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ming-Jiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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17
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Gaalswyk K, Liu Z, Vogel HJ, MacCallum JL. An Integrative Approach to Determine 3D Protein Structures Using Sparse Paramagnetic NMR Data and Physical Modeling. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:676268. [PMID: 34476238 PMCID: PMC8407082 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.676268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paramagnetic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods have emerged as powerful tools for structure determination of large, sparsely protonated proteins. However traditional applications face several challenges, including a need for large datasets to offset the sparsity of restraints, the difficulty in accounting for the conformational heterogeneity of the spin-label, and noisy experimental data. Here we propose an integrative approach to structure determination combining sparse paramagnetic NMR with physical modelling to infer approximate protein structural ensembles. We use calmodulin in complex with the smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase peptide as a model system. Despite acquiring data from samples labeled only at the backbone amide positions, we are able to produce an ensemble with an average RMSD of ∼2.8 Å from a reference X-ray crystal structure. Our approach requires only backbone chemical shifts and measurements of the paramagnetic relaxation enhancement and residual dipolar couplings that can be obtained from sparsely labeled samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Gaalswyk
- Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hans J. Vogel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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18
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Antifungal Effects of Fusion Puroindoline B on the Surface and Intracellular Environment of Aspergillus flavus. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 13:249-260. [PMID: 32488675 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-020-09667-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus infection is a major issue for safe food storage. In this study, we constructed an efficient prokaryotic expression system for puroindoline B (PINB) protein to detect its antifungal activity. The Puroindoline b gene was cloned into pET-28a (+) vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. Treatment with fusion PINB revealed that it inhibits mycelial growth of A. flavus, a common grain mold. Moreover, fusion PINB-treated A. flavus mycelium withered and exhibited a sunken spore head. As fusion PINB concentration increased, electrical conductivity in mycelium also increased, indicative of cell membrane damage. Furthermore, intracellular malate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activity decreased, revealing a disruption in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Moreover, the dampened activity of the ion pump Na+K+-ATPase negatively affected the intracellular regulation of both ions. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity decreased, thus reducing antioxidant capacity, a result confirmed with an increase in malondialdehyde content. Changes to the GSH/GSSG ratio indicated a shift to an intracellular oxidative state. At the same time, laser scanning confocal microscopy assay showed the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and nuclear damage. Therefore, the PINB fusion protein may have the potential to control A. flavus in grain storage and food preservation.
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19
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Expression of Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factor Isoform 3 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Showing High Antimicrobial Activity. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19050239. [PMID: 33922554 PMCID: PMC8146899 DOI: 10.3390/md19050239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a class of proteins with antibacterial functions. In this study, the anti-lipopolysaccharide factor isoform 3 gene (ALFPm3), encoding an antimicrobial peptide from Penaeus monodon with a super activity was expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which would develop a microalga strain that can be used for the antimicrobial peptide production. To construct the expression cluster, namely pH2A-Pm3, the codon optimized ALFPm3 gene was fused with the ble reporter by 2A peptide and inserted into pH124 vector. The glass-bead method was performed to transform pH2A-Pm3 into C. reinhardtii CC-849. In addition to 8 μg/mL zeocin resistance selection, the C. reinhardtii transformants were further confirmed by genomic PCR and RT-PCR. Western blot analysis showed that the C. reinhardtii-derived ALFPm3 (cALFPm3) was successfully expressed in C. reinhardtii transformants and accounted for 0.35% of the total soluble protein (TSP). Furthermore, the results of antibacterial assay revealed that the cALFPm3 could significantly inhibit the growth of a variety of bacteria, including both Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria at a concentration of 0.77 μM. Especially, the inhibition could last longer than 24 h, which performed better than ampicillin. Hence, this study successfully developed a transgenic C. reinhardtii strain, which can produce the active ALFPm3 driven from P. monodon, providing a potential strategy to use C. reinhardtii as the cell factory to produce antimicrobial peptides.
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20
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Zhu S, Weber DK, Separovic F, Sani MA. Expression and purification of the native C-amidated antimicrobial peptide maculatin 1.1. J Pept Sci 2021; 27:e3330. [PMID: 33843136 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Maculatin 1.1 (Mac1) is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) from an Australian tree frog and exhibits low micromolar activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of Mac1 are linked to its disruption of bacterial lipid membranes, which has been studied extensively by in vitro nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and biophysical approaches. Although in vivo NMR has recently proven effective in probing peptide-lipid interplay in live bacterial cells, direct structural characterisation of AMPs has been prohibited by low sensitivity and overwhelming background noise. To overcome this issue, we report a recombinant expression protocol to produce isotopically enriched Mac1. We utilized a double-fusion construct to alleviate toxicity against the Escherichia coli host and generate the native N-free and C-amidated termini Mac1 peptide. The SUMO and intein tags allowed native N-terminus and C-terminal amidation, respectively, to be achieved in a one-pot reaction. The protocol yielded 0.1 mg/L of native, uniformly 15 N-labelled, Mac1, which possessed identical structure and activity to peptide obtained by solid-phase peptide synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Zhu
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel K Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marc-Antoine Sani
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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21
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Torres MDT, Cao J, Franco OL, Lu TK, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Synthetic Biology and Computer-Based Frameworks for Antimicrobial Peptide Discovery. ACS NANO 2021; 15:2143-2164. [PMID: 33538585 PMCID: PMC8734659 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c09509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest challenges of our time. This global health problem originated from a paucity of truly effective antibiotic classes and an increased incidence of multi-drug-resistant bacterial isolates in hospitals worldwide. Indeed, it has been recently estimated that 10 million people will die annually from drug-resistant infections by the year 2050. Therefore, the need to develop out-of-the-box strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is urgent. The biological world has provided natural templates, called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which exhibit multiple intrinsic medical properties including the targeting of bacteria. AMPs can be used as scaffolds and, via engineering, can be reconfigured for optimized potency and targetability toward drug-resistant pathogens. Here, we review the recent development of tools for the discovery, design, and production of AMPs and propose that the future of peptide drug discovery will involve the convergence of computational and synthetic biology principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D T Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jicong Cao
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Octavio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70790160, Brazil
- S-inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS 79117010, Brazil
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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22
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Dijksteel GS, Ulrich MMW, Middelkoop E, Boekema BKHL. Review: Lessons Learned From Clinical Trials Using Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). Front Microbiol 2021; 12:616979. [PMID: 33692766 PMCID: PMC7937881 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.616979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) or host defense peptides protect the host against various pathogens such as yeast, fungi, viruses and bacteria. AMPs also display immunomodulatory properties ranging from the modulation of inflammatory responses to the promotion of wound healing. More interestingly, AMPs cause cell disruption through non-specific interactions with the membrane surface of pathogens. This is most likely responsible for the low or limited emergence of bacterial resistance against many AMPs. Despite the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the potency of novel AMPs to combat such pathogens, only a few AMPs are in clinical use. Therefore, the current review describes (i) the potential of AMPs as alternatives to antibiotics, (ii) the challenges toward clinical implementation of AMPs and (iii) strategies to improve the success rate of AMPs in clinical trials, emphasizing the lessons we could learn from these trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle S Dijksteel
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Magda M W Ulrich
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Middelkoop
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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23
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Separovic F, Keizer DW, Sani MA. In-cell Solid-State NMR Studies of Antimicrobial Peptides. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:610203. [PMID: 35047891 PMCID: PMC8757805 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2020.610203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as alternatives to classic antibiotics due to their expected limited pressure on bacterial resistance mechanisms. Yet, their modes of action, in particular in vivo, remain to be elucidated. In situ atomistic-scale details of complex biomolecular assemblies is a challenging requirement for deciphering the complex modes of action of AMPs. The large diversity of molecules that modulate complex interactions limits the resolution achievable using imaging methodology. Herein, the latest advances in in-cell solid-state NMR (ssNMR) are discussed, which demonstrate the power of this non-invasive technique to provide atomic details of molecular structure and dynamics. Practical requirements for investigations of intact bacteria are discussed. An overview of recent in situ NMR investigations of the architecture and metabolism of bacteria and the effect of AMPs on various bacterial structures is presented. In-cell ssNMR revealed that the studied AMPs have a disruptive action on the molecular packing of bacterial membranes and DNA. Despite the limited number of studies, in-cell ssNMR is emerging as a powerful technique to monitor in situ the interplay between bacteria and AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David W. Keizer
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marc-Antoine Sani
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Marc-Antoine Sani
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24
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Expression of Hybrid Peptide EF-1 in Pichia pastoris, Its Purification, and Antimicrobial Characterization. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235538. [PMID: 33255863 PMCID: PMC7728367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
EF-1 is a novel peptide derived from two bacteriocins, plantaricin E and plantaricin F. It has a strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and with negligible hemolytic effect on red blood cells. However, the chemical synthesis of EF-1 is limited by its high cost. In this study, we established a heterologous expression of EF-1 in Pichia pastoris. The transgenic strain successfully expressed hybrid EF-1 peptide, which had a molecular weight of ~5 kDa as expected. The recombinant EF-1 was purified by Ni2+ affinity chromatography and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), which achieved a yield of 32.65 mg/L with a purity of 94.9%. The purified EF-1 exhibited strong antimicrobial and bactericidal activities against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Furthermore, propidium iodide staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed that EF-1 can directly induce cell membrane permeabilization of E. coli. Therefore, the hybrid EF-1 not only preserves the individual properties of the parent peptides, but also acquires the ability to disrupt Gram-negative bacterial membrane. Meanwhile, such an expression system can reduce both the time and cost for large-scale peptide production, which ensures its potential application at the industrial level.
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25
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Azuma E, Choda N, Odaki M, Yano Y, Matsuzaki K. Improvement of Therapeutic Index by the Combination of Enhanced Peptide Cationicity and Proline Introduction. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2271-2278. [PMID: 32786298 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for new therapeutics to combat the emergence of an increasing number of multidrug-resistant pathogens. However, a major obstacle to the systemic application of AMPs is their possible toxicity. In this study, we improved the therapeutic index of the typical AMP F5W-magainin 2 by simultaneously introducing positive charges (+9-+10) and Pro residues. The former and latter contributed to enhanced antimicrobial activity and reduced cytotoxicity, respectively. The results were sensitive to the positions of Pro substitution. The antimicrobial mechanism was considered to involve both membrane permeabilization and DNA binding. The latter was affected by the peptide charge but not the presence of Pro. The neutralization of lipopolysaccharides, another important role of AMPs, was not very sensitive to either the peptide charge or Pro introduction. This strategy using intrinsic amino acids is also promising from the viewpoints of the economic mass production of AMPs and safety of metabolized peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Azuma
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Naoki Choda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mayu Odaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yano
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Katsumi Matsuzaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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26
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Bhattacharjya S, Straus SK. Design, Engineering and Discovery of Novel α-Helical and β-Boomerang Antimicrobial Peptides against Drug Resistant Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165773. [PMID: 32796755 PMCID: PMC7460851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In an era where the pipeline of new antibiotic development is drying up, the continuous rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) bacteria are genuine threats to human health. Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may serve as promising leads against drug resistant bacteria, only a few AMPs are in advanced clinical trials. The limitations of AMPs, namely their low in vivo activity, toxicity, and poor bioavailability, need to be addressed. Here, we review engineering of frog derived short α-helical AMPs (aurein, temporins) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding designed β-boomerang AMPs for further development. The discovery of novel cell selective AMPs from the human proprotein convertase furin is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit Bhattacharjya
- School of Biological Sciences, 60 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Suzana K. Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (S.K.S.)
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27
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Fluorine-19 NMR spectroscopy of fluorinated analogs of tritrpticin highlights a distinct role for Tyr residues in antimicrobial peptides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Choi KYG, Wu BC, Lee AHY, Baquir B, Hancock REW. Utilizing Organoid and Air-Liquid Interface Models as a Screening Method in the Development of New Host Defense Peptides. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:228. [PMID: 32509598 PMCID: PMC7251080 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs), also known as antimicrobial peptides, are naturally occurring polypeptides (~12–50 residues) composed of cationic and hydrophobic amino acids that adopt an amphipathic conformation upon folding usually after contact with membranes. HDPs have a variety of biological activities including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-biofilm functions. Although HDPs have the potential to address the global threat of antibiotic resistance and to treat immune and inflammatory disorders, they have yet to achieve this promise. Indeed, there are several challenges associated with bringing peptide-based drug candidates from the lab bench to clinical practice, including identifying appropriate indications, stability, toxicity, and cost. These challenges can be addressed in part by the development of innate defense regulator (IDR) peptides and peptidomimetics, which are synthetic derivatives of HDPs with similar or better efficacy, increased stability, and reduced toxicity and cost of the original HDP. However, one of the largest gaps between basic research and clinical application is the validity and translatability of conventional model systems, such as cell lines and animal models, for screening HDPs and their derivatives as potential drug therapies. Indeed, such translation has often relied on animal models, which have only limited validity. Here we discuss the recent development of human organoids for disease modeling and drug screening, assisted by the use of omics analyses. Organoids, developed from primary cells, cell lines, or human pluripotent stem cells, are three-dimensional, self-organizing structures that closely resemble their corresponding in vivo organs with regards to immune responses, tissue organization, and physiological properties; thus, organoids represent a reliable method for studying efficacy, formulation, toxicity and to some extent drug stability and pharmacodynamics. The use of patient-derived organoids enables the study of patient-specific efficacy, toxicogenomics and drug response predictions. We outline how organoids and omics data analysis can be leveraged to aid in the clinical translation of IDR peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Yee Grace Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bing Catherine Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amy Huei-Yi Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Beverlie Baquir
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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29
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Biophysical research in Hokkaido University, Japan. Biophys Rev 2020; 12:233-236. [PMID: 32347462 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-020-00649-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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30
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Zhou L, Liu Z, Xu G, Li L, Xuan K, Xu Y, Zhang R. Expression of Melittin in Fusion with GST in Escherichia coli and Its Purification as a Pure Peptide with Good Bacteriostatic Efficacy. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:9251-9258. [PMID: 32363276 PMCID: PMC7191569 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The expression and purification of melittin (MET) in microbials are difficult because of its antibacterial activities. In this work, MET was fused with a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) tag and expressed in Escherichia coli to overcome its lethality to host cells. The fusion protein GST-MET was highly expressed and then purified by glutathione sepharose high-performance affinity chromatography, digested with prescission protease, and further purified by Superdex Peptide 10/300 GL chromatography. Finally, 3.5 mg/L recombinant melittin (rMET) with a purity of >90% was obtained; its antibacterial activities against Gram-positive Bacillus pumilus and Staphylococcus pasteuri were similar to those of commercial MET. A circular dichroism spectroscopic assay showed that the rMET peptide secondary structure was similar to those of the commercial form. To our knowledge, this is the report of the preparation of active pure rMET with no tags. The successful expression and purification of rMET will enable large-scale, industrial biosynthesis of MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Zhou
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Guanyu Xu
- Xuteli
School, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R. China
| | - Lihong Li
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Kaiang Xuan
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Yan Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
| | - Rongzhen Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School
of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, P.
R. China
- . Tel: +86 510 85197760. Fax: +86 501 85918201
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31
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Lee TH, Carpenter TS, D'haeseleer P, Savage DF, Yung MC. Encapsulin carrier proteins for enhanced expression of antimicrobial peptides. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 117:603-613. [PMID: 31709513 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as attractive alternatives to conventional antibiotics, but their production in microbes remains challenging due to their inherent bactericidal nature. To address these limitations, we have developed a novel AMP fusion protein system based on an encapsulin nanocompartment protein and have demonstrated its utility in enhancing expression of HBCM2, an AMP with activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, HBCM2 was fused to the N-terminus of several Encapsulin monomer (Enc) variants engineered with multiple TEV protease recognition site insertions to facilitate proteolytic release of the fused HBCM2. Fusion of HBCM2 to the Enc variants, but not other common carrier proteins, enabled robust overexpression in Escherichia coli C43(DE3) cells. Interestingly, variants with a TEV site insertion following residue K71 in Enc exhibited the highest overexpression and HBCM2 release efficiencies compared to other variants but were deficient in cage formation. HBCM2 was purified from the highest expressing variant following TEV protease digestion and was found to be highly active in inhibiting E. coli growth (MIC = 5 μg/ml). Our study demonstrates the potential use of the Enc system to enhance expression of AMPs for biomanufacturing and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tek-Hyung Lee
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Livermore, California
| | - Timothy S Carpenter
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Livermore, California
| | - Patrik D'haeseleer
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Livermore, California
| | - David F Savage
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Mimi C Yung
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Livermore, California
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32
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Kamiura R, Matsuda F, Ichihashi N. Survival of membrane-damaged Escherichia coli in a cytosol-mimicking solution. J Biosci Bioeng 2019; 128:558-563. [PMID: 31182278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Selective permeability of cell membrane is critically important for cell survival. The damage caused to cell membrane by pore-forming antimicrobial peptides may result in the loss of selective permeability and leakage of intracellular molecules, eventually leading to cell death. Here, we examined whether the membrane-damaged Escherichia coli cells survive in a cytosol-mimicking solution (CMS), which compensates for the lethal leakage of intracellular molecules. We prepared a CMS comprising 34 low molecular weight compounds from the cytosol and found that the cells were able to grow in CMS even in the presence of a pore-forming peptide, melittin. We confirmed that the melittin-treated cells lost selective membrane permeability by staining with membrane-impermeable dyes, propidium iodide and SYTOX green. Some stained cells maintained the colony formation ability in CMS. These results provide an evidence that E. coli cells can at least partially survive in the CMS even after the temporary impairment of membrane selective permeability. This study demonstrates a technique that allows temporal loss of the selective permeability of the cell membrane while maintaining the viability of cells that may be useful for the introduction of membrane-impermeable molecules into E. coli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikuto Kamiura
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Fumio Matsuda
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Norikazu Ichihashi
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, 1-5 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Graduate School of Arts and Science, Komaba Institute for Science, Universal Biology Institute, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan.
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33
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Lv M, Wang M, Lu K, Peng L, Zhao Y. DNA/Lysozyme-binding affinity study of novel peptides from TAT (47-57) and BRCA1 (782-786) in vitro by spectroscopic analysis. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2019; 209:109-117. [PMID: 30384016 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
SISLL-TAT and TAT-SISLL were synthesized by modifying the N- or C-termini of cell-penetrating peptides as transacting activator of transcription TAT (47-57) by attaching BRCA1 (782-786) (SISLL). The novel peptides were synthesized through Fmoc solid-phase synthesis procedures and characterized by LCQ Fleet MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. SISLL-TAT and TAT-SISLL displayed forceful antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium with low hemolysis. SISLL-TAT showed better antibacterial activity than TAT-SISLL, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 10-33 μg·mL-1. The results of the DNA-binding activities showed that both SISLL-TAT and TAT-SISLL could interact with DNA via the minor groove mode, and the binding constants were 4.97 × 105 L·mol-1 and 4.42 × 105 L·mol-1 at 310 K, respectively. Circular dichroism analysis showed slight transformation of the lysozyme secondary structure caused by SISLL-TAT and TAT-SISLL. We also found that the novel peptides SISLL-TAT and TAT-SISLL targeted bacterial DNA resulting in cell death. This explains the antibacterial mechanism of SISLL-TAT and TAT-SISLL, and is a solid theoretical basis for further designing novel and highly effective antibiotics for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiu Lv
- School of Material and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Engineering, Zhengzhou 450007, Henan, China; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Mengwei Wang
- School of Material and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Engineering, Zhengzhou 450007, Henan, China; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Kui Lu
- School of Material and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Engineering, Zhengzhou 450007, Henan, China; School of Chemical Engineering and Food Science, Zhengzhou Institute of Technology, Zhengzhou 450044, Henan, China.
| | - Lu Peng
- School of Material and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Engineering, Zhengzhou 450007, Henan, China
| | - Yufen Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China.
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34
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Li FF, Brimble MA. Using chemical synthesis to optimise antimicrobial peptides in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. PURE APPL CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2018-0704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has necessitated the urgent need for novel antibacterial agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), the host-defence molecules of most living organisms, have shown great promise as potential antibiotic candidates due to their multiple mechanisms of action which result in very low or negligible induction of resistance. However, the development of AMPs for clinical use has been limited by their potential toxicity to animal cells, low metabolic stability and high manufacturing cost. Extensive efforts have therefore been directed towards the development of enhanced variants of natural AMPs to overcome these aforementioned limitations. In this review, we present our efforts focused on development of efficient strategies to prepare several recently discovered AMPs including antitubercular peptides. The design and synthesis of more potent and stable AMP analogues with synthetic modifications made to the natural peptides containing glycosylated residues or disulfide bridges are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freda F. Li
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland , 23 Symonds Street , Auckland 1010 , New Zealand
| | - Margaret A. Brimble
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland , 23 Symonds Street , Auckland 1010 , New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery , 3 Symonds Street , Auckland 1010 , New Zealand
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35
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Ramamourthy G, Arias M, Nguyen LT, Ishida H, Vogel HJ. Expression and Purification of Chemokine MIP-3α (CCL20) through a Calmodulin-Fusion Protein System. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7010008. [PMID: 30626048 PMCID: PMC6352211 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human macrophage inflammatory protein 3α (MIP-3α), also known as CCL20, is a 70 amino acid chemokine that selectively binds and activates chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6). This chemokine is responsible for inducing the migration of immature dendritic cells, effector, or memory T-cells, and B-cells. Moreover, the MIP-3α protein has been shown to display direct antimicrobial, antiviral and antiprotozoal activities. Because of the potential therapeutic uses of this protein, the efficient production of MIP-3α is of great interest. However, bacterial recombinant production of the MIP-3α protein has been limited by the toxicity of this extremely basic protein (pI 9.7) toward prokaryotic cells, and by solubility problems during expression and purification. In an attempt to overcome these issues, we have investigated the bacterial recombinant expression of MIP-3α by using several common expression and fusion tags, including 6× histidine (His), small ubiquitin modifier protein (SUMO), thioredoxin (TRX), ketosteroid isomerase (KSI), and maltose binding protein (MBP). We have also evaluated a recently introduced calmodulin (CaM)-tag that has been used for the effective expression of many basic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Here, we show that the CaM fusion tag system effectively expressed soluble MIP-3α in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli with good yields. Rapid purification was facilitated by the His-tag that was integrated in the CaM-fusion protein system. Multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies demonstrated that the recombinant protein was properly folded, with the correct formation of disulfide bonds. In addition, the recombinant MIP-3α had antibacterial activity, and was shown to inhibit the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Ramamourthy
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Mauricio Arias
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Leonard T Nguyen
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Hiroaki Ishida
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Hans J Vogel
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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36
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Hilchie AL, Hoskin DW, Power Coombs MR. Anticancer Activities of Natural and Synthetic Peptides. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1117:131-147. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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37
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Tajbakhsh M, Akhavan MM, Fallah F, Karimi A. A Recombinant Snake Cathelicidin Derivative Peptide: Antibiofilm Properties and Expression in Escherichia coli. Biomolecules 2018; 8:E118. [PMID: 30360422 PMCID: PMC6315654 DOI: 10.3390/biom8040118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic microorganisms has been led to an urgent need for antibiotic alternatives. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been introduced as promising therapeutic agents because of their remarkable potentials. A new modified cathelicidin-BF peptide (Cath-A) with 34 amino acid sequences, represents the potential antimicrobial effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with slight hemolytic and cytotoxic activities on eukaryotic cells. In this study, the effects of Cath-A on Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from medical instruments were studied. Cath-A inhibited the growth of bacterial cells in the range of 8⁻16 μg/mL and 16-≥256 μg/mL for A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The peptide significantly removed the established biofilms. To display a representative approach for the cost-effective constructions of peptides, the recombinant Cath-A was cloned in the expression vector pET-32a(+) and transformed to Escherichia coli BL21. The peptide was expressed with a thioredoxin (Trx) sequence in optimum conditions. The recombinant peptide was purified with a Ni2+ affinity chromatography and the mature peptide was released after removing the Trx fusion protein with enterokinase. The final concentration of the partially purified peptide was 17.6 mg/L of a bacterial culture which exhibited antimicrobial activities. The current expression and purification method displayed a fast and effective system to finally produce active Cath-A for further in-vitro study usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedeh Tajbakhsh
- Pediatric Infections Research Center (PIRC), Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1546815514, Iran.
| | - Maziar Mohammad Akhavan
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1989934148, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Pediatric Infections Research Center (PIRC), Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1546815514, Iran.
| | - Abdollah Karimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center (PIRC), Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1546815514, Iran.
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38
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de Paula VS, Valente AP. A Dynamic Overview of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Complexes. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23082040. [PMID: 30111717 PMCID: PMC6222744 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23082040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we comprehensively review the available information about the recognition, structure, and dynamics of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Their complex behaviors occur across a wide range of time scales and have been challenging to portray. Recent advances in nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular dynamics simulations have revealed the importance of the molecular plasticity of AMPs and their abilities to recognize targets. We also highlight experimental data obtained using nuclear magnetic resonance methodologies, showing that conformational selection is a major mechanism of target interaction in AMP families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Silva de Paula
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - Ana Paula Valente
- Centro de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear Jiri Jonas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil.
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39
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Shabrangy A, Roustan V, Reipert S, Weidinger M, Roustan PJ, Stoger E, Weckwerth W, Ibl V. Using RT-qPCR, Proteomics, and Microscopy to Unravel the Spatio-Temporal Expression and Subcellular Localization of Hordoindolines Across Development in Barley Endosperm. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:775. [PMID: 29951075 PMCID: PMC6008550 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Hordeum vulgare (barley) hordoindolines (HINs), HINa, HINb1, and HINb2, are orthologous proteins of wheat puroindolines (PINs) that are small, basic, cysteine-rich seed-specific proteins and responsible for grain hardness. Grain hardness is, next to its protein content, a major quality trait. In barley, HINb is most highly expressed in the mid-stage developed endosperm and is associated with both major endosperm texture and grain hardness. However, data required to understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of HIN transcripts and HIN protein regulation during grain filling processes are missing. Using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and proteomics, we analyzed HIN transcript and HIN protein abundance from whole seeds (WSs) at four [6 days after pollination (dap), 10, 12, and ≥20 dap] as well as from aleurone, subaleurone, and starchy endosperm at two (12 and ≥20 dap) developmental stages. At the WS level, results from RT-qPCR, proteomics, and western blot showed a continuous increase of HIN transcript and HIN protein abundance across these four developmental stages. Miroscopic studies revealed HIN localization mainly at the vacuolar membrane in the aleurone, at protein bodies (PBs) in subaleurone and at the periphery of starch granules in the starchy endosperm. Laser microdissetion (LMD) proteomic analyses identified HINb2 as the most prominent HIN protein in starchy endosperm at ≥20 dap. Additionally, our quantification data revealed a poor correlation between transcript and protein levels of HINs in subaleurone during development. Here, we correlated data achieved by RT-qPCR, proteomics, and microscopy that reveal different expression and localization pattern of HINs in each layer during barley endosperm development. This indicates a contribution of each tissue to the regulation of HINs during grain filling. The effect of the high protein abundance of HINs in the starchy endosperm and their localization at the periphery of starch granules at late development stages at the cereal-based end-product quality is discussed. Understanding the spatio-temporal regulated HINs is essential to improve barley quality traits for high end-product quality, as hard texture of the barley grain is regulated by the ratio between HINb/HINa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azita Shabrangy
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valentin Roustan
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Reipert
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marieluise Weidinger
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pierre-Jean Roustan
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Stoger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Metabolomics Center, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Ibl
- Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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40
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Ramirez L, Shekhtman A, Pande J. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-Based Structural Characterization and Backbone Dynamics of Recombinant Bee Venom Melittin. Biochemistry 2018; 57:2775-2785. [PMID: 29668274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in melittin and its variants as their therapeutic potential has become increasingly evident. Melittin is a 26-residue peptide and a toxic component of honey bee venom. The versatility of melittin in interacting with various biological substrates, such as membranes, glycosaminoglycans, and a variety of proteins, has inspired a slew of studies that aim to improve our understanding of the structural basis of such interactions. However, these studies have largely focused on melittin solutions at high concentrations (>1 mM), even though melittin is generally effective at lower (micromolar) concentrations. Here we present high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance studies in the lower-concentration regime using a novel method to produce isotope-labeled (15N and 13C) recombinant melittin. We provide residue-specific structural characterization of melittin in dilute aqueous solution and in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol/water mixtures, which mimic melittin structure-function and interactions in aqueous and membrane-like environments, respectively. We find that the cis-trans isomerization of Pro14 is key to changes in the secondary structure of melittin. Thus, this study provides residue-specific structural information about melittin in the free state and in a model of the substrate-bound state. These results, taken together with published work from other laboratories, reveal the peptide's structural versatility that resembles that of intrinsically disordered proteins and peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ramirez
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, State University of New York , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Alexander Shekhtman
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, State University of New York , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Jayanti Pande
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, State University of New York , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
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Cheng KT, Wu CL, Yip BS, Yu HY, Cheng HT, Chih YH, Cheng JW. High Level Expression and Purification of the Clinically Active Antimicrobial Peptide P-113 in Escherichia coli. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040800. [PMID: 29601518 PMCID: PMC6017664 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
P-113, which was originally derived from the human saliva protein histatin 5, is a histidine-rich antimicrobial peptide with the sequence AKRHHGYKRKFH. P-113 is currently undergoing phase II clinical trial as a pharmaceutical agent to fight against fungal infections in HIV patients with oral candidiasis. Previously, we developed a new procedure for the high-yield expression and purification of hG31P, an analogue and antagonist of human CXCL8. Moreover, we have successfully removed lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) associated with hG31P in the expression with Escherichia coli. In this paper, we have used hG31P as a novel fusion protein for the expression and purification of P-113. The purity of the expressed P-113 is more than 95% and the yield is 4 mg P-113 per liter of E. coli cell culture in Luria-Bertani (LB) medium. The antimicrobial activity of the purified P-113 was tested. Furthermore, we used circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study the structural properties of P-113. Our results indicate that using hG31P as a fusion protein to obtain large quantities of P-113 is feasible and is easy to scale up for commercial production. An effective way of producing enough P-113 for future clinical studies is evident in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Ting Cheng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Lung Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Bak-Sau Yip
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Yuan Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Hsi-Tsung Cheng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Han Chih
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
| | - Jya-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
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Cao J, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Ou RW, Torres MDT, Pande SG, Sinskey AJ, Lu TK. Yeast-Based Synthetic Biology Platform for Antimicrobial Peptide Production. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:896-902. [PMID: 29366323 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.7b00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most challenging global health threats in our society. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics for the treatment of drug-resistant infections. However, they are limited by their high manufacturing cost. Engineering living organisms represents a promising approach to produce such molecules in an inexpensive manner. Here, we genetically modified the yeast Pichia pastoris to produce the prototypical AMP apidaecin Ia using a fusion protein approach that leverages the beneficial properties ( e.g., stability) of human serum albumin. The peptide was successfully isolated from the fusion protein construct, purified, and demonstrated to have bioactivity against Escherichia coli. To demonstrate this approach as a manufacturing solution to AMPs, we scaled-up production in bioreactors to generate high AMP yields. We envision that this system could lead to improved AMP biomanufacturing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicong Cao
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Rui Wen Ou
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Marcelo Der Torossian Torres
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210580, Brazil
| | - Santosh G. Pande
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Anthony J. Sinskey
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Timothy K. Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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The Road from Host-Defense Peptides to a New Generation of Antimicrobial Drugs. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020311. [PMID: 29389911 PMCID: PMC6017364 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-defense peptides, also called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), whose protective action has been used by animals for millions of years, fulfill many requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, such as: (1) broad spectrum of activity; (2) unlike classic antibiotics, they induce very little resistance; (3) they act synergically with conventional antibiotics; (4) they neutralize endotoxins and are active in animal models. However, it is considered that many natural peptides are not suitable for drug development due to stability and biodisponibility problems, or high production costs. This review describes the efforts to overcome these problems and develop new antimicrobial drugs from these peptides or inspired by them. The discovery process of natural AMPs is discussed, as well as the development of synthetic analogs with improved pharmacological properties. The production of these compounds at acceptable costs, using different chemical and biotechnological methods, is also commented. Once these challenges are overcome, a new generation of versatile, potent and long-lasting antimicrobial drugs is expected.
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Su X, Zhou X, Tan Z, Zhou C. Highly efficient antibacterial diblock copolypeptides based on lysine and phenylalanine. Biopolymers 2017; 107. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.23041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokai Su
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road; Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road; Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Zhengzhong Tan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road; Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Chuncai Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road; Shanghai 201804 China
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Zhu M, Liu P, Niu ZW. A perspective on general direction and challenges facing antimicrobial peptides. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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The Calcium-Dependent Switch Helix of L-Plastin Regulates Actin Bundling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40662. [PMID: 28145401 PMCID: PMC5286426 DOI: 10.1038/srep40662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
L-plastin is a calcium-regulated actin-bundling protein that is expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin and in most metastatic cancer cells. These cell types are mobile and require the constant remodeling of their actin cytoskeleton, where L-plastin bundles filamentous actin. The calcium-dependent regulation of the actin-bundling activity of L-plastin is not well understood. We have used NMR spectroscopy to determine the solution structure of the EF-hand calcium-sensor headpiece domain. Unexpectedly, this domain does not bind directly to the four CH-domains of L-plastin. A novel switch helix is present immediately after the calcium-binding region and it binds tightly to the EF-hand motifs in the presence of calcium. We demonstrate that this switch helix plays a major role during actin-bundling. Moreover a peptide that competitively inhibits the association between the EF-hand motifs and the switch helix was shown to deregulate the actin-bundling activity of L-plastin. Overall, these findings may help to develop new drugs that target the L-plastin headpiece and interfere in the metastatic activity of cancer cells.
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