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Bennett AL, Cranford KN, Bates AL, Sabatini CR, Lee HS. A molecular dynamics study of cell-penetrating peptide transportan-10 (TP10): Binding, folding and insertion to transmembrane state in zwitterionic membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2024; 1866:184218. [PMID: 37634858 PMCID: PMC10843101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184218] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Transportan 10 (TP10) is a 21-residue, cationic, α-helical cell-penetrating peptide that can be used as a delivery vector for various bioactive molecules. Based on recent confocal microscopy studies, it is believed that TP10 can translocate across neutral lipid membrane passively, possibly as a monomer, without the formation of permanent pore. Here, we performed extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of TP10W (Y3W variant of TP10) to find the microscopic details of binding, folding and insertion of TP10W to transmembrane state in POPC bilayer. Binding study with CHARMM36 force field showed that TP10W initially binds to the membrane surface in unstructured configuration, but it spontaneously folds into α-helical conformation under the lipid head groups. Further insertion of TP10W, changing from a surface bound state to a vertically oriented transmembrane state, was investigated via umbrella simulations. The resulting free energy profile shows a relatively small barrier between two states, suggesting a possible translocation pathway as a monomer. In fact, unbiased simulation of transmembrane TP10W revealed how a charged Lys side chain can move from one leaflet to the other without a significant free energy cost. Finally, we compared the results of TP10W simulations with those of point mutated variants (TP10W-K12A18 and TP10W-K19L) to understand the effect of charge distribution on the peptide. It was observed that such a conservative mutation can cause noticeable changes in the conformations of both surface bound and transmembrane states. The results of present study will be discussed in relation to the experimentally observed activities of TP10W against neutral membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Bennett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States of America
| | - Kristen N Cranford
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States of America
| | - Austin L Bates
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States of America
| | - Christopher R Sabatini
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States of America
| | - Hee-Seung Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States of America.
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2
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Drajkowska A, Molski A. Aggregation and partitioning of amyloid peptide fragments in the presence of a lipid bilayer: A coarse grained molecular dynamics study. Biophys Chem 2023; 300:107051. [PMID: 37329644 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Amyloidogenicity and toxicity of amyloid peptides have been linked to the peptide aggregation and interactions with lipid bilayers. In this work we used the coarse grained MARTINI model to study the aggregation and partitioning of amyloid peptide fragments Aβ(1-28) and Aβ(25-35) in the presence of a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer. We explored the peptide aggregation starting from three initial spatial arrangements where free monomers were placed in solution outside the membrane, at the membrane-solution interface, or in the membrane. We found that Aβ(1-28) and Aβ(25-35) interact with the bilayer quite differently. The Aβ(1-28) fragments show strong peptide-peptide and peptide-lipid interactions leading to irreversible aggregation where the aggregates stay confined to their initial spatial location. The Aβ(25-35) fragments show weaker peptide-peptide and peptide-lipid interaction leading to reversible aggregation and accumulation at the membrane-solution interface irrespective of their initial spatial arrangement. Those findings can be explained in terms of the shape of the potential of mean force for the single-peptide translocation across the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Drajkowska
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Chemistry, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Molski
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Chemistry, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
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3
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Deng Z, You X, Lin Z, Dong X, Yuan B, Yang K. Membrane-Active Peptides Attack Cell Membranes in a Lipid-Regulated Curvature-Generating Mode. J Phys Chem Lett 2023:6422-6430. [PMID: 37432779 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-active peptides (MAPs) exhibit great potential in biomedical applications due to their unique ability to overcome the cell membrane barrier. However, the interactions between MAPs and membranes are complex, and little is known about the possibility of MAP action being specific to certain types of membranes. In this study, a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical analysis was utilized to investigate the interactions between typical MAPs and realistic cell membrane systems. Remarkably, the simulations revealed that MAPs can attack membranes by generating and sensing positive mean curvature, which is dependent on lipid composition. Furthermore, theoretical calculations demonstrated that this lipid-regulated curvature-based membrane attack mechanism is an integrated result of multiple effects, including peptide-induced membrane wedge and softening effects, the lipid shape effect, the area-difference elastic effect, and the boundary edge effect of formed peptide-lipid nanodomains. This study enhances our comprehension of MAP-membrane interactions and highlights the potential for developing membrane-specific MAP-based agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Deng
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin You
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhao Lin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xuewei Dong
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bing Yuan
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808 Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808 Guangdong, China
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4
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Ermakova EA, Kurbanov RK. Interaction of Uperin Peptides with Model Membranes: Molecular Dynamics Study. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:370. [PMID: 37103797 PMCID: PMC10146956 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of antimicrobial and amyloid peptides with cell membranes is a critical step in their activities. Peptides of the uperin family obtained from the skin secretion of Australian amphibians demonstrate antimicrobial and amyloidogenic properties. All-atomic molecular dynamics and an umbrella sampling approach were used to study the interaction of uperins with model bacterial membrane. Two stable configurations of peptides were found. In the bound state, the peptides in helical form were located right under the head group region in parallel orientation with respect to the bilayer surface. Stable transmembrane configuration was observed for wild-type uperin and its alanine mutant in both alpha-helical and extended unstructured forms. The potential of mean force characterized the process of peptide binding from water to the lipid bilayer and its insertion into the membrane, and revealed that the transition of uperins from the bound state to the transmembrane position was accompanied by the rotation of peptides and passes through the energy barrier of 4-5 kcal/mol. Uperins have a weak effect on membrane properties.
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5
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Kobchikova PP, Efimov SV, Klochkov VV. Binding of Different Cyclosporin Variants to Micelles Evidenced by NMR and MD Simulations. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:196. [PMID: 36837699 PMCID: PMC9965255 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Peptides play a critical role in the life of organisms, performing completely different functions. The biological activity of some peptides, such as cyclosporins, can be determined by the degree of membrane permeability. Thus, it becomes important to study how the molecule interacts with lipid bilayers. Cyclosporins C, E, H and L were characterised molecular dynamics simulation; NMR spectroscopy studies were also carried out for cyclosporins C and E. The comparison of one- and two-dimensional spectra revealed certain similarities between spatial structures of the studied cyclosporin variants. Upon dissolving in water containing DPC micelles, which serve as model membranes, subtle changes in the NMR spectra appear, but in a different way for different cyclosporins. In order to understand whether observed changes are related to any structural modifications, simulation of the interaction of the peptide with the phospholipid micelle was performed. The onset of the interaction was observed, when the peptide is trapped to the surface of the micelle. Simulations of this kind are also of interest in the light of the well-known membrane permeability of cyclosporin, which is important for its biological action.
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Izumi K, Saito C, Kawano R. Liposome Deformation Induced by Membrane-Binding Peptides. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:373. [PMID: 36838073 PMCID: PMC9967443 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents an investigation of liposome deformation and shape distortion using four membrane-binding peptides: TAT and C105Y as cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), and melittin and ovispirin as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Liposome deformation was monitored utilizing fluorescent microscopy, while the binding of peptides to the DOPC membrane was estimated through capacitance measurements. The degree of liposome deformation and shape distortion was found to be higher for the CPPs compared to the AMPs. Additionally, it was observed that C105Y did not induce liposome rupture, unlike the other three peptides. We propose that these variations in liposome distortion may be attributed to differences in secondary structure, specifically the presence of an α-helix or random coil. Our studies offer insight into the use of peptides to elicit control of liposome architecture and may offer a promising approach for regulating the bodies of liposomal molecular robots.
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Kalathingal M, Sumikama T, Oiki S, Saito S. Vectorial insertion of a β-helical peptide into membrane: a theoretical study on polytheonamide B. Biophys J 2021; 120:4786-4797. [PMID: 34555359 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous unidirectional, or vectorial, insertion of transmembrane peptides is a fundamental biophysical process for toxin and viral actions. Polytheonamide B (pTB) is a potent cytotoxic peptide with a β6.3-helical structure. Previous experimental studies revealed that the pTB inserts into the membrane in a vectorial fashion and forms a channel with its single molecular length long enough to span the membrane. Also, molecular dynamics simulation studies demonstrated that the pTB is prefolded in aqueous solution. These are unique features of pTB because most of the peptide toxins form channels through oligomerization of transmembrane helices. Here, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to examine the dynamic mechanism of the vectorial insertion of pTB, providing underlying elementary processes of the membrane insertion of a prefolded single transmembrane peptide. We find that the insertion of pTB proceeds with only the local lateral compression of the membrane in three successive phases: "landing," "penetration," and "equilibration" phases. The free energy calculations using the replica-exchange umbrella sampling simulations present an energy cost of 4.3 kcal/mol at the membrane surface for the membrane insertion of pTB from bulk water. The trajectories of membrane insertion revealed that the insertion process can occur in two possible pathways, namely "trapped" and "untrapped" insertions; in some cases, pTB is trapped in the upper leaflet during the penetration phase. Our simulations demonstrated the importance of membrane anchoring by the hydrophobic N-terminal blocking group in the landing phase, leading to subsequent vectorial insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahroof Kalathingal
- School of Physical Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Sumikama
- PRESTO, JST, Kawaguchi, Japan; Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Oiki
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Shinji Saito
- School of Physical Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Japan; Institute for Molecular Science, Okazaki, Japan.
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8
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Koneru JK, Prakashchand DD, Dube N, Ghosh P, Mondal J. Spontaneous transmembrane pore formation by short-chain synthetic peptide. Biophys J 2021; 120:4557-4574. [PMID: 34478698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphiphilic β-peptides, which are synthetically designed short-chain helical foldamers of β-amino acids, are established potent biomimetic alternatives of natural antimicrobial peptides. An intriguing question is how the distinct molecular architecture of these short-chain and rigid synthetic peptides translates to its potent membrane-disruption ability. Here, we address this question via a combination of all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of the interaction of mixed phospholipid bilayer with an antimicrobial 10-residue globally amphiphilic helical β-peptide at a wide range of concentrations. The simulation demonstrates that multiple copies of this synthetic peptide, initially placed in aqueous solution, readily self-assemble and adsorb at membrane interface. Subsequently, beyond a threshold peptide/lipid ratio, the surface-adsorbed oligomeric aggregate moves inside the membrane and spontaneously forms stable water-filled transmembrane pores via a cooperative mechanism. The defects induced by these pores lead to the dislocation of interfacial lipid headgroups, membrane thinning, and substantial water leakage inside the hydrophobic core of the membrane. A molecular analysis reveals that despite having a short architecture, these synthetic peptides, once inside the membrane, would stretch themselves toward the distal leaflet in favor of potential contact with polar headgroups and interfacial water layer. The pore formed in coarse-grained simulation was found to be resilient upon structural refinement. Interestingly, the pore-inducing ability was found to be elusive in a non-globally amphiphilic sequence isomer of the same β-peptide, indicating strong sequence dependence. Taken together, this work puts forward key perspectives of membrane activity of minimally designed synthetic biomimetic oligomers relative to the natural antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Krishna Koneru
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Dube Dheeraj Prakashchand
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Namita Dube
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Pushpita Ghosh
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jagannath Mondal
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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9
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Róg T, Girych M, Bunker A. Mechanistic Understanding from Molecular Dynamics in Pharmaceutical Research 2: Lipid Membrane in Drug Design. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1062. [PMID: 34681286 PMCID: PMC8537670 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as a drug design tool in the context of the role that the lipid membrane can play in drug action, i.e., the interaction between candidate drug molecules and lipid membranes. In the standard "lock and key" paradigm, only the interaction between the drug and a specific active site of a specific protein is considered; the environment in which the drug acts is, from a biophysical perspective, far more complex than this. The possible mechanisms though which a drug can be designed to tinker with physiological processes are significantly broader than merely fitting to a single active site of a single protein. In this paper, we focus on the role of the lipid membrane, arguably the most important element outside the proteins themselves, as a case study. We discuss work that has been carried out, using MD simulation, concerning the transfection of drugs through membranes that act as biological barriers in the path of the drugs, the behavior of drug molecules within membranes, how their collective behavior can affect the structure and properties of the membrane and, finally, the role lipid membranes, to which the vast majority of drug target proteins are associated, can play in mediating the interaction between drug and target protein. This review paper is the second in a two-part series covering MD simulation as a tool in pharmaceutical research; both are designed as pedagogical review papers aimed at both pharmaceutical scientists interested in exploring how the tool of MD simulation can be applied to their research and computational scientists interested in exploring the possibility of a pharmaceutical context for their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Alex Bunker
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
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10
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Development and Characterization of the Shortest Anti-Adhesion Peptide Analogue of B49Mod1. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25051188. [PMID: 32155736 PMCID: PMC7179399 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of cancer cell adhesion is an effective approach to killing adherent cancer cells. B49 and its analog B49Mod1 peptides, derived from the extracellular domain (ECD) of bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2), display anti-adhesion activity on breast cancer cells. However, the minimal sequence required for this anti-adhesion activity is unknown. Here, we further characterized the anti-adhesion activity of B49Mod1. We show that the anti-adhesion activity of B49Mod1 may require cysteine-linked disulfide bond and that the peptide is susceptible to proteolytic deactivation. Using structure-activity relationship studies, we identified an 18-Mer sequence (B18) as the minimal peptide sequence mediating the anti-adhesion activity of B49Mod1. Atomistic molecular dynamic (MD) simulations reveal that B18 forms a stable complex with the ECD of BST-2 in aqueous solution. MD simulations further reveal that B18 may cause membrane defects that facilitates peptide translocation across the bilayer. Placement of four B18 chains as a transmembrane bundle results in water channel formation, indicating that B18 may impair membrane integrity and form pores. We hereby identify B18 as the minimal peptide sequence required for the anti-adhesion activity of B49Mod1 and provide atomistic insight into the interaction of B18 with BST-2 and the cell membrane.
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11
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Sabapathy T, Deplazes E, Mancera RL. Revisiting the Interaction of Melittin with Phospholipid Bilayers: The Effects of Concentration and Ionic Strength. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E746. [PMID: 31979376 PMCID: PMC7037773 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin is an anti-microbial peptide (AMP) and one of the most studied membrane-disrupting peptides. There is, however, a lack of accurate measurements of the concentration-dependent kinetics and affinity of binding of melittin to phospholipid membranes. In this study, we used surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy to determine the concentration-dependent effect on the binding of melittin to 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayers in vesicles. Three concentration ranges were considered, and when combined, covered two orders of magnitudes (0.04 µM to 8 µM), corresponding to concentrations relevant to the membrane-disrupting and anti-microbial activities of melittin. Binding kinetics data were analysed using a 1:1 Langmuir-binding model and a two-state reaction model. Using in-depth quantitative analysis, we characterised the effect of peptide concentration, the addition of NaCl at physiological ionic strength and the choice of kinetic binding model on the reliability of the calculated kinetics and affinity of binding parameters. The apparent binding affinity of melittin for POPC bilayers was observed to decrease with increasing peptide/lipid (P/L) ratio, primarily due to the marked decrease in the association rate. At all concentration ranges, the two-state reaction model provided a better fit to the data and, thus, a more reliable estimate of binding affinity. Addition of NaCl significantly reduced the signal response during the association phase; however, no substantial effect on the binding affinity of melittin to the POPC bilayers was observed. These findings based on POPC bilayers could have important implications for our understanding of the mechanism of action of melittin on more complex model cell membranes of higher physiological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiru Sabapathy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Evelyne Deplazes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ricardo L. Mancera
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; (T.S.); (E.D.)
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12
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Nangia S, Boyd KJ, May ER. Molecular dynamics study of membrane permeabilization by wild-type and mutant lytic peptides from the non-enveloped Flock House virus. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1862:183102. [PMID: 31678020 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.183102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Flock House virus (FHV) serves as a model system for understanding infection mechanisms utilized by non-enveloped viruses to transport across cellular membranes. During the infection cycle of FHV, a fundamental stage involves disruption of the endosomal membrane by membrane active peptides, following externalization of the peptides from the capsid interior. The FHV lytic agents are the 44 C-terminal amino acids residues of the capsid protein, which are auto-catalytically cleaved during the capsid maturation process. The cleaved peptides are termed γ peptides. In this study, we perform multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations including 40 μs all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to study the behavior of pre-inserted transmembrane lytic peptides at a high concentration in a neutral membrane. We study the dynamical organization among peptides to form oligomeric bundles in four systems including the wild-type γ peptide and three mutant forms; namely, a truncation mutant in which the 23 C-terminal residues are deleted (γ1), a construct where the 8 C-terminal residues of γ are fused to γ1 (Δ385-399 γ) and a single-point mutant (F402A γ), all of which have been experimentally shown to drastically affect infectivity and lytic activity compared to the wild-type γ. Our results shed light on the actions of varied forms of the FHV lytic peptide including membrane insertion, trans-membrane stability, peptide oligomerization, water permeation activity and dynamic pore formation. Findings from this study provide detailed structural information and rationale for the differences in lytic activity among variants of FHV γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivangi Nangia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States of America
| | - Kevin J Boyd
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States of America
| | - Eric R May
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States of America.
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13
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Shaw P, Kumar N, Hammerschmid D, Privat-Maldonado A, Dewilde S, Bogaerts A. Synergistic Effects of Melittin and Plasma Treatment: A Promising Approach for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081109. [PMID: 31382579 PMCID: PMC6721819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL), a small peptide component of bee venom, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. However, its clinical applicability is disputed because of its non-specific cytotoxicity and haemolytic activity in high treatment doses. Plasma-treated phosphate buffered saline solution (PT-PBS), a solution rich in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) can disrupt the cell membrane integrity and induce cancer cell death through oxidative stress-mediated pathways. Thus, PT-PBS could be used in combination with MEL to facilitate its access into cancer cells and to reduce the required therapeutic dose. The aim of our study is to determine the reduction of the effective dose of MEL required to eliminate cancer cells by its combination with PT-PBS. For this purpose, we have optimised the MEL threshold concentration and tested the combined treatment of MEL and PT-PBS on A375 melanoma and MCF7 breast cancer cells, using in vitro, in ovo and in silico approaches. We investigated the cytotoxic effect of MEL and PT-PBS alone and in combination to reveal their synergistic cytological effects. To support the in vitro and in ovo experiments, we showed by computer simulations that plasma-induced oxidation of the phospholipid bilayer leads to a decrease of the free energy barrier for translocation of MEL in comparison with the non-oxidized bilayer, which also suggests a synergistic effect of MEL with plasma induced oxidation. Overall, our findings suggest that MEL in combination with PT-PBS can be a promising combinational therapy to circumvent the non-specific toxicity of MEL, which may help for clinical applicability in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Shaw
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Dietmar Hammerschmid
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angela Privat-Maldonado
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium.
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14
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Hong J, Lu X, Deng Z, Xiao S, Yuan B, Yang K. How Melittin Inserts into Cell Membrane: Conformational Changes, Inter-Peptide Cooperation, and Disturbance on the Membrane. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24091775. [PMID: 31067828 PMCID: PMC6539814 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24091775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as a key component of the immune defense systems of organisms, are a promising solution to the serious threat of drug-resistant bacteria to public health. As one of the most representative and extensively studied AMPs, melittin has exceptional broad-spectrum activities against microorganisms, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Unfortunately, the action mechanism of melittin with bacterial membranes, especially the underlying physics of peptide-induced membrane poration behaviors, is still poorly understood, which hampers efforts to develop melittin-based drugs or agents for clinical applications. In this mini-review, we focus on recent advances with respect to the membrane insertion behavior of melittin mostly from a computational aspect. Membrane insertion is a prerequisite and key step for forming transmembrane pores and bacterial killing by melittin, whose occurrence is based on overcoming a high free-energy barrier during the transition of melittin molecules from a membrane surface-binding state to a transmembrane-inserting state. Here, intriguing simulation results on such transition are highlighted from both kinetic and thermodynamic aspects. The conformational changes and inter-peptide cooperation of melittin molecules, as well as melittin-induced disturbances to membrane structure, such as deformation and lipid extraction, are regarded as key factors influencing the insertion of peptides into membranes. The associated intermediate states in peptide conformations, lipid arrangements, membrane structure, and mechanical properties during this process are specifically discussed. Finally, potential strategies for enhancing the poration ability and improving the antimicrobial performance of AMPs are included as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Hong
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Xuemei Lu
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Zhixiong Deng
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Shufeng Xiao
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Bing Yuan
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Kai Yang
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
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Lu X, Liu J, Gou L, Li J, Yuan B, Yang K, Ma Y. Designing Melittin-Graphene Hybrid Complexes for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity. Adv Healthc Mater 2019; 8:e1801521. [PMID: 30866165 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) promise a fundamental solution to the devastating threat of drug-resistant bacteria. However, drawbacks of AMPs (e.g., poor cell membrane penetration efficiency) seriously block their clinical use. In this work, rational design of a hybrid complex of melittin (as a representative AMP) and graphene or graphene oxide (Gra or GO) nanosheets for enhanced antibacterial ability is achieved, via combining in-silico prediction and in-tube test. In comparison to pristine melittin, the specifically designed AMP-Gra (/GO) complex exhibits remarkable efficiency in transmembrane perforation with an over tenfold decrease in the threshold working concentration of peptide; moreover, it has an up to 20-fold enhancement in antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Such improvement is ascribed to the synergetic insertion of nanosheets and melittin due to similarity in antibacterial mechanism between them and is further regulated by the structural factors of the complex, including the intersheet spacing and surface functionalization of the Gra/GO sheets, etc. These results provide practical guidelines to engineer AMPs with nanotechnology for improved antimicrobial performances, especially based on targeted functionalization of the Gra/GO nanosheets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Lu
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research and School of Physical Science and TechnologySoochow University Suzhou 215006 P. R. China
| | - Jiaojiao Liu
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research and School of Physical Science and TechnologySoochow University Suzhou 215006 P. R. China
| | - Lu Gou
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Quantum Information and Quantum Optoelectronic DevicesSchool of ScienceXi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Jingliang Li
- Institute for Frontier MaterialsDeakin University Geelong 3216 Australia
| | - Bing Yuan
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research and School of Physical Science and TechnologySoochow University Suzhou 215006 P. R. China
| | - Kai Yang
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research and School of Physical Science and TechnologySoochow University Suzhou 215006 P. R. China
| | - Yuqiang Ma
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research and School of Physical Science and TechnologySoochow University Suzhou 215006 P. R. China
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and Department of PhysicsNanjing University Nanjing 210093 P. R. China
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Asymmetric Spontaneous Intercalation of Lutein into a Phospholipid Bilayer, a Computational Study. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 17:516-526. [PMID: 31011410 PMCID: PMC6465758 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lutein, a hydroxylated carotenoid, is a pigment synthesised by plants and bacteria. Animals are unable to synthesise lutein, nevertheless, it is present in animal tissues, where its only source is dietary intake. Both in plants and animals, carotenoids are associated mainly with membranes where they carry out important physiological functions. Their trafficking to and insertion into membranes are not well recognised due to experimental difficulties. In this paper, a computational approach is used to elucidate details of the dynamics and energetics of lutein intercalation from the water to the phospholipid bilayer phase. The dynamics is studied using molecular dynamics simulation, and the energetics using umbrella sampling. Lutein spontaneous insertion into the bilayer and translocation across it proceed via formation of hydrogen bonds between its hydroxyl groups and water and/or phospholipid oxygen atoms as well as desolvation of its polyene chain. As lutein molecule is asymmetric, its bilayer intercalation is also asymmetric. The course of events and timescale of the intercalation are different from those of helical peptides. The time of full lutein intercalation ranges from 20 to 100 ns and its final orientation is predominately vertical. Nevertheless, some lutein molecules are in the final horizontal position and some aggregate in the water phase and remain there for the whole simulation time. The highest energy barrier for the intercalation process is ~2.2 kcal/mol and the energy gain is ~18 kcal/mol. The results obtained for lutein can be applied to other xanthophylls and molecules of a similar structure. Lutein as an amphiphilic molecule readily intercalates into a lipid bilayer. MD simulations with dense sampling revealed details of the intercalation process. Time of full lutein membrane intercalation ranges from 20 to 100 ns. Lutein intercalation from the ε ring end is less probable than from the β ring end. Horizontal position of lutein in the bilayer is less probable than vertical.
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Key Words
- Energy barrier
- Hydrogen bond
- Hydrophobic effect
- MD, Molecular dynamics
- Molecular dynamics
- OH-LUT, Lutein hydroxyl group
- Op, Oe, Og, Oc collective names for the non-esterified phosphate, esterified phosphate, glycerol, and carbonyl oxygen atoms, respectively
- Ow, Water oxygen atom
- PC, Phosphatidylcholine
- Palmitoyl-oleoyl PC, POPC
- US, Umbrella sampling
- Umbrella sampling
- Xanthophyll
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Miyazaki Y, Okazaki S, Shinoda W. Free energy analysis of membrane pore formation process in the presence of multiple melittin peptides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1409-1419. [PMID: 30885804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying pore formation in lipid membranes by antimicrobial peptides is of great importance in biological sciences as well as in drug design applications. Melittin has been widely studied as a pore forming peptide, though the molecular mechanism for pore formation is still illusive. We examined the free energy barrier for the creation of a pore in lipid membranes with and without multiple melittin peptides. It was found that six melittin peptides significantly stabilized a pore, though a small barrier (a few kBT) for the formation still existed. With five melittin peptides or fewer, the pore formation barrier was much higher, though the established pore was in a local energy minimum. Although seven melittins effectively reduced the free energy barrier, a single melittin peptide left the pore after a long time MD simulation probably because of the overcrowded environment around the bilayer pore. Thus, it is highly selective for the number of melittin peptides to stabilize the membrane pore, as was also suggested by the line tension evaluations. The free energy cost required to insert a single melittin into the membrane is too high to explain the one-by-one insertion mechanism for pore formation, which also supports the collective melittin mechanism for pore formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Miyazaki
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Susumu Okazaki
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Wataru Shinoda
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan.
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18
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Molecular details on the intermediate states of melittin action on a cell membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1860:2234-2241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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19
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Mondal J. A brief appraisal of computational modeling of antimicrobial peptides’ activity. Drug Dev Res 2018; 80:28-32. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jagannath Mondal
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences; Hyderabad 500107 India
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20
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Lyu Y, Xiang N, Zhu X, Narsimhan G. Potential of mean force for insertion of antimicrobial peptide melittin into a pore in mixed DOPC/DOPG lipid bilayer by molecular dynamics simulation. J Chem Phys 2018; 146:155101. [PMID: 28433027 DOI: 10.1063/1.4979613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) inactivate microorganisms by forming transmembrane pores in a cell membrane through adsorption and aggregation. Energetics of addition of an AMP to a transmembrane pore is important for evaluation of its formation and growth. Such information is essential for the characterization of pore forming ability of peptides in cell membranes. This study quantifies the potential of mean force through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for the addition of melittin, a naturally occurring AMP, into a DOPC/DOPG mixed bilayer, a mimic of bacterial membrane, for different extents of insertion into either a bilayer or a pore consisting of three to six transmembrane peptides. The energy barrier for insertion of a melittin molecule into the bilayer was highest in the absence of transmembrane peptides and decreased for the number of transmembrane peptides from three to six, eventually approaching zero. The decrease in free energy for complete insertion of peptide was found to be higher for larger pore size. Water channel formation occurred only for insertion into pores consisting of three or more transmembrane peptides with the radius of water channel being larger for a larger number of transmembrane peptides. The structure of the pore was found to be paraboloid. The estimated free energy barrier for insertion of melittin into an ideal paraboloid pore accounting for different intermolecular interactions was consistent with MD simulation results. The results reported in this manuscript will be useful for the development of a model for nucleation of pores and a rational methodology for selection of synthetic antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lyu
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Ning Xiang
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Research Computing, Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Ganesan Narsimhan
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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Gumbart JC, Ulmschneider MB, Hazel A, White SH, Ulmschneider JP. Computed Free Energies of Peptide Insertion into Bilayers are Independent of Computational Method. J Membr Biol 2018; 251:345-356. [PMID: 29520628 PMCID: PMC6030508 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-018-0026-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We show that the free energy of inserting hydrophobic peptides into lipid bilayer membranes from surface-aligned to transmembrane inserted states can be reliably calculated using atomistic models. We use two entirely different computational methods: high temperature spontaneous peptide insertion calculations as well as umbrella sampling potential-of-mean-force (PMF) calculations, both yielding the same energetic profiles. The insertion free energies were calculated using two different protein and lipid force fields (OPLS protein/united-atom lipids and CHARMM36 protein/all-atom lipids) and found to be independent of the simulation parameters. In addition, the free energy of insertion is found to be independent of temperature for both force fields. However, we find major difference in the partitioning kinetics between OPLS and CHARMM36, likely due to the difference in roughness of the underlying free energy surfaces. Our results demonstrate not only a reliable method to calculate insertion free energies for peptides, but also represent a rare case where equilibrium simulations and PMF calculations can be directly compared.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephen H White
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jakob P Ulmschneider
- Department of Physics and the Institute of Natural Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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22
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Hsiao YW, Hedström M, Losasso V, Metz S, Crain J, Winn M. Cooperative Modes of Action of Antimicrobial Peptides Characterized with Atomistic Simulations: A Study on Cecropin B. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:5908-5921. [PMID: 29737852 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b01957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely occurring host defense agents of interest as one route for addressing the growing problem of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Understanding the mechanisms behind their antipathogen activity is instrumental in designing new AMPs. Herein, we present an all-atom molecular dynamics and free energy study on cecropin B (CB) and its constituent domains. We find a cooperative mechanism in which CB inserts into an anionic model membrane with its amphipathic N-terminal segment, supported by the hydrophobic C-terminal segment of a second peptide. The two peptides interact via a Glu···Lys salt bridge and together sustain a pore in the membrane. Using a modified membrane composition, we demonstrate that when the lower leaflet is overall neutral, insertion of the cationic segment is retarded and thus this mode of action is membrane specific. The observed mode of action utilizes a flexible hinge, a common structural motif among AMPs, which allows CB to insert into the membrane using either or both termini. Data from both unbiased trajectories and enhanced sampling simulations indicate that a requirement for CB to be an effective AMP is the interaction of its hydrophobic C-terminal segment with the membrane. Simulations of these segments in isolation reveal their aggregation in the membrane and a different mechanism of supporting pore formation. Together, our results show the complex interaction of different structural motifs of AMPs and, in particular, a potential role for electronegative side chains in an overall cationic AMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen Hsiao
- Scientific Computing Department , STFC Daresbury Laboratory , Keckwick Lane, Daresbury , Warrington WA4 4AD , U.K
| | - Magnus Hedström
- Clay Technology AB , Ideon Science Park , SE-223 70 Lund , Sweden
| | - Valeria Losasso
- Scientific Computing Department , STFC Daresbury Laboratory , Keckwick Lane, Daresbury , Warrington WA4 4AD , U.K
| | - Sebastian Metz
- Scientific Computing Department , STFC Daresbury Laboratory , Keckwick Lane, Daresbury , Warrington WA4 4AD , U.K
| | - Jason Crain
- IBM Research , Hartree Centre , Daresbury WA4 4AD , U.K
| | - Martyn Winn
- Scientific Computing Department , STFC Daresbury Laboratory , Keckwick Lane, Daresbury , Warrington WA4 4AD , U.K
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Lipkin R, Lazaridis T. Computational studies of peptide-induced membrane pore formation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018. [PMID: 28630158 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of peptides induce pores in biological membranes; the most common ones are naturally produced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are small, usually cationic, and defend diverse organisms against biological threats. Because it is not possible to observe these pores directly on a molecular scale, the structure of AMP-induced pores and the exact sequence of steps leading to their formation remain uncertain. Hence, these questions have been investigated via molecular modelling. In this article, we review computational studies of AMP pore formation using all-atom, coarse-grained, and implicit solvent models; evaluate the results obtained and suggest future research directions to further elucidate the pore formation mechanism of AMPs.This article is part of the themed issue 'Membrane pores: from structure and assembly, to medicine and technology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lipkin
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA.,Graduate Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Themis Lazaridis
- Department of Chemistry, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA
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24
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Deplazes E. Molecular simulations of venom peptide-membrane interactions: Progress and challenges. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Deplazes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University; Bentley, Perth WA 6102 Australia
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25
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Woo SY, Lee H. Aggregation and insertion of melittin and its analogue MelP5 into lipid bilayers at different concentrations: effects on pore size, bilayer thickness and dynamics. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:7195-7203. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cp06834k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Melittin and its analogue MelP5 (five mutations T10A, R22A, K23A, R24Q, and Q26L of melittin) were simulated with lipid bilayers at different peptide/lipid molar ratios using all-atom and coarse-grained (CG) force fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Woo
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Dankook University
- Yongin
- South Korea
| | - Hwankyu Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Dankook University
- Yongin
- South Korea
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26
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Andreev K, Martynowycz MW, Ivankin A, Huang ML, Kuzmenko I, Meron M, Lin B, Kirshenbaum K, Gidalevitz D. Cyclization Improves Membrane Permeation by Antimicrobial Peptoids. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2016; 32:12905-12913. [PMID: 27793068 PMCID: PMC9647730 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The peptidomimetic approach has emerged as a powerful tool for overcoming the inherent limitations of natural antimicrobial peptides, where the therapeutic potential can be improved by increasing the selectivity and bioavailability. Restraining the conformational flexibility of a molecule may reduce the entropy loss upon its binding to the membrane. Experimental findings demonstrate that the cyclization of linear antimicrobial peptoids increases their bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus while maintaining high hemolytic concentrations. Surface X-ray scattering shows that macrocyclic peptoids intercalate into Langmuir monolayers of anionic lipids with greater efficacy than for their linear analogues. It is suggested that cyclization may increase peptoid activity by allowing the macrocycle to better penetrate the bacterial cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Andreev
- Department of Physics, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter (μCoSM), Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3440 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Michael W. Martynowycz
- Department of Physics, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter (μCoSM), Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3440 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Andrey Ivankin
- Department of Physics, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter (μCoSM), Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3440 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
| | - Mia L. Huang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Ivan Kuzmenko
- Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Mati Meron
- The Center for Advanced Radiation Sources (CARS), University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Binhua Lin
- The Center for Advanced Radiation Sources (CARS), University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Kent Kirshenbaum
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - David Gidalevitz
- Department of Physics, Center for Molecular Study of Condensed Soft Matter (μCoSM), Pritzker Institute of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3440 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States
- Corresponding Author: Fax: (+1) 312-567-8856.
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27
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King MJ, Bennett AL, Almeida PF, Lee HS. Coarse-grained simulations of hemolytic peptide δ-lysin interacting with a POPC bilayer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:3182-3194. [PMID: 27720634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
δ-lysin, secreted by a Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, is a 26-residue membrane active peptide that shares many common features with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, it possesses a few unique features that differentiate itself from typical AMPs. In particular, δ-lysin has zero net charge, even though it has many charged residues, and it preferentially lyses eukaryotic cells over bacterial cells. Here, we present the results of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of δ-lysin interacting with a zwitterionic membrane over a wide range of peptide concentrations. When the peptides concentration is low, spontaneous dimerization of peptides is observed on the membrane surface, but deep insertion of peptides or pore formation was not observed. However, the calculated free energy of peptide insertion suggests that a small fraction of peptides is likely to be present inside the membrane at the peptide concentrations typically seen in dye efflux experiments. When the simulations with multiple peptides are carried out with a single pre-inserted transmembrane peptide, spontaneous pore formation occurs with a peptide-to-lipid ratio (P/L) as low as P/L=1:42. Inter-peptide salt bridges among the transmembrane peptides seem to play a role in creating compact pores with very low level of hydration. More importantly, the transmembrane peptides making up the pore are constantly pushed to the opposite side of the membrane when the mass imbalance between the two sides of membrane is significant. Thus, the pore is very dynamic, allowing multiple peptides to translocate across the membrane simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah J King
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States
| | - Ashley L Bennett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States
| | - Paulo F Almeida
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States
| | - Hee-Seung Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States.
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28
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Characterization of antimicrobial activity against Listeria and cytotoxicity of native melittin and its mutant variants. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 143:194-205. [PMID: 27011349 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are relatively short peptides that have the ability to penetrate the cell membrane, form pores leading to cell death. This study compares both antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of native melittin and its two mutants, namely, melittin I17K (GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALKSWIKRKRQQ) with a higher charge and lower hydrophobicity and mutant G1I (IIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ) of higher hydrophobicity. The antimicrobial activity against different strains of Listeria was investigated by bioassay, viability studies, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity was examined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay on mammalian Caco-2 cells. The minimum inhibitory concentration of native, mutant I17K, mutant G1I against Listeria monocytogenes F4244 was 0.315±0.008, 0.814±0.006 and 0.494±0.037μg/ml respectively, whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration values were 3.263±0.0034, 7.412±0.017 and 5.366±0.019μg/ml respectively. Lag time for inactivation of L. monocytogenes F4244 was observed at concentrations below 0.20 and 0.78μg/ml for native and mutant melittin I17K respectively. The antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes F4244 was in the order native>G1I>I17K. Native melittin was cytotoxic to mammalian Caco-2 cells above concentration of 2μg/ml, whereas the two mutants exhibited negligible cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 8μg/ml. Pore formation in cell wall/membrane was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of native and its mutants indicated that (i) surface native melittin and G1I exhibited higher tendency to penetrate a mimic of bacterial cell membrane and (ii) transmembrane native and I17K formed water channel in mimics of bacterial and mammalian cell membranes.
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30
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Yue T, Sun M, Zhang S, Ren H, Ge B, Huang F. How transmembrane peptides insert and orientate in biomembranes: a combined experimental and simulation study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 18:17483-94. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cp01133k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
After the synthesis of transmembrane peptides/proteins (TMPs), their insertion into a lipid bilayer is a fundamental biophysical process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtao Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing
- Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- China University of Petroleum (East China)
- Qingdao
- China
| | - Mingbin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing
- Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- China University of Petroleum (East China)
- Qingdao
- China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing
- Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- China University of Petroleum (East China)
- Qingdao
- China
| | - Hao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing
- Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- China University of Petroleum (East China)
- Qingdao
- China
| | - Baosheng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing
- Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- China University of Petroleum (East China)
- Qingdao
- China
| | - Fang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing
- Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- China University of Petroleum (East China)
- Qingdao
- China
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The membranes of Gram-negative bacteria: progress in molecular modelling and simulation. Biochem Soc Trans 2016; 43:162-7. [PMID: 25849911 DOI: 10.1042/bst20140262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecular modelling and simulations have been employed to study the membranes of Gram-negative bacteria for over 20 years. Proteins native to these membranes, as well as antimicrobial peptides and drug molecules have been studied using molecular dynamics simulations in simple models of membranes, usually only comprising one lipid species. Thus, traditionally, the simulations have reflected the majority of in vitro membrane experimental setups, enabling observations from the latter to be rationalized at the molecular level. In the last few years, the sophistication and complexity of membrane models have improved considerably, such that the heterogeneity of the lipid and protein composition of the membranes can now be considered both at the atomistic and coarse-grain levels of granularity. Importantly this means relevant biology is now being retained in the models, thereby linking the in silico and in vivo scenarios. We discuss recent progress in simulations of proteins in simple lipid bilayers, more complex membrane models and finally describe some efforts to overcome timescale limitations of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of bacterial membranes.
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Sun D, Forsman J, Woodward CE. Multistep Molecular Dynamics Simulations Identify the Highly Cooperative Activity of Melittin in Recognizing and Stabilizing Membrane Pores. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2015; 31:9388-9401. [PMID: 26267389 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b01995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The prototypical antimicrobial peptide, melittin, is well-known for its ability to induce pores in zwitterionic model lipid membranes. However, the mechanism by which melittin accomplishes this is not fully understood. We have conducted all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations which suggest that melittin employs a highly cooperative mechanism for the induction of both small and large membrane pores. The process by which this peptide induces membrane pores appears to be driven by its affinity to membrane defects via its N-terminus region. In our simulations, a membrane defect was deliberately created through either lipid flip-flop or the reorientation of one adsorbed melittin peptide. In a cooperative response, other melittin molecules also inserted their N-termini into the created defect, thus lowering the overall free energy. The insertion of these peptide molecules ultimately allowed the defect to develop into a small transmembrane pore, with an estimated diameter of ∼1.5 nm and a lifetime of the order of tens of milliseconds. In the presence of a finite membrane tension, we show that this small pore can act as a nucleation site for the stochastic rupture of the lipid bilayer, so as to create a much larger pore. We found that a threshold membrane tension of 25 mN/m was needed to create a ruptured pore. Furthermore, by actively accumulating at its edge, adsorbed peptides are able to cooperatively stabilize this larger pore. The defect-mediated pore formation mechanism revealed in this work may also apply to other amphipathic membrane-active peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delin Sun
- School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, University of New South Wales , Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Jan Forsman
- Theoretical Chemistry, Chemical Centre, Lund University , P.O. Box 124, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Clifford E Woodward
- School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, University of New South Wales , Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
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Lyu Y, Zhu X, Xiang N, Narsimhan G. Molecular Dynamics Study of Pore Formation by Melittin in a 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-Di(9Z-octadecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) Mixed Lipid Bilayer. Ind Eng Chem Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.5b01217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lyu
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and ‡Research Computing,
Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and ‡Research Computing,
Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ning Xiang
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and ‡Research Computing,
Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ganesan Narsimhan
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and ‡Research Computing,
Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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Setzler J, Seith C, Brieg M, Wenzel W. SLIM: an improved generalized Born implicit membrane model. J Comput Chem 2015; 35:2027-39. [PMID: 25243932 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.23717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In most implicit continuum models, membranes are represented as heterogeneous dielectric environments, but their treatment within computationally efficient generalized Born (GB) models is challenging. Despite several previous attempts, an adequate description of multiple dielectric regions in implicit GB-based membrane models that reproduce the qualitative and quantitative features of Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) electrostatics remains an unmet prerequisite of qualitatively correct implicit membrane models. A novel scheme (SLIM) to decompose one environment consisting of multiple dielectric regions into a sum of multiple environments consisting only of two dielectric regions each is proposed to solve this issue. These simpler environments can be treated with established GB methods. This approach captures qualitative features of PB electrostatic that are not present in previous models. Simulations of three membrane proteins demonstrate that this model correctly reproduces known properties of these proteins in agreement with experimental or other computational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Setzler
- Institute of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), P.O. Box 3640, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Nguyen KT. Orientation determination of interfacial bent α-helical structures using Sum Frequency Generation vibrational spectroscopy. Chem Phys 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2014.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Goliaei A, Santo KP, Berkowitz ML. Local pressure changes in lipid bilayers due to adsorption of melittin and magainin-h2 antimicrobial peptides: results from computer simulations. J Phys Chem B 2014; 118:12673-9. [PMID: 25299589 DOI: 10.1021/jp507919p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We performed a series of coarse-grained computer simulations in order to study how the placement of melittin and magainin-h2 antimicrobial peptides on the surface of the bilayer changes the local pressure profiles in the bilayer. The simulations were done using the NPT ensemble when the total stress on the bilayer was zero and also using the NP(z)AT ensemble, with a nonzero total stress. In the NPT ensemble, although the total stress was zero, each leaflet of the bilayer experienced a nonzero stress, and the stresses are equal by magnitude, but opposite in their direction. The observed stresses acting on the monolayers may cause the rupture of the monolayers to release the stress. Our simulations were done at different peptide to lipid ratio (P/L). When the P/L ratio was 1/50 there was no large difference in the local pressure profile for bilayers with melittin versus bilayers with magainin-h2. When simulations were performed in the NP(z)AT ensemble at P/L = 3/100 we observed a large difference in the pressure profiles in the bilayers with melittin peptides compared to the bilayer with magainin-h2. The observed in this case difference in stress may explain the difference in actions of melittin and magainin at high P/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardeshir Goliaei
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Program in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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Almeida PF. Membrane-active peptides: binding, translocation, and flux in lipid vesicles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2014; 1838:2216-27. [PMID: 24769436 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Recently, new and improved methods have been developed to measure translocation of membrane-active peptides (antimicrobial, cytolytic, and amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides) across lipid bilayer membranes. The hypothesis that translocation of membrane-active peptides across a lipid bilayer is determined by the Gibbs energy of insertion of the peptide into the bilayer is re-examined in the light of new experimental tests. The original hypothesis and its motivation are first revisited, examining some of the specific predictions that it generated, followed by the results of the initial tests. Translocation is understood as requiring two previous steps: binding and insertion in the membrane. The problem of peptide binding to membranes, its prediction, measurement, and calculation are addressed. Particular attention is given to understanding the reason for the need for amphipathic structures in the function of membrane-active peptides. Insertion into the membrane is then examined. Hydrophobicity scales are compared, and their influence on calculations is discussed. The relation between translocation and graded or all-or-none peptide-induced flux from or into lipid vesicles is also considered. Finally, the most recent work on translocation is examined, both experimental and from molecular dynamics simulations. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Interfacially Active Peptides and Proteins. Guest Editors: William C. Wimley and Kalina Hristova.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo F Almeida
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
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