1
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Zhao M, Hu M, Han R, Ye C, Li X, Wang T, Liu Y, Xue Z, Liu K. Dynamics design of a non-natural transcription factor responding to androst-4-ene-3,17-dione. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:436-444. [PMID: 38616975 PMCID: PMC11015099 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The production of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) by the steroidal microbial cell factory requires transcription factors (TFs) to participate in metabolic regulation. However, microbial cell factory lacks effective TFs that can respond to AD in its metabolic pathway. Additionally, finding and obtaining natural TFs that specifically respond to AD is a complex and onerous task. In this study, we devised an artificial TF that responds to AD, termed AdT, based on structure-guided molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. According to MD analysis of the conformational changes of AdT after binding to AD, an LBD in which the N- and C-termini exhibited convergence tendencies was used as a microswitch to guide the assembly of a DNA-binding domain lexA, a linker (GGGGS)2, and a transcription activation domain B42 into an artificial TF. As a proof of design, a AD biosensor was designed and constructed in yeast on the basis of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of hormone receptor. In addition, the transcription factor activity of AdT was increased by 1.44-fold for its variant F320Y. Overall, we created non-natural TF elements for AD microbial cell factory, and expected that the design TF strategy will be applied to running in parallel to the signaling machinery of the host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rumeng Han
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Microbiology Molecular Breeding, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Chao Ye
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Microbiology Molecular Breeding, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Xiangfei Li
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Microbiology Molecular Breeding, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Tianwen Wang
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Microbiology Molecular Breeding, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Microbiology Molecular Breeding, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Zhenglian Xue
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Microbiology Molecular Breeding, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Microbiology Molecular Breeding, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu 241000, China
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2
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Liu Q, Wu Q, Xu T, Malakar PK, Zhu Y, Liu J, Zhao Y, Zhang Z. Thanatin: A Promising Antimicrobial Peptide Targeting the Achilles' Heel of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9496. [PMID: 39273441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance poses an escalating threat to human health, necessitating the development of novel antimicrobial agents capable of addressing challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Thanatin, a 21-amino acid β-hairpin insect antimicrobial peptide featuring a single disulfide bond, exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly effective against multidrug-resistant strains. The outer membrane biosynthesis system is recognized as a critical vulnerability in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which thanatin targets to exert its antimicrobial effects. This peptide holds significant promise for diverse applications. This review begins with an examination of the structure-activity relationship and synthesis methods of thanatin. Subsequently, it explores thanatin's antimicrobial activity, detailing its various mechanisms of action. Finally, it discusses prospective clinical, environmental, food, and agricultural applications of thanatin, offering valuable insights for future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
- International Research Center for Food and Health, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Qian Wu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
- International Research Center for Food and Health, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Tianming Xu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
- International Research Center for Food and Health, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Pradeep K Malakar
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
- International Research Center for Food and Health, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yongheng Zhu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
- International Research Center for Food and Health, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jing Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
- International Research Center for Food and Health, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
- International Research Center for Food and Health, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zhaohuan Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
- International Research Center for Food and Health, Shanghai Ocean University, 999# Hu Cheng Huan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
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3
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Wu D, Tang H, Qiu X, Song S, Chen S, Robinson CV. Native MS-guided lipidomics to define endogenous lipid microenvironments of eukaryotic receptors and transporters. Nat Protoc 2024:10.1038/s41596-024-01037-4. [PMID: 39174660 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-01037-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian membrane is composed of various eukaryotic lipids interacting with extensively post-translationally modified proteins. Probing interactions between these mammalian membrane proteins and their diverse and heterogeneous lipid cohort remains challenging. Recently, native mass spectrometry (MS) combined with bottom-up 'omics' approaches has provided valuable information to relate structural and functional lipids to membrane protein assemblies in eukaryotic membranes. Here we provide a step-by-step protocol to identify and provide relative quantification for endogenous lipids bound to mammalian membrane proteins and their complexes. Using native MS to guide our lipidomics strategies, we describe the necessary sample preparation steps, followed by native MS data acquisition, tailored lipidomics and data interpretation. We also highlight considerations for the integration of different levels of information from native MS and lipidomics and how to deal with the various challenges that arise during the experiments. This protocol begins with the preparation of membrane proteins from mammalian cells and tissues for native MS. The results enable not only direct assessment of copurified endogenous lipids but also determination of the apparent affinities of specific lipids. Detailed sample preparation for lipidomics analysis is also covered, along with comprehensive settings for liquid chromatography-MS analysis. This protocol is suitable for the identification and quantification of endogenous lipids, including fatty acids, sterols, glycerolipids, phospholipids and glycolipids and can be used to interrogate proteins from recombinant sources to native membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Haiping Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Xingyu Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Siyuan Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Siyun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carol V Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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4
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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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5
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Liu JZ, Wang L, Jiang LJ, Lyu HC, Yuan Q, Wang GF, Fu YJ, Cui Q. In sight the behavior of natural Bletilla striata polysaccharide hydrocolloids by molecular dynamics method. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131245. [PMID: 38554922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131245] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Plant polysaccharides, distinguished by diverse glycosidic bonds and various cyclic sugar units, constitute a subclass of primary metabolites ubiquitously found in nature. Contrary to common understanding, plant polysaccharides typically form hydrocolloids upon dissolution in water, even though both excessively high and low temperatures impede this process. Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSP), chosen for this kinetic study due to their regular repeating units, help elucidate the relationship between polysaccharide gelation and temperature. It is suggested that elevated temperatures enhance the mobility of BSP molecular chains, resulting in a notable acceleration of hydrogen bond breakage between BSP and water molecules and consequently, compromising the conformational stability of BSPs to some extent. This study unveils the unique relationship between polysaccharide dissolution processes and temperature from a kinetics perspective. Consequently, the conclusion provides a dynamical basis for comprehending the extraction and preparation of natural plant polysaccharide hydrocolloids, pharmaceuticals and related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Zhao Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, PR China.
| | - Lu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310030, PR China
| | - Li-Jie Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, PR China
| | - Hong-Chang Lyu
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Qiang Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, PR China
| | - Guang-Fu Wang
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Yu-Jie Fu
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Tsinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Qi Cui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311402, PR China.
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6
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Urner LH, Fiorentino F, Shutin D, Sauer JB, Agasid MT, El-Baba TJ, Bolla JR, Stansfeld PJ, Robinson CV. Detergents with Scalable Properties Identify Noncanonical Lipopolysaccharide Binding to Bacterial Inner Membrane Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146. [PMID: 38604609 PMCID: PMC11046432 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is vital for maintaining the outer membrane barrier in Gram-negative bacteria. LPS is also frequently obtained in complex with the inner membrane proteins after detergent purification. The question of whether or not LPS binding to inner membrane proteins not involved in outer membrane biogenesis reflects native lipid environments remains unclear. Here, we leverage the control of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance and packing parameter concepts to chemically tune detergents that can be used to qualitatively differentiate the degree to which proteins copurify with phospholipids (PLs) and/or LPS. Given the scalable properties of these detergents, we demonstrate a detergent fine-tuning that enables the facile investigation of intact proteins and their complexes with lipids by native mass spectrometry (nMS). We conclude that LPS, a lipid that is believed to be important for outer membranes, can also affect the activity of membrane proteins that are currently not assigned to be involved in outer membrane biogenesis. Our results deliver a scalable detergent chemistry for a streamlined biophysical characterization of protein-lipid interactions, provide a rationale for the high affinity of LPS-protein binding, and identify noncanonical associations between LPS and inner membrane proteins with relevance for membrane biology and antibiotic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonhard H. Urner
- TU
Dortmund University, Department of Chemistry
and Chemical Biology, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Kavli
Institute for Nanoscience Discovery,
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Fiorentino
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Denis Shutin
- Kavli
Institute for Nanoscience Discovery,
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua B. Sauer
- Kavli
Institute for Nanoscience Discovery,
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Mark T. Agasid
- Kavli
Institute for Nanoscience Discovery,
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Tarick J. El-Baba
- Kavli
Institute for Nanoscience Discovery,
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Jani R. Bolla
- Kavli
Institute for Nanoscience Discovery,
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
- Department
of Biology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip J. Stansfeld
- School
of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The
University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United
Kingdom
| | - Carol V. Robinson
- Kavli
Institute for Nanoscience Discovery,
South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
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7
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Yoon Y, Song S. Structural Insights into the Lipopolysaccharide Transport (Lpt) System as a Novel Antibiotic Target. J Microbiol 2024; 62:261-275. [PMID: 38816673 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00137-w] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a critical component of the extracellular leaflet within the bacterial outer membrane, forming an effective physical barrier against environmental threats in Gram-negative bacteria. After LPS is synthesized and matured in the bacterial cytoplasm and the inner membrane (IM), LPS is inserted into the outer membrane (OM) through the ATP-driven LPS transport (Lpt) pathway, which is an energy-intensive process. A trans-envelope complex that contains seven Lpt proteins (LptA-LptG) is crucial for extracting LPS from the IM and transporting it across the periplasm to the OM. The last step in LPS transport involves the mediation of the LptDE complex, facilitating the insertion of LPS into the outer leaflet of the OM. As the Lpt system plays an essential role in maintaining the impermeability of the OM via LPS decoration, the interactions between these interconnected subunits, which are meticulously regulated, may be potential targets for the development of new antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of current research concerning the structural interactions within the Lpt system and their implications to clarify the function and regulation of LPS transport in the overall process of OM biogenesis. Additionally, we explored studies on the development of therapeutic inhibitors of LPS transport, the factors that limit success, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurim Yoon
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Saemee Song
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Oluwole A, Hernández-Rocamora VM, Cao Y, Li X, Vollmer W, Robinson CV, Bolla JR. Real-Time Biosynthetic Reaction Monitoring Informs the Mechanism of Action of Antibiotics. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7007-7017. [PMID: 38428018 PMCID: PMC10941186 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00081] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The rapid spread of drug-resistant pathogens and the declining discovery of new antibiotics have created a global health crisis and heightened interest in the search for novel antibiotics. Beyond their discovery, elucidating mechanisms of action has necessitated new approaches, especially for antibiotics that interact with lipidic substrates and membrane proteins. Here, we develop a methodology for real-time reaction monitoring of the activities of two bacterial membrane phosphatases, UppP and PgpB. We then show how we can inhibit their activities using existing and newly discovered antibiotics such as bacitracin and teixobactin. Additionally, we found that the UppP dimer is stabilized by phosphatidylethanolamine, which, unexpectedly, enhanced the speed of substrate processing. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of native mass spectrometry for real-time biosynthetic reaction monitoring of membrane enzymes, as well as their in situ inhibition and cofactor binding, to inform the mode of action of emerging antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham
O. Oluwole
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, U.K.
- The
Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K.
| | - Víctor M. Hernández-Rocamora
- Centre
for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, U.K.
| | - Yihui Cao
- Department
of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xuechen Li
- Department
of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre
for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, U.K.
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, University of
Queensland, Carmody Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Carol V. Robinson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, U.K.
- The
Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K.
| | - Jani R. Bolla
- The
Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, U.K.
- Department
of Biology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, U.K.
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9
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Abdullah SJ, Yan BTS, Palanivelu N, Dhanabal VB, Bifani JP, Bhattacharjya S. Outer-Membrane Permeabilization, LPS Transport Inhibition: Activity, Interactions, and Structures of Thanatin Derived Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2122. [PMID: 38396798 PMCID: PMC10888688 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042122] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, viable antibiotics available to mitigate infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are highly limited. Thanatin, a 21-residue-long insect-derived antimicrobial peptide (AMP), is a promising lead molecule for the potential development of novel antibiotics. Thanatin is extremely potent, particularly against the Enterobacter group of Gram-negative pathogens, e.g., E. coli and K. pneumoniae. As a mode of action, cationic thanatin efficiently permeabilizes the LPS-outer membrane and binds to the periplasmic protein LptAm to inhibit outer membrane biogenesis. Here, we have utilized N-terminal truncated 16- and 14-residue peptide fragments of thanatin and investigated structure, activity, and selectivity with correlating modes of action. A designed 16-residue peptide containing D-Lys (dk) named VF16 (V1PIIYCNRRT-dk-KCQRF16) demonstrated killing activity in Gram-negative bacteria. The VF16 peptide did not show any detectable toxicity to the HEK 293T cell line and kidney cell line Hep G2. As a mode of action, VF16 interacted with LPS, permeabilizing the outer membrane and binding to LptAm with high affinity. Atomic-resolution structures of VF16 in complex with LPS revealed cationic and aromatic surfaces involved in outer membrane interactions and permeabilization. Further, analyses of an inactive 14-residue native thanatin peptide (IM14: IIYCNRRTGKCQRM) delineated the requirement of the β-sheet structure in activity and target interactions. Taken together, this work would pave the way for the designing of short analogs of thanatin-based antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaleeha Jaan Abdullah
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (S.J.A.); (N.P.)
| | - Bernice Tan Siu Yan
- A*Star Infectious Diseases Labs, 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Nithya Palanivelu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (S.J.A.); (N.P.)
| | - Vidhya Bharathi Dhanabal
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (S.J.A.); (N.P.)
| | - Juan Pablo Bifani
- A*Star Infectious Diseases Labs, 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Surajit Bhattacharjya
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (S.J.A.); (N.P.)
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10
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Abdullah SJ, Mu Y, Bhattacharjya S. Structures, Interactions and Activity of the N-Terminal Truncated Variants of Antimicrobial Peptide Thanatin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:74. [PMID: 38247633 PMCID: PMC10812785 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are intrinsically more resistant to many frontline antibiotics, which is attributed to the permeability barrier of the outer membrane, drug efflux pumps and porins. Consequently, discovery of new small molecules antibiotics to kill drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria presents a significant challenge. Thanatin, a 21-residue insect-derived antimicrobial peptide, is known for its potent activity against Enterobacter Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. Here, we investigated a 15-residue N-terminal truncated analog PM15 (P1IIYCNRRTGKCQRM15) of thanatin to determine modes of action and antibacterial activity. PM15 and the P1 to Y and A substituted variants PM15Y and PM15A delineated interactions and permeabilization of the LPS-outer membrane. In antibacterial assays, PM15 and the analogs showed growth inhibition of strains of Gram-negative bacteria that is largely dependent on the composition of the culture media. Atomic-resolution structures of PM15 and PM15Y in free solution and in complex with LPS micelle exhibited persistent β-hairpin structures similar to native thanatin. However, in complex with LPS, the structures of peptides are more compact, with extensive packing interactions among residues across the two anti-parallel strands of the β-hairpin. The docked complex of PM15/LPS revealed a parallel orientation of the peptide that may be sustained by potential ionic and van der Waals interactions with the lipid A moiety of LPS. Further, PM15 and PM15Y bind to LptAm, a monomeric functional variant of LptA, the periplasmic component of the seven-protein (A-G) complex involved in LPS transport. Taken together, the structures, target interactions and antibacterial effect of PM15 presented in the current study could be useful in designing thanatin-based peptide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Surajit Bhattacharjya
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore; (S.J.A.); (Y.M.)
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11
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Yang Y, Chen H, Corey RA, Morales V, Quentin Y, Froment C, Caumont-Sarcos A, Albenne C, Burlet-Schiltz O, Ranava D, Stansfeld PJ, Marcoux J, Ieva R. LptM promotes oxidative maturation of the lipopolysaccharide translocon by substrate binding mimicry. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6368. [PMID: 37821449 PMCID: PMC10567701 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42007-w] [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] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Insertion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the bacterial outer membrane (OM) is mediated by a druggable OM translocon consisting of a β-barrel membrane protein, LptD, and a lipoprotein, LptE. The β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) assembles LptD together with LptE at the OM. In the enterobacterium Escherichia coli, formation of two native disulfide bonds in LptD controls translocon activation. Here we report the discovery of LptM (formerly YifL), a lipoprotein conserved in Enterobacteriaceae, that assembles together with LptD and LptE at the BAM complex. LptM stabilizes a conformation of LptD that can efficiently acquire native disulfide bonds, whereas its inactivation makes disulfide bond isomerization by DsbC become essential for viability. Our structural prediction and biochemical analyses indicate that LptM binds to sites in both LptD and LptE that are proposed to coordinate LPS insertion into the OM. These results suggest that, by mimicking LPS binding, LptM facilitates oxidative maturation of LptD, thereby activating the LPS translocon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Yang
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Haoxiang Chen
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Robin A Corey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Violette Morales
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Yves Quentin
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Carine Froment
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31077, France
- Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, ProFI, FR 2048, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Caumont-Sarcos
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Cécile Albenne
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Odile Burlet-Schiltz
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31077, France
- Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, ProFI, FR 2048, Toulouse, France
| | - David Ranava
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31062, France
| | - Phillip J Stansfeld
- School of Life Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Julien Marcoux
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31077, France
- Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, ProFI, FR 2048, Toulouse, France
| | - Raffaele Ieva
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), Toulouse, 31062, France.
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12
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Li X, Fu L, Zhang S, Wang Y, Gao L. How Alligator Immune Peptides Kill Gram-Negative Bacteria: A Lipid-Scrambling, Squeezing, and Extracting Mechanism Revealed by Theoretical Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10962. [PMID: 37446138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alligator sinensis cathelicidins (As-CATHs) are antimicrobial peptides extracted from alligators that enable alligators to cope with diseases caused by bacterial infections. This study assessed the damaging effects of sequence-truncated and residue-substituted variants of As-CATH4, AS4-1, AS4-5, and AS4-9 (with decreasing charges but increasing hydrophobicity) on the membranes of Gram-negative bacteria at the molecular level by using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations predicted that all the variants disrupt the structures of the inner membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, with AS4-9 having the highest antibacterial activity that is able to squeeze the membrane and extract lipids from the membrane. However, none of them can disrupt the structure of asymmetric outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, which is composed of lipopolysaccharides in the outer leaflet and phospholipids in the inner leaflet. Nonetheless, the adsorption of AS4-9 induces lipid scrambling in the membrane by lowering the free energy of a phospholipid flipping from the inner leaflet up to the outer leaflet. Upon binding onto the lipid-scrambled outer membrane, AS4-9s are predicted to squeeze and extract phospholipids from the membrane, AS4-5s have a weak pull-out effect, and AS4-1s mainly stay free in water without any lipid-extracting function. These findings provide inspiration for the development of potent therapeutic agents targeting bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lianghui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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13
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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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14
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Oi KK, Moehle K, Schuster M, Zerbe O. Early Molecular Insights into Thanatin Analogues Binding to A. baumannii LptA. Molecules 2023; 28:4335. [PMID: 37298811 PMCID: PMC10254193 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114335] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cationic antimicrobial ß-hairpin, thanatin, was recently developed into drug-like analogues active against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). The analogues represent new antibiotics with a novel mode of action targeting LptA in the periplasm and disrupting LPS transport. The compounds lose antimicrobial efficacy when the sequence identity to E. coli LptA falls below 70%. We wanted to test the thanatin analogues against LptA of a phylogenetic distant organism and investigate the molecular determinants of inactivity. Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a critical Gram-negative pathogen that has gained increasing attention for its multi-drug resistance and hospital burden. A. baumannii LptA shares 28% sequence identity with E. coli LptA and displays an intrinsic resistance to thanatin and thanatin analogues (MIC values > 32 µg/mL) through a mechanism not yet described. We investigated the inactivity further and discovered that these CRE-optimized derivatives can bind to LptA of A. baumannii in vitro, despite the high MIC values. Herein, we present a high-resolution structure of A. baumannii LptAm in complex with a thanatin derivative 7 and binding affinities of selected thanatin derivatives. Together, these data offer structural insights into why thanatin derivatives are inactive against A. baumannii LptA, despite binding events in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Oliver Zerbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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15
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Schuster M, Brabet E, Oi KK, Desjonquères N, Moehle K, Le Poupon K, Hell S, Gable S, Rithié V, Dillinger S, Zbinden P, Luther A, Li C, Stiegeler S, D’Arco C, Locher H, Remus T, DiMaio S, Motta P, Wach A, Jung F, Upert G, Obrecht D, Benghezal M, Zerbe O. Peptidomimetic antibiotics disrupt the lipopolysaccharide transport bridge of drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg3683. [PMID: 37224246 PMCID: PMC10208570 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg3683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a substantial threat to our health system, and, hence, development of drugs against novel targets is urgently needed. The natural peptide thanatin kills Gram-negative bacteria by targeting proteins of the lipopolysaccharide transport (Lpt) machinery. Using the thanatin scaffold together with phenotypic medicinal chemistry, structural data, and a target-focused approach, we developed antimicrobial peptides with drug-like properties. They exhibit potent activity against Enterobacteriaceae both in vitro and in vivo while eliciting low frequencies of resistance. We show that the peptides bind LptA of both wild-type and thanatin-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains with low-nanomolar affinities. Mode of action studies revealed that the antimicrobial activity involves the specific disruption of the Lpt periplasmic protein bridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schuster
- University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Emile Brabet
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Kathryn K. Oi
- University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Kerstin Moehle
- University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Karen Le Poupon
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Hell
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Gable
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Rithié
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Peter Zbinden
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Anatol Luther
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Li
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Stiegeler
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Carolin D’Arco
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Hans Locher
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Remus
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Selena DiMaio
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Paola Motta
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Achim Wach
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Françoise Jung
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Grégory Upert
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Obrecht
- Spexis AG, Hegenheimermattweg 125, CH-4112 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Oliver Zerbe
- University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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16
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Fiorentino F, Rotili D, Mai A. Native mass spectrometry-directed drug discovery: Recent advances in investigating protein function and modulation. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103548. [PMID: 36871843 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Native mass spectrometry (nMS) is a biophysical method for studying protein complexes and can provide insights into subunit stoichiometry and composition, protein-ligand, and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). These analyses are made possible by preserving non-covalent interactions in the gas phase, thereby allowing the analysis of proteins in their native state. Consequently, nMS has been increasingly applied in early drug discovery campaigns for the characterization of protein-drug interactions and the evaluation of PPI modulators. Here, we discuss recent developments in nMS-directed drug discovery and provide a timely perspective on the possible applications of this technology in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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17
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Mass spectrometry of intact membrane proteins: shifting towards a more native-like context. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:201-213. [PMID: 36807530 PMCID: PMC10070488 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins are involved in a plethora of biological processes including cellular signalling, molecular transport, and catalysis. Many of these functions are mediated by non-covalent interactions with other proteins, substrates, metabolites, and surrounding lipids. Uncovering such interactions and deciphering their effect on protein activity is essential for understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying integral membrane protein function. However, the detection of such dynamic complexes has proven to be challenging using traditional approaches in structural biology. Native mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful technique for the structural characterisation of membrane proteins and their complexes, enabling the detection and identification of protein-binding partners. In this review, we discuss recent native mass spectrometry-based studies that have characterised non-covalent interactions of membrane proteins in the presence of detergents or membrane mimetics. We additionally highlight recent progress towards the study of membrane proteins within native membranes and provide our perspective on how these could be combined with recent developments in instrumentation to investigate increasingly complex biomolecular systems.
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18
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Samsudin F, Raghuvamsi P, Petruk G, Puthia M, Petrlova J, MacAry P, Anand GS, Bond PJ, Schmidtchen A. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as a bacterial lipopolysaccharide delivery system in an overzealous inflammatory cascade. J Mol Cell Biol 2023; 14:6761401. [PMID: 36240490 PMCID: PMC9940780 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates a potential role for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the overactivation of the immune response during SARS-CoV-2 infection. LPS is recognized by Toll-like receptor 4, mediating proinflammatory effects. We previously reported that LPS directly interacts with SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and enhances proinflammatory activities. Using native gel electrophoresis and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, we showed that LPS binds to multiple hydrophobic pockets spanning both the S1 and S2 subunits of the S protein. Molecular simulations validated by a microscale thermophoresis binding assay revealed that LPS binds to the S2 pocket with a lower affinity compared to S1, suggesting a role as an intermediate in LPS transfer. Congruently, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in monocytic THP-1 cells is strongly boosted by S2. Using NF-κB reporter mice followed by bioimaging, a boosting effect was observed for both S1 and S2, with the former potentially facilitated by proteolysis. The Omicron S variant binds to LPS, but with reduced affinity and LPS boosting in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the data provide a molecular mechanism by which S protein augments LPS-mediated hyperinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdaus Samsudin
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Palur Raghuvamsi
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Ganna Petruk
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Manoj Puthia
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jitka Petrlova
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Paul MacAry
- Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Ganesh S Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.,Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, PA 16801, USA
| | - Peter J Bond
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Artur Schmidtchen
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden.,Copenhagen Wound Healing Center, Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Sperandeo P, Martorana AM, Zaccaria M, Polissi A. Targeting the LPS export pathway for the development of novel therapeutics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119406. [PMID: 36473551 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rapid rise of multi-resistant bacteria is a global health threat. This is especially serious for Gram-negative bacteria in which the impermeable outer membrane (OM) acts as a shield against antibiotics. The development of new drugs with novel modes of actions to combat multi-drug resistant pathogens requires the selection of suitable processes to be targeted. The LPS export pathway is an excellent under exploited target for drug development. Indeed, LPS is the major determinant of the OM permeability barrier, and its biogenetic pathway is conserved in most Gram-negatives. Here we describe efforts to identify inhibitors of the multiprotein Lpt system that transports LPS to the cell surface. Despite none of these molecules has been approved for clinical use, they may represent valuable compounds for optimization. Finally, the recent discovery of a link between inhibition of LPS biogenesis and changes in peptidoglycan structure uncovers additional targets to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sperandeo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra M Martorana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Zaccaria
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Polissi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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20
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Zhou L, Liu Z, Guo Y, Liu S, Zhao H, Zhao S, Xiao C, Feng S, Yang X, Wang F. Ultraviolet Photodissociation Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Crown Ether Microsolvation Effect on the Gas-Phase Native-like Protein Structure. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1285-1291. [PMID: 36584399 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining the protein high-order structures and interactions during the transition from aqueous solution to gas phase is essential to the structural analysis of native mass spectrometry (nMS). Herein, we systematically interrogate the effects of charge state and crown ether (CE) complexation on the gas-phase native-like protein structure by integrating nMS with 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD). The alterations of photofragmentation yields of protein residues and the charge site distribution of fragment ions reveal the specific sites and sequence regions where charge and CE take effect. Our results exhibit the CE complexation on protonated residues can largely alleviate the structure disruption induced by the intramolecular solvation of charged side chains. The influences of CE complexation and positive charge on gas-phase protein structure exhibit generally opposite trends because the CE microsolvation avoids the hydrogen-bonding formation between the charged side chains with backbone carbonyls. Thus, CE complexation leads to a more stable and native-like protein structure in the gas phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqiang Zhou
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Zheyi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongjie Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shiwen Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Chunlei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shun Feng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xueming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Fangjun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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21
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Zou P, Liu J, Li X, Yaseen M, Yao J, Liu L, Luo L, Wang H, Shi X, Li Z, Sun T, Gao Y, Gao C, Li LL. A Membrane Curvature Modulated Lipopeptide to Broadly Combat Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Pneumonia with Low Resistance Risk. ACS NANO 2022; 16:20545-20558. [PMID: 36375012 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The extensive spread of multidrug resistance to Gram-negative bacteria has become a huge threat to human health, where peptide-based antibacterial agents have emerged as a powerful star weapon. Here we report a lipopeptide (LP-20) constructed nanomicelle with a different antibacterial mechanism of membrane curvature modulation, which induced dynamic membrane fission resulting in acceleration and enhancement of antibacterial activity to clinically isolated ESKAPE strains, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration was reduced to 2-10 μM, and the minimum duration for killing was shortened to less than an hour by LP-20. This is an improvement over antimicrobial peptides and traditional antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, significantly enhancing antibacterial activity for MDR, and we observed no acquisition of resistance for one month. This accelerated germicidal mechanism was attributed to multitargeting with lipopolysaccharides, phosphoethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and cardiolipin, and the synergetic interactions induced a high curvature of the bacterial membrane, which facilitated simultaneously efficient damage to both inner and outer membrane. The LP-20 effectively prolonged the lifetime of myositis mice with Escherichia coli MDR and pneumonia mice with Klebsiella pneumoniae through a hepatic metabolism with ignorable toxicity. This study provides critical information for the fabrication of lipopeptide-based nano-antibiotics for the efficient control of intractable MDR caused by Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing100850, China
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang261053, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang261053, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
| | - Muhammad Yaseen
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar25120, KP, Pakistan
| | - Jiahui Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- Department of Pharmacy, PLA General Hospital, Center of Medicine Clinical Research, Beijing100853, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- Department of Pharmacy, PLA General Hospital, Center of Medicine Clinical Research, Beijing100853, China
| | - Lujun Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing100190, China
| | - Xinghua Shi
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing100190, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing100850, China
| | - Tongyi Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Proteins and Peptides Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shandong Universities Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Weifang Medical University, Weifang261053, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang261053, China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- State key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing100850, China
| | - Li Li Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
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22
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Fu L, Li X, Zhang S, Dong Y, Fang W, Gao L. Polymyxins induce lipid scrambling and disrupt the homeostasis of Gram-negative bacteria membrane. Biophys J 2022; 121:3486-3498. [PMID: 35964158 PMCID: PMC9515121 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymyxins are increasingly used as the last-line therapeutic option for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, efforts to address the resistance in superbugs are compromised by a poor understanding of the bactericidal modes because high-resolution detection of the cell structure is still lacking. By performing molecular dynamics simulations at a coarse-grained level, here we show that polymyxin B (PmB) disrupts Gram-negative bacterial membranes by altering lipid homeostasis and asymmetry. We found that the binding of PmBs onto the asymmetric outer membrane (OM) loosens the packing of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and induces unbalanced bending torque between the inner and outer leaflets, which in turn triggers phospholipids to flip from the inner leaflet to the outer leaflet to compensate for the stress deformation. Meanwhile, some LPSs may be detained on the inner membrane (IM). Then, the lipid-scrambled OM undergoes phase separation. Defects are created at the boundaries between LPS-rich domains and phospholipid-rich domains, which consequently facilitate the uptake of PmB across the OM. Finally, PmBs target LPSs detained on the IM and similarly perturb the IM. This lipid Scramble, membrane phase Separation, and peptide Translocation model depicts a novel mechanism by which polymyxins kill bacteria and sheds light on developing a new generation of polymyxins or antibiotic adjuvants with improved killing activities and higher therapeutic indices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihai Fang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lianghui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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23
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Advances in membrane mimetics and mass spectrometry for understanding membrane structure and function. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 69:102157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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24
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Dafun AS, Marcoux J. Structural mass spectrometry of membrane proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 1870:140813. [PMID: 35750312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2022.140813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of proteins and protein complexes by mass spectrometry (MS) has come a long way since the invention of electrospray ionization (ESI) in the mid 80s. Originally used to characterize small soluble polypeptide chains, MS has progressively evolved over the past 3 decades towards the analysis of samples of ever increasing heterogeneity and complexity, while the instruments have become more and more sensitive and resolutive. The proofs of concepts and first examples of most structural MS methods appeared in the early 90s. However, their application to membrane proteins, key targets in the biopharma industry, is more recent. Nowadays, a wealth of information can be gathered from such MS-based methods, on all aspects of membrane protein structure: sequencing (and more precisely proteoform characterization), but also stoichiometry, non-covalent ligand binding (metals, drug, lipids, carbohydrates), conformations, dynamics and distance restraints for modelling. In this review, we present the concept and some historical and more recent applications on membrane proteins, for the major structural MS methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Sanchez Dafun
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Julien Marcoux
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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25
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TPGS-based and S-thanatin functionalized nanorods for overcoming drug resistance in Klebsiella pneumonia. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3731. [PMID: 35768446 PMCID: PMC9243133 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31500-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tigecycline is regarded as the last line of defense to combat multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, increasing utilization has led to rising drug resistance and treatment failure. Here, we design a D-alpha tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate-modified and S-thanatin peptide-functionalized nanorods based on calcium phosphate nanoparticles for tigecycline delivery and pneumonia therapy caused by tigecycline-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. After incubation with bacteria, the fabricated nanorods can enhance tigecycline accumulation in bacteria via the inhibitory effect on efflux pumps exerted by D-alpha tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate and the targeting capacity of S-thanatin to bacteria. The synergistic antibacterial capacity between S-thanatin and tigecycline further enhances the antibacterial activity of nanorods, thus overcoming the tigecycline resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae. After intravenous injection, nanorods significantly reduces the counts of white blood cells and neutrophils, decreases bacterial colonies, and ameliorates neutrophil infiltration events, thereby largely increasing the survival rate of mice with pneumonia. These findings may provide a therapeutic strategy for infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Overproduction of efflux pumps represents an important mechanism of Klebsiella pneumonia resistance to tigecycline. Here, the authors design TPGS- and S-thanatin functionalized nanorods loaded with tigecycline to increase drug accumulation inside bacteria and overcome bacterial resistance.
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26
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Keener JE, Jayasekera HS, Marty MT. Investigating the Lipid Selectivity of Membrane Proteins in Heterogeneous Nanodiscs. Anal Chem 2022; 94:8497-8505. [PMID: 35621361 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The structure and function of membrane proteins can be significantly impacted by the surrounding lipid environment, but membrane protein-lipid interactions in lipid bilayers are often difficult to study due to their transient and polydisperse nature. Here, we used two native mass spectrometry (MS) approaches to investigate how the Escherichia coli ammonium transporter trimer (AmtB) and aquaporin Z (AqpZ) selectively remodel their local lipid environment in heterogeneous lipoprotein nanodiscs. First, we used gas-phase ejection to isolate the membrane protein with bound lipids from heterogeneous nanodiscs with different combinations of lipids. Second, we used solution-phase detergent extraction as an orthogonal approach to study membrane protein remodeling of lipids in the nanodisc with native MS. Our results showed that Triton X-100 and lauryldimethylamine oxide retain lipid selectivity that agrees with gas-phase ejection, but C8E4 distorts some preferential lipid interactions. Both approaches reveal that AmtB has a few selective binding sites for phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipids, is selective for binding phosphatidylglycerols (PG) overall, and is nonselective for phosphatidylethanolamines (PE). In contrast, AqpZ prefers either PC or PG over PE and prefers PC over PG. Overall, these experiments provide a picture of how membrane proteins bind different lipid head groups in the context of mixed lipid bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Keener
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Hiruni S Jayasekera
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Michael T Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States.,Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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27
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De novo design of a transcription factor for a progesterone biosensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 203:113897. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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28
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Atomic-Resolution Structures and Mode of Action of Clinically Relevant Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094558. [PMID: 35562950 PMCID: PMC9100274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Global rise of infections and deaths caused by drug-resistant bacterial pathogens are among the unmet medical needs. In an age of drying pipeline of novel antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are proven to be valid therapeutics modalities. Direct in vivo applications of many AMPs could be challenging; however, works are demonstrating encouraging results for some of them. In this review article, we discussed 3-D structures of potent AMPs e.g., polymyxin, thanatin, MSI, protegrin, OMPTA in complex with bacterial targets and their mode of actions. Studies on human peptide LL37 and de novo-designed peptides are also discussed. We have focused on AMPs which are effective against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Since treatment options for the infections caused by super bugs of Gram-negative bacteria are now extremely limited. We also summarize some of the pertinent challenges in the field of clinical trials of AMPs.
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29
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Botte M, Ni D, Schenck S, Zimmermann I, Chami M, Bocquet N, Egloff P, Bucher D, Trabuco M, Cheng RKY, Brunner JD, Seeger MA, Stahlberg H, Hennig M. Cryo-EM structures of a LptDE transporter in complex with Pro-macrobodies offer insight into lipopolysaccharide translocation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1826. [PMID: 35383177 PMCID: PMC8983717 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29459-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharides are major constituents of the extracellular leaflet in the bacterial outer membrane and form an effective physical barrier for environmental threats and for antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria. The last step of LPS insertion via the Lpt pathway is mediated by the LptD/E protein complex. Detailed insights into the architecture of LptDE transporter complexes have been derived from X-ray crystallography. However, no structure of a laterally open LptD transporter, a transient state that occurs during LPS release, is available to date. Here, we report a cryo-EM structure of a partially opened LptDE transporter in complex with rigid chaperones derived from nanobodies, at 3.4 Å resolution. In addition, a subset of particles allows to model a structure of a laterally fully opened LptDE complex. Our work offers insights into the mechanism of LPS insertion, provides a structural framework for the development of antibiotics targeting LptD and describes a highly rigid chaperone scaffold to enable structural biology of challenging protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Botte
- leadXpro AG, Park Innovaare, 5234, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Dongchun Ni
- C-CINA, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Mattenstr. 24, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Schenck
- leadXpro AG, Park Innovaare, 5234, Villigen, Switzerland
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Iwan Zimmermann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, Gloriastasse 28/30, 8006, Zürich, Switzerland
- Linkster Therapeutics AG, 8006, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Chami
- C-CINA, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Mattenstr. 24, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Pascal Egloff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, Gloriastasse 28/30, 8006, Zürich, Switzerland
- Linkster Therapeutics AG, 8006, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Denis Bucher
- leadXpro AG, Park Innovaare, 5234, Villigen, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Janine D Brunner
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), 5232, Villigen, Switzerland
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Belgium; Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Markus A Seeger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zürich, Gloriastasse 28/30, 8006, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Henning Stahlberg
- C-CINA, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Mattenstr. 24, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hennig
- leadXpro AG, Park Innovaare, 5234, Villigen, Switzerland.
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30
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Khalid S, Schroeder C, Bond PJ, Duncan AL. What have molecular simulations contributed to understanding of Gram-negative bacterial cell envelopes? MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168. [PMID: 35294337 PMCID: PMC9558347 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial cell envelopes are compositionally complex and crowded and while highly dynamic in some areas, their molecular motion is very limited, to the point of being almost static in others. Therefore, it is no real surprise that studying them at high resolution across a range of temporal and spatial scales requires a number of different techniques. Details at atomistic to molecular scales for up to tens of microseconds are now within range for molecular dynamics simulations. Here we review how such simulations have contributed to our current understanding of the cell envelopes of Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syma Khalid
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Cyril Schroeder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Peter J Bond
- Bioinformatics Institute (A*STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Anna L Duncan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
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31
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Sinha S, Bhattacharjya S. NMR Structure and Localization of the Host Defense Peptide ThanatinM21F in Zwitterionic Dodecylphosphocholine Micelle: Implications in Antimicrobial and Hemolytic Activity. J Membr Biol 2022; 255:151-160. [PMID: 35257227 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-022-00223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Non-hemolytic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are vital lead molecules for the designing and development of peptide-based antibiotics. Thanatin a 21-amino acid long single disulfide bonded AMP is known to be highly non-hemolytic with a limited toxicity to human cells and model animals. Thanatin demonstrates a potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. A single mutated variant of thanatin replaced last residue Met21 to Phe or thanatin M21F has recently been found to be more active compared to the native peptide. In order to gain mechanistic insights toward bacterial cell lysis versus non-hemolysis, here, we report atomic resolution structure and mode insertion of thanatinM21F reconstituted into zwitterionic detergent micelle by use of solution NMR spectroscopy. The 3D structure of thanatinM21F in DPC micelle is defined by an anti-parallel β-sheet between residues I9-F21 with a central cationic loop, residues N12-R14. PRE NMR studies revealed hydrophobic core residues of thanatinM21F are deeply inserted in the DPC micelle, while residues at the extended N-terminal half of the peptide are appeared to be mostly surface localized. Marked structural differences of thanatin and thanatinM21F in negatively charged LPS and DPC micelle could be correlated with non-hemolytic and antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Sinha
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore, 637141, Singapore
| | - Surajit Bhattacharjya
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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32
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Sinha S, Dhanabal VB, Sperandeo P, Polissi A, Bhattacharjya S. Linking dual mode of action of host defense antimicrobial peptide thanatin: Structures, lipopolysaccharide and LptA m binding of designed analogs. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183839. [PMID: 34915021 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
At present, antibiotics options to cure infections caused by drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens are highly inadequate. LPS outer membrane, proteins involved in LPS transport and biosynthesis pathways are vital targets. Thanatin, an insect derived 21-residue long antimicrobial peptide may be exploited for the development of effective antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria. As a mode of bacterial cell killing, thanatin disrupts LPS outer membrane and inhibits LPS transport by binding to the periplasmic protein LptAm. Here, we report structure-activity correlation of thanatin and analogs for the purpose of rational design. These analogs of thanatin are investigated, by NMR, ITC and fluorescence, to correlate structure, antibacterial activity and binding with LPS and LptAm, a truncated monomeric variant. Our results demonstrate that an analog thanatin M21F exhibits superior antibacterial activity. In LPS interaction analyses, thanatin M21F demonstrate high affinity binding to outer membrane LPS. The atomic resolution structure of thanatin M21F in LPS micelle reveals four stranded β-sheet structure in a dimeric topology whereby the sidechain of aromatic residues Y10, F21 sustained mutual packing at the interface. Strikingly, LptAm binding affinity of thanatin M21F has been significantly increased with an estimated Kd ~ 0.73 nM vs 13 nM for thanatin. Further, atomic resolution structures and interactions of Ala based thanatin analogs define plausible correlations with antibacterial activity and LPS, LptAm interactions. Taken together, the current work provides a frame-work for the designing of thanatin based potent antimicrobial peptides for the treatment of drug resistance Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Sinha
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore; Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore; Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141, Singapore
| | - Vidhya Bharathi Dhanabal
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Paola Sperandeo
- Dept. of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Polissi
- Dept. of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Surajit Bhattacharjya
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
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33
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Fiorentino F, Bolla JR. Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Dynamics and Interactions of the LPS Translocon LptDE. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2548:109-128. [PMID: 36151495 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2581-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer leaflet of the outer membrane (OM) is essential for Gram-negative bacteria OM barrier function and for maintaining its cell integrity. As such, comprehensive information about its biosynthesis and translocation represents a successful strategy for the development of antibacterial drugs. LPS is a complex glycolipid, and probing its interactions with LPS transport (Lpt) proteins has been extremely challenging. However, mass spectrometry (MS) techniques have recently catalyzed tremendous advancements in the characterization of LPS transport (Lpt) proteins and probed associated conformational dynamics upon substrate binding. Here, we describe the application of MS methods to study the dynamics of LPS translocon LptDE in the presence of natural substrates and inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jani R Bolla
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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34
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González-Fernández C, Bringas E, Oostenbrink C, Ortiz I. In silico investigation and surmounting of Lipopolysaccharide barrier in Gram-Negative Bacteria: How far has molecular dynamics Come? Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5886-5901. [PMID: 36382192 PMCID: PMC9636410 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a main component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, has crucial implications on both antibiotic resistance and the overstimulation of the host innate immune system. Fighting against these global concerns calls for the molecular understanding of the barrier function and immunostimulatory ability of LPS. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become an invaluable tool for uncovering important findings in LPS research. While the reach of MD simulations for investigating the immunostimulatory ability of LPS has been already outlined, little attention has been paid to the role of MD simulations for exploring its barrier function and synthesis. Herein, we give an overview about the impact of MD simulations on gaining insight into the shield role and synthesis pathway of LPS, which have attracted considerable attention to discover molecules able to surmount antibiotic resistance, either circumventing LPS defenses or disrupting its synthesis. We specifically focus on the enhanced sampling and free energy calculation methods that have been combined with MD simulations to address such research. We also highlight the use of special-purpose MD supercomputers, the importance of appropriate LPS and ions parameterization to obtain reliable results, and the complementary views that MD and wet-lab experiments provide. Thereby, this work, which covers the last five years of research, apart from outlining the phenomena and strategies that are being explored, evidences the valuable insights that are gained by MD, which may be useful to advance antibiotic design, and what the prospects of this in silico method could be in LPS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina González-Fernández
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ETSIIT, University of Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Eugenio Bringas
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ETSIIT, University of Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Chris Oostenbrink
- Institute for Molecular Modeling and Simulation, BOKU – University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Inmaculada Ortiz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, ETSIIT, University of Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
- Corresponding author.
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35
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YhdP, TamB, and YdbH Are Redundant but Essential for Growth and Lipid Homeostasis of the Gram-Negative Outer Membrane. mBio 2021; 12:e0271421. [PMID: 34781743 PMCID: PMC8593681 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02714-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial cell envelope is the first line of defense and point of contact with the environment and other organisms. Envelope biogenesis is therefore crucial for the survival and physiology of bacteria and is often targeted by antimicrobials. Gram-negative bacteria have a multilayered envelope delimited by an inner and outer membrane (IM and OM, respectively). The OM is a barrier against many antimicrobials because of its asymmetric lipid structure, with phospholipids composing the inner leaflet and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) the outer leaflet. Since lipid synthesis occurs at the IM, phospholipids and LPS are transported across the cell envelope and asymmetrically assembled at the OM during growth. How phospholipids are transported to the OM remains unknown. Recently, the Escherichia coli protein YhdP has been proposed to participate in this process through an unknown mechanism. YhdP belongs to the AsmA-like clan and contains domains homologous to those found in lipid transporters. Here, we used genetics to investigate the six members of the AsmA-like clan of proteins in E. coli. Our data show that YhdP and its paralogs TamB and YdbH are redundant, but not equivalent, in performing an essential function in the cell envelope. Among the AsmA-like paralogs, only the combined loss of YhdP, TamB, and YdbH is lethal, and any of these three proteins is sufficient for growth. We also show that these proteins are required for OM lipid homeostasis and propose that they are the long-sought-after phospholipid transporters that are required for OM biogenesis.
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36
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Molecular insights into mechanisms of GPCR hijacking by Staphylococcus aureus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2108856118. [PMID: 34663701 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108856118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) targeted by Staphylococcus aureus bicomponent pore-forming leukotoxins to promote bacterial growth and immune evasion. Here, we have developed an integrative molecular pharmacology and structural biology approach in order to characterize the effect of leukotoxins HlgA and HlgB on ACKR1 structure and function. Interestingly, using cell-based assays and native mass spectrometry, we found that both components HlgA and HlgB compete with endogenous chemokines through a direct binding with the extracellular domain of ACKR1. Unexpectedly, hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis revealed that toxin binding allosterically modulates the intracellular G protein-binding domain of the receptor, resulting in dissociation and/or changes in the architecture of ACKR1-Gαi1 protein complexes observed in living cells. Altogether, our study brings important molecular insights into the initial steps of leukotoxins targeting a host GPCR.
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Fiorentino F, Rotili D, Mai A, Bolla JR, Robinson CV. Mass spectrometry enables the discovery of inhibitors of an LPS transport assembly via disruption of protein-protein interactions. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:10747-10750. [PMID: 34585198 PMCID: PMC7614387 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc04186j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We developed a native mass spectrometry-based approach to quantify the monomer-dimer equilibrium of the LPS transport protein LptH. We use this method to assess the potency and efficacy of an antimicrobial peptide and small molecule disruptors, obtaining new information on their structure-activity relationships. This approach led to the identification of quinoline-based hit compounds representing the basis for the development of novel LPS transport inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK. .,The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, 3 South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry & Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry & Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Jani R Bolla
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK. .,The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, 3 South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Carol V Robinson
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, UK.
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Wang Z, Li Q, Li J, Li J, Shang L, Chou S, Lyu Y, Shan A. The Trp-rich Antimicrobial Amphiphiles With Intramolecular Aromatic Interactions for the Treatment of Bacterial Infection. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:733441. [PMID: 34721331 PMCID: PMC8548882 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.733441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is emerging as a hot issue with the abuse and overuse of antibiotics, and the shortage of effective antimicrobial agents against multidrug resistant bacteria creates a huge problem to treat the threatening nosocomial skin and soft tissue infection. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibite enormous potential as one of the most promising candidates of antibiotic to fight against pathogenic infections because of its unique membrane penetration mechanism to kill pathogens, whereas the clinical application of AMPs still faces the challenges of production cost, stability, safety, and design strategy. Herein, a series of Trp-rich peptides was designed following the principle of paired Trp plated at the ith and ith+4 position on the backbone of peptides, based on the template (VKKX)4, where X represents W, A, or L, to study the effect of intramolecular aromatic interactions on the bioactivity of AMPs. Through comparing the antimicrobial performance, hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and stability, VW5 which is equipped with the characters of direct antimicrobial efficacy (GM=1.68μM) and physical destruction of bacterial membrane (SEM and electron microscopy) stood out from the engineering peptides. VW5 also performed well in mice models, which could significantly decrease the bacterial colony (VW5 vs infection group, 12.72±2.26 vs 5.52±2.01×109CFU/abscess), the area of dermo-necrosis (VW5 vs infection group, 0.74±0.29 vs 1.86±0.98mm2) and the inflammation cytokine levels at the abscess site without causing toxicity to the skin. Overall, this study provides a strategy and template to diminish the randomness in the exploration and design of novel peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anshan Shan
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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Zhang QY, Yan ZB, Meng YM, Hong XY, Shao G, Ma JJ, Cheng XR, Liu J, Kang J, Fu CY. Antimicrobial peptides: mechanism of action, activity and clinical potential. Mil Med Res 2021; 8:48. [PMID: 34496967 PMCID: PMC8425997 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-021-00343-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of bacterial infections is becoming a major clinical challenge due to the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria. As an excellent candidate to overcome antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are produced from the synthetic and natural sources demonstrate a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with the high specificity and low toxicity. These peptides possess distinctive structures and functions by employing sophisticated mechanisms of action. This comprehensive review provides a broad overview of AMPs from the origin, structural characteristics, mechanisms of action, biological activities to clinical applications. We finally discuss the strategies to optimize and develop AMP-based treatment as the potential antimicrobial and anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue-Ming Meng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Hong
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Shao
- Department of Oncology, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun-Jie Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu-Rui Cheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, 555 Mission Bay Blvd. South, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Jian Kang
- Oncogenic Signaling and Growth Control Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Cai-Yun Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, No. 928, Street 2, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China.
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Abstract
![]()
Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6)
is an NAD+-dependent protein deacylase
and mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase of the sirtuin family with a wide
substrate specificity. In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that SIRT6 overexpression or activation has
beneficial effects for cellular processes such as DNA repair, metabolic
regulation, and aging. On the other hand, SIRT6 has contrasting roles
in cancer, acting either as a tumor suppressor or promoter in a context-specific
manner. Given its central role in cellular homeostasis, SIRT6 has
emerged as a promising target for the development of small-molecule
activators and inhibitors possessing a therapeutic potential in diseases
ranging from cancer to age-related disorders. Moreover, specific modulators
allow the molecular details of SIRT6 activity to be scrutinized and
further validate the enzyme as a pharmacological target. In this Perspective,
we summarize the current knowledge about SIRT6 pharmacology and medicinal
chemistry and describe the features of the activators and inhibitors
identified so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry & Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry & Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Mass spectrometry informs the structure and dynamics of membrane proteins involved in lipid and drug transport. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 70:53-60. [PMID: 33964676 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Membrane proteins are important macromolecules that play crucial roles in many cellular and physiological processes. Over the past two decades, the use of mass spectrometry as a biophysical tool to characterise membrane proteins has grown steadily. By capturing these dynamic complexes in the gas phase, many unknown small molecule interactions have been revealed. One particular application of this research has been the focus on antibiotic resistance with considerable efforts being made to understand underlying mechanisms. Here we review recent advances in the application of mass spectrometry that have yielded both structural and dynamic information on the interactions of antibiotics with proteins involved in bacterial cell envelope biogenesis and drug efflux.
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Walker SS, Black TA. Are outer-membrane targets the solution for MDR Gram-negative bacteria? Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2152-2158. [PMID: 33798647 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria confers a significant barrier to many antibacterial agents targeting periplasmic and cytosolic functions. 'Synergist' approaches to disrupt the OM have been hampered by poor specificity and accompanying toxicities. The OM contains proteins required for optimal growth and pathogenesis, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and capsular polysaccharide (CPS) transport, porins for uptake of macromolecules, and transporters for essential elements (such as iron). Does the external proximity of these proteins offer an enhanced potential to identify effective therapies? Here, we review recent experiences in exploiting Gram-negative OM proteins (OMPs) to address the calamity of exploding antimicrobial resistance. Teaser: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria are a growing crisis. Few new antimicrobial chemotypes or targets have been identified after decades of screening. Are OMP targets a solution to MDR Gram-negative bacteria?
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott S Walker
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Basic Research, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Todd A Black
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Basic Research, Merck & Co., Inc, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA.
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