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Liang Y, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Xu C, Chen J, Zhang X, Huang B, Gan Z, Dong X, Huang S, Li C, Jia S, Zhang P, Yuan Y, Zhang H, Wang Y, Yuan B, Bao Y, Xiao S, Xiong M. Helicity-directed recognition of bacterial phospholipid via radially amphiphilic antimicrobial peptides. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn9435. [PMID: 39213359 PMCID: PMC11364095 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn9435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The fundamental differences in phospholipids between bacterial and mammalian cell membranes present remarkable opportunities for antimicrobial design. However, it is challenging to distinguish bacterial anionic phospholipid phosphatidylglycerol (PG) from mammalian anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) with the same net charge. Here, we report a class of radially amphiphilic α helix antimicrobial peptides (RAPs) that can selectively discriminate PG from PS, relying on the helix structure. The representative RAP, L10-MMBen, can direct the rearrangement of PG vesicles into a lamellar structure with its helix axis parallel to the PG membrane surface. The helical structure imparts both the thermodynamic and kinetic advantages of L10-MMBen/PG assembly, and the hiding of hydrophobic regions in RAPs is crucial for PG recognition. L10-MMBen exhibits high selectivity against bacteria depending on PG recognition, showing low in vivo toxicity and significant treatment efficacy in mice infection models. Our study introduces a helicity-direct bacterial phospholipid recognition paradigm for designing highly selective antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangbin Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yu Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dongguan, 523808, P. R. China
| | - Jingxian Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xinshuang Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Bingchuan Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zhanhui Gan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xuehui Dong
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Songyin Huang
- Biotherapy Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
| | - Chengrun Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Shuyi Jia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
| | - Yueling Yuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
| | - Houbing Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
| | - Yucai Wang
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, P. R. China
| | - Bing Yuan
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dongguan, 523808, P. R. China
| | - Yan Bao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, P. R. China
| | - Shiyan Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
| | - Menghua Xiong
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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Grabeck J, Mayer J, Miltz A, Casoria M, Quagliata M, Meinberger D, Klatt AR, Wielert I, Maier B, Papini AM, Neundorf I. Triazole-Bridged Peptides with Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity and Potency against Pathogenic Bacteria. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2717-2727. [PMID: 38885643 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
There are still no linear antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) available as a treatment option against bacterial infections. This is caused by several drawbacks that come with AMPs such as limited proteolytic stability and low selectivity against human cells. In this work, we screened a small library of rationally designed new peptides based on the cell-penetrating peptide sC18* toward their antimicrobial activity. We identified several effective novel AMPs and chose one out of this group to further increase its potency. Therefore, we introduced a triazole bridge at different positions to provide a preformed helical structure, assuming that this modification would improve (i) proteolytic stability and (ii) membrane activity. Indeed, placing the triazole bridge within the hydrophilic part of the linear analogue highly increased membrane activity as well as stability against enzymatic digestion. The new peptides, 8A and 8B, demonstrated high activity against several bacterial species tested including pathogenic N. gonorrhoeae and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Since they exhibited significantly good tolerability against human fibroblast and blood cells, these novel peptides offer true alternatives for future clinical applications and are worth studying in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Grabeck
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jacob Mayer
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Axel Miltz
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michele Casoria
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Michael Quagliata
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Denise Meinberger
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas R Klatt
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Isabelle Wielert
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute for Biological Physics, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Berenike Maier
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute for Biological Physics, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Ines Neundorf
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Zuelpicher Str. 47a, 50674 Cologne, Germany
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3
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An Y, Guo X, Yan T, Jia Y, Jiao R, Cai X, Deng B, Bao G, Li Y, Yang W, Wang R, Sun W, Xie J. Enhancing the stability and therapeutic potential of the antimicrobial peptide Feleucin-K3 against Multidrug-Resistant a. Baumannii through rational utilization of a D-amino acid substitution strategy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116269. [PMID: 38723723 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116269] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have a low probability of developing resistance, are considered the most promising antimicrobial agents for combating antibiotic resistance. Feleucin-K3 is an amphiphilic cationic AMP that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In our previous research, the first phenylalanine residue was identified as the critical position affecting its biological activity. Here, a series of Feleucin-K3 analogs containing hydrophobic D-amino acids were developed, leveraging the low sensitivity of proteases to unnatural amino acids and the regulatory effect of hydrophobicity on antimicrobial activity. Among them, K-1dF, which replaced the phenylalanine of Feleucin-K3 with its enantiomer (D-phenylalanine), exhibited potent antimicrobial activity with a therapeutic index of 46.97 and MICs between 4 to 8 μg/ml against both sensitive and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The introduction of D-phenylalanine increased the salt tolerance and serum stability of Feleucin-K3. Moreover, K-1dF displayed a rapid bactericidal effect, a low propensity to develop resistance, and a synergistic effect when combined with antibiotics. More importantly, it exhibited considerable or superior efficacy to imipenem against pneumonia and skin abscess infection. In brief, the K-1dF obtained by simple and effective modification strategy has emerged as a promising candidate antimicrobial agent for tackling multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying An
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaomin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tiantian Yan
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ruoyan Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xinyu Cai
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Bochuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Guangjun Bao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yiping Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenle Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Wangsheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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4
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Ge C, He J, Gan M, Qian Y, Zhu J, Wu F, Song Z, Yin L. Conformation-Switchable Polypeptides as Molecular Gates for Controllable Drug Release. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3373-3383. [PMID: 38713187 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00024] [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: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The control over secondary structure has been widely studied to regulate the properties of polypeptide materials, which is used to change their functions in situ for various biomedical applications. Herein, we designed and constructed enzyme-responsive polypeptides as gating materials for mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), which underwent a distorted structure-to-helix transition to promote the release of encapsulated drugs. The polypeptide conjugated on the MSN surface adopted a negatively charged, distorted, flexible conformation, covering the pores of MSN to prevent drug leakage. Upon triggering by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) overproduced by tumor cells, the polypeptide transformed into positively charged, α-helical, rigid conformation with potent membrane-penetrating capabilities, which protruded from the MSN surface to uncover the pores. Such a transition thus enabled cancer-selective drug release and cellular internalization to efficiently kill tumor cells. This study highlights the important role of chain flexibility in modulating the biological function of polypeptides and provides a new application paradigm for synthetic polypeptides with secondary-structure transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Ge
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jianyin He
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mudan Gan
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Junliang Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ziyuan Song
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lichen Yin
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Cui M, Wang M, Sun H, Yu L, Su Z, Zhang X, Zheng Y, Xia M, Shen Y, Wang M. Identifying and characterization of novel broad-spectrum bacteriocins from the Shanxi aged vinegar microbiome: Machine learning, molecular simulation, and activity validation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132272. [PMID: 38734334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132272] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Shanxi aged vinegar microbiome encodes a wide variety of bacteriocins. The aim of this study was to mine, screen and characterize novel broad-spectrum bacteriocins from the large-scale microbiome data of Shanxi aged vinegar through machine learning, molecular simulation and activity validation. A total of 158 potential bacteriocins were innovatively mined from 117,552 representative genes based on metatranscriptomic information from the Shanxi aged vinegar microbiome using machine learning techniques and 12 microorganisms were identified to secrete bacteriocins at the genus level. Subsequently, employing AlphaFold2 structure prediction and molecular dynamics simulations, eight bacteriocins with high stability were further screened, and all of them were confirmed to have bacteriostatic activity by the Escherichia coli BL21 expression system. Then, gene_386319 (named LAB-3) and gene_403047 (named LAB-4) with the strongest antibacterial activities were purified by two-step methods and analyzed by mass spectrometry. The two bacteriocins have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 6.79 μg/mL-15.31 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis indicated that LAB-3 and LAB-4 could interact with dihydrofolate reductase through hydrogen bonds, salt-bridge forces and hydrophobic forces. These findings suggested that the two bacteriocins could be considered as promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meili Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Haoyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Lu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Zhenhua Su
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Menglei Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yanbing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Microbial Metabolism and Fermentation Process Control. College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
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Yang Y, Yu Z, Ba Z, Ouyang X, Li B, Yang P, Zhang J, Wang Y, Liu Y, Yang T, Zhao Y, Wu X, Zhong C, Liu H, Zhang Y, Gou S, Ni J. Arginine and tryptophan-rich dendritic antimicrobial peptides that disrupt membranes for bacterial infection in vivo. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116451. [PMID: 38691892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The potent antibacterial activity and low resistance of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) render them potential candidates for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Herein, a minimalist design strategy was proposed employing the "golden partner" combination of arginine (R) and tryptophan (W), along with a dendritic structure to design AMPs. By extension, the α/ε-amino group and the carboxyl group of lysine (K) were utilized to link R and W, forming dendritic peptide templates αRn(εRn)KWm-NH2 and αWn(εWn)KRm-NH2, respectively. The corresponding linear peptide templates R2nKWm-NH2 and W2nKRm-NH2 were used as controls. Their physicochemical properties, activity, toxicity, and stability were compared. Among these new peptides, the dendritic peptide R2(R2)KW4 was screened as a prospective candidate owing to its preferable antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and stability. Additionally, R2(R2)KW4 not only effectively restrained the progression of antibiotic resistance, but also demonstrated synergistic utility when combined with conventional antibiotics due to its unique membrane-disruptive mechanism. Furthermore, R2(R2)KW4 possessed low toxicity (LD50 = 109.31 mg/kg) in vivo, while efficiently clearing E. coli in pulmonary-infected mice. In conclusion, R2(R2)KW4 has the potential to become an antimicrobial regent or adjuvant, and the minimalist design strategy of dendritic peptides provides innovative and encouraging thoughts in designing AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyin Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Zhongwei Yu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Zufang Ba
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xu Ouyang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Beibei Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Ping Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yao Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yuhuan Zhao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China
| | - Sanhu Gou
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China.
| | - Jingman Ni
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China.
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7
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Wang Y, Shi D, Zou W, Jiang Y, Wang T, Chen X, Ma C, Li W, Chen T, Burrows JF, Wang L, Zhou M. An Effective Modification Strategy to Build Multifunctional Peptides Based on a Trypsin Inhibitory Peptide of the Kunitz Family. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:597. [PMID: 38794259 PMCID: PMC11125039 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050597] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptides with antimicrobial activity or protease inhibitory activity are potential candidates to supplement traditional antibiotics or cancer chemotherapies. However, the potential of many peptides are limited by drawbacks such as cytotoxicity or susceptibility to hydrolysis. Therefore, strategies to modify the structure of promising peptides may represent an effective approach for developing more promising clinical candidates. In this study, the mature peptide OSTI-1949, a Kunitz-type inhibitor from Odorrana schmackeri, and four designed analogues were successfully synthesised. In contrast to the parent peptide, the analogues showed impressive multi-functionality including antimicrobial, anticancer, and trypsin inhibitory activities. In terms of safety, there were no obvious changes observed in the haemolytic activity at the highest tested concentration, and the analogue OSTI-2461 showed an increase in activity against cancer cell lines without cytotoxicity to normal cells (HaCaT). In summary, through structural modification of a natural Kunitz-type peptide, the biological activity of analogues was improved whilst retaining low cytotoxicity. The strategy of helicity enhancement by forming an artificial α-helix and ß-sheet structure provides a promising way to develop original bioactive peptides for clinical therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Daning Shi
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Wanchen Zou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center for the Development and Utilization of Authentic Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Yangyang Jiang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Tao Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Wei Li
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Provincial International Joint Research Center for the Development and Utilization of Authentic Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - James F. Burrows
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK; (Y.W.); (W.Z.); (Y.J.); (T.W.); (C.M.); (T.C.); (J.F.B.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
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8
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Rengifo-Lema MJ, Proaño-Bolaños C, Cuesta S, Meneses L. Computational modelling of the antimicrobial peptides Cruzioseptin-4 extracted from the frog Cruziohyla calcarifer and Pictuseptin-1 extracted from the frog Boana picturata. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4805. [PMID: 38413681 PMCID: PMC10899591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
A computational study of the peptides Cruzioseptin-4 and Pictuseptin-1, identified in Cruziohyla calcarifer and Boana picturata respectively, has been carried out. The studies on Cruzioseptin-4 show that it is a cationic peptide with a chain of 23 amino acids that possess 52.17% of hydrophobic amino acids and a charge of + 1.2 at pH 7. Similarly, Pictuseptin-1 is a 22 amino acids peptide with a charge of + 3 at pH 7 and 45.45% of hydrophobic amino acids. Furthermore, the predominant secondary structure for both peptides is alpha-helical. The physicochemical properties were predicted using PepCalc and Bio-Synthesis; secondary structures using Jpred4 and PredictProtein; while molecular docking was performed using Autodock Vina. Geometry optimization of the peptides was done using the ONIOM hybrid method with the HF/6-31G basis set implemented in the Gaussian 09 program. Finally, the molecular docking study indicates that the viable mechanism of action for both peptides is through a targeted attack on the cell membrane of pathogens via electrostatic interactions with different membrane components, leading to cell lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Rengifo-Lema
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Sebastián Cuesta
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lorena Meneses
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Ecuador.
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9
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Khavani M, Mehranfar A, Mofrad MRK. Antimicrobial peptide interactions with bacterial cell membranes. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38263741 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2304683] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential alternatives for common antibiotics because of their greater activity and efficiency against a broad range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In this project, two antimicrobial peptides including magainin 2 and protegrin 1 with α-helix and β-sheet secondary structures were selected to investigate their interactions with different lipid bilayers such as 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine (POPS), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (POPG), and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), POPC/POPG (7:3), POPC/POPS (7:3), POPG/POPE(1:3), and POPG/POPE(3:1). The obtained structures of the AMPs illustrated that protegrin 1 cannot maintain its secondary structure in the solution phase in contrast to magainin 2. The head groups of the lipid units play a key role in the stability of the lipid bilayers. The head parts of the lipid membranes by increasing the internal H-bond contribute to membrane compactness. The POPG and POPS units inside the POPC/POPG and POPC/POPS membranes increase the order of the POPC units. The cationic residues of the AMPs form remarkable electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged membrane surfaces, which play a key role in the stabilization process of the peptide secondary structures. The Arg residues of protegrin 1 and the Gly1, Lys4, Lys10, Lys11, Lys14, and Glu19 of the magainin 2 have the most important roles in the complexation process. The values of Gibbs binding energies (ΔG) indicate that the complexation process between AMPs and different bacterial membranes is favorable from the thermodynamic viewpoint and AMPs could form stable complexes with the lipid bilayers. As a result of ΔG values, protegrin 1 forms a more stable complex with POPG/POPE(3:1), while the α-helix has more affinity to the POPG/POPE(1:3) bacterial membranes. Therefore, it can be considered that β-sheet and α-helix AMPs are more effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, respectively. The results of this study can provide useful details about the antimicrobial peptide interactions with the bacterial cell, which can be employed for designing new antimicrobial materials with greater efficiency.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khavani
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Aliyeh Mehranfar
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Mohammad R K Mofrad
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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10
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Wang R, Wang T, Zhuo L, Wei J, Fu X, Zou Q, Yao X. Diff-AMP: tailored designed antimicrobial peptide framework with all-in-one generation, identification, prediction and optimization. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae078. [PMID: 38446739 PMCID: PMC10939340 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae078] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), short peptides with diverse functions, effectively target and combat various organisms. The widespread misuse of chemical antibiotics has led to increasing microbial resistance. Due to their low drug resistance and toxicity, AMPs are considered promising substitutes for traditional antibiotics. While existing deep learning technology enhances AMP generation, it also presents certain challenges. Firstly, AMP generation overlooks the complex interdependencies among amino acids. Secondly, current models fail to integrate crucial tasks like screening, attribute prediction and iterative optimization. Consequently, we develop a integrated deep learning framework, Diff-AMP, that automates AMP generation, identification, attribute prediction and iterative optimization. We innovatively integrate kinetic diffusion and attention mechanisms into the reinforcement learning framework for efficient AMP generation. Additionally, our prediction module incorporates pre-training and transfer learning strategies for precise AMP identification and screening. We employ a convolutional neural network for multi-attribute prediction and a reinforcement learning-based iterative optimization strategy to produce diverse AMPs. This framework automates molecule generation, screening, attribute prediction and optimization, thereby advancing AMP research. We have also deployed Diff-AMP on a web server, with code, data and server details available in the Data Availability section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Wenzhou University of Technology, 325000 Wenzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Wenzhou University of Technology, 325000 Wenzhou, China
| | - Linlin Zhuo
- School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Wenzhou University of Technology, 325000 Wenzhou, China
| | - Jinhang Wei
- School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Wenzhou University of Technology, 325000 Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangzheng Fu
- College of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Hunan University, 410012 Changsha, China
| | - Quan Zou
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 611730 Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, 999078 Macao, China
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11
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Qu B, Yuan J, Liu X, Zhang S, Ma X, Lu L. Anticancer activities of natural antimicrobial peptides from animals. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1321386. [PMID: 38298540 PMCID: PMC10827920 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1321386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the most common cause of human death worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health and having a negative impact on the economy. In the past few decades, significant progress has been made in anticancer therapies, but traditional anticancer therapies, including radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), have serious side effects, low specificity, and the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new treatment methods to improve efficacy and reduce side effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exist in the innate immune system of various organisms. As the most promising alternatives to traditional drugs for treating cancers, some AMPs also have been proven to possess anticancer activities, which are defined as anticancer peptides (ACPs). These peptides have the advantages of being able to specifically target cancer cells and have less toxicity to normal tissues. More and more studies have found that marine and terrestrial animals contain a large amount of ACPs. In this article, we introduced the animal derived AMPs with anti-cancer activity, and summarized the types of tumor cells inhibited by ACPs, the mechanisms by which they exert anti-tumor effects and clinical applications of ACPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Qu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Jiangshui Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Xueli Liu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
- Medical Ethics Committee Office, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- College of Life and Geographic Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecology of Pamirs Plateau in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kashi University, Kashi, China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuezhen Ma
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Lu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, China
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12
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Hong X, Liu X, Su B, Lin J. Improved Antimicrobial Activity of Bovine Lactoferrin Peptide (LFcinB) Based on Rational Design. Protein J 2023; 42:633-644. [PMID: 37568054 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10142-4] [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] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Bovine lactoferrin peptide (LFcinB), as an antimicrobial peptide, is expected to be an alternative of antibiotics owing to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and specific mechanism. However, the weak antimicrobial activity, high hemolysis, and poor stability of LFcinB limited its applications in the field of biomedicine, food and agriculture. In order to improve the antimicrobial activity of LFcinB, five mutants were designed rationally, of which mutant LF4 (M10W/P16R/A24L) showed highest antimicrobial activity. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that the improved antimicrobial activity of LF4 was related to its increased cations, higher amphiphilicity and the extension of the β-sheet in the structure. These studies will highlight the important role of bioinformatic tools in designing ideal biopeptides and lay a foundation for further development of antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Hong
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqian Liu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Bingmei Su
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China.
| | - Juan Lin
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China.
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13
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Chung FY, Huang CR, Chen CS, Chen YF. Natural nanogels crosslinked with S-benzyl-L-cysteine exhibit potent antibacterial activity. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 153:213551. [PMID: 37441957 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm-forming bacteria E. coli and P. aeruginosa have both exhibited resistance against multiple antibiotics in clinical settings. To find a solution, researchers have turned to antibacterial structurally modified from natural materials that are harmless to the human body. Among these is DNA, a natural polymer composed of deoxyribose that when treated with HCl exposes its aldehyde groups and produces DNA-HCl. Here, we crosslinked these aldehyde groups with the primary amines in S-benzyl-L-cysteine (SBLC) using a Schiff reaction to obtain DNA-HCl-SBLC. We additionally treated alginate acid (AA) with EDAC, obtaining AA-EDAC, and substituting it with SBLC to produce AA-SBLC. We incorporated the above reactions with an emulsification process to produce nanogels (NGs) that were verified to be spherical and possessing benzene rings successfully grafted onto DNA-HCl and AA-EDAC. These natural NGs were proven to be negatively charged through zeta potential analysis and presented low cytotoxicity toward normal cells in cell organoid viability assays. These SBLC-modified polymers provided better inhibition of bacterial growth than those without modification. Moreover, after incubation with SBLC-modified NGs, bacteria expressed intracellular recA or pvdA in a dose-dependent manner, which was consistent with SEM data from damaged bacteria. Out of four tested NGs, DNA-HCl-SBLC NGs suppressed P. aeruginosa-induced sepsis most effectively and extended the lifespan of C. elegans. This study provides an alternative clinical solution to antibiotics-resistant biofilm strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yu Chung
- Master Program in Biomedicine, National Taitung University, No. 684, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd., Taitung 95092, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East Dist., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Rung Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East Dist., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Shi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East Dist., Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Fon Chen
- Master Program in Biomedicine, National Taitung University, No. 684, Section 1, Zhonghua Rd., Taitung 95092, Taiwan.
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14
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Cavallazzi Sebold B, Li J, Ni G, Fu Q, Li H, Liu X, Wang T. Going Beyond Host Defence Peptides: Horizons of Chemically Engineered Peptides for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. BioDrugs 2023; 37:607-623. [PMID: 37300748 PMCID: PMC10432368 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are considered a health threat worldwide, and this problem is set to increase over the decades. The ESKAPE, a group of six pathogens including Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. is the major source of concern due to their high death incidence and nosocomial acquired infection. Host defence peptides (HDPs) are a class of ribosomally synthesised peptides that have shown promising results in combating MDR, including the ESKAPE group, in- and outside bacterial biofilms. However, their poor pharmacokinetics in physiological mediums may impede HDPs from becoming viable clinical candidates. To circumvent this problem, chemical engineering of HDPs has been seen as an emergent approach to not only improve their pharmacokinetics but also their efficacy against pathogens. In this review, we explore several chemical modifications of HDPs that have shown promising results, especially against ESKAPE pathogens, and provide an overview of the current findings with respect to each modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Cavallazzi Sebold
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Junjie Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoying Ni
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Quanlan Fu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Hejie Li
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Xiaosong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
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15
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Michaelis M, Cupellini L, Mensch C, Perry CC, Delle Piane M, Colombi Ciacchi L. Tidying up the conformational ensemble of a disordered peptide by computational prediction of spectroscopic fingerprints. Chem Sci 2023; 14:8483-8496. [PMID: 37592980 PMCID: PMC10430726 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02202a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The most advanced structure prediction methods are powerless in exploring the conformational ensemble of disordered peptides and proteins and for this reason the "protein folding problem" remains unsolved. We present a novel methodology that enables the accurate prediction of spectroscopic fingerprints (circular dichroism, infrared, Raman, and Raman optical activity), and by this allows for "tidying up" the conformational ensembles of disordered peptides and disordered regions in proteins. This concept is elaborated for and applied to a dodecapeptide, whose spectroscopic fingerprint is measured and theoretically predicted by means of enhanced-sampling molecular dynamics coupled with quantum mechanical calculations. Following this approach, we demonstrate that peptides lacking a clear propensity for ordered secondary-structure motifs are not randomly, but only conditionally disordered. This means that their conformational landscape, or phase-space, can be well represented by a basis-set of conformers including about 10 to 100 structures. The implications of this finding have profound consequences both for the interpretation of experimental electronic and vibrational spectral features of peptides in solution and for the theoretical prediction of these features using accurate and computationally expensive techniques. The here-derived methods and conclusions are expected to fundamentally impact the rationalization of so-far elusive structure-spectra relationships for disordered peptides and proteins, towards improved and versatile structure prediction methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Michaelis
- Hybrid Materials Interfaces Group, Faculty of Production Engineering, Bremen Center for Computational Materials Science, Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), and MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen Am Fallturm 1 Bremen 28359 Germany
- Biomolecular and Materials Interface Research Group, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University Clifton Lane Nottingham NG11 8NS UK
| | - Lorenzo Cupellini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, University of Pisa Via G. Moruzzi 13 Pisa I-56124 Italy
| | - Carl Mensch
- Molecular Spectroscopy Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp Groenenborgerlaan 171 Antwerp 2020 Belgium
| | - Carole C Perry
- Biomolecular and Materials Interface Research Group, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University Clifton Lane Nottingham NG11 8NS UK
| | - Massimo Delle Piane
- Hybrid Materials Interfaces Group, Faculty of Production Engineering, Bremen Center for Computational Materials Science, Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), and MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen Am Fallturm 1 Bremen 28359 Germany
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24 Torino 10129 Italy
| | - Lucio Colombi Ciacchi
- Hybrid Materials Interfaces Group, Faculty of Production Engineering, Bremen Center for Computational Materials Science, Center for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology (UFT), and MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes, University of Bremen Am Fallturm 1 Bremen 28359 Germany
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16
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Barman P, Joshi S, Sharma S, Preet S, Sharma S, Saini A. Strategic Approaches to Improvise Peptide Drugs as Next Generation Therapeutics. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023; 29:61. [PMID: 37251528 PMCID: PMC10206374 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the occurrence of a wide variety of drug-resistant diseases has led to an increase in interest in alternate therapies. Peptide-based drugs as an alternate therapy hold researchers' attention in various therapeutic fields such as neurology, dermatology, oncology, metabolic diseases, etc. Previously, they had been overlooked by pharmaceutical companies due to certain limitations such as proteolytic degradation, poor membrane permeability, low oral bioavailability, shorter half-life, and poor target specificity. Over the last two decades, these limitations have been countered by introducing various modification strategies such as backbone and side-chain modifications, amino acid substitution, etc. which improve their functionality. This has led to a substantial interest of researchers and pharmaceutical companies, moving the next generation of these therapeutics from fundamental research to the market. Various chemical and computational approaches are aiding the production of more stable and long-lasting peptides guiding the formulation of novel and advanced therapeutic agents. However, there is not a single article that talks about various peptide design approaches i.e., in-silico and in-vitro along with their applications and strategies to improve their efficacy. In this review, we try to bring different aspects of peptide-based therapeutics under one article with a clear focus to cover the missing links in the literature. This review draws emphasis on various in-silico approaches and modification-based peptide design strategies. It also highlights the recent progress made in peptide delivery methods important for their enhanced clinical efficacy. The article would provide a bird's-eye view to researchers aiming to develop peptides with therapeutic applications. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Panchali Barman
- Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (UIEAST), Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Shubhi Joshi
- Energy Research Centre, Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Sheetal Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, U.T 160014 India
| | - Simran Preet
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, U.T 160014 India
| | - Shweta Sharma
- Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (UIEAST), Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Avneet Saini
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, U.T 160014 India
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17
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Qin H, Zuo W, Ge L, Siu SW, Wang L, Chen X, Ma C, Chen T, Zhou M, Cao Z, Kwok HF. Discovery and analysis of a novel antimicrobial peptide B1AW from the skin secretion of Amolops wuyiensis and improving the membrane-binding affinity through the construction of the lysine-introduced analogue. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2960-2972. [PMID: 37228702 PMCID: PMC10205438 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.05.006] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the development and study of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), researchers have kept a watchful eye on peptides from the brevinin family because of their extensive antimicrobial activities and anticancer potency. In this study, a novel brevinin peptide was isolated from the skin secretions of the Wuyi torrent frog, Amolops wuyiensis (A. wuyiensisi), named B1AW (FLPLLAGLAANFLPQIICKIARKC). B1AW displayed anti-bacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). B1AW-K was designed to broaden the antimicrobial spectrum of B1AW. The introduction of a lysine residue generated an AMP with enhanced broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. It also displayed the ability to inhibit the growth of human prostatic cancer PC-3, non-small lung cancer H838, and glioblastoma cancer U251MG cell lines. In molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, B1AW-K had a faster approach and adsorption to the anionic membrane than B1AW. Therefore, B1AW-K was considered a drug prototype with a dual effect, which deserves further clinical investigation and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Qin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Weimin Zuo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
| | - Lilin Ge
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shirley W.I. Siu
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Estrada Marginal da Ilha Verde, Macau
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Chengbang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau
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18
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Sengkhui S, Klubthawee N, Aunpad R. A novel designed membrane-active peptide for the control of foodborne Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3507. [PMID: 36864083 PMCID: PMC9981719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30427-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The main cause of non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infection in humans is ingestion of contaminated animal-derived foods such as eggs, poultry and dairy products. These infections highlight the need to develop new preservatives to increase food safety. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the potential to be further developed as food preservative agents and join nisin, the only AMP currently approved, for use as a preservative in food. Acidocin J1132β, a bacteriocin produced by probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, displays no toxicity to humans, however it exhibits only low and narrow-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Accordingly, four peptide derivatives (A5, A6, A9, and A11) were modified from acidocin J1132β by truncation and amino acid substitution. Among them, A11 showed the most antimicrobial activity, especially against S. Typhimurium, as well as a favorable safety profile. It tended to form an α-helix structure upon encountering negatively charged-mimicking environments. A11 caused transient membrane permeabilization and killed bacterial cells through membrane depolarization and/or intracellular interactions with bacterial DNA. A11 maintained most of its inhibitory effects when heated, even when exposed to temperatures up to 100 °C. Notably, it inhibited drug-resistant S. Typhimurium and its monophasic variant strains. Furthermore, the combination of A11 and nisin was synergistic against drug-resistant strains in vitro. Taken together, this study indicated that a novel antimicrobial peptide derivative (A11), modified from acidocin J1132β, has the potential to be a bio-preservative to control S. Typhimurium contamination in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriwan Sengkhui
- grid.412434.40000 0004 1937 1127Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Natthaporn Klubthawee
- grid.444093.e0000 0004 0398 9950Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Pathumthani University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Ratchaneewan Aunpad
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
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19
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Hu X, Li J, Zhang Y, Xiong M, Zhang H, Yuan Y. A helical oncolytic polypeptide with potent membranolytic activity for cancer therapy. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:1451-1458. [PMID: 36602031 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01892f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic peptides (OLPs) with membranolytic activity show great potential to combat multidrug-resistant cancer cells. Herein, we report a cationic helical oncolytic polypeptide (OLPP) with potent membranolytic activity for cancer therapy. The OLPP was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) and thiol-ene reaction. The OLPP was resistant to protease, showed high cytotoxicity to a series of cancer cells and caused cancer cell necrosis by quickly lysing cancer cell membrane independent of classic death-related intracellular pathways. Intra-tumoral injection of the OLPP effectively suppressed tumor growth in mice through the direct oncolytic effect. The OLPP represents a potential oncolytic chemotherapeutics for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Hu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jie Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, China.
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, China.
| | - Menghua Xiong
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, China. .,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Houbing Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, and Innovation Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Youyong Yuan
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China. .,School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 511442, China.
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20
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He Q, Yang Z, Zou Z, Qian M, Wang X, Zhang X, Yin Z, Wang J, Ye X, Liu D, Guo M. Combating Escherichia coli O157:H7 with Functionalized Chickpea-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205301. [PMID: 36563134 PMCID: PMC9951321 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance accelerates the desire for new antibacterial agents. Here, a class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is designed by modifying the structural parameters of a natural chickpea-derived AMP-Leg2, termed "functionalized chickpea-derived Leg2 antimicrobial peptides" (FCLAPs). Among the FCLAPs, KTA and KTR show superior antibacterial efficacy against the foodborne pathogen Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 (with MICs in the range of 2.5-4.7 µmol L-1 ) and demonstrate satisfactory feasibility in alleviating E. coli O157:H7-induced intestinal infection. Additionally, the low cytotoxicity along with insusceptibility to antimicrobial resistance increases the potential of FCLAPs as appealing antimicrobials. Combining the multi-omics profiling andpeptide-membrane interaction assays, a unique dual-targeting mode of action is characterized. To specify the antibacterial mechanism, microscopical observations, membrane-related physicochemical properties studies, and mass spectrometry assays are further performed. Data indicate that KTA and KTR induce membrane damage by initially targeting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thus promoting the peptides to traverse the outer membrane. Subsequently, the peptides intercalate into the peptidoglycan (PGN) layer, blocking its synthesis, and causing a collapse of membrane structure. These findings altogether imply the great potential of KTA and KTR as promising antibacterial candidates in combating the growing threat of E. coli O157:H7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao He
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Zhehao Yang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Zhipeng Zou
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Mengyan Qian
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Zhongping Yin
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Functional FoodsJiangxi Agricultural UniversityNanchangJiangxi Province330045P. R. China
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Xingqian Ye
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
- Fuli Institute of Food ScienceZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Donghong Liu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
- Fuli Institute of Food ScienceZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
| | - Mingming Guo
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food ScienceNational‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and EquipmentZhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro‐Food ProcessingZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
- Fuli Institute of Food ScienceZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang Province310058P. R. China
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21
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A Review on the Synthesis of Polypeptoids. Catalysts 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyeptoids are a promising class of polypeptide mimetic biopolymers based on N-substituted glycine backbones. Because of the high designability of their side chains, polypeptoids have a wide range of applications in surface antifouling, biosensing, drug delivery, and stimuli-responsive materials. To better control the structures and properties of polypeptoids, it is necessary to understand different methods for polypeptoid synthesis. This review paper summarized and discussed the main synthesis methods of polypeptoids: the solid-phase submonomer synthesis method, ring-opening polymerization method and Ugi reaction method.
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22
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Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Substitutions of Cationic Amino Acid Residues on Antimicrobial Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 12:antibiotics12010019. [PMID: 36671220 PMCID: PMC9854868 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have received considerable attention as next-generation drugs for infectious diseases. Amphipathicity and the formation of a stabilized secondary structure are required to exert their antimicrobial activity by insertion into the microbial membrane, resulting in lysis of the bacteria. We previously reported the development of a novel antimicrobial peptide, 17KKV, based on the Magainin 2 sequence. The peptide was obtained by increasing the amphipathicity due to the replacement of amino acid residues. Moreover, we studied the structural development of 17KKV and revealed that the secondary structural control of 17KKV by the introduction of non-proteinogenic amino acids such as α,α-disubstituted amino acids or side-chain stapling enhanced its antimicrobial activity. Among them, peptide 1, which contains 2-aminobutyric acid residues in the 17KKV sequence, showed potent antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonus aeruginosa (MDRP) without significant hemolytic activity against human red blood cells. However, the effects of cationic amino acid substitutions on secondary structures and antimicrobial activity remain unclear. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of peptide 1 by the replacement of Lys residues with several types of cationic amino acids and evaluated their secondary structures, antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, and resistance against digestive enzymes.
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23
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Kakar A, Sastré-Velásquez LE, Hess M, Galgóczy L, Papp C, Holzknecht J, Romanelli A, Váradi G, Malanovic N, Marx F. The Membrane Activity of the Amphibian Temporin B Peptide Analog TB_KKG6K Sheds Light on the Mechanism That Kills Candida albicans. mSphere 2022; 7:e0029022. [PMID: 35972132 PMCID: PMC9599520 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00290-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporin B (TB) is a 13-amino-acid-long, cationic peptide secreted by the granular glands of the European frog Rana temporaria. We recently showed that the modified TB peptide analog TB_KKG6K rapidly killed planktonic and sessile Candida albicans at low micromolar concentrations and was neither hemolytic nor cytotoxic to mammalian cells in vitro. The present study aimed to shed light into its mechanism of action, with a focus on its fungal cell membrane activity. We utilized different fluorescent dyes to prove that it rapidly induces membrane depolarization and permeabilization. Studies on model membrane systems revealed that the TB analog undergoes hydrophobic and electrostatic membrane interactions, showing a preference for anionic lipids, and identified phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin as possible peptide targets. Fluorescence microscopy using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled TB_KKG6K in the presence of the lipophilic dye FM4-64 indicated that the peptide compromises membrane integrity and rapidly enters C. albicans cells in an energy-independent manner. Peptide-treated cells analyzed by cryo-based electron microscopy exhibited no signs of cell lysis; however, subcellular structures had disintegrated, suggesting that intracellular activity may form part of the killing mechanism of the peptide. Taken together, this study proved that TB_KKG6K compromises C. albicans membrane function, which explains the previously observed rapid, fungicidal mode of action and supports its great potential as a future anti-Candida therapeutic. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections with the opportunistic human pathogen C. albicans are associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. This is partly due to the yeast's ability to rapidly develop resistance toward currently available antifungals. Small, cationic, membrane-active peptides are promising compounds to fight against resistance development, as many of them effectuate rapid fungal cell death. This fast killing is believed to hamper the development of resistance, as the fungi do not have sufficient time to adapt to the antifungal compound. We previously reported that the synthetic variant of the amphibian TB peptide, TB_KKG6K, rapidly kills C. albicans. In the current study, the mechanism of action of the TB analog was investigated. We show that this TB analog is membrane-active and impairs cell membrane function, highlighting its potential to be developed as an attractive alternative anti-C. albicans therapeutic that may hinder the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Kakar
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Michael Hess
- Institute for Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - László Galgóczy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Györgyi Váradi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nermina Malanovic
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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24
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The design of cell-selective tryptophan and arginine-rich antimicrobial peptides by introducing hydrophilic uncharged residues. Acta Biomater 2022; 153:557-572. [PMID: 36115654 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be powerful weapons in the fight against traditional antibiotic resistance due to their unique membrane-disruptive mechanism. The combination of traditional and classical hydrophobic tryptophan (W) residues and hydrophilic charged arginine (R) residues is considered as the first choice for the minimalist design of AMPs due to its potent performance in antibacterial activity. However, some W- and R-rich AMPs that are not rationally designed and contain excessive repeats of W and R residues may cause severe cytotoxicity and hemolysis. To address this issue, we designed the (WRX)n (where X = hydrophilic uncharged amino residues; n = number of repeat units) series engineered peptides with high cell selectivity by introducing hydrophilic uncharged threonine (T), serine (S), glutamine (Q) or asparagine (N) residues into the minimalist design of W- and R-rich AMPs. The results showed that the introduction of these hydrophilic uncharged amino residues, especially T residues, significantly improved the cell selectivity of the W- and R-rich engineered peptides. Among (WRX)n series engineered peptides, T6 presents a mixture structure of β-turn and α-helix. It has broad spectrum and potent antibacterial activity (no activity against probiotics), good biocompatibility, high selectivity index, strong tolerance (physiological salts, serum acid, alkali, and heat conditions), rapid and efficient time-kill kinetics, and no tendency of resistance. Studies on antibacterial mechanism show that T6 exert antibacterial activity mainly by disrupting bacterial cell membrane and inducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in bacterial cells. Furthermore, T6 exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities in vivo in a mouse peritonitis-sepsis model infected with Escherichia coli. In conclusion, our study confirms an effective strategy for the minimalist design of highly cell selective W- and R-rich AMPs by introducing hydrophilic uncharged T residues, which may trigger widespread attention to hydrophilic uncharged amino acid residues, including T residues, and provide new insights into the design of peptide-based antibacterial biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We have introduced hydrophilic uncharged T, S, Q or N residues into the minimalist design of W- and R-rich engineered peptides and found that the introduction of these hydrophilic uncharged amino residues, especially the T residues, can significantly improve the cell selectivity of W- and R-rich engineered peptides. The target compound T6 showed potent antibacterial activity, high cell selectivity, strong tolerance, good in vivo efficacy and killed bacteria through multiple mechanisms mainly membrane-disruptive. These findings may spark widespread interest in hydrophilic uncharged amino acid residues, and provide new insights into the design of peptide-based antimicrobial biomaterials.
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25
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Xu Z, Jiang X, Li Y, Ma X, Tang Y, Li H, Yi K, Li J, Liu Z. Antifungal activity of montmorillonite/peptide aptamer nanocomposite against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Stylosanthes. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 217:282-290. [PMID: 35835303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.034] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chemical agents are effective treatment methods for anthracnose induced by pathogenic Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Stylosanthes. However, excess consumption of chemical agents destroys the environment, synthetic biology was capable of conquering the issue. The antifungal agent is developed by enclosing a bio-synthesized peptide aptamer with layered montmorillonite via electrostatic interaction. Compared with free peptide aptamer, the nanocomposite exhibits higher antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, further improving the utilization of peptide aptamer. The nanocomposite killed Colletotrichum gloeosporioides by releasing peptide aptamer after they entered the spore. Moreover, montmorillonite enhances the adhesion ability of peptide aptamer via hydrophobic interactions between nanomaterials and leaves, prolonging the extension time of nanocomposite on leaves. Consequently, 0.1 mg of nanocomposite demonstrates a comparable effect to commercial carbendazim (1 %) to prevent anthracnose on leaves of Stylosanthes induced by HK-04 at room temperature. This work demonstrates an alternative to commercial antifungal agents and proposes a versatile approach to preparing environmental-friendly antifungal agents to inhibit fungal infections on crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfei Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; One Health Insititute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xiaoli Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; One Health Insititute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Ye Li
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; One Health Insititute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yanqiong Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; One Health Insititute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Hong Li
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; One Health Insititute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Kexian Yi
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Juanjuan Li
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; One Health Insititute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Zhu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; One Health Insititute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
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26
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Ma L, Huang S, Xie H, Ma P, Jia B, Yao Y, Gao Y, Li W, Song J, Zhang W. Influence of chain length on the anticancer activity of the antimicrobial peptide CAMEL with fatty acid modification. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 239:114557. [PMID: 35759906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display promising potential in cancer therapy. Modification with fatty acids is a simple and effective approach to improve the activity of AMPs. In the present study, we investigated the effects of fatty acid chain lengths on the anticancer activity, self-assembly and mechanism of action of CAMEL (CM15, KWKLFKKIGAVLKVL-NH2), an amphipathic AMP with 15 amino acids. Conjugation of fatty acids could obviously improve the in vitro anticancer activity of CAMEL. Among the tested peptides, C12-CAMEL showed the highest anticancer activity, while C16-CAMEL killed cancer cells with the slowest kinetics. This may be related to the self-assembly of C12-CAMEL and C16-CAMEL, which could form spherical nanoparticles and tightened nanofibers, respectively. In addition, necrosis and necroptosis rather than apoptosis were the major mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of CAMEL, C12-CAMEL and C16-CAMEL, implying that modification with fatty acids did not obviously alter the mechanism of action of CAMEL. Notably, C12-CAMEL, with high and rapid cell-killing activity, exhibited significantly stronger in vivo anticancer activity than CAMEL and C16-CAMEL. Overall, the present work suggests that the choice of a suitable fatty acid for structural modification is necessary for improving the anticancer activity of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ma
- The Institute of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Sujie Huang
- Institute of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Huan Xie
- Department of Medical, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Panpan Ma
- Institute of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Bo Jia
- Institute of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yufan Yao
- Institute of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuxuan Gao
- The Institute of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wenyuan Li
- Institute of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- The Institute of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institute of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Chen X, Zhou C, Wang J, Wu T, Lei E, Wang Y, Huang G, Yu Y, Cai Q, Pu H, Feng X, Bai Y. Improving the Hemocompatibility of Antimicrobial Peptidomimetics through Amphiphilicity Masking Using a Secondary Amphiphilic Polymer. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200546. [PMID: 35545965 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptidomimetics (AMPMs) have received widespread attention as potentially powerful weapons against antibiotic resistance. However, AMPMs' membrane disruption mechanism not only brings resistance-resistant nature, but also nonspecific binding and disruption toward eukaryotic cell membranes, and consequently, their hemolytic activity is the primary concern on clinical applications. Here, the preparation and screening of an AMPM library is reported, through which a best-performing hit, PT-b1, can be obtained. To further improve PT-b1's hemocompatibility, a strategy is devised to mask the amphiphilicity of the AMPM using a charge-free, FDA-approved amphiphilic polymer, Pluronic F-127 (PF127). A PF127 solution containing PT-b1 can form a temperature-sensitive, absorbable hydrogel at higher concentration, but dissolve and complex with PT-b1 through hydrophobic interactions at lower concentration or lower temperature. The complexation from PF127 can mask the amphiphilicity of PT-b1 and render it extremely hemocompatible, yet the reversibility in such nanocomplexation and the existence of a secondary mechanism of action ensure that the AMPM's potency remains unchanged. The in vivo effectiveness of this antimicrobial hydrogel system is demonstrated using a mice wound infection model established with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and observations indicate the hydrogel can promote wound healing and suppress bacteria-caused inflammation even when resistant pathogens are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Cailing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Jianxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Tong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - E Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Guopu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Yue Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Qingyun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Huangsheng Pu
- College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies National University of Defense Technology Changsha 410073 China
| | - Xinxin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
| | - Yugang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Chem‐/Bio‐Sensing and Chemometrics and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hunan University Changsha Hunan 410082 China
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Liu M, Huang L, Zhang W, Wang X, Geng Y, Zhang Y, Wang L, Zhang W, Zhang YJ, Xiao S, Bao Y, Xiong M, Wang J. A transistor-like pH-sensitive nanodetergent for selective cancer therapy. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 17:541-551. [PMID: 35332294 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-022-01085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Plasma membrane rupture is a promising strategy for drug-resistant cancer treatment, but its application is limited by the low tumour selectivity of membranolytic molecules. Here we report the design of 'proton transistor' nanodetergents that can convert the subtle pH perturbation signals of tumour tissues into sharp transition signals of membranolytic activity for selective cancer therapy. Our top-performing 'proton transistor' nanodetergent, P(C6-Bn20), can achieve a >32-fold change in cytotoxicity with a 0.1 pH input signal. At physiological pH, P(C6-Bn20) self-assembles into neutral nanoparticles with inactive membranolytic blocks shielded by poly(ethylene glycol) shells, exhibiting low toxicity. At tumour acidity, a sharp transition in its protonation state induces a morphological transformation and an activation of the membranolytic blocks, and the cation-π interaction facilitates the insertion of benzyl groups-containing hydrophobic domains into the cell membranes, resulting in potent membranolytic activity. P(C6-Bn20) is well tolerated in mice and shows high anti-tumour efficacy in various mouse tumour models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdong Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Liangqi Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Weinan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Geng
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Zhang
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Jiao Zhang
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shiyan Xiao
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
| | - Yan Bao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Menghua Xiong
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, and Innovation Centre for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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Ghosh G, Barman R, Mukherjee A, Ghosh U, Ghosh S, Fernández G. Control over Multiple Nano‐ and Secondary Structures in Peptide Self‐Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202113403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Goutam Ghosh
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Correnstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Ranajit Barman
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences Indian Association for the Cultivation Science 2A and 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road Kolkata India
| | - Anurag Mukherjee
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences Indian Association for the Cultivation Science 2A and 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road Kolkata India
| | - Uttam Ghosh
- Department of Organic Chemistry Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru 560012 Karnataka India
| | - Suhrit Ghosh
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences Indian Association for the Cultivation Science 2A and 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road Kolkata India
| | - Gustavo Fernández
- Organisch-Chemisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster Correnstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
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Ghosh G, Barman R, Mukherjee A, Ghosh U, Ghosh S, Fernández G. Control over Multiple Nano- and Secondary Structures in Peptide Self-Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202113403. [PMID: 34758508 PMCID: PMC9300061 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202113403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report the rich morphological and conformational versatility of a biologically active peptide (PEP-1), which follows diverse self-assembly pathways to form up to six distinct nanostructures and up to four different secondary structures through subtle modulation in pH, concentration and temperature. PEP-1 forms twisted β-sheet secondary structures and nanofibers at pH 7.4, which transform into fractal-like structures with strong β-sheet conformations at pH 13.0 or short disorganized elliptical aggregates at pH 5.5. Upon dilution at pH 7.4, the nanofibers with twisted β-sheet secondary structural elements convert into nanoparticles with random coil conformations. Interestingly, these two self-assembled states at pH 7.4 and room temperature are kinetically controlled and undergo a further transformation into thermodynamically stable states upon thermal annealing: whereas the twisted β-sheet structures and corresponding nanofibers transform into 2D sheets with well-defined β-sheet domains, the nanoparticles with random coil structures convert into short nanorods with α-helix conformations. Notably, PEP-1 also showed high biocompatibility, low hemolytic activity and marked antibacterial activity, rendering our system a promising candidate for multiple bio-applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutam Ghosh
- Organisch-Chemisches InstitutWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterCorrenstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Ranajit Barman
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary SciencesIndian Association for the Cultivation Science2A and 2B Raja S. C. Mullick RoadKolkataIndia
| | - Anurag Mukherjee
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary SciencesIndian Association for the Cultivation Science2A and 2B Raja S. C. Mullick RoadKolkataIndia
| | - Uttam Ghosh
- Department of Organic ChemistryIndian Institute of ScienceBengaluru560012KarnatakaIndia
| | - Suhrit Ghosh
- School of Applied and Interdisciplinary SciencesIndian Association for the Cultivation Science2A and 2B Raja S. C. Mullick RoadKolkataIndia
| | - Gustavo Fernández
- Organisch-Chemisches InstitutWestfälische Wilhelms-Universität MünsterCorrenstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
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de Souza CM, da Silva ÁP, Júnior NGO, Martínez OF, Franco OL. Peptides as a therapeutic strategy against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:335-348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Lu R, Zhang X, Cheng X, Zan X, Geng W. Secondary Structure-Dominated Layer-by-Layer Growth Mode of Protein Coatings. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:13000-13011. [PMID: 34723563 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Benefiting from the luxury functions of proteins, protein coatings have been extended to various applications, including tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery, antimicrobials, sensing and diagnostic equipment, food packaging, etc. Fast construction of protein coatings is always interesting to materials science and significant to industrialization. Here, we report a layer-by-layer (LbL) multilayer-constructed coating of tannic acid (TA) and lysozyme (Lyz), in which the secondary conformations of Lyz dominate the growth rate of the TA/Lyz coating. As well characterized by various techniques (quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), circular dichroism (CD) spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle, etc.), TA-induced conformational transition of Lyz to α-helices occurs at pH 8 from other secondary structures (β-sheets, β-turns, and random coils), which leads to the very fast growth of TA/Lyz with a number of deposited bilayers, with thicknesses of more than 90 nm for six bilayers. In contrast to the leading conformation of α-helices at pH 8, Lyz displayed multiple conformations (α-helices, β-sheets, β-turns, and random coils) at pH 6, which resulted in coating thicknesses of less than 30 nm for six bilayers. By the addition of NaCl, Tween 20, and urea, we further confirmed that the secondary conformations of Lyz relied greatly on the interactions between TA and Lyz and dominated the growth rate of the multilayers. We believe that these findings will help to understand the transformation of secondary conformations by TA or other polyphenols and inspire a new route to quickly build protein coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Lu
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Zhang
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinxiu Cheng
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xingjie Zan
- Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Wujun Geng
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perioperative Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Moll L, Badosa E, Planas M, Feliu L, Montesinos E, Bonaterra A. Antimicrobial Peptides With Antibiofilm Activity Against Xylella fastidiosa. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:753874. [PMID: 34819923 PMCID: PMC8606745 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.753874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogen that was recently introduced in Europe and is causing havoc to its agriculture. This Gram-negative bacterium invades the host xylem, multiplies, and forms biofilm occluding the vessels and killing its host. In spite of the great research effort, there is no method that effectively prevents or cures hosts from infections. The main control strategies up to now are eradication, vector control, and pathogen-free plant material. Antimicrobial peptides have arisen as promising candidates to combat this bacterium due to their broad spectrum of activity and low environmental impact. In this work, peptides previously reported in the literature and newly designed analogs were studied for its bactericidal and antibiofilm activity against X. fastidiosa. Also, their hemolytic activity and effect on tobacco leaves when infiltrated were determined. To assess the activity of peptides, the strain IVIA 5387.2 with moderate growth, able to produce biofilm and susceptible to antimicrobial peptides, was selected among six representative strains found in the Mediterranean area (DD1, CFBP 8173, Temecula, IVIA 5387.2, IVIA 5770, and IVIA 5901.2). Two interesting groups of peptides were identified with bactericidal and/or antibiofilm activity and low-moderate toxicity. The peptides 1036 and RIJK2 with dual (bactericidal-antibiofilm) activity against the pathogen and moderate toxicity stand out as the best candidates to control X. fastidiosa diseases. Nevertheless, peptides with only antibiofilm activity and low toxicity are also promising agents as they could prevent the occlusion of xylem vessels caused by the pathogen. The present work contributes to provide novel compounds with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity that could lead to the development of new treatments against diseases caused by X. fastidiosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moll
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology-CIDSAV-XaRTA, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Esther Badosa
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology-CIDSAV-XaRTA, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marta Planas
- LIPPSO, Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Lidia Feliu
- LIPPSO, Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Emilio Montesinos
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology-CIDSAV-XaRTA, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Anna Bonaterra
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology-CIDSAV-XaRTA, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Yue X, Zhang X, Wang C, Huang Y, Hu P, Wang G, Cui Y, Xia X, Zhou Z, Pan X, Wu C. A bacteria-resistant and self-healing spray dressing based on lyotropic liquid crystals to treat infected post-operative wounds. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:8121-8137. [PMID: 34494632 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01201k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The delayed healing of infected post-operative wounds has turned into a worldwide medical problem. In the clinical treatment, effective bacterial clearance and promoted wound healing were considered as two crucial aspects. However, the effect of current dressings with antibacterial activity was limited due to the declined efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and poor mechanical property during skin extension and compression movement. In this project, a lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC)-based bacteria-resistant and self-healing spray dressing loaded with ε-polylysine (PLL) was designed. Owing to the unique antibacterial mechanism, PLL was expected to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria efficiently, even the "superbug" methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The cubic cells of LLC were applied to encapsulate PLL to improve its stability and induce a sustained release, further realizing a long-term antibacterial effect. Meanwhile, the LLC precursor (LLCP) could extend to the irregular edges of the wound, and spontaneously transited to a cubic phase gel once exposed to physiological fluid. This 3D structure was also endowed with mechanically responsive viscoelasticity that formed a robust and flexible defense for wounds. An excellent antibacterial activity with more than 99% MRSA killed in 3 h was demonstrated by a killing kinetics study. The long-term effect was also proved by measuring the bacteriostatic circle test within 48 h. In addition, the unique sol-gel phase transition behavior and superior self-healing capacity of PLL-LLCP was verified with the rheological study and self-recoverable conformal deformation test in vivo. In the infected post-operative wound model, satisfactory bacterial clearance and prominent wound healing promotion were realized by PLL-LLCP, with the survival of the bacteria at lower than 0.1% and the wound closure at higher than 90%. Thus, PLL-LLCP was believed to be an excellent candidate for the therapy of infected post-operative wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yue
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, P. R. China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Xuejuan Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Ying Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Ping Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Guanlin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Yingtong Cui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Xiao Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Ziqiang Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Xin Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Chuanbin Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, P. R. China.
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Peña-Carrillo MS, Pinos-Tamayo EA, Mendes B, Domínguez-Borbor C, Proaño-Bolaños C, Miguel DC, Almeida JR. Dissection of phospholipases A 2 reveals multifaceted peptides targeting cancer cells, Leishmania and bacteria. Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105041. [PMID: 34130109 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cationic peptides bio-inspired by natural toxins have been recognized as an efficient strategy for the treatment of different health problems. Due to the specific interaction with substrates from biological membranes, snake venom phospholipases (PLA2s) represent valuable scaffolds for the research and development of short peptides targeting parasites, bacteria, and cancer cells. Considering this, we evaluated the in vitro therapeutic potential of three biomimetic peptides (pCergo, pBmTxJ and pBmje) based on three different amino acid sequences from Asp49 PLA2s. First, short amino acid sequences (12-17 in length) derived from these membranolytic toxins were selected using a combination of bioinformatics tools, including AntiCP, AMPA, PepDraw, ToxinPred, and HemoPI. The peptide, from each polypeptide sequence, with the greatest average antimicrobial index, no toxicity, and no hemolysis predicted was synthesized, purified, and characterized. According to in vitro assays performed, pBmje showed moderate cytotoxicity specifically against MCF-7 (breast cancer cells) with an EC50 of 464.85 µM, whereas pBmTxJ showed an antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) with an MIC of 37.5 µM, and pCergo against E. coli (ATCC 25922) with an MIC of 75 µM. In addition, pCergo showed antileishmanial activity with an EC50 of 93.69 µM and 110.40 µM against promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis and L. amazonensis, respectively. Altogether, these results confirmed the versatility of PLA2-derived synthetic peptides, highlighting the relevance of the use of these membrane-interacting toxins as specific archetypes for drug design focused on public health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Peña-Carrillo
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Edgar A Pinos-Tamayo
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Bruno Mendes
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristobal Domínguez-Borbor
- ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Marinas (CENAIM), Campus Gustavo Galindo Km. 30. 5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Carolina Proaño-Bolaños
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Danilo C Miguel
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José R Almeida
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador.
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Liu K, Zhang F, Wei Y, Hu Q, Luo Q, Chen C, Wang J, Yang L, Luo R, Wang Y. Dressing Blood-Contacting Materials by a Stable Hydrogel Coating with Embedded Antimicrobial Peptides for Robust Antibacterial and Antithrombus Properties. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:38947-38958. [PMID: 34433245 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c05167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although dressing blood-contacting devices with robust and synergistic antibacterial and antithrombus properties has been explored for several decades, it still remains a great challenge. In order to endow materials with remarkable antibacterial and antithrombus abilities, a stable and antifouling hydrogel coating was developed via surface-initiated polymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate and acrylic acid on a polymeric substrate followed by embedding of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including WR (sequence: WRWRWR-NH2) or Bac2A (sequence: RLARIVVIRVAR-NH2) AMPs. The chemical composition of the AMP-embedded hydrogel coating was determined through XPS, zeta potential, and SEM-EDS measurements. The AMP-embedded antifouling hydrogel coating showed not only good hemocompatibility but also excellent bactericidal and antiadhesion properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, the hydrogel coating could protect the AMPs with long-term bioactivity and cover the positive charge of the dotted distributed AMPs, which in turn well retained the hemocompatibility and antifouling capacity of the bulk hydrogels. Furthermore, the microbiological results of animal experiments also verified the anti-infection performance in vivo. Histological and immunological data further indicated that the hydrogel coating had an excellent anti-inflammatory function. Therefore, the present study might provide a promising approach to prevent bacterial infections and thrombosis in clinical applications of blood-contacting devices and related implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunpeng Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Fanjun Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qinsheng Hu
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Qingfeng Luo
- Center for Medical Device Evaluation of NMPA, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Laboratory of Biomechanical Engineering, Department of Applied Mechanics, College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Li Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Rifang Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yunbing Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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Lin Y, Liu S, Xi X, Ma C, Wang L, Chen X, Shi Z, Chen T, Shaw C, Zhou M. Study on the Structure-Activity Relationship of an Antimicrobial Peptide, Brevinin-2GUb, from the Skin Secretion of Hylarana guentheri. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10080895. [PMID: 34438945 PMCID: PMC8388802 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered potential alternatives to antibiotics due to their advantages in solving antibiotic resistance. Brevinin-2GUb, which was extracted from the skin secretion of Hylarana guentheri, is a peptide with modest antimicrobial activity. Several analogues were designed to explore the structure–activity relationship and enhance its activity. In general, the Rana box is not an indispensable motif for the bioactivity of Brevinin-2GUb, and the first to the 19th amino acids at the N-terminal end are active fragments, such that shortening the peptide while maintaining its bioactivity is a promising strategy for the optimisation of peptides. Keeping a complete hydrophobic face and increasing the net charges are key factors for antimicrobial activity. With the increase of cationic charges, α-helical proportion, and amphipathicity, the activity of t-Brevinin-2GUb-6K (tB2U-6K), in combatting bacteria, drastically improved, especially against Gram-negative bacteria, and the peptide attained the capacity to kill clinical isolates and fungi as well, which made it possible to address some aspects of antibiotic resistance. Thus, peptide tB2U-6K, with potent antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the capacity to inhibit the growth of biofilm, and low toxicity against normal cells, is of value to be further developed into an antimicrobial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Siyan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Xinping Xi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (L.W.)
| | - Chengbang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (L.W.)
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Zhanzhong Shi
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK;
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Chris Shaw
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.L.); (S.L.); (C.M.); (X.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (M.Z.)
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Li J, Hu S, Jian W, Xie C, Yang X. Plant antimicrobial peptides: structures, functions, and applications. BOTANICAL STUDIES 2021; 62:5. [PMID: 33914180 PMCID: PMC8085091 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-021-00312-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of short, usually positively charged polypeptides that exist in humans, animals, and plants. Considering the increasing number of drug-resistant pathogens, the antimicrobial activity of AMPs has attracted much attention. AMPs with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against many gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi are an important defensive barrier against pathogens for many organisms. With continuing research, many other physiological functions of plant AMPs have been found in addition to their antimicrobial roles, such as regulating plant growth and development and treating many diseases with high efficacy. The potential applicability of plant AMPs in agricultural production, as food additives and disease treatments, has garnered much interest. This review focuses on the types of plant AMPs, their mechanisms of action, the parameters affecting the antimicrobial activities of AMPs, and their potential applications in agricultural production, the food industry, breeding industry, and medical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Li
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Shuping Hu
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Wei Jian
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Chengjian Xie
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
| | - Xingyong Yang
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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Shi J, Chen C, Wang D, Tong Z, Wang Z, Liu Y. Amphipathic Peptide Antibiotics with Potent Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:438. [PMID: 33804947 PMCID: PMC8063935 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have posed a serious threat to public health. Of particular concern are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and blaNDM, mcr-1 and tet(X)-positive Gram-negative pathogens. The fact that few new antibiotics have been approved in recent years exacerbates this global crisis, thus, new alternatives are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) originated from host defense peptides with a wide range of sources and multiple functions, are less prone to achieve resistance. All these characteristics laid the foundation for AMPs to become potential antibiotic candidates. In this study, we revealed that peptide WW307 displayed potent antibacterial and bactericidal activity against MDR bacteria, including MRSA and Gram-negative bacteria carrying blaNDM-5, mcr-1 or tet(X4). In addition, WW307 exhibited great biofilm inhibition and eradication activity. Safety and stability experiments showed that WW307 had a strong resistance against various physiological conditions and displayed relatively low toxicity. Mechanistic experiments showed that WW307 resulted in membrane damage by selectively targeting bacterial membrane-specific components, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and cardiolipin (CL). Moreover, WW307 dissipated membrane potential and triggered the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, these results demonstrated that WW307 represents a promising candidate for combating MDR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (C.C.); (D.W.); (Z.T.)
| | - Chen Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (C.C.); (D.W.); (Z.T.)
| | - Dejuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (C.C.); (D.W.); (Z.T.)
| | - Ziwen Tong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (C.C.); (D.W.); (Z.T.)
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (C.C.); (D.W.); (Z.T.)
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (C.C.); (D.W.); (Z.T.)
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Jiang Y, Chen Y, Song Z, Tan Z, Cheng J. Recent advances in design of antimicrobial peptides and polypeptides toward clinical translation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:261-280. [PMID: 33400958 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreaks of infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens have sounded a piercing alarm for the need of new effective antimicrobial agents to guard public health. Among different types of candidates, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the synthetic mimics of AMPs (SMAMPs) have attracted significant enthusiasm in the past thirty years, due to their unique membrane-active antimicrobial mechanism and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The extensive research has brought many drug candidates into clinical and pre-clinical development. Despite tremendous progresses have been made, several major challenges inherent to current design strategies have slowed down the clinical translational development of AMPs and SMAMPs. However, these challenges also triggered many efforts to redesign and repurpose AMPs. In this review, we will first give an overview on AMPs and their synthetic mimics, and then discuss the current status of their clinical translation. Finally, the recent advances in redesign and repurposing AMPs and SMAMPs are highlighted.
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Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:147. [PMID: 33671927 PMCID: PMC7919042 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise a class of short polypeptides that possess the ability to selectively interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of certain cell types, translocate across plasma membranes and accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, organelles (e.g., the nucleus and mitochondria) and other subcellular compartments. CPPs are either of natural origin or de novo designed and synthesized from segments and patches of larger proteins or designed by algorithms. With such intrinsic properties, along with membrane permeation, translocation and cellular uptake properties, CPPs can intracellularly convey diverse substances and nanomaterials, such as hydrophilic organic compounds and drugs, macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins), nanoparticles (nanocrystals and polyplexes), metals and radionuclides, which can be covalently attached via CPP N- and C-terminals or through preparation of CPP complexes. A cumulative number of studies on animal toxins, primarily isolated from the venom of arthropods and snakes, have revealed the cell-penetrating activities of venom peptides and toxins, which can be harnessed for application in biomedicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this review, I aimed to collate examples of peptides from animal venoms and toxic secretions that possess the ability to penetrate diverse types of cells. These venom CPPs have been chemically or structurally modified to enhance cell selectivity, bioavailability and a range of target applications. Herein, examples are listed and discussed, including cysteine-stabilized and linear, α-helical peptides, with cationic and amphipathic character, from the venom of insects (e.g., melittin, anoplin, mastoparans), arachnids (latarcin, lycosin, chlorotoxin, maurocalcine/imperatoxin homologs and wasabi receptor toxin), fish (pardaxins), amphibian (bombesin) and snakes (crotamine and cathelicidins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
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