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Zhang H, Qiao Q, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Shi J, Wang N, Li Z, Shan S. Expression and Purification of Recombinant Bowman-Birk Trypsin Inhibitor from Foxtail Millet Bran and Its Anticolorectal Cancer Effect In Vitro and In Vivo. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:10439-10450. [PMID: 38676695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Trypsin inhibitors derived from plants have various pharmacological activities and promising clinical applications. In our previous study, a Bowman-Birk-type major trypsin inhibitor from foxtail millet bran (FMB-BBTI) was extracted with antiatherosclerotic activity. Currently, we found that FMB-BBTI possesses a prominent anticolorectal cancer (anti-CRC) activity. Further, a recombinant FMB-BBTI (rFMB-BBTI) was successfully expressed in a soluble manner in host strain Escherichia coli. BL21 (DE3) was induced by isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside (0.1 mM) at 37 °C for 3.5 h by the pET28a vector system. Fortunately, a purity greater than 93% of rFMB-BBTI with anti-CRC activity was purified by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. Subsequently, we found that rFMB-BBTI displays a strikingly anti-CRC effect, characterized by the inhibition of cell proliferation and clone formation ability, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and induction of cell apoptosis. It is interesting that the rFMB-BBTI treatment had no obvious effect on normal colorectal cells in the same concentration range. Importantly, the anti-CRC activity of rFMB-BBTI was further confirmed in the xenografted nude mice model. Taken together, our study highlights the anti-CRC activity of rFMB-BBTI in vitro and in vivo, uncovering the clinical potential of rFMB-BBTI as a targeted agent for CRC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhang
- Institute of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of National Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Qinqin Qiao
- Institute of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of National Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yaru Zhao
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Lizhen Zhang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jiangying Shi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of National Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Nifei Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of National Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Zhuoyu Li
- Institute of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of National Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Shuhua Shan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of National Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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2
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Ouyang X, Reihill JA, Douglas LEJ, Martin SL. Airborne indoor allergen serine proteases and their contribution to sensitisation and activation of innate immunity in allergic airway disease. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230126. [PMID: 38657996 PMCID: PMC11040391 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0126-2023] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Common airborne allergens (pollen, animal dander and those from fungi and insects) are the main triggers of type I allergic disorder in the respiratory system and are associated with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, as well as immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. These allergens promote IgE crosslinking, vasodilation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, mucosal barrier dysfunction, extracellular matrix deposition and smooth muscle spasm, which collectively cause remodelling of the airways. Fungus and insect (house dust mite and cockroaches) indoor allergens are particularly rich in proteases. Indeed, more than 40 different types of aeroallergen proteases, which have both IgE-neutralising and tissue-destructive activities, have been documented in the Allergen Nomenclature database. Of all the inhaled protease allergens, 85% are classed as serine protease activities and include trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like and collagenolytic serine proteases. In this article, we review and compare the allergenicity and proteolytic effect of allergen serine proteases as listed in the Allergen Nomenclature and MEROPS databases and highlight their contribution to allergic sensitisation, disruption of the epithelial barrier and activation of innate immunity in allergic airways disease. The utility of small-molecule inhibitors of allergen serine proteases as a potential treatment strategy for allergic airways disease will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Ouyang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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3
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Ouyang X, Reihill JA, Douglas LEJ, Dunne OM, Sergeant GP, Martin SL. House dust mite allergens induce Ca 2+ signalling and alarmin responses in asthma airway epithelial cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167079. [PMID: 38367901 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167079] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 inflammation in asthma develops with exposure to stimuli to include inhaled allergens from house dust mites (HDM). Features include mucus hypersecretion and the formation of pro-secretory ion transport characterised by elevated basal Cl- current. Studies using human sinonasal epithelial cells treated with HDM extract report a higher protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) agonist-induced calcium mobilisation that may be related to airway sensitisation by allergen-associated proteases. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the effect of HDM on Ca2+ signalling and inflammatory responses in asthmatic airway epithelial cells. Primary bronchial epithelial cells (hPBECs) from asthma donors cultured at air-liquid interface were used to assess electrophysiological, Ca2+ signalling and inflammatory responses. Differences were observed regarding Ca2+ signalling in response to PAR-2 agonist 2-Furoyl-LIGRLO-amide (2-FLI), and equivalent short-circuit current (Ieq) in response to trypsin and 2-FLI, in ALI-asthma and healthy hPBECs. HDM treatment led to increased levels of intracellular cations (Ca2+, Na+) and significantly reduced the 2-FLI-induced change of Ieq in asthma cells. Apical HDM-induced Ca2+ mobilisation was found to mainly involve the activation of PAR-2 and PAR-4-associated store-operated Ca2+ influx and TRPV1. In contrast, PAR-2, PAR-4 antagonists and TRPV1 antagonist only showed slight impact on basolateral HDM-induced Ca2+ mobilisation. HDM trypsin-like serine proteases were the main components leading to non-amiloride sensitive Ieq and also increased interleukin-33 (IL-33) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) from asthma hPBECs. These studies add further insight into the complex mechanisms associated with HDM-induced alterations in cell signalling and their relevance to pathological changes within asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Ouyang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | | | - Orla M Dunne
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Gerard P Sergeant
- Smooth Muscle Research Centre, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland
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4
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Díaz-Gómez JL, Martín-Estal I, Rivera-Aboytes E, Gaxiola-Muñíz RA, Puente-Garza CA, García-Lara S, Castorena-Torres F. Biomedical applications of synthetic peptides derived from venom of animal origin: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116015. [PMID: 38113629 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116015] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of therapeutic agents that have fewer adverse effects and have higher efficacy for diseases, such as cancer, metabolic disorders, neurological diseases, infections, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases, are required. Recent studies have focused on identifying novel sources for pharmaceutical molecules to develop therapies against these diseases. Among the sources for potentially new therapies, animal venom-derived molecules have generated much interest. Various animal venom-derived proteins and peptides have been isolated, identified, synthesized, and tested to develop drugs. Venom-derived peptides have several biomedical properties, such as proapoptotic, cell migration, and autophagy regulation activities in cancer cell models; induction of vasodilation by nitric oxide and regulation of angiotensin II; modification of insulin response by controlling calcium and potassium channels; regulation of pain receptor activity; modulation of immune cell activity; alteration of motor neuron activity; degradation or inhibition of β-amyloid plaque formation; antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal activities; increase in sperm motility and potentiation of erectile function; reduction of intraocular pressure; anticoagulation, fibrinolytic, and antithrombotic activities; etc. This systematic review compiles these biomedical properties and potential biomedical applications of synthesized animal venom-derived peptides reported in the latest research. In addition, the limitations and areas of opportunity in this research field are discussed so that new studies can be developed based on the data presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Díaz-Gómez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - Irene Martín-Estal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Rivera-Aboytes
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Ramón Alonso Gaxiola-Muñíz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico
| | - César A Puente-Garza
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Silverio García-Lara
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, N.L., Mexico
| | - Fabiola Castorena-Torres
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Monterrey 64710, N.L., Mexico.
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5
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Zhan X, Wang D, Wang H, Chen H, Wu X, Li T, Qi J, Chen T, Wu D, Gao Y. Revitalizing Skin Repair: Unveiling the Healing Power of Livisin, a Natural Peptide Calcium Mimetic. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 16:21. [PMID: 38251238 PMCID: PMC10819626 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
When the skin is damaged, accelerating the repair of skin trauma and promoting the recovery of tissue function are crucial considerations in clinical treatment. Previously, we isolated and identified an active peptide (livisin) from the skin secretion of the frog Odorrana livida. Livisin exhibited strong protease inhibitory activity, water solubility, and stability, yet its wound-healing properties have not yet been studied. In this study, we assessed the impact of livisin on wound healing and investigated the underlying mechanism contributing to its effect. Our findings revealed livisin effectively stimulated the migration of keratinocytes, with the underlying mechanisms involved the activation of CaSR as a peptide calcium mimetic. This activation resulted in the stimulation of the CaSR/E-cadherin/EGFR/ERK signaling pathways. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of livisin were partially reduced by blocking the CaSR/E-cadherin/EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. The interaction between livisin and CaSR was further investigated by molecular docking. Additionally, studies using a mouse full-thickness wound model demonstrated livisin could accelerate skin wound healing by promoting re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. In conclusion, our study provides experimental evidence supporting the use of livisin in skin wound healing, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Zhan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine, Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (X.Z.); (D.W.); (H.W.); (T.L.); (J.Q.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China; (H.C.); (X.W.)
| | - Danni Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine, Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (X.Z.); (D.W.); (H.W.); (T.L.); (J.Q.)
| | - Hanfei Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine, Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (X.Z.); (D.W.); (H.W.); (T.L.); (J.Q.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China; (H.C.); (X.W.)
| | - Xinyi Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China; (H.C.); (X.W.)
| | - Tao Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine, Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (X.Z.); (D.W.); (H.W.); (T.L.); (J.Q.)
| | - Junmei Qi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine, Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (X.Z.); (D.W.); (H.W.); (T.L.); (J.Q.)
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK;
| | - Di Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China; (H.C.); (X.W.)
| | - Yitian Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine, Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (X.Z.); (D.W.); (H.W.); (T.L.); (J.Q.)
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6
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Chai J, Wu J, Li J, Liao H, Lu W, Guo R, Shao Z, Jmel MA, Martins LA, Hackeng T, Ippel H, Dijkgraaf I, Kotsyfakis M, Xu X. Novel Amphibian Bowman-Birk-Like Inhibitor with Antioxidant and Anticoagulant Effects Ameliorates Pancreatitis Symptoms in Mice. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11869-11880. [PMID: 37610210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious inflammatory disorder and still lacks effective therapy globally. In this study, a novel Ranacyclin peptide, Ranacin, was identified from the skin of Pelophylax nigromaculatus frog. Ranacin adopted a compact β-hairpin conformation with a disulfide bond (Cys5-Cys15). Ranacin was also demonstrated effectively to inhibit trypsin and have anticoagulant and antioxidant activities in vitro. Furthermore, the severity of pancreatitis was significantly alleviated in l-Arg-induced AP mice after treatment with Ranacin. In addition, structure-activity studies of Ranacin analogues confirmed that the sequences outside the trypsin inhibitory loop (TIL), especially at the C-terminal side, might be closely associated with the efficacy of its trypsin inhibitory activity. In conclusion, our data suggest that Ranacin can improve pancreatic injury in mice with severe AP through its multi-activity. Therefore, Ranacin is considered a potential drug candidate in AP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiena Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinqiao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hang Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wancheng Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruiyin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zuoyan Shao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mohamed Amine Jmel
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Budweis (Ceske Budejovice) 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Larissa Almeida Martins
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Budweis (Ceske Budejovice) 37005, Czech Republic
| | - Tilman Hackeng
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Ippel
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Dijkgraaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, Budweis (Ceske Budejovice) 37005, Czech Republic
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, N. Plastira 100, 70013 Heracklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Chen Q, Wu J, Li X, Ye Z, Yang H, Mu L. Amphibian-Derived Natural Anticancer Peptides and Proteins: Mechanism of Action, Application Strategies, and Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13985. [PMID: 37762285 PMCID: PMC10530844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major diseases that seriously threaten human life. Traditional anticancer therapies have achieved remarkable efficacy but have also some unavoidable side effects. Therefore, more and more research focuses on highly effective and less-toxic anticancer substances of natural origin. Amphibian skin is rich in active substances such as biogenic amines, alkaloids, alcohols, esters, peptides, and proteins, which play a role in various aspects such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer functions, and are one of the critical sources of anticancer substances. Currently, a range of natural anticancer substances are known from various amphibians. This paper aims to review the physicochemical properties, anticancer mechanisms, and potential applications of these peptides and proteins to advance the identification and therapeutic use of natural anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hailong Yang
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Lixian Mu
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
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8
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Sarkar A, Bhaskara Rao KV. Unraveling anticancer potential of a novel serine protease inhibitor from marine yeast Candida parapsilosis ABS1 against colorectal and breast cancer cells. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:225. [PMID: 37296286 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03670-9] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The study was planned to isolate a serine protease inhibitor compound with anticancer potential against colorectal and breast cancer cells from marine yeast. Protease enzymes play a crucial role in the mechanism of life-threatening diseases like cancer, malaria and AIDS. Hence, blocking these enzymes with potential inhibitors can be an efficient approach in drug therapy for these diseases. A total of 12 marine yeast isolates, recovered from mangrove swamps of Sundarbans, India, showed inhibition activity against trypsin. The yeast isolate ABS1 showed highest inhibition activity (89%). The optimum conditions for protease inhibitor production were found to be glucose, ammonium phosphate, pH 7.0, 30 °C and 2 M NaCl. The PI protein from yeast isolate ABS1 was purified using ethyl acetate extraction and anion exchange chromatography. The purified protein was characterized using denaturing SDS-PAGE, Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), Reverse Phase High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The intact molecular weight of the PI protein was determined to be 25.584 kDa. The PI protein was further studied for in vitro anticancer activities. The IC50 value for MTT cell proliferation assay was found to be 43 µg/ml against colorectal cancer HCT15 cells and 48 µg/ml against breast cancer MCF7 cells. Hoechst staining, DAPI staining and DNA fragmentation assay were performed to check the apoptotic cells. The marine yeast was identified as Candida parapsilosis ABS1 (Accession No. MH782231) using 18s rRNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Sarkar
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K V Bhaskara Rao
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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9
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Yang J, Tong C, Qi J, Liao X, Li X, Zhang X, Zhou M, Wang L, Ma C, Xi X, Chen T, Gao Y, Wu D. Engineering and Structural Insights of a Novel BBI-like Protease Inhibitor Livisin from the Frog Skin Secretion. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14040273. [PMID: 35448882 PMCID: PMC9030697 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14040273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bowman–Birk protease inhibitor (BBI) family is a prototype group found mainly in plants, particularly grasses and legumes, which have been subjected to decades of study. Recently, the discovery of attenuated peptides containing the canonical Bowman–Birk protease inhibitory motif has been detected in the skin secretions of amphibians, mainly from Ranidae family members. The roles of these peptides in amphibian defense have been proposed to work cooperatively with antimicrobial peptides and reduce peptide degradation. A novel trypsin inhibitory peptide, named livisin, was found in the skin secretion of the green cascade frog, Odorrana livida. The cDNA encoding the precursor of livisin was cloned, and the predicted mature peptide was characterized. The mature peptide was found to act as a potent inhibitor against several serine proteases. A comparative activity study among the native peptide and its engineered analogs was performed, and the influence of the P1 and P2′ positions, as well as the C-terminal amidation on the structure–activity relationship for livisin, was illustrated. The findings demonstrated that livisin might serve as a potential drug discovery/development tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China; (J.Y.); (C.T.); (X.L.)
| | - Chengliang Tong
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China; (J.Y.); (C.T.); (X.L.)
| | - Junmei Qi
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Q.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaoying Liao
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China; (J.Y.); (C.T.); (X.L.)
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Q.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaokun Li
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Q.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Q.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK; (M.Z.); (L.W.); (C.M.); (X.X.); (T.C.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK; (M.Z.); (L.W.); (C.M.); (X.X.); (T.C.)
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK; (M.Z.); (L.W.); (C.M.); (X.X.); (T.C.)
| | - Xinping Xi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK; (M.Z.); (L.W.); (C.M.); (X.X.); (T.C.)
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK; (M.Z.); (L.W.); (C.M.); (X.X.); (T.C.)
| | - Yitian Gao
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (J.Q.); (X.L.); (X.Z.)
- Correspondence: (Y.G.); (D.W.)
| | - Di Wu
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325015, China; (J.Y.); (C.T.); (X.L.)
- Correspondence: (Y.G.); (D.W.)
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10
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Wei R, Wu Q, Ai N, Wang L, Zhou M, Shaw C, Chen T, Ye RD, Ge W, Siu SW, Kwok HF. A novel bioengineered fragment peptide of Vasostatin-1 exerts smooth muscle pharmacological activities and anti-angiogenic effects via blocking VEGFR signalling pathway. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2664-2675. [PMID: 34093983 PMCID: PMC8131715 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA) is a hydrophilic glycoprotein released by post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons. CgA consists of a single peptide chain containing numerous paired basic residues, which are typical cleavage sites in prohormones to generate bioactive peptides. It is recognized as a diagnostic and prognostic serum marker for neuroendocrine tumours. Vasostatin-1 is one of the most conserved regions of CgA and has diverse inhibitory biological activities. In this study, a novel peptide fragment that contains three typical functional structures of Vasostatin-1 was synthesized. This unique bioengineered Vasostatin-1 Derived Peptide (named V1DP) includes a highly conserved domain between vertebrate species in its N-terminal region, comprising a disulphide bridge formed by two cysteine residues at amino acid positions 17 and 38, respectively. Besides, V1DP contains two significant tripeptide recognition sequences: the amino acid triplets, RGD and KGD. Our data demonstrated that V1DP could induce a dose-dependent relaxation of rat arterial smooth muscle and also increase the contraction activity of rat uterus smooth muscle. More importantly, we found that V1DP inhibits cancer cell proliferation, modulate the HUVEC cell migration, and exhibit anti-angiogenesis effect both in vitro and in vivo. We further investigated the actual mechanism of V1DP, and our results confirmed that V1DP involves inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signalling. We docked V1DP to the apo structures of VEGFR2 and examined the stability of the peptide in the protein pockets. Our simulation and free energy calculations results indicated that V1DP can bind to the catalytic domain and regulatory domain pockets, depending on whether the conformational state of the protein is JM-in or JM-out. Taken together, our data suggested that V1DP plays a role as the regulator of endothelial cell function and smooth muscle pharmacological homeostasis. V1DP is a water-soluble and biologically stable peptide and could further develop as an anti-angiogenic drug for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Wei
- CCZU-JITRI Joint Bio-X Lab, School of Pharmacy & School of Medicine, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qiushuang Wu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Nana Ai
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Avenida de Universidade, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Dequan Ye
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Avenida de Universidade, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Shirley W.I. Siu
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Faculty of Science and Technology University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
- Corresponding author at: Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
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Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. Pharmacol Res 2020; 164:105327. [PMID: 33276098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.
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12
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Gitlin-Domagalska A, Maciejewska A, Dębowski D. Bowman-Birk Inhibitors: Insights into Family of Multifunctional Proteins and Peptides with Potential Therapeutical Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13120421. [PMID: 33255583 PMCID: PMC7760496 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bowman-Birk inhibitors (BBIs) are found primarily in seeds of legumes and in cereal grains. These canonical inhibitors share a highly conserved nine-amino acids binding loop motif CTP1SXPPXC (where P1 is the inhibitory active site, while X stands for various amino acids). They are natural controllers of plants' endogenous proteases, but they are also inhibitors of exogenous proteases present in microbials and insects. They are considered as plants' protective agents, as their elevated levels are observed during injury, presence of pathogens, or abiotic stress, i.a. Similar properties are observed for peptides isolated from amphibians' skin containing 11-amino acids disulfide-bridged loop CWTP1SXPPXPC. They are classified as Bowman-Birk like trypsin inhibitors (BBLTIs). These inhibitors are resistant to proteolysis and not toxic, and they are reported to be beneficial in the treatment of various pathological states. In this review, we summarize up-to-date research results regarding BBIs' and BBLTIs' inhibitory activity, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, antimicrobial and insecticidal strength, as well as chemopreventive properties.
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Reihill JA, Ouyang X, Yang Z, Douglas LEJ, Zhou M, Chen T, Martin SL. A Novel Serine Protease Inhibitor PE-BBI Ameliorates Cockroach Extract-Mediated Airway Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040515. [PMID: 32231120 PMCID: PMC7226075 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial barrier dysfunction, characteristic of allergic airway disease may be, at least in part, due to the action of allergen-associated protease activities. Cockroach allergy is a major global health issue, with cockroaches containing considerable serine trypsin-like protease (TLP) activity. The present study sought to evaluate two novel protease inhibitors (PE-BBI and pLR-HL), recently isolated from amphibian skin secretions, for their potential to neutralise cockroach TLP activity and to determine any protective effect on cockroach-induced airway epithelial barrier disruption. Inhibitor potencies against the cockroach-associated activities were determined using a fluorogenic peptide substrate-based activity assay. 16HBE14o- cells (16HBE; a bronchial epithelial cell line) were treated with cockroach extract (CRE) in the presence or absence of the compounds in order to assess cell viability (RealTime Glo luminescent assay) and epithelial barrier disruption (transepithelial resistance and paracellular dextran flux). PE-BBI potently and selectively inhibited CRE TLP activity (pIC50 -8), but not host (16HBE) cell surface activity, which conferred protection of 16HBE cells from CRE-induced cell damage and barrier disruption. Novel protease inhibitor strategies such as PE-BBI may be useful for the treatment of allergic airway disease caused by cockroach proteases.
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Miao Y, Chen G, Xi X, Ma C, Wang L, Burrows JF, Duan J, Zhou M, Chen T. Discovery and Rational Design of a Novel Bowman-Birk Related Protease Inhibitor. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9070280. [PMID: 31337113 PMCID: PMC6681222 DOI: 10.3390/biom9070280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anuran amphibian skin secretions are a rich source of peptides, many of which represent novel protease inhibitors and can potentially act as a source for protease inhibitor drug discovery. In this study, a novel bioactive Bowman-Birk type inhibitory hexadecapeptide of the Ranacyclin family from the defensive skin secretion of the Fukien gold-striped pond frog, Pelophlax plancyi fukienesis, was successfully isolated and identified, named PPF-BBI. The primary structure of the biosynthetic precursor was deduced from a cDNA sequence cloned from a skin-derived cDNA library, which contains a consensus motif representative of the Bowman-Birk type inhibitor. The peptide was chemically synthesized and displayed a potent inhibitory activity against trypsin (Ki of 0.17 µM), as well as an inhibitory activity against tryptase (Ki of 30.73 µM). A number of analogues of this peptide were produced by rational design. An analogue, which substituted the lysine (K) at the predicted P1 position with phenylalanine (F), exhibited a potent chymotrypsin inhibitory activity (Ki of 0.851 µM). Alternatively, a more potent protease inhibitory activity, as well as antimicrobial activity, was observed when P16 was replaced by lysine, forming K16-PPF-BBI. The addition of the cell-penetrating peptide Tat with a trypsin inhibitory loop resulted in a peptide with a selective inhibitory activity toward trypsin, as well as a strong antifungal activity. This peptide also inhibited the growth of two lung cancer cells, H460 and H157, demonstrating that the targeted modifications of this peptide could effectively and efficiently alter its bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Miao
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Guanzhu Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Xinping Xi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, UK.
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, UK
| | - James F Burrows
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Jinao Duan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Formulae Research, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, UK.
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT7 1NN, UK
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15
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LFB: A Novel Antimicrobial Brevinin-Like Peptide from the Skin Secretion of the Fujian Large Headed Frog, Limnonectes fujianensi. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9060242. [PMID: 31234333 PMCID: PMC6627297 DOI: 10.3390/biom9060242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are a natural source of abundant antimicrobial peptides and thus have been widely investigated for isolation of such biomolecules. Many new antimicrobial peptide families have been discovered from amphibians. In this study, a novel antimicrobial peptide named Limnonectes fujianensis Brevinvin (LFB) has been identified in the skin secretion from the Fujian large headed frog, Limnonectes fujianensis. The cDNA sequence was cloned from a skin secretion library and the predicted mature peptide was identified through MS/MS fragmentation sequencing of reverse phase HPLC fractions on the same sample. LFB was predicted to be an amphipathic, hydrophobic, alpha helical, and beta turn peptide that inserts into a lipid bilayer in order to kill the cells. In antimicrobial assays, a synthetic replicate of this novel antimicrobial peptide demonstrated significant activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the yeast, Candida albicans. This novel peptide was highly potent (MIC 4.88 uM) against Gram-negative bacterium, and also has the ability to inhibit the growth of human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 18.9 μM down to 2.0 μM. These findings help to enrich our understanding of Brevinin-like peptides. Moreover, the data presented here validate frog secretion as a source of potential novel antimicrobial peptides, that also exhibit anti-tumor properties, that could be useful for the treatment of cancer.
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