1
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Schreiber S, Zaayenga A, Jose J. The Assembly of the Inverse Autotransporter Protein YeeJ is Driven by its C-terminal β-strand. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168749. [PMID: 39173735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Autotransporter proteins are bacterial outer membrane proteins that display passenger domains with various functions through a β-barrel shaped translocation domain. YeeJ is an autotransporter protein from E. coli MG1655. In contrast to most other autotransporter proteins, its passenger domain is located at the C-terminus of the translocation domain. Due to this inverted domain organization, YeeJ belongs to autotransporter proteins of type Ve. To investigate the assembly of YeeJ, the fluorescence of a heterologous mCherry passenger domain was measured to quantify its assembly. Based on AlphaFold2 models of 119 sequences similar to YeeJ, a sequence conservation logo for the β1- and the β12-strand of type Ve autotransporter proteins was generated. Then, the effect of mutations in these strands on the assembly of YeeJ were analyzed. Mutations of the N-terminal aromatic amino acid of the β1-strand did not affect the assembly of the translocation domain and the display of the passenger domain. Likewise, exchange of the β1-strand with the β3-strand did not impair the assembly of the autotransporter fusion protein. Mutation of the C-terminal aromatic amino acid of the β12-strand strongly impaired surface display of the mCherry passenger domain. This amino acid has been shown before as an essential feature of the β-signals of classical autotransporter proteins and outer membrane β-barrel proteins in general. We therefore propose that the β12-strand of YeeJ acts as its β-signal and that the assembly of the YeeJ β-barrel is driven by its C-terminal β-strand, like in most other autotransporter proteins, despite its inverted domain organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schreiber
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, PharmaCampus, Corrensstr. 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Annika Zaayenga
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, PharmaCampus, Corrensstr. 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Jose
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, PharmaCampus, Corrensstr. 48, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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2
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Fenn KL, Horne JE, Crossley JA, Böhringer N, Horne RJ, Schäberle TF, Calabrese AN, Radford SE, Ranson NA. Outer membrane protein assembly mediated by BAM-SurA complexes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7612. [PMID: 39218969 PMCID: PMC11366764 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51358-x] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane is a formidable barrier that protects Gram-negative bacteria against environmental threats. Its integrity requires the correct folding and insertion of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) by the membrane-embedded β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM). Unfolded OMPs are delivered to BAM by the periplasmic chaperone SurA, but how SurA and BAM work together to ensure successful OMP delivery and folding remains unclear. Here, guided by AlphaFold2 models, we use disulphide bond engineering in an attempt to trap SurA in the act of OMP delivery to BAM, and solve cryoEM structures of a series of complexes. The results suggest that SurA binds BAM at its soluble POTRA-1 domain, which may trigger conformational changes in both BAM and SurA that enable transfer of the unfolded OMP to the BAM lateral gate for insertion into the outer membrane. Mutations that disrupt the interaction between BAM and SurA result in outer membrane assembly defects, supporting the key role of SurA in outer membrane biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Fenn
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jim E Horne
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Joel A Crossley
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nils Böhringer
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Romany J Horne
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6DG, UK
| | - Till F Schäberle
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antonio N Calabrese
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Sheena E Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Neil A Ranson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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3
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Širvinskas MJ, Saunders GJ, Mitrache M, Yudin AK. Stabilization of 3 10-Helices in Macrocycles Using Dominant Rotor Methodology. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:24085-24093. [PMID: 39155451 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c08129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Stabilization of biologically relevant structural motifs has been a long-standing challenge. Here we show that atropisomeric dominant rotors can stabilize rare 310-helices in macrocycles. The target molecules were prepared using solid-phase peptide synthesis and subjected to extensive structural analysis. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations enabled us to acquire solution structures for the target molecules, which offered evidence for stable 310-helix formation, ordinarily a metastable state. The 310-helices were shown to retain helicity after heating to 100 °C for 72 h. Moreover, the crude atropisomeric mixtures could be thermally enriched toward 310-helical macrocycles with selectivities of >20:1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martynas J Širvinskas
- Davenport Research Laboratories, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - George J Saunders
- Davenport Research Laboratories, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Monica Mitrache
- Davenport Research Laboratories, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Andrei K Yudin
- Davenport Research Laboratories, University of Toronto, 80 St. George St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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4
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Wang X, Nyenhuis SB, Bernstein HD. The translocation assembly module (TAM) catalyzes the assembly of bacterial outer membrane proteins in vitro. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7246. [PMID: 39174534 PMCID: PMC11341756 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The translocation and assembly module (TAM) has been proposed to play a crucial role in the assembly of a small subset of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in Proteobacteria based on experiments conducted in vivo using tamA and tamB mutant strains and in vitro using biophysical methods. TAM consists of an OMP (TamA) and a periplasmic protein that is anchored to the inner membrane by a single α helix (TamB). Here we examine the function of the purified E. coli complex in vitro after reconstituting it into proteoliposomes. We find that TAM catalyzes the assembly of four model OMPs nearly as well as the β-barrel assembly machine (BAM), a universal heterooligomer that contains a TamA homolog (BamA) and that catalyzes the assembly of almost all E. coli OMPs. Consistent with previous results, both TamA and TamB are required for significant TAM activity. Our study provides direct evidence that TAM can function as an independent OMP insertase and describes a new method to gain insights into TAM function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sarah B Nyenhuis
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Harris D Bernstein
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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5
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Chen J, Wang W, Hu X, Yue Y, Lu X, Wang C, Wei B, Zhang H, Wang H. Medium-sized peptides from microbial sources with potential for antibacterial drug development. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:1235-1263. [PMID: 38651516 DOI: 10.1039/d4np00002a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Covering: 1993 to the end of 2022As the rapid development of antibiotic resistance shrinks the number of clinically available antibiotics, there is an urgent need for novel options to fill the existing antibiotic pipeline. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides have attracted increased interest due to their impressive broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low probability of antibiotic resistance. However, macromolecular antimicrobial peptides of plant and animal origin face obstacles in antibiotic development because of their extremely short elimination half-life and poor chemical stability. Herein, we focus on medium-sized antibacterial peptides (MAPs) of microbial origin with molecular weights below 2000 Da. The low molecular weight is not sufficient to form complex protein conformations and is also associated to a better chemical stability and easier modifications. Microbially-produced peptides are often composed of a variety of non-protein amino acids and terminal modifications, which contribute to improving the elimination half-life of compounds. Therefore, MAPs have great potential for drug discovery and are likely to become key players in the development of next-generation antibiotics. In this review, we provide a detailed exploration of the modes of action demonstrated by 45 MAPs and offer a concise summary of the structure-activity relationships observed in these MAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xubin Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yujie Yue
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xingyue Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Chenjie Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Bin Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Huawei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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6
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Dutta A, Sharma P, Dass D, Yarlagadda V. Exploring the Darobactin Class of Antibiotics: A Comprehensive Review from Discovery to Recent Advancements. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2584-2599. [PMID: 39028949 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria poses a greater challenge due to their intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics. Recently, darobactins have emerged as a novel class of antibiotics originating from previously unexplored Gram-negative bacterial species such as Photorhabdus, Vibrio, Pseudoalteromonas and Yersinia. Darobactins belong to the ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) class of antibiotics, exhibiting selective activity against Gram-negative bacteria. They target the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM), which is crucial for the maturation and insertion of outer membrane proteins in Gram-negative bacteria. The dar operon in the producer's genome encodes for the synthesis of darobactins, which are characterized by a fused ring system connected via an alkyl-aryl ether linkage (C-O-C) and a C-C cross-link. The enzyme DarE, using the radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (rSAM), facilitates the formation of these bonds. Biosynthetic manipulation of the darobactin gene cluster, along with its expression in a surrogate host, has enabled access to diverse darobactin analogues with variable antibiotic activities. Recently, two independent research groups successfully achieved the total synthesis of darobactin, employing Larock heteroannulation to construct the bicyclic structure. This paper presents a comprehensive review of darobactins, encompassing their discovery through to the most recent advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Peehu Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Dharam Dass
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
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7
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Hartojo A, Doyle MT. β-barrel membrane proteins fold via hybrid-barrel intermediate states. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102830. [PMID: 38728831 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria and eukaryotic organelles of bacterial origin contain outer membrane proteins that possess a transmembrane "β-barrel" domain. The conserved β-barrel assembly machine (BAM) and the sorting and assembly machine (SAM) are required for the folding and membrane insertion of β-barrels in Gram-negative bacteria and mitochondria, respectively. Although the mechanisms by which β-barrels are folded are incompletely understood, advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have recently yielded unprecedented insights into their folding process. Here we highlight recent studies that show that both bacterial and mitochondrial β-barrels fold via the formation of remarkable "hybrid-barrel" intermediate states during their interaction with the folding machinery. We discuss how these results align with a general model of β-barrel folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Hartojo
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Darlington, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Darlington, New South Wales, Australia. https://twitter.com/AlfredHartojo29
| | - Matthew Thomas Doyle
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Darlington, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Darlington, New South Wales, Australia.
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8
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Gutishvili G, Yang L, Gumbart JC. Seeing is believing: Illuminating the Gram-negative outer membrane with molecular dynamics simulations. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102828. [PMID: 38723580 PMCID: PMC11283978 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/29/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have led to rapid improvement in our understanding of the molecular details of the outer membranes (OMs) of Gram-negative bacteria. In this review, we highlight the latest discoveries from MD simulations of OMs, shedding light on the dynamic nature of these bacteria's first line of defense. With the focus on cutting-edge approaches, we explore the OM's sensitivity to structural features, including divalent cations and membrane composition, which have emerged as crucial determinants of antimicrobial passage. Additionally, studies have provided novel insights into outer-membrane proteins (OMPs), revealing their intricate roles in substrate translocation and their distinct interactions with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the OM. Finally, we explore the challenging process of β-barrel membrane protein insertion, showcasing recent findings that have enhanced our grasp of this fundamental biological phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lixinhao Yang
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 901 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - James C Gumbart
- School of Physics, 837 State St., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 901 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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9
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Lewis K, Lee RE, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Hiller S, Rodnina MV, Schneider T, Weingarth M, Wohlgemuth I. Sophisticated natural products as antibiotics. Nature 2024; 632:39-49. [PMID: 39085542 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07530-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
In this Review, we explore natural product antibiotics that do more than simply inhibit an active site of an essential enzyme. We review these compounds to provide inspiration for the design of much-needed new antibacterial agents, and examine the complex mechanisms that have evolved to effectively target bacteria, including covalent binders, inhibitors of resistance, compounds that utilize self-promoted entry, those that evade resistance, prodrugs, target corrupters, inhibitors of 'undruggable' targets, compounds that form supramolecular complexes, and selective membrane-acting agents. These are exemplified by β-lactams that bind covalently to inhibit transpeptidases and β-lactamases, siderophore chimeras that hijack import mechanisms to smuggle antibiotics into the cell, compounds that are activated by bacterial enzymes to produce reactive molecules, and antibiotics such as aminoglycosides that corrupt, rather than merely inhibit, their targets. Some of these mechanisms are highly sophisticated, such as the preformed β-strands of darobactins that target the undruggable β-barrel chaperone BamA, or teixobactin, which binds to a precursor of peptidoglycan and then forms a supramolecular structure that damages the membrane, impeding the emergence of resistance. Many of the compounds exhibit more than one notable feature, such as resistance evasion and target corruption. Understanding the surprising complexity of the best antimicrobial compounds provides a roadmap for developing novel compounds to address the antimicrobial resistance crisis by mining for new natural products and inspiring us to design similarly sophisticated antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Lewis
- Antimicrobial Discovery Center, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Richard E Lee
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Tubingen, Germany
- Controlling Microbes to Fight Infection-Cluster of Excellence, Tubingen, Germany
| | | | - Marina V Rodnina
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Tanja Schneider
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Cologne-Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Weingarth
- Chemistry Department, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ingo Wohlgemuth
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
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10
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Butler MS, Vollmer W, Goodall ECA, Capon RJ, Henderson IR, Blaskovich MAT. A Review of Antibacterial Candidates with New Modes of Action. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 39018341 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
There is a lack of new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections that increasingly threaten global health. The current pipeline of clinical-stage antimicrobials is primarily populated by "new and improved" versions of existing antibiotic classes, supplemented by several novel chemical scaffolds that act on traditional targets. The lack of fresh chemotypes acting on previously unexploited targets (the "holy grail" for new antimicrobials due to their scarcity) is particularly unfortunate as these offer the greatest opportunity for innovative breakthroughs to overcome existing resistance. In recognition of their potential, this review focuses on this subset of high value antibiotics, providing chemical structures where available. This review focuses on candidates that have progressed to clinical trials, as well as selected examples of promising pioneering approaches in advanced stages of development, in order to stimulate additional research aimed at combating drug-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Butler
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Emily C A Goodall
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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11
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Brüssow H. The antibiotic resistance crisis and the development of new antibiotics. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14510. [PMID: 38970161 PMCID: PMC11226406 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The Global Burden of Disease report of 2019 estimated 14 million infection-related deaths, making it the second leading cause of death after ischaemic heart disease. Bacterial pathogens accounted for 7.7 million deaths and deaths attributable to bacterial antibiotic resistance amounted to 1.3 million, describing a clear demand for novel antibiotics. Antibiotic development had its golden age in 1930-1960. Following failures in the screening of chemical libraries for novel antibiotics at the beginning of this century, the high cost of launching new antibiotics (estimated at US$ 1.4 billion per registered drug) and difficulties in achieving a return of investment for novel antibiotics, pharmaceutical industry has mostly left the field. The current Lilliput review analyses the question whether scientific or economic hurdles prevented the registration of new antibiotics. Scientifically, substantial progress has been achieved over recent years to define the chemical properties needed to overcome the permeation barrier in Gram-negative pathogens; in extending the chemical space of antibiotic candidates by full modular synthesis of suitable molecules; by extending bioprospecting to previously 'unculturable' bacteria or unusual bacteria; by attacking bacterial targets on the outer bacterial membrane; and by looking for support from structural biology, genomics, molecular genetics, phylogenetic analyses and deep machine learning approaches. However, these research activities were mostly conducted by academic researchers and biotech companies with limited financial resources. It thus seems that the development of new antibiotics, frequently described as the drying of the pipeline, is less limited by lack of scientific insight than by lack of the mobilization of the monetary resources needed to bring these discoveries to the market despite recent financial push and pull efforts of the public sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Brüssow
- Department of Biosystems, Laboratory of Gene TechnologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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12
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Zeng P, Wang H, Zhang P, Leung SSY. Unearthing naturally-occurring cyclic antibacterial peptides and their structural optimization strategies. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 73:108371. [PMID: 38704105 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Natural products with antibacterial activity are highly desired globally to combat against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Antibacterial peptide (ABP), especially cyclic ABP (CABP), is one of the abundant classes. Most of them were isolated from microbes, demonstrating excellent bactericidal effects. With the improved proteolytic stability, CABPs are normally considered to have better druggability than linear peptides. However, most clinically-used CABP-based antibiotics, such as colistin, also face the challenges of drug resistance soon after they reached the market, urgently requiring the development of next-generation succedaneums. We present here a detail review on the novel naturally-occurring CABPs discovered in the past decade and some of them are under clinical trials, exhibiting anticipated application potential. According to their chemical structures, they were broadly classified into five groups, including (i) lactam/lactone-based CABPs, (ii) cyclic lipopeptides, (iii) glycopeptides, (iv) cyclic sulfur-rich peptides and (v) multiple-modified CABPs. Their chemical structures, antibacterial spectrums and proposed mechanisms are discussed. Moreover, engineered analogs of these novel CABPs are also summarized to preliminarily analyze their structure-activity relationship. This review aims to provide a global perspective on research and development of novel CABPs to highlight the effectiveness of derivatives design in identifying promising antibacterial agents. Further research efforts in this area are believed to play important roles in fighting against the multidrug-resistance crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Honglan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Sharon Shui Yee Leung
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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13
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Woodard AM, Peccati F, Navo CD, Jiménez-Osés G, Mitchell DA. Darobactin Substrate Engineering and Computation Show Radical Stability Governs Ether versus C-C Bond Formation. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:14328-14340. [PMID: 38728535 PMCID: PMC11225102 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The Gram-negative selective antibiotic darobactin A has attracted interest owing to its intriguing fused bicyclic structure and unique targeting of the outer membrane protein BamA. Darobactin, a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP), is produced by a radical S-adenosyl methionine (rSAM)-dependent enzyme (DarE) and contains one ether and one C-C cross-link. Herein, we analyze the substrate tolerance of DarE and describe an underlying catalytic principle of the enzyme. These efforts produced 51 enzymatically modified darobactin variants, revealing that DarE can install the ether and C-C cross-links independently and in different locations on the substrate. Notable variants with fused bicyclic structures were characterized, including darobactin W3Y, with a non-Trp residue at the twice-modified central position, and darobactin K5F, which displays a fused diether ring pattern. While lacking antibiotic activity, quantum mechanical modeling of darobactins W3Y and K5F aided in the elucidation of the requisite features for high-affinity BamA engagement. We also provide experimental evidence for β-oxo modification, which adds support for a proposed DarE mechanism. Based on these results, ether and C-C cross-link formation was investigated computationally, and it was determined that more stable and longer-lived aromatic Cβ radicals correlated with ether formation. Further, molecular docking and transition state structures based on high-level quantum mechanical calculations support the different indole connectivity observed for ether (Trp-C7) and C-C (Trp-C6) cross-links. Finally, mutational analysis and protein structural predictions identified substrate residues that govern engagement to DarE. Our work informs on darobactin scaffold engineering and further unveils the underlying principles of rSAM catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Woodard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Francesca Peccati
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Claudio D Navo
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Jiménez-Osés
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Douglas A Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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14
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Abstract
Covering: 2016 to 2023Ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs) continue to be a rich source of chemically diverse and bioactive peptide natural products. In recent years, cyclophane-containing RiPP natural products and their biosynthetic pathways have been more frequently encountered. This highlight will focus on bacterial monoaryl cyclophane-containing RiPPs. This class of RiPPs is produced by radical SAM/SPASM enzymes that form a crosslink between the aromatic ring and sidechain of two amino acid residues of the precursor peptide. Selected natural products from these pathways exhibit specific antibacterial activity against gram-negative pathogens. The approaches used to discover these pathways and products will be described and categorized as natural product-first or enzyme-first. The breadth of ring systems formed by the enzymes, enzyme mechanism, and recent reports of synthetic methods for constructing these ring systems will also be presented. Bacterial cyclophane-containing RiPPs and their biosynthetic enzymes represent an untapped source of scaffolds for drug discovery and tools for synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Soon Phan
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Dr 2, Singapore 117544, Singapore.
| | - Brandon I Morinaka
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 4 Science Dr 2, Singapore 117544, Singapore.
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15
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Wang H, Ishchenko A, Skudlarek J, Shen P, Dzhekieva L, Painter RE, Chen YT, Bukhtiyarova M, Leithead A, Tracy R, Babaoglu K, Bahnck-Teets C, Buevich A, Cabalu TD, Labroli M, Lange H, Lei Y, Li W, Liu J, Mann PA, Meng T, Mitchell HJ, Mulhearn J, Scapin G, Sha D, Shaw AW, Si Q, Tong L, Wu C, Wu Z, Xiao JC, Xu M, Zhang LK, McKenney D, Miller RR, Black TA, Cooke A, Balibar CJ, Klein DJ, Raheem I, Walker SS. Cerastecins inhibit membrane lipooligosaccharide transport in drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1244-1255. [PMID: 38649414 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections have limited treatment options. Synthesis, transport and placement of lipopolysaccharide or lipooligosaccharide (LOS) in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria are important for bacterial virulence and survival. Here we describe the cerastecins, inhibitors of the A. baumannii transporter MsbA, an LOS flippase. These molecules are potent and bactericidal against A. baumannii, including clinical carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. Using cryo-electron microscopy and biochemical analysis, we show that the cerastecins adopt a serpentine configuration in the central vault of the MsbA dimer, stalling the enzyme and uncoupling ATP hydrolysis from substrate flipping. A derivative with optimized potency and pharmacokinetic properties showed efficacy in murine models of bloodstream or pulmonary A. baumannii infection. While resistance development is inevitable, targeting a clinically unexploited mechanism avoids existing antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Although clinical validation of LOS transport remains undetermined, the cerastecins may open a path to narrow-spectrum treatment modalities for important nosocomial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ying Lei
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | - Jian Liu
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | | | - Tao Meng
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Deyou Sha
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | | | - Qian Si
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | - Ling Tong
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | | | - Zhe Wu
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | | | - Min Xu
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA, USA
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16
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Humphreys IR, Zhang J, Baek M, Wang Y, Krishnakumar A, Pei J, Anishchenko I, Tower CA, Jackson BA, Warrier T, Hung DT, Peterson SB, Mougous JD, Cong Q, Baker D. Essential and virulence-related protein interactions of pathogens revealed through deep learning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.12.589144. [PMID: 38645026 PMCID: PMC11030334 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.12.589144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Identification of bacterial protein-protein interactions and predicting the structures of the complexes could aid in the understanding of pathogenicity mechanisms and developing treatments for infectious diseases. Here, we developed a deep learning-based pipeline that leverages residue-residue coevolution and protein structure prediction to systematically identify and structurally characterize protein-protein interactions at the proteome-wide scale. Using this pipeline, we searched through 78 million pairs of proteins across 19 human bacterial pathogens and identified 1923 confidently predicted complexes involving essential genes and 256 involving virulence factors. Many of these complexes were not previously known; we experimentally tested 12 such predictions, and half of them were validated. The predicted interactions span core metabolic and virulence pathways ranging from post-transcriptional modification to acid neutralization to outer membrane machinery and should contribute to our understanding of the biology of these important pathogens and the design of drugs to combat them.
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17
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Hughes D, Lawrence W, Peel J, Rosan DW, Ling L, Niiti N, Aaron P, Shukla R, MacGillavry H, Heine H, Martha H, Elbert W, Weingarth M, Lewis K. A Resistance-Evading Antibiotic for Treating Anthrax. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3991430. [PMID: 38585816 PMCID: PMC10996807 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3991430/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance crisis (AMR) is associated with millions of deaths and undermines the franchise of medicine. Of particular concern is the threat of bioweapons, exemplified by anthrax. Introduction of novel antibiotics helps mitigate AMR, but does not address the threat of bioweapons with engineered resistance. We reasoned that teixobactin, an antibiotic with no detectable resistance, is uniquely suited to address the challenge of weaponized anthrax. Teixobactinbinds to immutable targets, precursors of cell wall polymers. Here we show that teixobactinis highly efficacious in a rabbit model of inhalation anthrax. Inhaling spores of Bacillus anthracis causes overwhelming morbidity and mortality. Treating rabbits with teixobactinafter the onset of disease rapidly eliminates the pathogen from blood and tissues, normalizes body temperature, and prevents tissue damage. Teixobactinassembles into an irreversible supramolecular structure of the surface of B. anthracis membrane, likely contributing to its unusually high potency against anthrax. Antibiotics evading resistance provide a rational solution to both AMR and engineered bioweapons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kim Lewis
- Antimicrobial Discovery Center, Department of Biology, Northeastern University
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18
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Schneider F, Guo Y, Lin YC, Eberle KJ, Chiodi D, Greene JA, Lu C, Baran PS. Total Synthesis of Dynobactin A. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6444-6448. [PMID: 38427590 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The first total synthesis of the potent antimicrobial agent dynobactin A is disclosed. This synthesis enlists a singular aziridine ring opening strategy to access the two disparate β-aryl-branched amino acids present within this complex decapeptide. Featuring a number of unique maneuvers to navigate inherently sensitive and epimerizable functional groups, this convergent approach proceeds in only 16 steps (LLS) from commercial materials and should facilitate the synthesis of numerous analogues for medicinal chemistry studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Yinliang Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - You-Chen Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Kelly J Eberle
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Debora Chiodi
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Johnathan A Greene
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Chenxin Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Phil S Baran
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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19
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Liu CL, Wang ZJ, Shi J, Yan ZY, Zhang GD, Jiao RH, Tan RX, Ge HM. P450-Modified Multicyclic Cyclophane-Containing Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-Translationally Modified Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314046. [PMID: 38072825 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides with cyclophane linkers are an attractive compound type owing to the fine-tuned rigid three-dimensional structures and unusual biophysical features. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are capable of catalyzing not only the C-C and C-O oxidative coupling reactions found in vancomycin and other nonribosomal peptides (NRPs), but they also exhibit novel catalytic activities to generate cyclic ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) through cyclophane linkage. To discover more P450-modified multicyclic RiPPs, we set out to find cryptic and unknown P450-modified RiPP biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) through genome mining. Synergized bioinformatic analysis reveals that P450-modified RiPP BGCs are broadly distributed in bacteria and can be classified into 11 classes. Focusing on two classes of P450-modified RiPP BGCs where precursor peptides contain multiple conserved aromatic amino acid residues, we characterized 11 novel P450-modified multicyclic RiPPs with different cyclophane linkers through heterologous expression. Further mutation of the key ring-forming residues and combinatorial biosynthesis study revealed the order of bond formation and the specificity of P450s. This study reveals the functional diversity of P450 enzymes involved in the cyclophane-containing RiPPs and indicates that P450 enzymes are promising tools for rapidly obtaining structurally diverse cyclic peptide derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zi Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhang Yuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guo Dong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rui Hua Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ren Xiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hui Ming Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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20
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Young JW, Pfitzner E, van Wee R, Kirschbaum C, Kukura P, Robinson CV. Characterization of membrane protein interactions by peptidisc-mediated mass photometry. iScience 2024; 27:108785. [PMID: 38303728 PMCID: PMC10831248 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins perform numerous critical functions in the cell, making many of them primary drug targets. However, their preference for a lipid environment makes them challenging to study using established solution-based methods. Here, we show that peptidiscs, a recently developed membrane mimetic, provide an ideal platform to study membrane proteins and their interactions with mass photometry (MP) in detergent-free conditions. The mass resolution for membrane protein complexes is similar to that achievable with soluble proteins owing to the low carrier heterogeneity. Using the ABC transporter BtuCD, we show that MP can quantify interactions between peptidisc-reconstituted membrane protein receptors and their soluble protein binding partners. Using the BAM complex, we further show that MP reveals interactions between a membrane protein receptor and a bactericidal antibody. Our results highlight the utility of peptidiscs for membrane protein characterization in detergent-free solution and provide a rapid and powerful platform for quantifying membrane protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John William Young
- Department of Chemistry, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Emanuel Pfitzner
- Department of Chemistry, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Raman van Wee
- Department of Chemistry, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Carla Kirschbaum
- Department of Chemistry, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Philipp Kukura
- Department of Chemistry, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Carol V. Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
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21
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Li H, Ding W, Zhang Q. Discovery and engineering of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) natural products. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:90-108. [PMID: 38333193 PMCID: PMC10849128 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00172e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) represent a diverse superfamily of natural products with immense potential for drug development. This review provides a concise overview of the recent advances in the discovery of RiPP natural products, focusing on rational strategies such as bioactivity guided screening, enzyme or precursor-based genome mining, and biosynthetic engineering. The challenges associated with activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters and the development of elaborate catalytic systems are also discussed. The logical frameworks emerging from these research studies offer valuable insights into RiPP biosynthesis and engineering, paving the way for broader pharmaceutic applications of these peptide natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Wei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200240 China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University Shanghai 200433 China
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22
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Karamanos TK, Matthews S. Biomolecular NMR in the AI-assisted structural biology era: Old tricks and new opportunities. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:140949. [PMID: 37572958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140949] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 40 years nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has established itself as one of the most versatile techniques for the characterization of biomolecules, especially proteins. Given the molecular size limitations of NMR together with recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy and artificial intelligence-assisted protein structure prediction, the bright future of NMR in structural biology has been put into question. In this mini review we argue the contrary. We discuss the unique opportunities solution NMR offers to the protein chemist that distinguish it from all other experimental or computational methods, and how it can benefit from machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Matthews
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London.
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23
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George A, Patil AG, Mahalakshmi R. ATP-independent assembly machinery of bacterial outer membranes: BAM complex structure and function set the stage for next-generation therapeutics. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4896. [PMID: 38284489 PMCID: PMC10804688 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Diderm bacteria employ β-barrel outer membrane proteins (OMPs) as their first line of communication with their environment. These OMPs are assembled efficiently in the asymmetric outer membrane by the β-Barrel Assembly Machinery (BAM). The multi-subunit BAM complex comprises the transmembrane OMP BamA as its functional subunit, with associated lipoproteins (e.g., BamB/C/D/E/F, RmpM) varying across phyla and performing different regulatory roles. The ability of BAM complex to recognize and fold OM β-barrels of diverse sizes, and reproducibly execute their membrane insertion, is independent of electrochemical energy. Recent atomic structures, which captured BAM-substrate complexes, show the assembly function of BamA can be tailored, with different substrate types exhibiting different folding mechanisms. Here, we highlight common and unique features of its interactome. We discuss how this conserved protein complex has evolved the ability to effectively achieve the directed assembly of diverse OMPs of wide-ranging sizes (8-36 β-stranded monomers). Additionally, we discuss how darobactin-the first natural membrane protein inhibitor of Gram-negative bacteria identified in over five decades-selectively targets and specifically inhibits BamA. We conclude by deliberating how a detailed deduction of BAM complex-associated regulation of OMP biogenesis and OM remodeling will open avenues for the identification and development of effective next-generation therapeutics against Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana George
- Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Biological SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchBhopalIndia
| | - Akanksha Gajanan Patil
- Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Biological SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchBhopalIndia
| | - Radhakrishnan Mahalakshmi
- Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Biological SciencesIndian Institute of Science Education and ResearchBhopalIndia
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24
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Gopinath A, Rath T, Morgner N, Joseph B. Lateral gating mechanism and plasticity of the β-barrel assembly machinery complex in micelles and Escherichia coli. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae019. [PMID: 38312222 PMCID: PMC10833450 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) mediates the folding and insertion of the majority of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in gram-negative bacteria. BAM is a penta-heterooligomeric complex consisting of the central β-barrel BamA and four interacting lipoproteins BamB, C, D, and E. The conformational switching of BamA between inward-open (IO) and lateral-open (LO) conformations is required for substrate recognition and folding. However, the mechanism for the lateral gating or how the structural details observed in vitro correspond with the cellular environment remains elusive. In this study, we addressed these questions by characterizing the conformational heterogeneity of BamAB, BamACDE, and BamABCDE complexes in detergent micelles and/or Escherichia coli using pulsed dipolar electron spin resonance spectroscopy (PDS). We show that the binding of BamB does not induce any visible changes in BamA, and the BamAB complex exists in the IO conformation. The BamCDE complex induces an IO to LO transition through a coordinated movement along the BamA barrel. However, the extracellular loop 6 (L6) is unaffected by the presence of lipoproteins and exhibits large segmental dynamics extending to the exit pore. PDS experiments with the BamABCDE complex in intact E. coli confirmed the dynamic behavior of both the lateral gate and the L6 in the native environment. Our results demonstrate that the BamCDE complex plays a key role in the function by regulating lateral gating in BamA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aathira Gopinath
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
- Institute of Biophysics, Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, 60438, Germany
| | - Tobias Rath
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, 60438, Germany
| | - Nina Morgner
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, 60438, Germany
| | - Benesh Joseph
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
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25
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Germany EM, Thewasano N, Imai K, Maruno Y, Bamert RS, Stubenrauch CJ, Dunstan RA, Ding Y, Nakajima Y, Lai X, Webb CT, Hidaka K, Tan KS, Shen H, Lithgow T, Shiota T. Dual recognition of multiple signals in bacterial outer membrane proteins enhances assembly and maintains membrane integrity. eLife 2024; 12:RP90274. [PMID: 38226797 PMCID: PMC10945584 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are essential components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. In terms of protein targeting and assembly, the current dogma holds that a 'β-signal' imprinted in the final β-strand of the OMP engages the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex to initiate membrane insertion and assembly of the OMP into the outer membrane. Here, we revealed an additional rule that signals equivalent to the β-signal are repeated in other, internal β-strands within bacterial OMPs, by peptidomimetic and mutational analysis. The internal signal is needed to promote the efficiency of the assembly reaction of these OMPs. BamD, an essential subunit of the BAM complex, recognizes the internal signal and the β-signal, arranging several β-strands and partial folding for rapid OMP assembly. The internal signal-BamD ordering system is not essential for bacterial viability but is necessary to retain the integrity of the outer membrane against antibiotics and other environmental insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward M Germany
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
- Organization for Promotion of Tenure Track, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
| | - Nakajohn Thewasano
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
- Organization for Promotion of Tenure Track, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
| | - Kenichiro Imai
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TokyoJapan
| | - Yuki Maruno
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
- Organization for Promotion of Tenure Track, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
| | - Rebecca S Bamert
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Microbiology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Christopher J Stubenrauch
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Microbiology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Rhys A Dunstan
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Microbiology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Yukari Nakajima
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
- Organization for Promotion of Tenure Track, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
| | - XiangFeng Lai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Chaille T Webb
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Microbiology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Kentaro Hidaka
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
- Organization for Promotion of Tenure Track, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
| | - Kher Shing Tan
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Microbiology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Hsinhui Shen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Trevor Lithgow
- Centre to Impact AMR, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
- Infection Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Microbiology, Monash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Takuya Shiota
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
- Organization for Promotion of Tenure Track, University of MiyazakiMiyazakiJapan
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26
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Yang G, He Y, Wang T, Li Z, Wang J. Atroposelective Synthesis of Planar-Chiral Indoles via Carbene Catalyzed Macrocyclization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316739. [PMID: 38014469 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Indole-based planar-chiral macrocycles are widely found in natural products and bioactive molecules. However, in sharp contrast to the preparation of indole-based axially chiral structures, the enantioselective catalysis of indole-based planar-chiral macrocycles is still a formidable task so far. Here we report an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed intramolecular atroposelective macrocyclization of 3-carboxaldehyde indole/pyrroles, featuring with broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance, and allowing for a rapid access to diverse indole/pyrrole-based planar-chiral macrocycles with various tether-lengths (10-16 members) in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivities. Importantly, the indole-based macrocyclic structures with both planar and axial chirality were directly and efficiently obtained through this protocol with excellent enantioselectivities and diastereoselectivities. In addition, these synthesized planar-chiral macrocycles offer many possibilities for chemists to develop new catalysts or ligands, as well as new reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongming Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yi He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhipeng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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27
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Seyfert C, Müller AV, Walsh DJ, Birkelbach J, Kany AM, Porten C, Yuan B, Krug D, Herrmann J, Marlovits TC, Hirsch AKH, Müller R. New Genetically Engineered Derivatives of Antibacterial Darobactins Underpin Their Potential for Antibiotic Development. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16330-16341. [PMID: 38093695 PMCID: PMC10726357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Biosynthetic engineering of bicyclic darobactins, selectively sealing the lateral gate of the outer membrane protein BamA, leads to active analogues, which are up to 128-fold more potent against Gram-negative pathogens compared to native counterparts. Because of their excellent antibacterial activity, darobactins represent one of the most promising new antibiotic classes of the past decades. Here, we present a series of structure-driven biosynthetic modifications of our current frontrunner, darobactin 22 (D22), to investigate modifications at the understudied positions 2, 4, and 5 for their impact on bioactivity. Novel darobactins were found to be highly active against critical pathogens from the WHO priority list. Antibacterial activity data were corroborated by dissociation constants with BamA. The most active derivatives D22 and D69 were subjected to ADMET profiling, showing promising features. We further evaluated D22 and D69 for bioactivity against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates and found them to have strong activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten
E. Seyfert
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Alison V. Müller
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Danica J. Walsh
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Joy Birkelbach
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Andreas M. Kany
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Christoph Porten
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Biao Yuan
- Institute
of Structural and Systems Biology and Centre for Structural Systems
Biology (CSSB), University Medical Center
Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Deutsches
Elektronen-Synchrotron Zentrum (DESY), Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Centre for
Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg 22607, Germany
| | - Daniel Krug
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Jennifer Herrmann
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
| | - Thomas C. Marlovits
- Institute
of Structural and Systems Biology and Centre for Structural Systems
Biology (CSSB), University Medical Center
Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Deutsches
Elektronen-Synchrotron Zentrum (DESY), Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Centre for
Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg 22607, Germany
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
- Helmholtz
International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre
for Infection Research (HZI) and Saarland University Department of
Pharmacy, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
- German
Centre for Infection Research (DZIF),
partner site, Hannover, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
- Helmholtz
International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany
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28
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King AM, Zhang Z, Glassey E, Siuti P, Clardy J, Voigt CA. Systematic mining of the human microbiome identifies antimicrobial peptides with diverse activity spectra. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:2420-2434. [PMID: 37973865 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Human-associated bacteria secrete modified peptides to control host physiology and remodel the microbiota species composition. Here we scanned 2,229 Human Microbiome Project genomes of species colonizing skin, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, mouth and trachea for gene clusters encoding RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides). We found 218 lanthipeptides and 25 lasso peptides, 70 of which were synthesized and expressed in E. coli and 23 could be purified and functionally characterized. They were tested for activity against bacteria associated with healthy human flora and pathogens. New antibiotics were identified against strains implicated in skin, nasal and vaginal dysbiosis as well as from oral strains selectively targeting those in the gut. Extended- and narrow-spectrum antibiotics were found against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. Mining natural products produced by human-associated microbes will enable the elucidation of ecological relationships and may be a rich resource for antimicrobial discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M King
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhengan Zhang
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emerson Glassey
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Piro Siuti
- Synthetic Biology Group, Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jon Clardy
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A Voigt
- Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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29
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Theuretzbacher U, Blasco B, Duffey M, Piddock LJV. Unrealized targets in the discovery of antibiotics for Gram-negative bacterial infections. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:957-975. [PMID: 37833553 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Advances in areas that include genomics, systems biology, protein structure determination and artificial intelligence provide new opportunities for target-based antibacterial drug discovery. The selection of a 'good' new target for direct-acting antibacterial compounds is the first decision, for which multiple criteria must be explored, integrated and re-evaluated as drug discovery programmes progress. Criteria include essentiality of the target for bacterial survival, its conservation across different strains of the same species, bacterial species and growth conditions (which determines the spectrum of activity of a potential antibiotic) and the level of homology with human genes (which influences the potential for selective inhibition). Additionally, a bacterial target should have the potential to bind to drug-like molecules, and its subcellular location will govern the need for inhibitors to penetrate one or two bacterial membranes, which is a key challenge in targeting Gram-negative bacteria. The risk of the emergence of target-based drug resistance for drugs with single targets also requires consideration. This Review describes promising but as-yet-unrealized targets for antibacterial drugs against Gram-negative bacteria and examples of cognate inhibitors, and highlights lessons learned from past drug discovery programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Blasco
- Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maëlle Duffey
- Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura J V Piddock
- Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), Geneva, Switzerland.
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30
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Woodard AM, Peccati F, Navo CD, Jiménez-Osés G, Mitchell DA. Benzylic Radical Stabilization Permits Ether Formation During Darobactin Biosynthesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.29.569256. [PMID: 38076856 PMCID: PMC10705402 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The Gram-negative selective antibiotic darobactin A has attracted interest owing to its intriguing fused bicyclic structure and unique mode of action. Biosynthetic studies have revealed that darobactin is a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP). During maturation, the darobactin precursor peptide (DarA) is modified by a radical S-adenosyl methionine (rSAM)-dependent enzyme (DarE) to contain ether and C-C crosslinks. In this work, we describe the enzymatic tolerance of DarE using a panel of DarA variants, revealing that DarE can install the ether and C-C crosslinks independently and in different locations on DarA. These efforts produced 57 darobactin variants, 50 of which were enzymatically modified. Several new variants with fused bicyclic structures were characterized, including darobactin W3Y, which replaces tryptophan with tyrosine at the twice-modified central position, and darobactin K5F, which displays a fused diether ring pattern. Three additional darobactin variants contained fused diether macrocycles, leading us to investigate the origin of ether versus C-C crosslink formation. Computational analyses found that more stable and long-lived Cβ radicals found on aromatic amino acids correlated with ether formation. Further, molecular docking and calculated transition state structures provide support for the different indole connectivity observed for ether (Trp-C7) and C-C (Trp-C6) crosslink formation. We also provide experimental evidence for a β-oxotryptophan modification, a proposed intermediate during ether crosslink formation. Finally, mutational analysis of the DarA leader region and protein structural predictions identified which residues were dispensable for processing and others that govern substrate engagement by DarE. Our work informs on darobactin scaffold engineering and sheds additional light on the underlying principles of rSAM catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M. Woodard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Francesca Peccati
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Claudio D. Navo
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Jiménez-Osés
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Douglas A. Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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31
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Shi X, Zhao G, Li H, Zhao Z, Li W, Wu M, Du YL. Hydroxytryptophan biosynthesis by a family of heme-dependent enzymes in bacteria. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:1415-1422. [PMID: 37653171 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01416-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxytryptophan serves as a chemical precursor to a variety of bioactive specialized metabolites, including the human neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. Although the human and animal routes to hydroxytryptophan have been known for decades, how bacteria catalyze tryptophan indole hydroxylation remains a mystery. Here we report a class of tryptophan hydroxylases that are involved in various bacterial metabolic pathways. These enzymes utilize a histidine-ligated heme cofactor and molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide to catalyze regioselective hydroxylation on the tryptophan indole moiety, which is mechanistically distinct from their animal counterparts from the nonheme iron enzyme family. Through genome mining, we also identify members that can hydroxylate the tryptophan indole ring at alternative positions. Our results not only reveal a conserved way to synthesize hydroxytryptophans in bacteria but also provide a valuable enzyme toolbox for biocatalysis. As proof of concept, we assemble a highly efficient pathway for melatonin in a bacterial host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Shi
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital and Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guiyun Zhao
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital and Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | - Hu Li
- Polytechnic Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Zhao
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital and Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital and Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miaolian Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | - Yi-Ling Du
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital and Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Microbial Biochemistry and Metabolic Engineering, Hangzhou, China.
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32
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Lai YH, Wang YS. Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques for analysis of high mass-to-charge ions. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2023; 42:2426-2445. [PMID: 35686331 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge in modern mass spectrometry (MS) is achieving high mass resolving power and accuracy for precision analyses in high mass-to-charge (m/z) regions. To advance the capability of MS for increasingly demanding applications, understanding limitations of state-of-the-art techniques and their status in applied sciences is essential. This review summarizes important instruments in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and related advances to extend their working range to high m/z regions. It starts with an overview of HRMS techniques that provide adequate performance for macromolecular analysis, including Fourier-transform, time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole-TOF, and related data-processing techniques. Methodologies and applications of HRMS for characterizing macromolecules in biochemistry and material sciences are summarized, such as top-down proteomics, native MS, drug discovery, structural virology, and polymer analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Hung Lai
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Sheng Wang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
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33
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Ma S, Xi W, Wang S, Chen H, Guo S, Mo T, Chen W, Deng Z, Chen F, Ding W, Zhang Q. Substrate-Controlled Catalysis in the Ether Cross-Link-Forming Radical SAM Enzymes. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:22945-22953. [PMID: 37769281 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Darobactin is a heptapeptide antibiotic featuring an ether cross-link and a C-C cross-link, and both cross-links are installed by a radical S-adenosylmethionine (rSAM) enzyme DarE. How a single DarE enzyme affords the two chemically distinct cross-links remains largely obscure. Herein, by mapping the biosynthetic landscape for darobactin-like RiPP (daropeptide), we identified and characterized two novel daropeptides that lack the C-C cross-link present in darobactin and instead are solely composed of ether cross-links. Phylogenetic and mutagenesis analyses reveal that the daropeptide maturases possess intrinsic multifunctionality, catalyzing not only the formation of ether cross-link but also C-C cross-linking and Ser oxidation. Intriguingly, the different chemical outcomes are controlled by the exact substrate motifs. Our work not only provides a roadmap for the discovery of new daropeptide natural products but also offers insights into the regulatory mechanisms that govern these remarkably versatile ether cross-link-forming rSAM enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suze Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wenhui Xi
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Heng Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Sijia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Tianlu Mo
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Wenxue Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fener Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Carbohydrate Synthesis, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Wei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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34
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Wang W, Gu L, Wang J, Hu X, Wei B, Zhang H, Wang H, Chen J. Recent Advances in Polypeptide Antibiotics Derived from Marine Microorganisms. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:547. [PMID: 37888482 PMCID: PMC10608164 DOI: 10.3390/md21100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the post-antibiotic era, the rapid development of antibiotic resistance and the shortage of available antibiotics are triggering a new health-care crisis. The discovery of novel and potent antibiotics to extend the antibiotic pipeline is urgent. Small-molecule antimicrobial peptides have a wide variety of antimicrobial spectra and multiple innovative antimicrobial mechanisms due to their rich structural diversity. Consequently, they have become a new research hotspot and are considered to be promising candidates for next-generation antibiotics. Therefore, we have compiled a collection of small-molecule antimicrobial peptides derived from marine microorganisms from the last fifteen years to show the recent advances in this field. We categorize these compounds into three classes-cyclic oligopeptides, cyclic depsipeptides, and cyclic lipopeptides-according to their structural features, and present their sources, structures, and antimicrobial spectrums, with a discussion of the structure activity relationships and mechanisms of action of some compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Green Pharmaceutical Technologies and Related Equipment of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province & College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jianwei Chen
- Key Laboratory for Green Pharmaceutical Technologies and Related Equipment of Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province & College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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35
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Yang L, Luo M, Liu Z, Li Y, Lin Z, Geng S, Wang Y. BamA-targeted antimicrobial peptide design for enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1317-1331. [PMID: 37670010 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant superbugs has necessitated a pressing need for innovative antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, reduced susceptibility to resistance, and immunomodulatory effects, rendering them promising for combating drug-resistant microorganisms. This study employed computational simulation methods to screen and design AMPs specifically targeting ESKAPE pathogens. Particularly, AMPs were rationally designed to target the BamA and obtain novel antimicrobial peptide sequences. The designed AMPs were assessed for their antibacterial activities, mechanisms, and stability. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated the interaction of both designed AMPs, 11pep and D-11pep, with the β1, β9, β15, and β16 chains of BamA, resulting in misfolding of outer membrane proteins and antibacterial effects. Subsequent antibacterial investigations confirmed the broad-spectrum activity of both 11pep and D-11pep, with D-11pep demonstrating higher potency against resistant Gram-negative bacteria. D-11pep exhibited MICs of 16, 8, and 32 μg/mL against carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, respectively, with a concomitant lower resistance induction. Mechanism of action studies confirmed that peptides could disrupt the bacterial outer membrane, aligning with the findings of molecular dynamics simulations. Additionally, D-11pep demonstrated superior stability and reduced toxicity in comparison to 11pep. The findings of this study underscore the efficacy of rational AMP design that targets BamA, along with the utilization of D-amino acid replacements as a strategy for developing AMPs against drug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Pharmacy and Bioengineering of Technology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, China
| | - Minghe Luo
- Pharmacy and Bioengineering of Technology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Institutions of Higher Education of Target Based Drug Screening and Activity Evaluation, Chongqing, 400054, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing, 400054, China
| | - Zhou Liu
- Pharmacy and Bioengineering of Technology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, China
| | - Yuepeng Li
- Pharmacy and Bioengineering of Technology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, China
| | - Zhihua Lin
- Pharmacy and Bioengineering of Technology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, China
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Institutions of Higher Education of Target Based Drug Screening and Activity Evaluation, Chongqing, 400054, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing, 400054, China
| | - Shan Geng
- The People's Hospital of Dazu, Chongqing, 402360, China
| | - Yuanqiang Wang
- Pharmacy and Bioengineering of Technology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, China.
- Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Institutions of Higher Education of Target Based Drug Screening and Activity Evaluation, Chongqing, 400054, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing, 400054, China.
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Rath P, Hermann A, Schaefer R, Agustoni E, Vonach JM, Siegrist M, Miscenic C, Tschumi A, Roth D, Bieniossek C, Hiller S. High-throughput screening of BAM inhibitors in native membrane environment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5648. [PMID: 37704632 PMCID: PMC10499997 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41445-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane insertase of Gram-negative bacteria, BAM, is a key target for urgently needed novel antibiotics. Functional reconstitutions of BAM have so far been limited to synthetic membranes and with low throughput capacity for inhibitor screening. Here, we describe a BAM functional assay in native membrane environment capable of high-throughput screening. This is achieved by employing outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) to present BAM directly in native membranes. Refolding of the model substrate OmpT by BAM was possible from the chaperones SurA and Skp, with the required SurA concentration three times higher than Skp. In the OMVs, the antibiotic darobactin had a tenfold higher potency than in synthetic membranes, highlighting the need for native conditions in antibiotics development. The assay is successfully miniaturized for 1536-well plates and upscaled using large scale fermentation, resulting in high-throughput capacities to screen large commercial compound libraries. Our OMV-based assay thus lays the basis for discovery, hit validation and lead expansion of antibiotics targeting BAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthasarathi Rath
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Hermann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ramona Schaefer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elia Agustoni
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marie Vonach
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Siegrist
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Miscenic
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Tschumi
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Doris Roth
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Bieniossek
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sebastian Hiller
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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37
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Kuo K, Liu J, Pavlova A, Gumbart JC. Drug Binding to BamA Targets Its Lateral Gate. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:7509-7517. [PMID: 37587651 PMCID: PMC10476194 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c04501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BamA, the core component of the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex, is an outer-membrane protein (OMP) in Gram-negative bacteria. Its function is to insert and fold substrate OMPs into the outer membrane (OM). Evidence suggests that BamA follows the asymmetric hybrid-barrel model where the first and last strands of BamA separate, a process known as lateral gate opening, to allow nascent substrate OMP β-strands to sequentially insert and fold through β-augmentation. Recently, multiple lead compounds that interfere with BamA's function have been identified. We modeled and then docked one of these compounds into either the extracellular loops of BamA or the open lateral gate. With the compound docked in the loops, we found that the lateral gate remains closed during 5 μs molecular dynamics simulations. The same compound when docked in the open lateral gate stays bound to the β16 strand of BamA during the simulation, which would prevent substrate OMP folding. In addition, we simulated mutants of BamA that are resistant to one or more of the identified lead compounds. In these simulations, we observed a differing degree and/or frequency of opening of BamA's lateral gate compared to BamA-apo, suggesting that the mutations grant resistance by altering the dynamics at the gate. We conclude that the compounds act by inhibiting BamA lateral gate opening and/or binding of substrate, thus preventing subsequent OMP folding and insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie
M. Kuo
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Jinchan Liu
- Department
of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (MB&B), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Anna Pavlova
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - James C. Gumbart
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School
of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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38
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Li RS, Liu J, Wen C, Shi Y, Ling J, Cao Q, Wang L, Shi H, Huang CZ, Li N. Transformable nano-antibiotics for mechanotherapy and immune activation against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg9601. [PMID: 37624881 PMCID: PMC10456869 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg9601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The dearth of antibiotic candidates against Gram-negative bacteria and the rise of antibiotic resistance create a global health concern. The challenge lies in the unique Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane that provides the impermeable barrier for antibiotics and sequesters antigen presentation. We designed a transformable nano-antibiotics (TNA) that can transform from nontoxic nanoparticles to bactericidal nanofibrils with reasonable rigidity (Young's modulus, 21.6 ± 5.9 MPa) after targeting β-barrel assembly machine A (BamA) and lipid polysaccharides (LPSs) of Gram-negative bacteria. After morphological transformation, the TNA can penetrate and damage the bacterial envelope, disrupt electron transport and multiple conserved biosynthetic and metabolic pathways, burst bacterial antigen release from the outer membrane, and subsequently activate the innate and adaptive immunity. TNA kills Gram-negative bacteria in vitro and in vivo with undetectable resistance through multiple bactericidal modes of action. TNA treatment-induced vaccination results in rapid and long-lasting immune responses, protecting against lethal reinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Sheng Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Education (Yunnan University), School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - Cong Wen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Yaru Shi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. China
| | - Jian Ling
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Education (Yunnan University), School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Qiue Cao
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Education (Yunnan University), School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Bio-medical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Hu Shi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Institute of Molecular Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Zhi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Na Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
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39
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Haysom SF, Machin J, Whitehouse JM, Horne JE, Fenn K, Ma Y, El Mkami H, Böhringer N, Schäberle TF, Ranson NA, Radford SE, Pliotas C. Darobactin B Stabilises a Lateral-Closed Conformation of the BAM Complex in E. coli Cells. ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 135:e202218783. [PMID: 38515502 PMCID: PMC10952338 DOI: 10.1002/ange.202218783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM complex) is essential for outer membrane protein (OMP) folding in Gram-negative bacteria, and represents a promising antimicrobial target. Several conformational states of BAM have been reported, but all have been obtained under conditions which lack the unique features and complexity of the outer membrane (OM). Here, we use Pulsed Electron-Electron Double Resonance (PELDOR, or DEER) spectroscopy distance measurements to interrogate the conformational ensemble of the BAM complex in E. coli cells. We show that BAM adopts a broad ensemble of conformations in the OM, while in the presence of the antibiotic darobactin B (DAR-B), BAM's conformational equilibrium shifts to a restricted ensemble consistent with the lateral closed state. Our in-cell PELDOR findings are supported by new cryoEM structures of BAM in the presence and absence of DAR-B. This work demonstrates the utility of PELDOR to map conformational changes in BAM within its native cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F. Haysom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Jonathan Machin
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - James M. Whitehouse
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Jim E. Horne
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Katherine Fenn
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Yue Ma
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthManchester Academic and Health Science CentreThe University of ManchesterManchesterM13 9PTUK
- Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of ManchesterManchesterM1 7DNUK
| | - Hassane El Mkami
- School of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of St. AndrewsSt. AndrewsKY16 9SSUK
| | - Nils Böhringer
- Institute for Insect BiotechnologyNatural Product ResearchJustus-Liebig-University GiessenOhlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-LangenOhlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
| | - Till F. Schäberle
- Institute for Insect BiotechnologyNatural Product ResearchJustus-Liebig-University GiessenOhlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-LangenOhlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
- Natural Product DepartmentFraunhofer-Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME)Ohlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
| | - Neil A. Ranson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Sheena E. Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Christos Pliotas
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthManchester Academic and Health Science CentreThe University of ManchesterManchesterM13 9PTUK
- Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of ManchesterManchesterM1 7DNUK
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40
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Haysom SF, Machin J, Whitehouse JM, Horne JE, Fenn K, Ma Y, El Mkami H, Böhringer N, Schäberle TF, Ranson NA, Radford SE, Pliotas C. Darobactin B Stabilises a Lateral-Closed Conformation of the BAM Complex in E. coli Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202218783. [PMID: 37162386 PMCID: PMC10952311 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202218783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM complex) is essential for outer membrane protein (OMP) folding in Gram-negative bacteria, and represents a promising antimicrobial target. Several conformational states of BAM have been reported, but all have been obtained under conditions which lack the unique features and complexity of the outer membrane (OM). Here, we use Pulsed Electron-Electron Double Resonance (PELDOR, or DEER) spectroscopy distance measurements to interrogate the conformational ensemble of the BAM complex in E. coli cells. We show that BAM adopts a broad ensemble of conformations in the OM, while in the presence of the antibiotic darobactin B (DAR-B), BAM's conformational equilibrium shifts to a restricted ensemble consistent with the lateral closed state. Our in-cell PELDOR findings are supported by new cryoEM structures of BAM in the presence and absence of DAR-B. This work demonstrates the utility of PELDOR to map conformational changes in BAM within its native cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel F. Haysom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Jonathan Machin
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - James M. Whitehouse
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Jim E. Horne
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Katherine Fenn
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Yue Ma
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthManchester Academic and Health Science CentreThe University of ManchesterManchesterM13 9PTUK
- Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of ManchesterManchesterM1 7DNUK
| | - Hassane El Mkami
- School of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of St. AndrewsSt. AndrewsKY16 9SSUK
| | - Nils Böhringer
- Institute for Insect BiotechnologyNatural Product ResearchJustus-Liebig-University GiessenOhlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-LangenOhlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
| | - Till F. Schäberle
- Institute for Insect BiotechnologyNatural Product ResearchJustus-Liebig-University GiessenOhlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-LangenOhlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
- Natural Product DepartmentFraunhofer-Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME)Ohlebergsweg 1235392GiessenGermany
| | - Neil A. Ranson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Sheena E. Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Christos Pliotas
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthManchester Academic and Health Science CentreThe University of ManchesterManchesterM13 9PTUK
- Manchester Institute of BiotechnologyThe University of ManchesterManchesterM1 7DNUK
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41
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Wei L, Wang Z, Chu Y, Cai K, Li W, Huang P, Qin Y, Liu D, Zhuang X, Guo M, Song X, Fan E. Licochalcone A inhibits the assembly function of β-barrel assembly machinery in Escherichia coli. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 668:90-95. [PMID: 37245294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.05.083] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis urges the development of new antibiotics. In the present work, we for the first time used bio-affinity ultrafiltration combined with HPLC-MS (UF-HPLC-MS) to examine the interaction between the outer membrane β-barrel proteins and natural products. Our results showed that natural product licochalcone A from licorice interacts with BamA and BamD with the enrichment factor of 6.38 ± 1.46 and 4.80 ± 1.23, respectively. The interaction was further confirmed by use of biacore analysis, which demonstrated that the Kd value between BamA/D and licochalcone was 6.63/28.27 μM, suggesting a good affinity. To examine the effect of licochalcone A on BamA/D function, the developed versatile in vitro reconstitution assay was used and the results showed that 128 μg/mL licochalcone A could reduce the outer membrane protein A integration efficiency to 20%. Although licochalcone A alone can not inhibit the growth of E. coli, but it can affect the membrane permeability, suggesting that licochalcone A holds the potential to be used as a sensitizer to combat AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangwan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China
| | - Yindi Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Piying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China
| | - Youcai Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China
| | - Dailin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaocui Zhuang
- School of Chemical Biology and Environment, Yuxi Normal University, 653100, Yuxi, China
| | - Mingquan Guo
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 315201, Ningbo, China.
| | - Xinbo Song
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 301617, Tianjin, China.
| | - Enguo Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China; School of Medicine, Linyi University, 276005, Linyi, China.
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42
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Randall JR, Groover KE, O'Donnell AC, Garza JM, Cole TJ, Davies BW. Adapting antibacterial display to identify serum-active macrocyclic peptide antibiotics. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad270. [PMID: 37637199 PMCID: PMC10449418 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The lack of available treatments for many antimicrobial-resistant infections highlights the critical need for antibiotic discovery innovation. Peptides are an underappreciated antibiotic scaffold because they often suffer from proteolytic instability and toxicity toward human cells, making in vivo use challenging. To investigate sequence factors related to serum activity, we adapt an antibacterial display technology to screen a library of peptide macrocycles for antibacterial potential directly in human serum. We identify dozens of new macrocyclic peptide antibiotic sequences and find that serum activity within our library is influenced by peptide length, cationic charge, and the number of disulfide bonds present. Interestingly, an optimized version of our most active lead peptide permeates the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria without strong inner-membrane disruption and kills bacteria slowly while causing cell elongation. This contrasts with traditional cationic antimicrobial peptides, which kill rapidly via lysis of both bacterial membranes. Notably, this optimized variant is not toxic to mammalian cells and retains its function in vivo, suggesting therapeutic promise. Our results support the use of more physiologically relevant conditions when screening peptides for antimicrobial activity which retain in vivo functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Randall
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kyra E Groover
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Angela C O'Donnell
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Joseph M Garza
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - T Jeffrey Cole
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Bryan W Davies
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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43
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MacNair CR, Tsai CN, Rutherford ST, Tan MW. Returning to Nature for the Next Generation of Antimicrobial Therapeutics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1267. [PMID: 37627687 PMCID: PMC10451936 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics found in and inspired by nature are life-saving cures for bacterial infections and have enabled modern medicine. However, the rise in resistance necessitates the discovery and development of novel antibiotics and alternative treatment strategies to prevent the return to a pre-antibiotic era. Once again, nature can serve as a source for new therapies in the form of natural product antibiotics and microbiota-based therapies. Screening of soil bacteria, particularly actinomycetes, identified most of the antibiotics used in the clinic today, but the rediscovery of existing molecules prompted a shift away from natural product discovery. Next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics advances have revealed the untapped metabolic potential harbored within the genomes of environmental microbes. In this review, we first highlight current strategies for mining this untapped chemical space, including approaches to activate silent biosynthetic gene clusters and in situ culturing methods. Next, we describe how using live microbes in microbiota-based therapies can simultaneously leverage many of the diverse antimicrobial mechanisms found in nature to treat disease and the impressive efficacy of fecal microbiome transplantation and bacterial consortia on infection. Nature-provided antibiotics are some of the most important drugs in human history, and new technologies and approaches show that nature will continue to offer valuable inspiration for the next generation of antibacterial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R. MacNair
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
| | - Caressa N. Tsai
- School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA;
| | - Steven T. Rutherford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
| | - Man-Wah Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA;
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44
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Randall JR, Groover KE, O’Donnell AC, Garza JM, Cole TJ, Davies BW. Adapting antibacterial display to identify serum active macrocyclic peptide antibiotics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.28.550711. [PMID: 37546850 PMCID: PMC10402130 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.28.550711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The lack of available treatments for many antimicrobial resistant infections highlights the critical need for antibiotic discovery innovation. Peptides are an underappreciated antibiotic scaffold because they often suffer from proteolytic instability and toxicity towards human cells, making in vivo use challenging. To investigate sequence factors related to serum activity, we adapt an antibacterial display technology to screen a library of peptide macrocycles for antibacterial potential directly in human serum. We identify dozens of new macrocyclic peptide antibiotic sequences and find that serum activity within our library is influenced by peptide length, cationic charge, and the number of disulfide bonds present. Interestingly, an optimized version of our most active lead peptide permeates the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria without strong inner membrane disruption and kills bacteria slowly while causing cell elongation. This contrasts with traditional cationic antimicrobial peptides, which kill rapidly via lysis of both bacterial membranes. Notably, this optimized variant is not toxic to mammalian cells and retains its function in vivo , suggesting therapeutic promise. Our results support the use of more physiologically relevant conditions when screening peptides for antimicrobial activity which retain in vivo functionality. Significance Traditional methods of natural antibiotic discovery are low throughput and cannot keep pace with the development of antimicrobial resistance. Synthetic peptide display technologies offer a high-throughput means of screening drug candidates, but rarely consider functionality beyond simple target binding and do not consider retention of function in vivo . Here, we adapt a function-based, antibacterial display technology to screen a large library of peptide macrocycles directly for bacterial growth inhibition in human serum. This screen identifies an optimized non-toxic macrocyclic peptide antibiotic retaining in vivo function, suggesting this advancement could increase clinical antibiotic discovery efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Randall
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Kyra E. Groover
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Angela C. O’Donnell
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Joseph M. Garza
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - T. Jeffrey Cole
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Bryan W. Davies
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
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45
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Wang P, Liu J, Zhu X, Yan Z, Yan J, Jiang J, Fu M, Ge J, Zhu Q, Zheng Y. Modular synthesis of clickable peptides via late-stage maleimidation on C(7)-H tryptophan. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3973. [PMID: 37407547 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39703-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic peptides have attracted tremendous attention in the pharmaceutical industry owing to their excellent cell penetrability, stability, thermostability, and drug-like properties. However, the currently available facile methodologies for creating such peptides are rather limited. Herein, we report an efficient and direct peptide cyclization via rhodium(III)-catalyzed C(7)-H maleimidation. Notably, this catalytical system has excellent regioselectivity and high tolerance of functional groups which enable late-stage cyclization of peptides. This architecture of cyclic peptides exhibits higher bioactivity than its parent linear peptides. Moreover, the Trp-substituted maleimide displays excellent reactivity toward Michael addition, indicating its potential as a click functional group for applications in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. As a proof of principle, RGD-GFLG-DOX, which is a peptide-drug-conjugate, is constructed and it displays a strong binding affinity and high antiproliferative activity toward integrin-αvβ3 overexpressed cancer cell lines. The proposed strategy for rapid preparation of stapled peptides would be a robust tool for creating peptide-drug conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Zhengqing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Jiahui Yan
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Jitong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Manlin Fu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Yuguo Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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46
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Kadeřábková N, Mahmood AJS, Furniss RCD, Mavridou DAI. Making a chink in their armor: Current and next-generation antimicrobial strategies against the bacterial cell envelope. Adv Microb Physiol 2023; 83:221-307. [PMID: 37507160 PMCID: PMC10517717 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are uniquely equipped to defeat antibiotics. Their outermost layer, the cell envelope, is a natural permeability barrier that contains an array of resistance proteins capable of neutralizing most existing antimicrobials. As a result, its presence creates a major obstacle for the treatment of resistant infections and for the development of new antibiotics. Despite this seemingly impenetrable armor, in-depth understanding of the cell envelope, including structural, functional and systems biology insights, has promoted efforts to target it that can ultimately lead to the generation of new antibacterial therapies. In this article, we broadly overview the biology of the cell envelope and highlight attempts and successes in generating inhibitors that impair its function or biogenesis. We argue that the very structure that has hampered antibiotic discovery for decades has untapped potential for the design of novel next-generation therapeutics against bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikol Kadeřábková
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ayesha J S Mahmood
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - R Christopher D Furniss
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Despoina A I Mavridou
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States; John Ring LaMontagne Center for Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.
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47
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Yang P, Širvinskas MJ, Li B, Heller NW, Rong H, He G, Yudin AK, Chen G. Teraryl Braces in Macrocycles: Synthesis and Conformational Landscape Remodeling of Peptides. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37326500 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The three-dimensional structure of medium-sized cyclic peptides accounts for their biological activity and other important physiochemical properties. Despite significant advances in the past few decades, chemists' ability to fine-tune the structure, in particular, the backbone conformation, of short peptides made of canonical amino acids is still quite limited. Nature has shown that cross-linking the aromatic side chains of linear peptide precursors via enzyme catalysis can generate cyclophane-braced products with unusual structures and diverse activities. However, the biosynthetic path to these natural products is challenging to replicate in the synthetic laboratory using practical chemical modifications of peptides. Herein, we report a broadly applicable strategy to remodel the structure of homodetic peptides by cross-linking the aromatic side chains of Trp, His, and Tyr residues with various aryl linkers. The aryl linkers can be easily installed via copper-catalyzed double heteroatom-arylation reactions of peptides with aryl diiodides. These aromatic side chains and aryl linkers can be combined to form a large variety of assemblies of heteroatom-linked multi-aryl units. The assemblies can serve as tension-bearable multijoint braces to modulate the backbone conformation of peptides as an entry to previously inaccessible conformational space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | | | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Nicholas W Heller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3H4, Canada
| | - Hua Rong
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Gang He
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Andrei K Yudin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3H4, Canada
| | - Gong Chen
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
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48
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Randall JR, Wang X, Groover KE, O'Donnell AC, Davies BW. Using display technologies to identify macrocyclic peptide antibiotics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119473. [PMID: 37011732 PMCID: PMC10198949 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119473] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistant bacterial infections are now a leading cause of global mortality. While drug resistance continues to spread, the clinical antibiotic pipeline has become bare. This discord has focused attention on developing new strategies for antimicrobial discovery. Natural macrocyclic peptide-based products have provided novel antibiotics and antibiotic scaffolds targeting several essential bacterial cell envelope processes, but discovery of such natural products remains a slow and inefficient process. Synthetic strategies employing peptide display technologies can quickly screen large libraries of macrocyclic sequences for specific target binding and general antibacterial potential providing alternative approaches for new antibiotic discovery. Here we review cell envelope processes that can be targeted with macrocyclic peptide therapeutics, outline important macrocyclic peptide display technologies, and discuss future strategies for both library design and screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Randall
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Xun Wang
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kyra E Groover
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Angela C O'Donnell
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Bryan W Davies
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Austin, TX, USA.
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Dai J, Battini N, Zang Z, Luo Y, Zhou C. Novel Thiazolylketenyl Quinazolinones as Potential Anti-MRSA Agents and Allosteric Modulator for PBP2a. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104240. [PMID: 37241983 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus have seriously threatened public health. There is an urgent need to propose an existing regimen to overcome multidrug resistance of MRSA. A unique class of novel anti-MRSA thiazolylketenyl quinazolinones (TQs) and their analogs were developed. Some synthesized compounds showed good bacteriostatic potency. Especially TQ 4 was found to exhibit excellent inhibition against MRSA with a low MIC of 0.5 μg/mL, which was 8-fold more effective than norfloxacin. The combination of TQ 4 with cefdinir showed stronger antibacterial potency. Further investigation revealed that TQ 4, with low hemolytic toxicity and low drug resistance, was not only able to inhibit biofilm formation but also could reduce MRSA metabolic activity and showed good drug-likeness. Mechanistic explorations revealed that TQ 4 could cause leakage of proteins by disrupting membrane integrity and block DNA replication by intercalated DNA. Furthermore, the synergistic antibacterial effect with cefdinir might be attributed to TQ 4 with the ability to induce PBP2a allosteric regulation of MRSA and further trigger the opening of the active site to promote the binding of cefdinir to the active site, thus inhibiting the expression of PBP2a, thereby overcoming MRSA resistance and significantly enhancing the anti-MRSA activity of cefdinir. A new strategy provided by these findings was that TQ 4, possessing both excellent anti-MRSA activity and allosteric effect of PBP2a, merited further development as a novel class of antibacterial agents to overcome increasingly severe MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dai
- Institute of Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Chongqing Municipality, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Narsaiah Battini
- Institute of Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Chongqing Municipality, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhonglin Zang
- Institute of Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Chongqing Municipality, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yan Luo
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Chenghe Zhou
- Institute of Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry of Chongqing Municipality, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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50
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Li L. Accessing hidden microbial biosynthetic potential from underexplored sources for novel drug discovery. Biotechnol Adv 2023:108176. [PMID: 37211187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microbial natural products and their structural analogues have widely used as pharmaceutical agents, especially for infectious diseases and cancer. Despite this success, new structural classes with innovative chemistry and modes of action are urgently needed to be developed to combat the growing antimicrobial resistance and other public health problems. The advances in next-generation sequencing technologies and powerful computational tools open up new opportunities to explore microbial biosynthetic potential from underexplored sources, with millions of secondary metabolites awaiting discovery. The review highlights challenges associated with discovery of new chemical entities, rich reservoirs provided by untapped taxa, ecological niches or host microbiomes, emerging synthetic biotechnologies to unearth the hidden microbial biosynthetic potential for novel drug discovery at scale and speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China.
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